Florida transforms into a winter paradise in December, offering warm sunshine while much of America shivers in cold. Best places to visit in Florida in December include historic St. Augustine with its famous Nights of Lights, the magical theme parks of Orlando, and the tropical keys stretching toward Key West. Miami beckons with Art Basel festivities, while the Everglades reveal their wildlife secrets in cooler temperatures.
December delivers Florida at its finest—perfect weather, fewer crowds than summer, and holiday magic everywhere you look. Keep reading as we uncover the best places to visit in Florida in December that will make your winter escape unforgettable.
List of Contents
- 1. St. Augustine: America's Oldest City Dressed in Light
- 2. Orlando: Where Holiday Magic Multiplies
- 3. Everglades National Park: Wildlife Awakens in Cool Air
- 4. Key West: Tropical Christmas at Land's End
- 5. Miami: Art, Beach, and Endless Energy
- 6. Destin: Emerald Coast Winter Refuge
- 7. Fort Lauderdale: Yachts and Waterways
- 8. The Ten Thousand Islands: Mangrove Maze Mystery
- 9. Fort Pierce: Treasure Coast Tranquility
- 10. Florida Botanical Gardens (Largo): Tropical Paradise
- 11. Delray Beach: Cultural Coast Charm
- 12. Blue Spring State Park (Orange City): Manatee Winter Haven
1. St. Augustine: America's Oldest City Dressed in Light
December brings St. Augustine's most magical moment. The Nights of Lights festival transforms the historic district into a wonderland of twinkling illumination that runs through January.
I walked down St. George Street on a crisp December evening, watching families gather under oak trees draped in millions of lights. The temperature hovers in the comfortable 60s during the day, dropping to the 50s at night—perfect for evening strolls.
Skip the crowded weekend nights. Visit Tuesday through Thursday when the streets belong more to you than the crowds.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-February (Nights of Lights)
- Getting There: I-95 to SR-16 East, 1 hour from Jacksonville
- Entry Fees: Most attractions from $15-25
- Suggested Stay: 2-3 nights
- Must-See: Castillo de San Marcos, Historic District, Lightner Museum, Anastasia State Park
2. Orlando: Where Holiday Magic Multiplies
Orlando in December means theme parks dressed for Christmas and weather that cooperates. Days reach the mid-70s while evenings cool to the 50s—ideal for marathon park days.
Disney World and Universal Orlando pour everything into their holiday celebrations. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party runs select nights, while Universal's Holiday Parade lights up the streets.
Book park tickets online weeks ahead. December crowds build toward New Year's, but early December offers the sweet spot of decorations without peak crowds.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-January (Holiday events)
- Getting There: Orlando International Airport, I-4 connections
- Entry Fees: Theme parks from $109 per day
- Suggested Stay: 4-7 nights
- Must-Experience: Disney World holiday shows, Universal Holiday Parade, ICON Park, City Walk
3. Everglades National Park: Wildlife Awakens in Cool Air
December brings the Everglades' best season. The summer heat and humidity retreat, leaving comfortable temperatures and active wildlife.
Alligators sun themselves on canal banks while wading birds gather in impressive numbers. The mosquitoes that terrorize summer visitors disappear, making hiking and photography pleasant.
Take the Anhinga Trail early morning when wildlife activity peaks. Park rangers say December through April offers the most reliable animal sightings.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-April (Dry season)
- Getting There: Homestead entrance via FL Turnpike to US-1
- Entry Fees: $30 per vehicle (7 days)
- Suggested Stay: 1-2 nights
- Wildlife Spots: Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley, Flamingo area
4. Key West: Tropical Christmas at Land's End
Key West maintains its tropical feel even in December. Temperatures hold steady in the mid-70s during the day, dipping only to the low 70s at night.
The island celebrates the holidays with a quirky twist. Sunset at Mallory Square still draws crowds, but December sunsets paint the sky in deeper colors as the sun sits lower on the horizon.
Rent a bike instead of driving. Key West spans just four miles end to end, and parking costs more than pedaling.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-April
- Getting There: US-1 South, 3.5 hours from Miami
- Entry Fees: Most attractions $15-30
- Suggested Stay: 2-4 nights
- Island Highlights: Mallory Square sunset, Hemingway House, Dry Tortugas day trip, Duval Street
5. Miami: Art, Beach, and Endless Energy
December marks Miami's social season peak. Art Basel transforms the city into an international art fair while South Beach parties continue under perfect skies.
The weather delivers consistently—highs near 80°F, lows in the mid-60s, and minimal rain. Ocean temperatures remain swimmable at 76°F.
Hit the beaches early morning before crowds arrive. South Beach attracts tourists, but locals prefer the quieter stretches north of 23rd Street.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-March
- Getting There: Miami International Airport, I-95 access
- Entry Fees: Beach access free, museums $10-25
- Suggested Stay: 3-5 nights
- Neighborhoods: South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana, Coconut Grove
6. Destin: Emerald Coast Winter Refuge
Destin's sugar-white beaches look spectacular in December light. While swimming requires some courage with water temperatures in the low 60s, the lack of summer crowds makes beach walks perfect.
The Destin Harbor boardwalk stays lively with restaurants and fishing charters. December red snapper season brings excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities.
Book harbor-side restaurants for sunset views. The western exposure creates stunning December sunsets over the Gulf.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: March-August (December is shoulder season)
- Getting There: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport or I-10 to US-85 South
- Entry Fees: Beach access free, attractions vary
- Suggested Stay: 2-3 nights
- Activities: Harbor boardwalk, fishing charters, Gulf beaches, outlet shopping
7. Fort Lauderdale: Yachts and Waterways
Fort Lauderdale shines in December with its extensive waterway system and comfortable boating weather. The “Venice of America” offers 300 miles of inland waterways perfect for exploration.
Las Olas Boulevard buzzes with outdoor dining and shopping. The beach stretches for miles with consistent December temperatures in the upper 70s.
Take the Water Taxi between stops instead of driving. It covers major attractions and hotels while providing scenic waterway tours.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-April
- Getting There: Fort Lauderdale Airport, I-95 corridor
- Entry Fees: Beach free, attractions $15-35
- Suggested Stay: 2-4 nights
- Waterway Highlights: Las Olas Boulevard, Riverwalk, beach promenade, Flamingo Gardens
8. The Ten Thousand Islands: Mangrove Maze Mystery
This labyrinth of mangrove islands offers Florida's most pristine wilderness experience. December brings ideal conditions for kayaking and wildlife photography.
Boat tours from Everglades City navigate channels that look identical but lead to different worlds. Dolphins, manatees, and countless bird species call these waters home.
Book morning tours when wildlife activity peaks. Afternoon heat, even in December, can make the still air between mangroves uncomfortable.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: November-April
- Getting There: Everglades City via US-41 West from Miami
- Entry Fees: Boat tours from $25-50
- Suggested Stay: 1-2 nights (base in Everglades City)
- Activities: Boat tours, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching
9. Fort Pierce: Treasure Coast Tranquility
Fort Pierce delivers old Florida charm without tourist crowds. The Indian River Lagoon provides calm waters for paddling, while the Atlantic beaches offer excellent shelling.
Downtown Fort Pierce maintains its fishing village character. The Manatee Observation and Education Center offers close encounters with gentle giants seeking warm water.
Visit the center early morning when manatees gather in the warm-water discharge canal. December brings more manatees as they seek refuge from cooler ocean temperatures.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-March
- Getting There: I-95 to SR-70 East or Florida Turnpike
- Entry Fees: Most activities free, museums under $10
- Suggested Stay: 1-2 nights
- Local Gems: Manatee Center, Fort Pierce Inlet, Navy SEAL Museum, downtown riverwalk
10. Florida Botanical Gardens (Largo): Tropical Paradise
These 182 acres showcase Florida's native plants in themed gardens. December brings perfect walking weather and blooming cycles that create spectacular displays.
The Wedding Garden peaks in December with seasonal flowers while the Tropical Fruit Garden offers winter harvests. Butterflies remain active in the protected microclimates.
Bring a camera with macro lens capability. December light creates perfect conditions for plant photography, especially in the early morning hours.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: October-April (Best weather)
- Getting There: Largo, accessible via I-275 and Ulmerton Road
- Entry Fees: Free admission, parking free
- Suggested Stay: Half day visit
- Garden Highlights: Wedding Garden, Rose Garden, Tropical Fruit Garden, Butterfly Garden
11. Delray Beach: Cultural Coast Charm
Delray Beach balances sophistication with beach town relaxation. Atlantic Avenue pulses with galleries, restaurants, and nightlife while the beach stretches wide and welcoming.
December weather stays consistently pleasant—warm days, cool evenings, and minimal rainfall. The cultural calendar fills with holiday concerts and art shows.
Park in residential areas two blocks west of Atlantic Avenue. Metered street parking fills quickly, but side streets offer free alternatives within walking distance.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: December-March
- Getting There: I-95 to Atlantic Avenue East
- Entry Fees: Beach access free, attractions $10-20
- Suggested Stay: 2-3 nights
- Highlights: Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Pineapple Grove Arts District, Morikami Museum
12. Blue Spring State Park (Orange City): Manatee Winter Haven
Blue Spring maintains a constant 72°F year-round, making it a crucial manatee refuge during December's cooler weather. Hundreds of manatees gather here, creating one of Florida's most reliable wildlife spectacles.
The spring produces 104 million gallons daily of crystal-clear water. Swimming is prohibited during manatee season (November-March), but viewing platforms provide excellent observation opportunities.
Arrive at park opening for the best manatee viewing. Late morning crowds can make the boardwalks congested, reducing photo opportunities.
Quick Facts:
- Peak Season: November-March (Manatee season)
- Getting There: I-4 to US-17/92 North to Orange City
- Entry Fees: $6 per vehicle
- Suggested Stay: Half to full day
- Activities: Manatee viewing, hiking trails, canoeing (outside spring area), historic Thursby House
December delivers Florida's perfect weather window. Warm sunshine replaces summer's oppressive heat while northern snowstorms drive visitors south seeking refuge.
These twelve destinations showcase Florida's incredible diversity—from historic streets glowing with holiday lights to pristine wilderness where manatees gather in crystal springs. December means comfortable temperatures, active wildlife, and holiday magic throughout the Sunshine State.
Pack light layers for evening temperature drops. Book accommodations early as December represents peak season across much of Florida. Your winter escape awaits in America's most diverse subtropical paradise.
