Last Updated on November 26, 2023
If you are dreaming of a sunny and warm US beach vacation in December, you are not alone. Many people want to escape the cold and snow, and enjoy the sand, the surf, and the sun. But where can you find the best US beaches to visit in December?
The US has a vast and varied coastline, with different types of beaches to suit every taste and budget. Some US beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, while others are great for hiking, wildlife watching, and relaxing. Some US beaches are bustling and vibrant, while others are quiet and serene. No matter what kind of beach lover you are, you will find a US beach that matches your preferences and expectations.
Below, an overview of 10 of the best US beaches to visit in December, where you can have a wonderful and memorable US beach vacation.
These US beaches are not only amazing for enjoying the sun and the sea, but also for discovering the local culture, history, and cuisine. So, let’s get started!
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular and award-winning US beaches, and for good reasons. It has soft white sand, clear blue water, and stunning sunsets. It also has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment options.
You can enjoy water sports, fishing, boating, dolphin watching, and more. You can also visit the nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where you can see Winter, the famous dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale. Clearwater Beach is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, about 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport. You can stay at a family-friendly resort with Gulf views and castle-perfect sand.
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is a chic and charming beach town in Southern California, known for its art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It also has some of the most scenic and diverse beaches in the state, ranging from rocky coves to sandy stretches.
You can enjoy surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, or just relax and admire the views. You can also explore the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, which has hiking and biking trails, or visit the Laguna Art Museum, which showcases local artists. Laguna Beach is about an hour from Los Angeles International Airport, and you can stay at a luxury resort with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is a tropical island in the Gulf of Mexico, off the southern tip of Texas. It has 34 miles of white sand and crystal clear water, making it a paradise for beach lovers. You can swim, snorkel, kite surf, jet ski, and more.
You can also watch dolphins, birds, and sea turtles, or visit the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, which has a boardwalk and a tower. South Padre Island is about 30 minutes from Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, and you can stay at a cozy hotel with a pool and a beach bar.
Key West, Florida
Key West is the southernmost point of the continental USA, and a popular destination for travelers who love the sun, the sea, and the fun. Key West has a colorful and quirky vibe, with a rich history and culture. You can enjoy the famous Duval Street, which has bars, restaurants, and shops, or visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the legendary writer lived and worked.
You can also explore the Dry Tortugas National Park, which has a 19th-century fort and coral reefs. Key West has several beaches to choose from, such as Smathers Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, and Higgs Beach. Key West is about 3 hours from Miami International Airport, and you can stay at a historic hotel with a pool and a garden.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous and iconic US beaches, and a dream destination for many travelers. It has a long and wide stretch of golden sand, surrounded by palm trees and skyscrapers. It also has warm and clear water, perfect for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.
You can see the Diamond Head crater, which is a volcanic landmark and a hiking spot, or visit the Waikiki Aquarium, which has marine life from the Pacific Ocean. You can also enjoy the nightlife, shopping, and dining options that Waikiki Beach has to offer. Waikiki Beach is located on the island of Oahu, about 20 minutes from Honolulu International Airport. You can stay at a beachfront resort with a spa and a pool.
Coronado Beach, California
Coronado Beach is a beautiful and elegant US beach, located on a peninsula across the bay from San Diego. It has soft and sparkling sand, thanks to the presence of mica, a mineral that reflects the sunlight. It also has calm and gentle water, ideal for families and kids.
You can enjoy the views of the San Diego skyline, or visit the Hotel del Coronado, a historic and luxurious hotel that has hosted celebrities and presidents. You can also explore the Coronado Island, which has shops, restaurants, and parks. Coronado Beach is about 15 minutes from San Diego International Airport, and you can stay at a boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace and a fireplace.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island is a charming and historic US beach, located near Savannah, Georgia. It has five miles of sandy beach, with a pier, a lighthouse, and a fort. It also has a friendly and relaxed vibe, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and events.
You can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and biking, or take a tour of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, which has exhibits and programs on the local marine life. You can also visit the nearby Savannah, which is a beautiful and historic city with a rich culture and cuisine. Tybee Island is about 30 minutes from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, and you can stay at a cozy inn with a pool and a porch.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a fun and lively US beach, located on the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina. It has 60 miles of sandy beach, with a boardwalk, a ferris wheel, and a skywheel. It also has a vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and shows.
You can enjoy golfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and more, or visit the Ripley’s Aquarium, which has a shark tunnel and a penguin exhibit. You can also explore the Myrtle Beach State Park, which has a nature center and a fishing pier. Myrtle Beach is about 15 minutes from Myrtle Beach International Airport, and you can stay at a beachfront hotel with a water park and a golf course.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is a serene and natural US beach, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It has 15 miles of sandy beach, with a causeway, a lighthouse, and a wildlife refuge. It also has a reputation for being one of the best places in the world for shelling, as it has thousands of shells of different shapes, sizes, and colors.
You can enjoy collecting shells, swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching, or visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, which has exhibits and activities on shells and mollusks. You can also explore the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which has a tram tour and a boardwalk. Sanibel Island is about 45 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport, and you can stay at a beachfront resort with a spa and a tennis court.
These are 10 of the best US beaches to visit in December, where you can have a fantastic and unforgettable US beach vacation. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a fun adventure, or a cultural experience, you will find a US beach that meets your needs and expectations. So, don’t let the winter blues get you down, and book your US beach vacation today! You won’t regret it!
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