If you're the type who eschews winter and prefers to fly south for the season, we understand. The cold-weather months aren't for the faint of heart, or the always-cold types who spend the season hibernating indoors. What if, instead of wishing away the winter and praying to Punxsutawney Phil, you allowed yourself a mid-season getaway -- the chance to relax and recharge, someplace warm and inviting? These places like the Caribbean in the U.S. offer just that: sun, surf, sand, and sublime scenic surroundings sure to make you forget it's winter, if only for a while.
1. Laguna Beach, California
Seven miles of California coastline filled with palm trees, white sand shores, and glittering waters make Laguna Beach undeniably attractive in the winter. While a certain MTV show painted Laguna Beach as excessively opulent and high falutin, this SoCal beach town is surprisingly friendly and accessible. Laguna's beaches are packed during the summer, but during the winter, they are considerably less crowded. The temperatures are pleasant, the waves are perfect, and the views – golden cliffs and multimillion-dollar houses, some with elevators -- are a sunny shot of serotonin!
2. Sand Harbor State Park - Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Yes, we know: Tahoe temps are anything but tropical in the winter. But with its white sand shores and turquoise waters, Sand Harbor State Park has the soul of a Caribbean paradise. The beach here is stunning, nestled in one of the most pristine and picture-perfect places in the U.S. Lake Tahoe is the ultimate vacation for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the best hiking, camping, and recreation in the country all year round, not to mention the fact that it's one of the clearest lakes in the U.S. But, unless you're keen on polar plunges, skip the swimsuit and bring a winter coat!
3. Windsor Beach - Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Out to prove that Arizona is more than just desert, Lake Havasu is a surprising oasis that you might not expect to find in the landlocked Southwest. The fine, white sand (imported from nearby Nevada) and copious palm trees on Windsor Beach would look right at home on any tropical island, but instead, visitors to Lake Havasu are well-positioned to explore the Grand Canyon State in all its splendor. While summer brings near-endless opportunities for aquatic recreation, the winter months provide a calm and quiet respite that's much appreciated after the busy holiday season.
4. Castle Hot Springs - Arizona
For a change of pace this winter, enjoy the warm waters of ... Castle Hot Springs in Arizona. This hot springs features all the amazing amenities you'd expect at an all-inclusive resort, including chef-made meals, exclusive access to the springs, and organized activities like guided hikes and farm tours. Of course, the main attraction here is the springs, and they don't disappoint. Several secluded pools are located within Castle Hot Springs; and between the springs themselves, luxurious resort, and sublime scenery, you're all but guaranteed to have a wholly unique and pleasurable soaking experience at this desert oasis.
5. Galveston Island, Texas
It's easy to forget that Texas *is* a coastal state, boasting some 367 miles of sandy shoreline. Galveston Island is one of the Lone Star State's most beloved waterfront oases, offering visitors a less-crowded beachfront experience than the ever-popular South Padre Island. In addition to the outdoor scenery that's downright Caribbean, the town boasts a bucket-list-worthy tropical attraction, too. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Indoor Waterpark attracts visitors from far and wide with its water chutes, speed slides, wave pool, and, for the adults, an enormous 30,000-person hot tub with a swim-up bar. Paradise in Texas with an umbrella-topped drink on the beach? We're there.
6. Juniper Springs, Florida
Beaches aren't the only taste of the tropics in Florida; Juniper Springs is home to over 700 glorious springs -- the largest collection on the planet. But the best and most beautiful is hidden deep within the lush Ocala National Forest. Because it's here where you'll find Juniper Springs, a real-life hidden oasis. Feeding what is seemingly a tropical paradise are hundreds of small bubbling cascades, as well as massive springs, pumping out cool, 72-degree water all day long. Nestled in a verdant-green tropical forest, visitors can spend the afternoon swimming beneath the shade of Florida's palms and oaks. This gorgeous spring not only affords Insta-worthy views but also offers an accessible, bucket-list experience for families.
7. Key West, Florida
The Florida Keys are one of the top vacation destinations in the country, proving that you don’t have to leave the country to enjoy a tropical paradise. Whether you stick to the smaller, quieter keys like Islamorada or head to Key West to live it up, you're in for a tropical treat filled with once-in-a-lifetime adventures, like flying on seaplanes, scuba diving, and visiting the southernmost part of the country. While you can fly into Key West, we are major fans of taking the scenic route: the Overseas Highway. From its origin just outside of Homestead to its terminus in Key West, this 113-mile stretch of highway crosses 42 bridges and travels over the largest of the Florida Keys, and it's a drive that will truly put you in an "island" frame of mind.
8. Sanibel Island, Florida
Hailed as one of the most beautiful places in the world, Sanibel Island, Florida, is extraordinary in every way. This island is best known for its white sand beaches dotted with a kaleidoscope of vibrant seashells. The sunsets here are incredibly colorful, too; truly one of the most sublime spectacles you'll ever experience. With a drink in hand and toes in the sand, a tropical paradise awaits on Sanibel Island this winter.
9. Seaside, Florida
Seaside is an enchanting waterfront community in Florida that has quietly become one of the most coveted vacation destinations in the state. In addition to incredible boutiques, charming retailers (including an independent bookstore and record shop), and an adorable grocery, the town's Central Square is home to a world of cuisine, from fine dining restaurants to a lineup of food trucks on Airstream Row, and has been listed as one of the most beautiful spaces in the world. The location of the picture-perfect town of Seahaven in "The Truman Show," Seaside is one of the most idyllic coastal locales in the country; and unlike its fictional counterpart, Seaside is the real deal; a beautiful oasis that's as good as it gets.
10. Orange Beach, Alabama
A tropical treasure hiding in Alabama, Orange Beach is a glorious winter getaway that's a beloved local secret. The sand is 95 percent quartz -- snow-white and sparkling -- and the waters are a shockingly brilliant cerulean blue. Nine-mile Orange Beach is the perfect little oasis for your next getaway, complete with warm water, lots of room to spread out your beach blanket, and restaurants just off the sand -- and even on the water! Home to tiki bars and cruise ships, Orange Beach is a celebrated tropical paradise oozing with Southern charm and hospitality.
11. St. Simons Island, Georgia
The Golden Isles of Georgia include some of the most pristine islands in the country -- Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and St. Simons Island. It's here you'll find one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the country, surrounded with lush vegetation that's reminiscent of the Big Island. Of course, the rest of St. Simons is equally dazzling, flush with abundant flora and fauna, pristine beaches, and classic beach town charm. The beaches are also a great way to get a feel for the area, whether it’s setting up shop on East Beach with a towel and umbrella or simply exploring on a bike along the St. Simons Island Trail System.
12. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
There's a reason Hilton Head is a top U.S. vacation destination, and that's because this South Carolina island is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches. From the moment you drive over the iconic James F. Byrnes Bridge into Hilton Head, you'll truly be on island time. This well-planned island boasts 12 miles of beaches and is divided into 11 primary locales, each with its own restaurants, shopping, recreation, and beach access. Nothing about Hilton Head feels commercial or touristy either, as the main attraction here truly is the beach. And with a near-endless expanse of picturesque shoreline, Hilton Head Island truly is a bona fide American oasis.
13. The Omni Homestead Resort - Hot Springs, Virginia
Tucked away in the aptly-named Hot Springs, Virginia, the Omni Homestead Resort is a historic accommodation that has attracted visitors from near and far for centuries. Not only does this hotel offer the perfect setting for a winter getaway, but it also features natural hot springs that will warm you up on even the chilliest days. The original lodging was built in 1766 to be in close proximity to the hot springs, which were believed to be therapeutic; today, these springs are still the resort's most popular feature. Tropical? Not quite. But oasis? Absolutely. Can you imagine a more picturesque setting for watching the snow fall than this picture-perfect, naturally heated outdoor pool? We certainly can't.
14. Hāpuna Beach, Hawaii
Named the Best Beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2021, Hāpuna Beach is the very definition of paradise. It's a 61.8-acre oasis with a gorgeous stretch of white shoreline and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, bodysurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Hāpuna Beach State Park is also part of a sweeping sea change that's happening in Hawaii: in order to protect and preserve its pristine shores, the state has banned the sale of all SPF sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, and smoking is prohibited on all Hawaii beaches. Small steps can affect big change, and Hāpuna Beach State Park certainly is a tropical oasis worth preserving.
Don't let the cold get you down; embrace this time of year and plan some warm weather winter getaways at any of these glorious places like the Caribbean in the U.S. This might just be what you need to power through the snowy months ahead. If you still enjoy playing in winter weather but need a fun getaway, try some of the best places to visit in December (including both warm weather and snow-filled destinations).
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