8 Beach Towns for Warm Family Vacations to Escape from Winter

The goal of a winter break varies from person to person. Traveling to a snowy destination appeals to some people so that they may engage in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. However, other people prefer hot weather and would rather be lounging on a tropical beach or swimming in a heated pool. Twenty-three percent of Americans would prefer to take a vacation in the winter rather than the summer, in order to escape dreary winter weather. In addition, studies conducted for the year 2022 reveal that the majority of American tourists are interested in visiting beach locations and that nearly two-thirds of tourists are enthusiastic about taking trips with their families.

Read on to discover some of the best winter beach towns in the United States and abroad. The warm waves of Hawaii, the sunny beaches of Florida, and the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez are just a few of the stunning coasts available to you. To help you plan your winter getaway with your loved ones, we’ve compiled a list of the finest warm beaches in the United States and more.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Winters at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are warm, typically dry and sunny, and feature some of the loveliest stretches of powdery, white sand in the United States. While your winter trip here, you can sunbathe, parasail, fish, go on a dolphin-watching tour, or kayak among sea turtles, manatees, and even alligators!

If you and your family are hiking lovers, Gulf State Park has 28 miles of paved paths and boardwalks, ideal for exploring the park’s nine unique ecosystems. Most of these pathways are suitable for walking, jogging, and biking. You will undoubtedly love the breathtaking natural landscape seen only on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Also, if you’re visiting during the holiday season, you won’t want to miss the Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade and the LuLu’s NOON Year’s Eve.

San Diego, California

Beautiful scenery, pleasant temperatures, and fewer people make San Diego’s winter the best season to visit the city. This location is a perfect outdoor playground for families at an annual average temperature of 72 degrees. In addition, staying at one of the various accommodations located directly on the beach is the perfect way to experience all the coast has to offer in terms of leisure and relaxation.

In the year’s colder months in San Diego, a bike ride with the family along the Mission Bay Bike Path is a fantastic opportunity to get some fresh air and see some of the city’s most breathtaking sea views. Also, you can enjoy whale watching to see the 20,000 gray whales that make the annual journey from Alaska to the waters of Baja, Mexico. And to round up your trip, the reef-exposed waves at Pacific Beach Point are perfect for novice surfers and other water sport enthusiasts to enjoy throughout the colder months.

Maui, Hawaii

Visit Maui in the winter to see some of the most amazing whales and enjoy the beach with fewer people. Gorgeous coastlines, lush jungles, gushing waterfalls, and some of the world’s most breathtaking drives may all be found in the area.

From December to May, during whale season, you may take a two-hour tour with Pride of Maui, including whale-watching and snorkeling in a beautiful coral reef. After that, you and your loved ones should visit Maui’s north coast in the winter to do big wave surfing. The most incredible waves in Hawaii are at Kanaha and Pa’ia.

Maui is known for having good weather throughout the year. As a bonus, the water temperature off the coast of Maui is a comfortable 75 degrees, making it viable to go swimming without a wetsuit.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

St. Simons Island is remarkable in the winter. Mid-60s Fahrenheit is a typical temperature in the winter along the Georgia coast. In the winter, there are fewer people at the beach, and you can stroll at the beach with your favorite furry friend or go horseback riding.  St. Simons Island is known for their top notch golf courses, beautiful parks, and the island is ideal for family biking adventures.  The entire island is ringed with paved biking trails separate from road traffic, so pack some snacks and head out to explore!

Make a family vacation out of it in January or February by visiting nearby Jekyll Island to hunt for Island Treasures like handcrafted glass floats. Book a guided nature excursion to see the island’s 400+ bird species and North Atlantic Right Whales. Jekyll Island’s Lighting of the City Christmas Tree and Brunswick’s Christmas Parade are two wonderful wintertime family-friendly activities to attend while visiting the island.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

It is usual for people to travel to Cabo throughout the winter. Warm sunshine makes it pleasant to spend more time outside. The water is comfortable at 72–75 degrees. One of the best ways to de-stress on a winter holiday in Cabo is to board a boat and watch the sunset and the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas.

Taking a camel ride with a guide on a Baja California beach in the winter season is an experience unlike any other. You’ll be able to bask in the sun’s rays while taking in the scenery around you from a new vantage point. Families with children older than five are welcome to take them on a camel ride. In addition, if you’re seeking an exciting underwater adventure, a whale shark snorkeling expedition near Cabo is an unbeatable choice. Cabo Adventures is where you can arrange to dive with whale sharks. A whale shark snorkeling excursion is for families with children over eight years old.

If you’re looking for a place to take the family on a relaxing and lavish vacation, go no further than Cabo San Lucas. This area is available for luxury vacation rentals with infinity pools, private spas, in-house fitness centers, private chefs, and personal trainers.

South Padre Island, Texas

The beach on South Padre Island is perfect for strolling, shell-gathering, and fishing because it is the only tropical island in Texas and the weather is always pleasant, even in the winter months.

Take a sandcastle-building class while you’re there. It’s a fantastic way to spend the day with kids without worrying about getting wet. Then, go on a relaxing boat ride on the bay, and consider adding a dolphin-watching journey to your winter vacation itinerary. Of course, you can also book a horseback riding tour with the family without worrying about the heat.

Seaside, Florida

Beautiful white sand beaches and colorful cottages make Seaside, Florida, a great vacation place for families. This little seaside town stands out during the winter holidays with its charming Christmas decorations.

The Gulf of Mexico waters in the winter is great for standup paddle boarders and kayakers since the Gulf and lakes are as smooth as glass. Don’t miss the annual 30A Songwriters Festival in late January if you’re in Seaside during the winter. Locations such as arenas, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars, and covered patios are turned into music venues with excellent cuisine and ambiance.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

This barrier island’s pristine sand beaches and blue waters are popular tourist destinations. Winters on Anna Maria Island are famous for their lack of rain and plenty of glorious sunshine. While sunbathing and swimming will likely take up most of your vacation, include family-friendly events like the Bradenton Beach Lighting of the Tree. In addition, the Bradenton Area River Regatta, which takes place every February, is a free, enjoyable event that features games, activities, and live music for the whole family.  Don’t miss the nearby River Walk in Bradenton where you’ll find a terrific manatee aquarium, natural history museum and planetarium.

The annual Winterfest, attended by locals and tourists alike, should also be a part of your plans. This event takes place at Holmes Beach Field throughout the winter season. Everyone can find something of interest at this festival. A wide range of vendors display works of art and other items for sale.

Anna Maria Island has several family-friendly lodging options, making a winter vacation there a pleasant and memorable experience for the whole family.

Make Family Beach Trip Plans for the Winter

This list may inspire you to pack up the kids and get out of town for a winter beach vacation. However, to guarantee the well-being of your entire family, you should always research the local health and safety regulations at your chosen holiday site before making any reservations.

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Image source:  PxFuel, Pixabay, Pexels