December brings to mind bone-chilling weather and the hassle of holiday time, so why not plan to head to the beach? There are plenty of options around the Caribbean and Hawaii - perfect winter escapes that are still relatively close to home. Here's a list for the best beach vacations in December.
This beach on Hawaii's Big Island is the epitome of beaches for this state. It's one of the most photographed in an area full of incredible beaches. With palm trees, white sand, and calm water, Kauna'oa is a great spot for sunbathing and water sports like standup paddle boarding and skiing. It's also close to several golf courses, so bring your clubs.
It's tough to choose a favorite beach on the Caribbean island of Antigua, but Half Moon Bay's mile-long white sand beach is perfect for best beach vacations in December. On the east coast of the island, the sweeping curve of Half Moon Bay is as photogenic as it is relaxing.
The beaches around Tortola in the British Virgin Islands can be crowded, especially in winter, but Cane Garden Bay keeps a low profile. It's still an excellent pick for a beach vacation, with its pristine stretch of sand perfect for joggers.
This Grand Cayman beach is long - making it a great place for a winter stroll. The water is always warm here, too, with an average winter temperature of 80 degrees. Plenty of great vacation rentals are nestled in this area, which makes getting to the beach easy.
The Grenadines Island is somewhat remote, so it's guaranteed to be free of the typical Caribbean winter crowds. The water and the beaches here are ideal, and you'll probably have it all to yourself, making Canouan one of the best beach vacations in December.
This beach stretches for 12 miles on the coast of
Providenciales, in Turks and Caicos, and has won numerous awards for its resplendent beaches and scenery. There's a coral reef just a few miles from shore that is great for snorkeling and scuba diving, too.
Much of the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is protected by the expansive Virgin Islands National Park. As a result, the beaches on the island are pristine and free from huge hotels and resorts. Check out Trunk Bay, on the northern coast of the national park. It boasts an underwater snorkeling "trail," with markers to guide you through the reef.
In Belize, a caye is an island, and this is one of the best in the country for its beaches and scenery. It's important to book your vacation rental in Belize after hurricane season, so choosing December for a visit accomplishes that. On Ambergris Caye, the funky beach town of San Pedro awaits, as does outstanding fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. And with Belize recently turning down an opportunity to become a cruise ship destination, you'll be free of the hordes on this island.
This Panamanian national park protects pristine beaches, untouched jungle, and a string of islands called
Cayos Zapatillas , or "Slippers Islands." The snorkeling is great here and you can hike (or take a boat) from one beach to the next.
Despite its popularity with winter tourists, this Mexican town on the Pacific Ocean has retained its charm, and it has excellent beaches to boot. The restaurants, shops, and cafes along the boardwalk still feel uniquely Mexican, while the nightlife provides yet another draw.
Kid-friendly Rentals in the Caribbean
Right at the beach of the gated community of Costambar, only 12 miles from the Puerto Plata Intl. Airport we offer you this oceanfront fully staffed villa (sleeps up to 14 people). You will enjoy being pampered by the full time maid. She will make...
Villa les lauriers is located in Anse des cayes St Barthelemy and has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a pool. This newly completed villa has a nice view over the ocean and Bonhomme Island. The decor is nice with a large living room which opens to t...
Beautiful, modern, private pool villas in Holetown on Barbados west coast, set in tranquil location with tropical gardens with humming birds, just 4 mins walk to St. James beach and 5 mins walk from many restaurants,bars and shops. Enjoy a spacio...
Beautiful Caribbean Villa located on the Canal in Discovery Bay. This Waterfront property is .75 Acres of Privacy. 50 Feet of Waterfront with a 35 Ft 2 Tiered Dock. Gorgeous retaining wall garden with palm trees and flowering shrubs. The dock has ...
A beautiful house set on a lush hillside overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Flambeau House is the perfect getaway for couples, small or large families and groups seeking the ideal West Indian lifestyle. Mahogany floors, high airy ceilings and spacious...
Half Moon Bay