Warm Up This Winter at the 7 Best Beaches to Visit in December

Looking for a warm winter getaway? We know the feeling. Luckily, there are plenty of beach locations within the US where you can go to escape the winter chill. But with miles and miles of coastline in the US, it can be hard to choose exactly where to go. That’s why we’ve hand-picked the best beaches to visit in December in the USA for you. 

In this guide, you’ll find the best beaches to go to in December, from coast to coast and beyond, as well as information on things to do while you’re there. And so, you can plan your road trip better, you’ll also find the SIXT locations closest to each beach. Let’s get started!

1. South Beach, Miami, Florida
2. Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida
3. Spanish Wall Beach, Rincón, Puerto Rico
4. Galveston Beach, Galveston, Texas
5. Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, California
6. La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California
7. Kailua Beach, Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii

1. South Beach: One of the Best Vacation Beaches in December

Starting on the East Coast, Miami is famous for having tons of beautiful beaches, but perhaps one of the most famous is South Beach. With temperatures here averaging about 75°F in winter, this is one of the best beaches to visit in December. And for those winter warriors who plan to swim, the average water temperature is about 77°F. It only rains for an average of 11 days in December (much less than in the summer), so there’s no shortage of sunlight. 

Because December is considered low season, you’ll also be able to enjoy many of South Beach’s finest activities without waiting in long lines or dealing with crazy crowds. You can sign up for boating, biking, and rollerblading, just as you would during the summer. In fact, it’ll be even more comfortable because the heat and humidity won’t be as intense.

Not only will you be able to swim and sunbathe, but there’s also plenty to do around the South Beach neighborhood. The well-preserved art deco buildings on Ocean Drive are a major attraction in the area, along with the numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants, where you can sit and admire the view. Art lovers can visit the Wolfsonian-FIU museum, and nightlife enthusiasts can hit up the many glamorous bars and clubs, often frequented by the rich and famous. If celebrities think South Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in December, who are we to argue!

To make your visit flexible and comfortable, renting a car in South Beach is a great idea to see everything at your own pace. SIXT has 2 locations close to South Beach, with one of them on 5th Street and the other on Lincoln Road.

2. Smathers Beach: One of the Best Beaches to Visit in December

Heading a little further south, Smathers Beach is another of the best beaches to visit in December, as it has some of the best winter sunbathing opportunities around. The biggest public beach in Key West, Smathers Beach enjoys December temperatures of about 76°F and water temperatures of 75°F. There’s also plenty of sun in Key West in December, with an average of about 10 days of rainfall. 

This also happens to be one of the most family-friendly beaches in Florida, as the tide never gets too strong. While that may mean this beach is a no-go for surfing enthusiasts, swimmers and snorkelers will be in heaven here, as you’re free to safely discover the underwater terrain. Families with kids can rent kayaks and paddle boards to explore the calm waters, while sailing and boat tours are also available.

The fun in Key West doesn’t stop at water activities. With a rental car from our branch in Key West, it is easy to discover everything the area has to offer. This is the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA, and there’s a landmark to prove it. You can also visit The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, as well as the Key West Lighthouse. 

3. Spanish Wall Beach: Best Beach Vacations in December with a Dose of History

One of the best beaches in December outside of the continental US is Spanish Wall Beach in Rincón, Puerto Rico. With average temperatures of about 84°F and water temperatures of 81°F, this tops the list of warm beaches in December. Rincón does receive about 16 days of rainfall in December, though, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities just in case.

One thing that makes this one of the best beaches to visit in December is that it’s something of a secret. Situated in the remote northwestern corner of the island, you’ll likely need to rent a car to reach this one. The SIXT location in Puerto Rico can help you with that. Our recommendation: park at nearby Domes Beach, as Spanish Wall Beach is only accessible via a path from here. But the journey is more than worth it, as you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from this beach. Spanish Wall Beach is known for its soft golden sands, perfect for laying a towel out and relaxing. Popular with surfers, you can either join them and catch a wave, or lie under the shade of the palm trees to watch the action.

Spanish Wall Beach is more than just a beach, though; it’s also a historic site, making it one of the best beaches to visit for history buffs. If you walk far enough down the beach, you’ll encounter the remains of the old railway and wall built by the Spanish back in the colonial days. After your day by the water, spend some time exploring the local arts scene via the Rincón Art Walk. On a rainy day, you can check out the unique shops and boutiques in the area, like the Tinto Wine Shop and the Caribbean Trading Rincón, both great places to pick up authentic souvenirs.

4. Galveston Beach: Discover this Vacation Beach in the Gulf of Mexico

Heading a little further west, Galveston Beach is just a short drive south of Houston. Situated along the Gulf of Mexico, this is the perfect beach to add to a December Gulf Coast road trip. Galveston experiences about six days of rainfall and average temperatures of 67°F during the month of December. The average water temperature is about 58°F, so a bit chillier than Florida’s beaches, but still swimmable for more adventurous travelers. 

It might be a little colder than others we’ve mentioned so far, but Galveston Beach is still among the best beaches to visit in December because of the plethora of activities you can do on the water, without actually having to be in the water. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can take boat tours of the gulf to see dolphins or head to Galveston Island State Park, home to an array of great kayaking opportunities and fishing spots.

When you’re done with water activities for the day, head to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier to enjoy amusement park rides and a delightful lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants, all of which come with stellar views. Moody Gardens is also a main attraction of the island, as it’s home to sharks, monkeys, and other marine life. Come prepared to visit all the attractions at your own pace, by renting a car from our nearby branch in Housten.

5. Laguna Beach: Don’t Miss this Winter Beach Vacation for Surfers

This legendary beach, situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, is one of the best US beaches in December. It became a household name after the premiere of the hit reality TV series “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County”, starring Lauren Conrad. Yes, that means if you were a fan of the show, this beach is a must-visit. Laguna Beach enjoys a mild and dry southern California climate, averaging temperatures of 65°F and water temperatures of 60°F. Rain falls here about five days of the month in December. 

The Pacific Ocean may be known for being much chillier than the Atlantic, but it also has some of the best surfing around. This makes it a perfect spot for surf enthusiasts, with Aliso Beach Park particularly well-known in this area for surfing. As a bonus, that wetsuit will protect you from the chill of the water. You can also go whale and dolphin watching, as winter is the best time to spot these majestic creatures as they migrate.

If you’re looking for a bit of culture and local scenery, you can explore Laguna Beach’s many art galleries or hike the trails of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, best reached by car. From these lookout points, you’ll be able to see the many canyons and coves that make up the city’s coastline. 

Having a rental car will help you navigate the area easily, especially if you want to visit the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The closest SIXT locations are the Redondo Beach/Deliveries and the one at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

6. La Jolla Cove: Find Caves and Cliffs in this Beach to Visit in December

La Jolla Cove is located in San Diego, one of the state’s southernmost cities. As a result, it’s one of the best beaches to visit in December, as it has some of the warmest temperatures in the state of California. Averaging a temperature of about 66°F and an average water temperature of 61°F, it’ll be easier to enter the water here than most other places in the state. San Diego also only gets about four days of rainfall, meaning it’s more than likely you’ll have a sunny vacation.

La Jolla Cove isn’t a traditional beach per se, so it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for something a little different. Yes, there are some great spots for sunbathing and swimming, but mysterious sea caves and picturesque rocky cliffs dominate this beach’s landscape. If you want to explore the unique terrain in and around the water, opt to take a kayaking or paddle-boarding tour around the coves. Marine life such as seals and sea lions abound, and you will definitely want to stay to watch the sunset over the cliffs. 

When you get hungry, sample incredible seafood along the coast or delight in some authentic Mexican cuisine around town. You can also hop in the car to visit the world-famous Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo, or head to the USS Midway Museum to learn more about our country’s military history. When you are ready to visit La Jolla Cove, the SIXT location at the San Diego International Airport (SAN) will wait for you.

7. Kailua Beach: A Great One if Look for Warm Beaches in December

Heading even further west, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention any beaches in the beautiful state of Hawaii. This island state is home to plenty of them, but Kailua Beach stands out as one of the best beaches to go to in December for many reasons. Located on the northeastern edge of Oahu, Kailua experiences average temperatures of about 75°F and average water temperatures of about 77°F. You will, however, have to be prepared for some rain, as Kailua experiences about 14 days of rainfall in December. But in spite of this, those high temperatures still make it one of the best beaches in winter. 

Oahu is famous for experiencing strong waves in the winter, but Kailua Beach is an exception. Its gentle waters make Kailua Beach a family-friendly beach to visit. Not only is it safe to take the little ones out for a swim, but you can also rent paddle boards or kayaks and explore the nearby Mokulua Islands on particularly calm days. Looking for an extra dose of adventure? Why not try kiteboarding instead?

After a fun-filled day in the sun, cool off with some authentic Hawaiian shaved ice or a local brew (coffee or beer; they’ve got both). If you’re not done with the outdoors yet, head to the Lanikai Pillbox for some amazing hikes and great views. Ready to visit Kailua Beach? Head to the SIXT location in Oahu and book a car so you can enjoy your beach adventure on your own terms.

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Now that you know some of the best beaches to visit in December, it’s time to choose the one that strikes your fancy the most! There are beaches across the US that you can pick based on your preferences on location, water activities, temperatures, and more. If you want to hit more than one, you can even rent a car and make a road trip out of it, whether you want to explore beaches on the East Coast or the West Coast. Happy travels!