In most of North America, winter rolls in menacingly, bringing sub-freezing temperatures, gray skies, and biting wind for weeks — sometimes months — at a time. Even quite a few diehard fans of cold weather develop an intolerance for this merciless weather by February or March. Even here in California we start itching for a change of scenery as the rainy season takes hold. If you have the means and time to travel, however, take heart. You can often beat the winter doldrums with a simple, even temporary, change of scenery, such as a long weekend at a sunny and gay-friendly hideaway. Tropical destinations are the obvious choice for most folks fleeing from colder climes, but don’t limit yourself to places where you can don shorts and sandals in the dead of January. Even states like Texas and Arizona, although only moderately warm in winter, can offer a pleasing respite.

Following is a selection of gay-friendly inns or resorts set in places that generally offer warmth and sunshine in winter. All of these spots are within a three-hour drive of a major international airport, making them convenient for those anywhere in North America.

On a wild and beautiful barrier island separating Corpus Christi Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, this rambling 1950s house was designed by one of the state’s seminal architects, O’Neil Ford. The 15 rooms at Belles’ By The Sea, which is run by friendly hosts Suzi Boyd and Vickie Ellison, are set around a large round pool and gorgeously landscaped patio and grounds.

Antiques, crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and rich cedar, mahogany and cypress woodworking impart an elegant air, but this is still a laid-back and friendly place to spend a vacation. The clientele is mixed gay/straight, and this is one of the only smaller properties in these parts to welcome travelers with dogs and cats. It’s a perfect retreat for outdoorsy types: The surrounding village of Port Aransas, which dominates the northern end of Mustang Island, is known for bird-watching, fishing, dolphin-watching tours, bicycling, and water sports.

Belles’ By The Sea is three hours from San Antonio’s well-served international airport and just 45 minutes from Corpus Christi, which has direct flights from Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta.

Sin City finally has its own frisky Palm Springs-style gay resort, the Blue Moon, which has rapidly developed a loyal following. The three-story hotel contains 47 large rooms and suites with plush linens and all the expected in-room amenities, from data ports to cable TV to irons and boards. This all-male, clothing-optional spread sizzles with sexual energy, making it a favorite choice of singles partaking of Las Vegas’s electric nightlife. But quite a few couples nest here, too, either for some romantic, private R&R or to bond with fellow guests.

Attractive social facilities help to get everybody in a playful mood. You can relax — or play footsy — in the grotto-style 10-man Jacuzzi, or do laps in a festive lagoon-inspired swimming pool, into which flows a massive waterfall. Tasty pastries, sandwiches, salads, and drinks are served in a small coffeehouse. The resort also has a tour desk for booking a variety of excursions around the area.

Blue Moon is right off Interstate 15, a short drive west of The Strip, and just a 10-minute drive from McCarran International Airport.

This super-stylish spread on cliffs overlooking the Pacific opened in February 2003 and has quickly become one of the hottest destinations in gay-trendy Laguna Beach. The Arts and Crafts-inspired architecture utilizes a wood-and-stone construction, shingle roof, and copper gutters, and each of the 262 rooms has been designed to capture views of the beach, the ocean, or both. Works by noted California artists fill these elegant accommodations, which, despite a turn-of-the-20th-century aesthetic, contain such modern trappings as 400 threadcount bed linens, cordless phones with caller ID, high-speed Internet, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players.

Part of the joy of staying here, especially if you’re seeking some stress release, is the dazzling 20,000-square-foot spa, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Here you can get a facial or opt for hydrotherapy treatments, or enroll in aerobics and yoga classes. The numerous art galleries and great restaurants of Laguna Beach are close by, as are a couple of fun gay bars. Montage is really the classic luxury getaway — the perfect place to treat yourself to a cushy break from the rat race.

Montage is 60 to 90 minutes from L.A. and San Diego and even closer to the airports in Long Beach and Newport Beach/Irvine.

Occupying a 15-acre desert spread at the very eastern edge of metro Phoenix, Susa’s is far enough out to feel removed from the city, but close enough to be a convenient base for exploring the region’s many attractions, parks and preserves, and shopping and dining districts. This women’s inn consists of six affordably priced guesthouses decorated with Southwestern colors and furnishings and connected by landscaped paths. There are also two full RV hook-ups.

The guesthouses are well-suited to short or long stays; each has a private entrance, well-equipped kitchen or kitchenette, and TV and VCR. The "Cowgirl" ranks among the most inviting units, with rustic wood-paneled walls, Southwest-print fabrics, a woodburning stove, and a deep tub large enough for two. "Santa Fe" has beautiful Saltillo-tile floors, cozy beamed ceilings, and great views from the patio of the dramatic Superstition Mountains. Susa’s is pet-friendly and actually has horse corrals and stalls available for rent. It’s the sort of place where you could easily end up turning a weekend adventure into a season-long escape from the cold.

The ranch is about 40 minutes east of busy Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Florida’s Gulf Coast is less see-and-be-seen than its Atlantic counterpart, and it typically enjoys a gentler surf and fewer crowds. When it’s peace and quiet you’re after, the sumptuous Turtle Beach Waterfront Resort — with just 10 secluded cottages overlooking Little Sarasota Bay — fits the bill nicely. The tone at this mainstream but gay-friendly hideaway is low-keyed and private; this isn’t the sort of place where guests spend a lot of time mingling.

Instead, plan to cozy up inside your studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom unit — each has a fully equipped kitchen, TV with VCR, and private outdoor hot tub on a foliage-enclosed patio. You can also pursue a wealth of outdoor activities by borrowing the resort’s bicycles, fishing gear, kayaks, rowboats, and paddle-boats; there are four boat docks for easy water access. Siesta Key is a quiet resort island famous for its nesting sea turtles; it’s within easy driving distance of the dining and shopping of downtown Sarasota (there’s also an excellent restaurant right next door). Other area highlights include Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which hosts major concerts and shows; the esteemed John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Turtle Beach is 25 minutes south of Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.