December offers budget travelers exceptional opportunities across America. Savannah's historic charm, San Antonio's vibrant culture, and Charleston's Southern elegance provide affordable escapes during the shoulder season. Oahu delivers surprising value, while Salt Lake City offers winter sports without the crowds.
These destinations prove that memorable trips don't require hefty budgets. Keep reading as we uncover the best cheap places to travel in December that deliver maximum experience for minimum spend.
List of Contents
- 1. Savannah: Southern Grace Without the Heat
- 2. San Antonio: Fiesta Spirit Meets Winter Comfort
- 3. St. Augustine: America's Oldest City in Perfect Weather
- 4. Oahu: Paradise Without Peak Pricing
- 5. Salt Lake City: Mountain Access Without Altitude Sickness
- 6. Oceanside: California Surf Without Hollywood Prices
- 7. Charleston: Low Country Charm in High Season
- 8. Austin: Live Music Capital in Perfect Weather
- 9. Albuquerque: Desert Beauty Without Desert Heat
- 10. Colorado Springs: Rocky Mountain High at Ground Level
1. Savannah: Southern Grace Without the Heat
December transforms Savannah into a walker's paradise. The oppressive summer humidity disappears, leaving crisp mornings perfect for exploring the historic district's 24 squares.
The city's Christmas decorations turn every cobblestone street into a postcard scene. Horse-drawn carriage tours cost less in winter, and you'll actually enjoy the ride without sweating through your clothes.
Local restaurants offer winter specials that summer tourists never see. Duck into The Collins Quarter on Bull Street for their seasonal menu—locals know it's when they serve their best dishes.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: March-May, summer
- How to get there: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Amtrak
- Entry fees: Free walking tours available, historic homes from $12
- Suggested stay: 2-3 days
- Must-see spots: Forsyth Park, River Street, Bonaventure Cemetery
2. San Antonio: Fiesta Spirit Meets Winter Comfort
The River Walk sparkles with holiday lights in December, creating magic without the crushing summer crowds. Temperatures hover in the comfortable 60s—perfect for wandering the cobblestone paths along the San Antonio River.
I discovered the best breakfast tacos aren't downtown but at Rosario's on Southtown. Locals line up here before work, and the migas will ruin you for airport food forever.
The Majestic Theatre hosts holiday performances that showcase the city's cultural soul. Book tickets early—San Antonians take their arts seriously.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: March-May, Fiesta season
- How to get there: San Antonio International Airport, Amtrak
- Entry fees: Riverwalk free, attractions from $8-15
- Suggested stay: 2-3 days
- Must-see spots: River Walk, Pearl Farmers Market, San Antonio Missions
3. St. Augustine: America's Oldest City in Perfect Weather
December delivers St. Augustine's most pleasant weather—mid-70s with ocean breezes that make walking the narrow streets pure joy. Summer's stifling heat and crowds vanish, leaving you free to explore America's oldest city properly.
The Castillo de San Marcos takes on different character in winter light. Fewer tourists mean you can actually read the historical markers and imagine the Spanish soldiers who once walked these ramparts.
Skip the tourist trolleys and walk everywhere. The city spans just 12 blocks, and you'll discover hidden courtyards and local cafes that tour groups miss entirely.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: Summer months
- How to get there: Jacksonville Airport (45 min drive), Amtrak to Palatka
- Entry fees: Historic sites from $5, Castillo $15
- Suggested stay: 2-3 days
- Must-see spots: Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, Lightner Museum
4. Oahu: Paradise Without Peak Pricing
December on Oahu means fewer crowds and significantly lower accommodation rates. The north shore's legendary waves are at their peak, providing world-class entertainment for the price of a beach chair.
Waikiki transforms in winter. The beach empties by 6 PM, giving you those golden hour shots without photobombing tourists. Local food trucks near Ala Moana Park serve plate lunches that cost half what hotel restaurants charge.
The best snorkeling happens at Hanauma Bay early morning when the water is calmest. Arrive by 7 AM to avoid crowds and witness the reef at its most active.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December-March (but great deals exist)
- How to get there: Honolulu International Airport
- Entry fees: Beaches free, Hanauma Bay $25
- Suggested stay: 4-7 days
- Must-see spots: North Shore, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay
5. Salt Lake City: Mountain Access Without Altitude Sickness
December brings Utah's famous powder snow, but Salt Lake City sits at a manageable elevation where you won't gasp for breath. The city serves as base camp for world-class skiing just 30 minutes away.
Temple Square's Christmas lights display rivals any major city's, yet admission costs nothing. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rehearsals are free and open to visitors—pure vocal magic in an acoustic marvel.
Local breweries have mastered high-altitude brewing, creating unique flavors you won't find elsewhere. Proper Brewing Company crafts beers specifically designed for the thin air.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: Summer for hiking, winter for skiing
- How to get there: Salt Lake City International Airport
- Entry fees: Temple Square free, ski resorts from $60/day
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: Temple Square, Antelope Island, Park City nearby
6. Oceanside: California Surf Without Hollywood Prices
While San Diego tourists pack the beaches to the south, Oceanside maintains its laid-back surf town authenticity. December brings consistent waves and comfortable 65-degree weather perfect for long pier walks.
The wooden pier extends 1,942 feet into the Pacific—one of California's longest. Fish from the end for free, or simply watch surfers navigate the break below. Sunrise here beats any expensive tourist attraction.
Local surf shops rent boards for reasonable daily rates. Even beginners can handle Oceanside's forgiving winter waves, and instructors charge half what they do in Malibu.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: Summer months
- How to get there: San Diego Airport (45 min), Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
- Entry fees: Beach access free, surfboard rentals from $30/day
- Suggested stay: 2-3 days
- Must-see spots: Oceanside Pier, Harbor area, Mission San Luis Rey
7. Charleston: Low Country Charm in High Season
December showcases Charleston at its most elegant. Historic mansion tours become pleasant walks rather than sweltering ordeals. The city's famous gardens display winter blooms that summer visitors never witness.
King Street shopping lacks summer's tourist frenzy, allowing genuine browsing in locally-owned boutiques. Restaurant reservations become possible again—even at establishments that require months of advance booking in summer.
Take the ferry to Fort Sumter early morning when harbor mist creates photography magic. The boat ride provides harbor views that expensive private tours can't match.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: Spring and fall
- How to get there: Charleston International Airport, Amtrak
- Entry fees: Historic tours from $15, Fort Sumter $20
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: Historic District, Rainbow Row, Magnolia Plantation, Fort Sumter
8. Austin: Live Music Capital in Perfect Weather
December eliminates Austin's notorious summer heat, making outdoor music venues genuinely enjoyable again. The city's food truck scene thrives in cooler weather, with vendors offering seasonal specialties unavailable during scorching summers.
South by Southwest crowds won't arrive for months, meaning you'll experience Austin as locals do—relaxed, unhurried, and authentically weird. Venue cover charges drop significantly, and you'll actually hear the music over conversation.
Zilker Park hosts events year-round, but December offers the rare combination of green grass and comfortable temperatures. Bring a blanket and join pickup soccer games that welcome anyone.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: SXSW (March), summer festivals
- How to get there: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Entry fees: Many venues free, music halls from $10-25
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: 6th Street, South Lamar, Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake
9. Albuquerque: Desert Beauty Without Desert Heat
December temperatures in Albuquerque hover in the pleasant 50s—perfect for exploring without the desert's punishing summer conditions. The high desert landscape takes on golden hues that photographers dream about.
Old Town's adobe architecture glows in winter light. The plaza hosts traditional luminaria displays that transform the historic district into something magical. Local artisans sell genuine Native American crafts at fair prices.
The Rio Grande Bosque trail offers easy walking among cottonwoods. Most visitors skip this urban forest entirely, but December's bare branches reveal mountain views that summer foliage conceals.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: Spring and fall
- How to get there: Albuquerque International Sunport
- Entry fees: Old Town free, museums from $7-12
- Suggested stay: 2-3 days
- Must-see spots: Old Town Plaza, Sandia Peak Tramway, Petroglyph National Monument
10. Colorado Springs: Rocky Mountain High at Ground Level
December in Colorado Springs means snow-capped peaks without the altitude adjustment period that Denver requires. The city sits at 6,000 feet—high enough for dramatic views, manageable enough to function normally.
Garden of the Gods becomes a winter wonderland when snow dusts the red rock formations. The free park offers hiking trails suitable for any fitness level, with payoffs that rival expensive national park entries.
Locals know that Manitou Springs' penny arcade costs less than a movie ticket and provides hours of vintage entertainment. The nearby mineral springs flow year-round, offering a unique taste of geological history.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: Summer hiking season
- How to get there: Colorado Springs Airport, Denver International (2 hours)
- Entry fees: Garden of the Gods free, attractions from $10-20
- Suggested stay: 3-4 days
- Must-see spots: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
December travel in America rewards the budget-conscious adventurer. These destinations offer authentic experiences without the premium pricing that peak seasons demand.
Pack layers and an open mind. Book accommodations early for the best deals, but leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
Your December adventure awaits—cheaper than you imagined, warmer than you expected, and more memorable than any expensive summer vacation.
