Best Places To Travel In December
I hope this travel inspiration post about the best places to travel in December in the USA gave you a few ideas on when to go next. If you want to learn more about the best places to visit in the US for special Christmas celebrations I got you covered as well.
And if you want more ideas on the best places to visit in November here you have some lovely ideas.
Happy travels
About The Author: Erin Stob
Erin grew up and currently lives in the woods of Wisconsin but her heart lives out West. While staying in Las Vegas for four years, Erin made it her mission to see as many of the amazing deserts as she could. She hiked, biked, camped, and explored small ghost towns and big cities alike, along with her many road trips from Las Vegas. She is passionate about holistic, outdoor living, and strives to share her experience through her writing.
Where To Stay In Kauai
- For couples: Hanalei Colony Resort with its private lanai for relaxation
- For groups: Hale Kailea TVNC #4241 has 3 bedrooms, patio, AC and cable TV for max comfort
Kauai also features in our guide to the US in March and best honeymoon in December destinations.
Note: historically, Kauai and the North Shore of Oahu typically see a lot of rain during December and flash flood warnings.
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Warm Winter Vacations In The Us
As someone whos actively checking places off my travel bucket list, I cant say Ive been everywhere So I recruited some of my fellow travel blogging friends to help create this huge list.
Youll love these destinations and just might even wonder how youll fit more than one trip to a warm weather destination this winter.
Lets dive in!
Death Valley National Park California
- Average Temps.: 39°-74°F | 4°-23°C
- Nearest Airport: McCarran International Airport
- Perfect for: Hikes, camp, salt flats, scenic views, natural wonder
Death Valley, a unique destination straddles between California and Nevada and makes for a perfect winter destination. The weather is pleasant with temperatures hovering around 50 -60 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime to 30 -40 degrees at night, making it great to explore the natural wonder.
Death Valley National Park, spread over 5270 square miles, is one of the largest national parks in the US. This dry desert is known for its intriguing beauty in the dry rocky formations, badlands, or the colors spurting through. It is the lowest, driest, and hottest place in the US apart from being the worlds hottest place.
Due to much milder temperatures in winters, it is easier to explore areas of the park at leisure and take advantage of lesser crowds.
You can begin by visiting the Visitor Center, grab the maps of the park, and know more about the park from the rangers. Zabriskie Point is near the visitor center and a great place to see the wavy rock formations especially during the sunrise and sunset.
Badwater Basin the salt flats, is the lowest elevation point in North America. The vast expanse of white flatlands is a sight to behold. Take a drive around the 9-mile long scenic Artists Drive to view the rainbow of colors and the Artists Palette.
Winters also make it a good time to hike along many trails in the park.
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Things To Do In Honolulu
- Of course, check out Honolulu City Lights
- Stroll the Chinatown Winter Walk all December
- Run it all off before the holiday feasts at the Honolulu Marathon
- Support local artists and artisans at the Koolina Artfest
- Enjoy the Very Merry Holiday Pops from the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
- Get out to Waimea Beach to watch the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
- Visit the Bishop Museum
- See pieces at the Museum of Art
- Check out the former residence of the Hawaiian monarchs at Iolani Palace
- Chill out at Waikiki on the south shore
- Hit the shops at Kalakaua Avenue
- Pay homage to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, the father of surfing
- Learn some history at the Waikiki Historical Trail
- Dine in the Kapahulu neighborhood
- Be in awe at the panoramic view of Honolulu from Leahi
- Hike to the beginner hiker and pet-friendly Makapuu Lighthouse
- Grab a pocket of sand at Makapuu Beach
- Avoid the crowds, head to Kaiona Beach Park
Things To Do At Palm Springs
- Golf or admire the gardens at Sunnylands Center
- Enjoy the natural palm fans at Indian Canyons, once home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
- Use the Palm Springs Tramway up Mount San Jacinto for great views
- Take a day trip to Pioneertown, created in the 1940s as a Living Breathing Movie Set
- Do a day tour to Joshua Tree National Park
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Joshua Tree National Park California
- Average Temps.: 37°-66°F | 3°-19°C
- Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport
- Perfect for: Hikes, camp, stargazing, epic accommodation in the wilderness!
Nothing says a warm getaway than a trip to the desert!
Joshua Tree National Park is in southeastern California and straddles between two deserts. With summer temperatures reaching triple digits, winter is the ideal time to plan your visit.
Most days are in the 70s to 80s, which is perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying some fresh air.
When visiting Joshua Tree, there are hotels available, however, Airbnb tends to be the more popular option. Airbnb offers numerous selections of unique and one-of-a-kind accommodations at a reasonable price. You could stay in a dome for the night, a clear bubble tent, a vintage airstream, or book an awesome house with a hot tub and fire pit.
However, if you want to stay in a more developed area, Palm Springs is a one-hour drive from Joshua Tree where there are plenty of luxurious hotels to choose from. Palm Springs is also where you can find the closest major airport.
Besides its whimsical and Dr. Seuss-like trees, Joshua Tree National Park is also known for its plethora of outdoor activities. The massive rock formations are great for rock climbing and bouldering.
There are many hiking trails for you to trek, horseback riding, camping, but one of the best things you can do is stargazing. Stand in awe as you look up at the beautiful night sky.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
WHERE: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Overlooking the pristine waters surrounding the Yucatán Peninsula, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has 491 suites spread across 80 acres. The 1,000-foot-long private beach is the main draw here the resort welcomes families to swim with dolphins, scuba dive in marine parks, and kayak along the coast. A world-renowned destination for rejuvenation, Authors Spa has pools, whirlpools, waterfalls, and saunas, plus an impressive 42 treatment suites you should plan to spend a lot of time there.
Insider Tip: If youre seeking a quiet getaway, the Zen suites tend to be quieter and offer more privacy during your stay.
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Scottsdale And Phoenix Arizona
Average high temperature in the winter: About 70 degrees
Number of days of rain per month in winter: Less than 5
Scottsdale and Phoenix have both been long been known as a primo spots for warm winter vacations in the USA for good reason, the weather is gorgeous and the resorts are ample.
I cant get enough of the saguaro cacti and the rocky desert landscape. There are so many great hiking trails to enjoy, like those found in the South Mountain Park and Preserve.
If you would rather channel your inner cowboy and make your way through the desert the way the vaqueros did, head to Mac Donalds Ranch and take the kids on a trail ride.
Little train enhusiasts will want to spend time at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park and most of the citys popular courses offer classes and programs for all ages, including Kierland Golf Club, McCormick Ranch Golf Club, and The Phoencian Golf Club.
Here are our favorite things to do in Scottsdale with kids and the best things to do in Phoenix with kids.
Where to Stay: There are so many amazing options for family resorts in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and many have their own waterparks!
At Pointe Hilton Tapitio Cliffs Resort families love the spacious two-room suites and The Falls Water Village which features a 40-foot waterfall, a 138-foot enclosed slide, and expansive pools.
Florida Springs & Gainesville Florida
- Average Temps.: 43°-71°F | 6°-22°C
- Nearest Airport: Gainesville Regional Airport
- Perfect for: Water activities like kayaking, natural springs
One of the best places to visit in the USA during winter is Florida. But not just any place here, you will want to visit some of the best springs in Florida!
Florida has the highest concentration of natural springs in the world due to its unique topography and there are springs for everyone. The springs are located all over central and north Florida so you can easily add them to another itinerary or trip to Florida.
If you are visiting Orlando, you can go visit springs near Orlando! Now, the springs are a constant 72 degrees F throughout the year. This is when locals go to springs for them to be warm while the air is often chillier than 72 degrees. It is also when the ocean gets very cold and manatees flock to the warmer water of the springs.
You can kayak or take guided tours to see manatees in their natural habitat in the springs and this happens during the winter.
A wonderful place to visit springs is up near Gainesville in Florida. There is a high concentration of beautiful springs such as Ginnie Springs that you can enjoy!
There is truly something to visit for everyone depending on what you want to see and do when exploring Florida springs!
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville is a good choice for a centrally located hotel.
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Saint John Us Virgin Islands
- Average Temps.: 66°-79°F | 19°-26°C
- Nearest Airport: Cyril E. King Airport
- Perfect for: Beaches, tropical paradise, water activities
When looking to escape the winter blues, Saint John in the US Virgin Islands is a top choice for anyone who loves the beach and tropical getaways.
Whether youre visiting St. John with kids, a partner, or a girlfriend getaway, theres something for everyone. With 60% of the island designated as a National Park, the island retains a wild, undeveloped quality that is a welcome respite from other over-packaged holiday destinations.
Most beaches are on the North Shore, with must visit beaches being Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, and Honeymoon Beach. Popular activities include spotting sea turtles munching on seagrass, snorkeling in the crystal clear water, and stand-up paddleboarding in one of the many calm bays.
After playing or lazing at the beach, youll want to find time to hike the Reef Bay Trail, an adventurous trek that takes you through a grove of old-growth trees, a 40-foot waterfall, sugar plantation ruins, and petroglyphs.
For anyone who wants a full day of adventure, charter a private boat for the day and have them take you around the island to snorkel in hidden coves and neighboring uninhabited islands.
To get to St. John, youll need to take a flight to Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and then hop on to a quick 20-minute ferry over to St. John.
Accommodation: San Juan Hotel or Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
Where Can You Find A Warm
Las Vegas at sunset. Sin City has year-round warm temperatures and is a favorite fall destination.
getty
Admit it: You’re ready for a warm-weather vacation. All this rain and cold weather make you want to hit the reverse button on the change of seasons.
“If your personal travel bug doesn’t allow you to let go of summer just yet, there are plenty of warm and sunny locales still offering summer-like experiences,” says Adam Lawless, a spokesman for Viator.
Full disclosure: I have one of those personal travel bugs. I grew up in a place that once proudly proclaimed that it was the destination in which winter took place.
Since then, I’ve chased the sun and have lived in Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas you get the idea. For me, the perfect temperature in late December is the mid-70s.
Unless I’m skiing.
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Things To Do In Naples
- Walk along Third Street to admire the architecture and Christmas decor
- Look out for a white surprise falling from the sky, sno joke!
- Dine al fresco beside the warm heaters at night
- Holiday shop for the kids at the famous Beth Moné Childrens Shoppe
- Plan your visit for the Fifth Avenue Christmas parade
- Be wowed by hotel decorations in Naples like the Ritz Carlton gingerbread house
- Catch a festive movie on the lawn of the Mercato
- Visit Palm Cottage, Naples oldest house, for cute holiday decorations
- Drive through Victoria Park to see amazing house decorations
- See the twinkling lights and exhibits of the Botanical Gardens
- Watch the Christmas Boat Parade
- Buy local at the Naples Farmers Market
Incredible Warm Winter Vacations Usa
Posted on
Dreaming of a warm winter vacation in the USA? Of course you are!
This guide has 30 of the best winter destinations in the US that are actually warm! Check out the list below and then get ready to book your trip ASAP.
This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my disclosures.
From Hawaii to Florida, Texas, California, Arizona plus a bunch of extra destinations thrown in this list of warm winter vacations USA, youll be digging out your sandals and ready to head to the airport.
Its time to escape the cold and enjoy some nice weather. If youre dreaming of sunshine and highs in the 60s, 70s or even 80s, well here you go!
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Punta Cana Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is easy to reach, thanks to numerous nonstop flights from many East Coast cities, and we’ve enjoyed several of the island’s top beachfront resorts that cater to families. Club Med Punta Cana features cool activities from Creactive by Cirque du Soleil, boutique-hotel styling, and a full kids program. The Nickelodeon Resort is another great option for families, with a water park, character visits, a kids club, and stunning beachside pools.
Zambia & Victoria Falls
Due to being in the southern hemisphere, Zambia, a country in southern Africa, has a subtropical climate that will get you an 87-degree day at Victoria Falls .
Pair a trip to Zambia with a trip to Namibia, Botswana or South Africa, and youll be able to have a two-week bender seeing the best of Africa during winter in outrageously warm weather.
If you do make it to Zambia, be sure to go for a river cruise on the Zambezi River, trying local brews and seeing hippos with your boat driver and guide.
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Arizonas Best Places To Visit In The Winter
Thinking of flocking like snowbirds to warmer temperatures? As one of the warmest places in the U.S., Arizona is a popular destination for many during the cold winter months. The different regions of this state have a lot to offer year-round, from Arizona summer adventures to gorgeous winter escapes. Here are our favorites.
So Where Are You Heading To This Winter
With winter bearing down on us, its time to start thinking about where you and your family will spend the holiday season. If you want a change of scenery from snow-covered trees and icy sidewalks, consider visiting one of these warm winter destinations in the USA!
If you have a personal favorite, share with us in the comments below!
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Best Warm And Sunny Family Winter Vacation Ideas
From perpetually wet feet to relentlessly bundling your kids with layer upon layer, the need to escape grows for many parents as the winter season drags onand on. Even those families who don’t live with the finicky four-season cycle might prefer their family vacation with a side of palm trees, rather than fur-trimmed snow boots. So whether you’re seeking to escape the cold or just don’t want to vacation in it, we’ve rounded up 30 of the best warm and sunny winter vacation ideas for families, including the best winter vacation ideas in the US and abroad.
Read on to find great all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and charming cities teeming with culture that will give you a family vacation thats sunny, not snowy! For more winter vacation ideas, be sure to check out our Family Travel Guide.
Strolling through the incredible aquarium is just one of the many activities a family can enjoy at Atlantis Resort.
Things To Do In New Orleans In December
- Tour the festive hotel lobbies such as The Roosevelt and the Royal Sonesta
- See the Christmas tree at Hotel Mazarin in the French Quarter
- The Skeleton House on St Charles Av isnt just for Halloween! Check out its festive decor
- 10/10 for the crazy Kraken House at 6574 Memphis St
- Join locals at the holiday lights show, Celebration in the Oaks, which has been running since the 80s.
- Explore the festival of lights, art and technology at LUNA Fête
- Listen to jazz on Frenchmen Street
- Enjoy cocktails on Bourbon Street
- Do a riverboat cruise like this 2-hour tour with entertainment
- Spend the morning in the Garden District
- Learn about the darker side of NOLA
- Take a tour of the Whitney Plantation, which provides accounts from enslaved people
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