December transforms America into a playground of diverse experiences, making it the perfect time to discover the best places to go in December in US. Whether you're escaping winter's grip or embracing seasonal magic, the country offers everything from sun-soaked beaches to desert adventures.
From Florida's endless summer to Hawaii's tropical paradise, these destinations promise unforgettable memories. California's coastal charm, Arizona's desert warmth, and Texas's vibrant culture create perfect December getaways.
Get ready to pack your bags as we explore America's most captivating December destinations.
List of Contents
- 1. Key West, Florida: America's Caribbean Dream
- 2. Miami, Florida: Art Deco Winter Wonderland
- 3. San Diego, California: Eternal Spring
- 4. Phoenix, Arizona: Desert Sophistication
- 5. Hawaii: Tropical Paradise Perfected
- 6. Southern Utah: Winter's Hidden Gem
- 7. South Carolina: Southern Charm in Winter
- 8. New Mexico: Land of Enchantment
- 9. Nevada: Desert Oasis
- 10. California's Central Coast: Mediterranean Winter
- 11. Texas Hill Country: Hidden Winter Paradise
- 12. Louisiana: Cultural Winter Wonderland
- 13. Florida Keys: Tropical Highway
- 14. Arizona's Sedona: Spiritual Winter Retreat
- Your December Adventure Awaits
1. Key West, Florida: America's Caribbean Dream
Key West feels like a different country entirely. The southernmost point of the continental United States maintains 80-degree temperatures while the rest of America shivers. I remember watching the sunset from Mallory Square on a December evening—street performers, key lime pie vendors, and that impossible green flash as the sun disappeared into the Gulf of Mexico.
The island operates on “island time,” where urgency dissolves like sugar in rum. Hemingway's six-toed cats still roam his former home, and the ghost of Tennessee Williams seems to haunt every sunset celebration. December brings perfect weather without summer's oppressive humidity or hurricane season's uncertainty.
2. Miami, Florida: Art Deco Winter Wonderland
Miami Beach in December offers something magical—perfect weather without the crushing summer heat. The Art Deco District transforms into an outdoor museum where every building tells a story of 1930s optimism. Ocean Drive buzzes with energy as temperatures hover around 75 degrees.
I've walked these streets at dawn when the pastel buildings catch the first light, creating photography that needs no filters. The contrast between beach relaxation and urban sophistication makes Miami uniquely American. December means pool parties, beach volleyball, and dining al fresco while northern cities bundle up.
3. San Diego, California: Eternal Spring
San Diego perfects the impossible—consistent 70-degree weather year-round. December feels like eternal spring, with jacaranda trees blooming purple against impossible blue skies. Balboa Park becomes a winter paradise where you can explore museums, gardens, and the famous zoo without weather concerns.
The craft beer scene explodes with over 150 breweries, each offering unique perspectives on California's laid-back culture. I recommend the sunset cliffs at La Jolla—watching surfers catch waves while sea lions bark from the rocks below creates pure California magic.
4. Phoenix, Arizona: Desert Sophistication
Phoenix transforms winter into art. December temperatures settle into the perfect 70s, making hiking, golf, and outdoor dining absolute pleasure. The Sonoran Desert surrounds the city with its alien beauty—saguaro cacti standing like ancient sentinels against mountain backdrops.
Have you ever felt the desert's silence? At Papago Park, just before sunrise, the world holds its breath. The city's resort culture reaches its peak in December, with poolside relaxation and desert spa treatments becoming daily rituals rather than rare luxuries.
5. Hawaii: Tropical Paradise Perfected
Hawaii in December means whale watching season and perfect 80-degree weather. The winter swells bring some of the world's best surfing to the North Shore, while the South Shore remains calm for swimming and snorkeling. The trade winds keep humidity comfortable, and rainfall brings brief, warm showers that refresh rather than ruin.
I witnessed humpback whales breaching off Maui's coast one December morning—40-ton creatures launching themselves skyward with impossible grace. The moment reminded me why Hawaii remains America's most remote paradise, where time moves differently and stress evaporates like morning mist.
6. Southern Utah: Winter's Hidden Gem
Southern Utah keeps a December secret—perfect hiking weather and dramatic red rock landscapes without summer's punishing heat. Zion National Park transforms into a winter wonderland where you can hike the Narrows without overheating and explore slot canyons in comfortable temperatures.
The contrast between snow-capped peaks and red sandstone creates photography that seems impossible. December brings crisp mornings and warm afternoons, perfect for exploring Arches, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon without the crowds that overwhelm these parks in summer.
7. South Carolina: Southern Charm in Winter
Charleston in December embodies Southern elegance without oppressive humidity. The historic district becomes walkable paradise where cobblestone streets lead to antebellum mansions draped in Spanish moss. Average temperatures in the 60s make carriage tours and walking tours comfortable adventures.
The city's culinary scene reaches its peak with comfort food season—shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and bourbon-soaked desserts warm winter evenings. December brings holiday tours of historic homes, revealing how Charleston's aristocracy lived during America's most complex historical periods.
8. New Mexico: Land of Enchantment
Santa Fe in December offers something unique—high desert winter that combines snow-capped mountains with 300 days of sunshine annually. The city's adobe architecture glows golden in winter light, while Christmas luminarias line the streets in traditional celebration.
The art scene thrives in winter when galleries host special exhibitions and the opera house transforms into intimate venues. I remember walking through the Plaza at dawn, breathing air so crisp it felt like champagne, while the Sangre de Cristo Mountains caught first light in impossible shades of pink and gold.
9. Nevada: Desert Oasis
Las Vegas in December trades summer's 110-degree heat for perfect 60-degree days. The desert city becomes outdoor paradise where you can explore Red Rock Canyon, hike Valley of Fire, and enjoy rooftop dining without melting. The Strip transforms into winter wonderland with holiday decorations and comfortable walking weather.
Beyond the casinos, Nevada's desert beauty emerges in December's mild temperatures. Lake Tahoe offers skiing just four hours away, while the desert provides hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor adventures impossible during summer's furnace-like conditions.
10. California's Central Coast: Mediterranean Winter
California's Central Coast in December feels like the Mediterranean—cool mornings, warm afternoons, and stunning ocean views. Big Sur's dramatic coastline becomes accessible without summer's crowds, while Highway 1 offers the world's most scenic driving experience.
The wine country around Paso Robles and Santa Barbara reaches its peak in December, with harvest celebrations and perfect weather for vineyard tours. I remember tasting Pinot Noir while watching fog roll over coastal mountains—a moment that captured California's natural sophistication.
11. Texas Hill Country: Hidden Winter Paradise
Austin and the Texas Hill Country surprise visitors with December's perfect weather—60s during the day, 40s at night. The music scene explodes with holiday festivals, while the barbecue culture reaches its peak with outdoor dining weather. Lake Travis and the surrounding hills offer hiking and outdoor adventures without summer's oppressive heat.
The contrast between urban sophistication and rural charm creates uniquely Texas experiences. December brings bluebonnet season preparation and perfect weather for exploring the state's surprisingly diverse landscapes.
12. Louisiana: Cultural Winter Wonderland
New Orleans in December offers the perfect combination of comfortable weather and cultural richness. The French Quarter becomes walkable paradise where you can explore historic architecture, world-class cuisine, and legendary music scene without summer's crushing humidity.
The city's holiday celebrations blend French, Spanish, and African traditions into uniquely American festivities. I remember hearing jazz echo through the Quarter on a December evening, while the scent of beignets and coffee mixed with cool night air—pure New Orleans magic.
13. Florida Keys: Tropical Highway
The Florida Keys in December create the perfect road trip destination. The Overseas Highway connects tropical islands with bridges that seem to float over turquoise water. Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon offer world-class fishing, snorkeling, and diving without summer's heat or hurricane season's uncertainty.
The Keys' unique culture—part Florida, part Caribbean—reaches its peak in December's perfect weather. Fresh stone crab, key lime pie, and sunset celebrations create memories that last lifetimes.
14. Arizona's Sedona: Spiritual Winter Retreat
Sedona in December combines red rock beauty with perfect hiking weather. The town's spiritual energy seems amplified in winter's clear air, while the art galleries and spas offer indoor alternatives to outdoor adventures. The contrast between desert landscapes and alpine forests creates unique beauty.
The vortex energy that draws spiritual seekers worldwide feels most accessible in December's crisp air. I remember meditating at Cathedral Rock as the sun set, painting the red rocks in shades that seemed to glow from within.
Your December Adventure Awaits
December in America offers endless possibilities for unforgettable experiences. From Key West's tropical paradise to Arizona's desert sophistication, the best places to go in December in US provide perfect escapes from winter's grip.
These destinations promise warm weather, outdoor adventures, and cultural richness that make December travel rewarding. Whether you choose Florida's beaches, California's coastline, or the Southwest's desert beauty, your December getaway will create memories that last lifetimes.
Start planning your December adventure today. Your perfect winter escape awaits in America's most captivating destinations.
