{"id":11628,"date":"2023-11-22T13:18:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-22T13:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/?p=11628"},"modified":"2025-04-15T09:07:36","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T09:07:36","slug":"best-beaches-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/travel\/best-beaches-december\/","title":{"rendered":"Warm Up This Winter at the 7\u202fBest Beaches to Visit in December"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for a warm winter getaway? We know the feeling. Luckily, there are plenty of beach locations within the US<\/a> 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\u2019s why we\u2019ve hand-picked the best beaches to visit in December in the USA for you.\u202f<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, you\u2019ll 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\u2019re there. And so, you can plan your road trip better, you\u2019ll also find the SIXT locations closest to each beach.<\/strong> Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. South Beach, Miami, Florida<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Spanish Wall Beach, Rinc\u00f3n, Puerto Rico<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Galveston Beach, Galveston, Texas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, California<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Kailua Beach, Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    1. South Beach:\u202fOne of the\u202fBest Vacation Beaches in December<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    Location: <\/strong>Miami, Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Temperature December<\/strong>: 75\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Water Temperature December:<\/strong> 77\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Days of rain:<\/strong> 11 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special:<\/strong> Huge variety of activities<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Starting on the East Coast, Miami is famous for having tons of beautiful beaches, but\u202fperhaps one of the most famous is South Beach. <\/strong>With temperatures here averaging about\u202f75\u00b0F\u202fin 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\u00b0F. It only rains for an average of 11 days in December (much less than in the summer), so there\u2019s no shortage of sunlight<\/strong>.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because December is considered low season,<\/strong> you\u2019ll also be able to enjoy many of South Beach\u2019s finest activities without waiting<\/strong> 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\u2019ll be even more comfortable because the heat and humidity won\u2019t be as intense.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not only will you be able to swim and sunbathe, but there\u2019s also plenty to do around the South Beach neighborhood. The well-preserved art deco buildings on Ocean Drive <\/strong>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<\/strong>, and nightlife enthusiasts can hit up the many glamorous bars and clubs<\/strong>, 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/a> and the other on Lincoln Road<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Smathers Beach:\u202fOne of the\u202fBest Beaches to Visit in December<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    \n

    Location:<\/strong> Key West, Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Temperature December<\/strong>: 76\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Water Temperature December:<\/strong> 75\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Days of rain:<\/strong> 10 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special:<\/strong> family-friendly; perfect for swimming and snorkeling<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Heading a little further south, Smathers Beach is another<\/strong> of the best beaches to visit in December,\u202fas it has some of the best winter sunbathing opportunities<\/strong> around. The biggest public beach in\u202fKey West, Smathers Beach enjoys December temperatures of about 76\u00b0F\u202fand water temperatures of 75\u00b0F. There\u2019s also plenty of sun in Key West in December, with an average of about 10 days of rainfall.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This also happens to be one of the most family-friendly beaches in Florida<\/strong>, 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,<\/strong> as you\u2019re free to safely discover the underwater terrain.\u202fFamilies with kids can rent kayaks and paddle boards<\/strong> to explore the calm waters, while sailing and boat tours<\/strong> are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The fun in Key West doesn\u2019t stop at water activities. With a rental car from our branch in Key West,<\/a> it is easy to discover everything the area has to offer<\/strong>. This is the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA, and there\u2019s a landmark to prove it. You can also visit The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, as well as the Key West Lighthouse.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Spanish Wall Beach: Best Beach Vacations in December with a Dose of History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"
    Photo by Kenneth Berrios Alvarez on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Location: <\/strong>Rinc\u00f3n, Puerto Rico<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Temperature December<\/strong>: 84\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Water Temperature December:<\/strong> 81\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Days of rain:<\/strong> 16 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special:<\/strong> Insider Tip; Soft golden sand; great for surfers & history buffs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    One of the best beaches in December outside of the continental US is Spanish Wall Beach in Rinc\u00f3n, <\/strong>Puerto Rico. With average temperatures of about 84\u00b0F\u202fand water temperatures of 81\u00b0F, this tops the list of warm beaches in December.\u202fRinc\u00f3n does receive about 16 days of rainfall in December, though, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities<\/strong> just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One thing that makes this one of the best beaches to visit in December is that it\u2019s something of a secret<\/strong>.\u202fSituated in the remote northwestern corner of the island, you\u2019ll likely need to rent a car to reach this one. The SIXT location in Puerto Rico<\/a> can help you with that. Our recommendation:<\/strong> park at nearby Domes Beach, as Spanish Wall Beach is only accessible via a path from here. <\/strong>But the journey is more than worth it, as you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from this beach.\u202fSpanish Wall Beach is known for its soft golden sands, perfect for laying a towel out and relaxing<\/strong>. Popular with surfers<\/strong>, you can either join them and catch a wave, or lie under the shade of the palm trees to watch the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Spanish Wall Beach is more than just a beach, though; it\u2019s also a historic site, <\/strong>making it one of the best beaches to visit for history buffs. If you walk far enough down the beach, you\u2019ll encounter the remains of the old railway and wall <\/strong>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 Rinc\u00f3n Art\u202fWalk.\u202f<\/strong>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 Rinc\u00f3n, both great places to pick up authentic souvenirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Galveston Beach:\u202fDiscover this Vacation Beach in the Gulf of Mexico<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Photo by Vashti Collins on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Location:<\/strong> Galveston, Texas<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Temperature December<\/strong>: 67\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Water Temperature December:<\/strong> 58\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Days of rain:<\/strong> 6 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special: <\/strong>Dolphin spotting, Kayaking, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Heading a little further west, Galveston Beach is just a short drive south of Houston.<\/strong>\u202fSituated along the Gulf of Mexico, this is the perfect beach to add to a December Gulf Coast road trip<\/a>. Galveston experiences about six days of rainfall and average temperatures of 67\u00b0F\u202fduring the month of December. The average water temperature is about 58\u00b0F, so a bit chillier than Florida\u2019s beaches, but still swimmable for more adventurous travelers.\u202f<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It might be a little colder than others we\u2019ve mentioned so far,\u202fbut Galveston Beach is still among the best beaches to visit in December\u202fbecause of the plethora of activities you can do\u202fon\u202fthe water, without actually having to be\u202fin\u202fthe water.\u202fIf you don\u2019t feel like swimming, you can take boat tours of the gulf to see dolphins <\/strong>or head to Galveston Island State Park, home to an array of great kayaking opportunities <\/strong>and fishing spots.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you\u2019re done with water activities for the day, head to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier <\/strong>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 i<\/strong>s also a main attraction of the island, as it\u2019s home to sharks, monkeys, and other marine life.<\/strong>\u202fCome prepared to visit all the attractions at your own pace, by renting a car from our nearby branch in Housten<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Laguna Beach:\u202fDon\u2019t Miss this Winter Beach Vacation for Surfers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"
    Photo by Daniel Salcius on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n

    Location: <\/strong>Laguna Beach, California<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Temperature December<\/strong>: 65\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Water Temperature December:<\/strong> 60\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Days of rain:<\/strong> 5 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special: <\/strong>Great surfing spot; whale and dolphin watching<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    This legendary beach, situated between Los Angeles and San Diego<\/strong>, is one of the best US beaches in December. It became a household name after the premiere of the hit reality TV series \u201cLaguna Beach: The Real Orange County\u201d, 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,<\/strong> averaging temperatures of 65\u00b0F\u202fand water temperatures of 60\u00b0F. Rain falls here about five days of the month in December.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Pacific Ocean may be known for being much chillier than the Atlantic, but it also has some of the best surfing <\/strong>around. This makes it a perfect spot for surf enthusiasts,<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, as winter is the best time to spot these majestic creatures as they migrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re looking for a bit of culture and local scenery,<\/strong> you can explore Laguna Beach\u2019s many art galleries <\/strong>or hike<\/strong> the trails of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park<\/strong>, best reached by car.\u202fFrom these lookout points, you\u2019ll be able to see the many canyons and coves that make up the city\u2019s coastline.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/a> and the one at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. La Jolla Cove:\u202fFind Caves and Cliffs in this Beach to Visit in December<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"
    Photo by Alexia Laiter Garza on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Location:<\/strong> San Diego, California<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Temperature December<\/strong>: 66\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Water Temperature December:<\/strong> 61\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Days of rain:<\/strong> 4 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special: <\/strong>Sunny; Impressive landscape with mysterious caves and picturesque cliffs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    La Jolla Cove is located in San Diego, one of the state\u2019s southernmost cities.\u202fAs a result, it\u2019s 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\u00b0F\u202fand an average water temperature of 61\u00b0F,\u202fit\u2019ll be easier to enter the water here than\u202fmost other places\u202fin the state. San Diego also only gets about four days of rainfall, meaning it\u2019s more than likely you\u2019ll have a sunny vacation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    La Jolla Cove isn\u2019t a traditional beach per se, so it\u2019s the perfect spot if you\u2019re 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 <\/strong>this beach\u2019s landscape. If you want to explore the unique terrain in and around the water, opt to take a kayaking or paddle-boarding tour <\/strong>around the coves. Marine life such as seals and sea lions<\/strong> abound, and you will definitely want to stay to watch the sunset <\/strong>over the cliffs.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you get hungry, sample incredible seafood along the coast or delight in some authentic Mexican cuisine around town.\u202fYou can also hop in the car to visit the\u202fworld-famous Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo<\/strong>, or head to the USS Midway Museum to learn more about our country\u2019s military\u202fhistory.\u202fWhen you are ready to visit La Jolla Cove, the SIXT location at the San Diego International Airport (SAN)<\/a> will wait for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Kailua Beach:\u202fA Great One if Look for Warm Beaches in December<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Photo by Jeton Bajrami on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    \n

    Location:<\/strong> Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Temperature December<\/strong>: 75\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Water Temperature December:<\/strong> 77\u00b0F<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Av. Days of rain:<\/strong> 14 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special: <\/strong>Family-friendly; Kiteboarding and Kayaking spots<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Heading even further west, we\u2019d be remiss if we didn\u2019t 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.<\/strong> Located on the northeastern edge of Oahu, Kailua experiences average temperatures of about 75\u00b0F\u202fand average water temperatures of about 77\u00b0F.\u202fYou 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.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Oahu is famous for experiencing strong waves in the winter, but Kailua Beach is an exception. Its gentle waters<\/strong> make Kailua Beach a family-friendly <\/strong>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<\/strong> on particularly calm days. Looking for an extra dose of adventure? Why not try kiteboarding instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After a fun-filled day in the sun, cool off with some authentic Hawaiian shaved ice or a local brew (coffee or beer; they\u2019ve got both). If you\u2019re not done with the outdoors yet, head to the Lanikai Pillbox for some amazing hikes and great views.<\/strong> Ready to visit Kailua Beach? Head to the SIXT location in Oahu<\/a> and book a car so you can enjoy your beach adventure on your own terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Now that you know\u202fsome of\u202fthe best beaches to visit in December,\u202fit\u2019s time to\u202fchoose the one that strikes your fancy the most! There are beaches across the US\u202fthat you can pick based on your preferences on location, water activities, temperatures, and more.\u202fIf you want to hit more than one, you can even rent a car and make a road trip out of it<\/strong>, whether you want to explore beaches on the East Coast<\/a>\u202for the West Coast.<\/a> Happy travels!\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n