14 Best Warm US Travel Destinations in December
December’s chill got you dreaming of sunshine? The US hides some toasty gems perfect for a winter escape. Why hibernate when you can migrate – stick around as we reveal the best places to soak up some December rays!
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1. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is a tropical dream in December. Forget winter blues – you’re in paradise now! The Garden Isle dazzles with pleasantly mild temperatures perfect for flip-flops and shades.
Hike the breathtaking Napali Coast, where lush cliffs meet turquoise waves. Want a bird’s-eye view? Take a helicopter ride over Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Rainbow sightings guaranteed!
Craving local eats? Pop into Hamura Saimin for mouthwatering noodles. For a magical evening, kayak the Wailua River under a blanket of stars.
Where to Stay: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – A luxurious oasis with stunning ocean views and a lazy river pool.
2. San Diego, California
Sun-soaked San Diego beckons with balmy 70-degree days in December. Wander through Balboa Park‘s lush gardens and world-class museums. Catch some waves at La Jolla Cove, where you might spot seals lounging on the beach.
For a dash of holiday spirit, hit up the twinkling Gaslamp Quarter. Don’t miss the fish tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood – they’re a local obsession that’ll make you rethink your taco standards.
Where to Stay: Hotel del Coronado offers Victorian charm and a beachfront ice rink with Pacific Ocean views.
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3. Miami, Florida
Miami in December is a paradise where you can escape the winter chill. South Beach’s Art Deco district bursts with color, inviting you to sip mojitos at chic cafes and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Wynwood’s eye-catching murals offer a feast for art lovers. In Little Havana, join a food and walking tour to experience authentic Cuban flavors. Don’t skip Calle Ocho for a true taste of Miami’s Latin spirit.
Rent a bike and cruise the boardwalk as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s the perfect way to burn off those delicious croquetas you’ve been munching on all day.
Where to Stay: Faena Hotel Miami Beach dazzles with its bold design and top-notch dining.
4. US Virgin Islands
December is the perfect time to visit the US Virgin Islands. With bright turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and swaying palm trees. St. Thomas is your go-to for duty-free shopping and gorgeous beaches. St. John by contrast is a nature lover’s paradise with its lush national park.
Don’t skip St. Croix – it’s a hidden treasure trove of history and incredible snorkeling spots. Trunk Bay on St. John is a must-visit. Its underwater snorkel trail feels like an aquatic adventure playground.
For the ultimate island escape, book a tour to Water Island and spend a day at Honeymoon Beach. It’s as dreamy as it sounds!
Where to Stay: The Buccaneer on St. Croix offers old-world charm with modern amenities and three private beaches.
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5. Key West, Florida
Key West in December is a sun-soaked slice of paradise. Temps hover in the mid-70s, perfect for beach days and outdoor adventures. You can soak up the rays without breaking a sweat.
Duval Street is your playground. Pop into quirky shops, colorful bars, and seafood joints. Don’t miss the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square – it’s a local tradition.
Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach offer soft sand and clear waters. Snorkel, paddleboard, or just laze under a palm tree. History buffs will dig the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Six-toed cats still roam the grounds, just like in Papa’s day.
Where to Stay: The Gardens Hotel offers a tropical oasis with a unique self-serve wine gallery.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
The Crescent City sparkles in December with festive charm and mild temps. Wander the French Quarter’s cobblestone streets, where jazz notes float in the air. Treat yourself to powdery beignets at Café du Monde – pure sugary bliss!
Hop on a streetcar for a scenic ride down St. Charles Avenue. You’ll see magnificent mansions decked out in twinkling lights. For a magical evening, don’t miss Celebration in the Oaks in City Park. It’s a dazzling wonderland of illuminated oak trees and holiday displays.
Want a side of spooky with your trip? Join a ghost tour for hair-raising tales of NOLA’s haunted past. Just don’t get too spooked to enjoy a nightcap on Bourbon Street!
Where to Stay: Hotel Peter and Paul offers quirky rooms in a converted church and school, plus a charming tea room.
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7. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix in December is absolute bliss. Bask in sunny 60s while everyone else shivers. Hike Camelback Mountain in your favorite tee, then catch the twinkling Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden.
For golfers, there are over 200 courses; you’re spoiled for choice. Fancy a dash of Wild West? Mosey on over to Goldfield Ghost Town nearby.
Pro tip: Soar above the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon at sunrise. Trust us, it’s worth the early wake-up call.
Where to Stay: Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – A Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired oasis blending desert charm with Hollywood glam.
8. Los Angeles, California
Sunny LA is your perfect December escape. Ditch the winter blues and soak up those California rays. Cruise down palm-lined streets in a convertible, feeling like a movie star.
Santa Monica Pier beckons with its iconic Ferris wheel and lively boardwalk. Venice Beach’s quirky street performers and muscle beach are sure to entertain.
For a festive twist, The Grove’s twinkling lights and “snowfall” create holiday magic. Hike Runyon Canyon for breathtaking city views and celeb spotting. Catch a flick at the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre for a dose of Hollywood glam.
Where to Stay: Chateau Marmont – This iconic hotel oozes old Hollywood charm and star-studded history.
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9. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Dream of a Caribbean getaway with a Spanish flair? Book a ticket to San Juan. Stroll through Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets, flanked by vibrant colonial buildings. Soak up the sun on Condado’s golden beaches or dive into the crystal-clear waters.
El Morro, a 16th-century citadel, offers jaw-dropping ocean vistas. Or join a mouthwatering tour through Santurce’s buzzing streets. And don’t skip the Bacardi Rum Factory – it’s a spirited adventure!
Pro tip: Hit La Placita de Santurce on weekends for a street party that’ll have you shaking your hips till sunrise.
Where to Stay: O:LV Fifty Five Hotel boasts a sleek design and a rooftop infinity pool with stunning city views.
10. Orlando, Florida
Orlando in December is a festive wonderland where Mickey sports a Santa hat and roller coasters replace sleigh rides. The theme parks dazzle with holiday cheer, but there’s so much more to explore.
Venture to Winter Park for a taste of European charm. Take a scenic boat tour or indulge in some upscale shopping along Park Avenue. For a nature escape, take a glass bottom kayak tour through Rainbow Springs.
Craving a quirky adventure? Visit Gatorland for some reptilian fun. Foodies will love East End Market, a hub of local treats and artisanal goodies.
Where to Stay: The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando offers an art-filled experience with a rooftop pool in the heart of downtown.
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11. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah turns into a winter wonderland in December. The city’s charm shines with twinkling lights adorning its famous squares. Wrap up warm and wander through the historic district, where Spanish moss drapes gracefully from oak trees.
Ghost tours add a spooky thrill to chilly evenings. For a taste of true Southern hospitality, pop into Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Their family-style meals are pure comfort food heaven.
River Street beckons with its eclectic shops and stunning waterfront views. Grab a drink to-go (it’s allowed here!) and discover hidden courtyards tucked away in the historic district.
Where to Stay: The Marshall House offers charming rooms and hosts nightly wine receptions for guests.
12. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a desert oasis that is the perfect escape from winter chills. Hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views and maybe even a dusting of snow at the summit.
Architecture enthusiasts, you’ll adore touring the city’s iconic mid-century modern homes. Who knows, you might even spot Leonardo DiCaprio’s digs. For a dash of quirkiness, check out the World’s Biggest Dinosaurs – because why not?
Golfers will love Palm Springs. With over 100 courses, you’ll be teeing off in paradise. Don’t miss VillageFest on Thursday nights for local art, food, and live tunes.
Where to Stay: The Parker Palm Springs, a Jonathan Adler-designed resort that blends luxury with whimsy, complete with hidden hammocks and a lemonade stand.
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13. Oahu, Hawaii
Aloha! Oahu is straight-up sun-soaked bliss. Waikiki Beach beckons with its pristine shores and epic surfing spots. You’ll feel the holiday spirit with a tropical twist as palm trees sway in the warm breeze.
Hike to Manoa Falls for a lush, green escape. The waterfall’s mist will cool you off in the balmy December temperatures that hover around 70°F. Don’t miss the North Shore’s legendary food trucks. Sink your teeth into mouthwatering garlic shrimp at Giovanni’s while watching pro surfers tackle massive waves.
Where to Stay: Turtle Bay Resort offers stunning ocean views and the chance to spot sea turtles from your room.
14. South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island’s a Texas gem that boasts average winter temps in the 60s and 70s, perfect for beach days without the crowds.
Work on your tan or catch some waves. Nature buffs, check out Sea Turtle Inc. for a dose of conservation cool. Feeling adventurous? The winter winds make for epic kiteboarding sessions.
Hungry? Pier 19 serves up seafood so fresh, it might just swim off your plate. Cap off your day with a sunset dolphin cruise – pure magic.
Where to Stay: Isla Grand Beach Resort offers beachfront bliss and nightly entertainment to keep your toes tapping.
