Beach Vacation

[ISUConE]

I’m considering a family vacation in December 2020 (if safe to travel) to a warm beach area preferably in the United States (California, Florida, Georgia, maybe Hawaii) but also considering Mexico, Bahamas, etc. We are looking for a location that meets a few criteria listed below. As an example...Playa Del Carmen, MX is one of our favorite locations but we have been there about 6 times and looking to try a new place. Any suggestions??? Here is what we prefer, cost is not a huge factor:

-Resort, nice hotel, or rental house with pool and either beachfront or close access to beach
-Abundance of nice restaurants within walking distance or short drive
-Pedestrian friendly downtown or boardwalk area to access restaurants and shops
-Location that does not require a lot of time in the car with heavy traffic

 

[Jnecker4cy]

I would Stay as South as possible. Southern Florida or San Diego. San Diego would need a car, more time. Look at the JW Marriott on Marco Island, FL. December weather can be cold in Georgia or Northern Florida. I would say Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama but that might be colder than you want for a Beach Vacation.

 

[psycln11]

Hilton Hawaiin Village in Waikiki. Beachfront with several pools. Lots if restaurants. We spent a week there and only rented a car for one day to explore the Northshore.

 

[Gonzo]

If you're looking for something inside U.S. borders San Diego is pretty tough to beat, though it might not be prime beach warmth in December. For that you'd probably need south Florida. I just hate Florida.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

If you're looking for true beach vacation instead of just looking at it, you're not gonna be able to do it much further north than Miami in the US during December. Hawaii too obviously.

Look at the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico too. Cayman Islands was a good beach vacation. Aruba is plenty warm then as well.

 

[CtownCyclone]

I would Stay as South as possible. Southern Florida or San Diego. San Diego would need a car, more time. Look at the JW Marriott on Marco Island, FL. December weather can be cold in Georgia or Northern Florida. I would say Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama but that might be colder than you want for a Beach Vacation.

The Alabama beaches are great, but not in December. If you are staying in the States, you probably need to go further south if you want to get in the water.

 

[SEIOWA CLONE]

Almost any of the resorts in the Caribbean are great in the winter months for beach activities. But they do jack up the prices from Thanksgiving through New Years. We have found the best prices are late February early March. Lot of people love Jamaica, for its clear blue waters and white sand beaches, but the natives bother the crap out of you trying to get you to buy their crap. Its also not the safest place to be outside the resorts I have been told.

 

[ISUConE]

For US destinations and best “beach” weather, we have been thinking San Diego, Miami, or Hawaii.

The downside to San Diego and Miami Is probably the traffic. My wife also tends to think Miami is only a “spring break” party city. The downside to Hawaii is the flight there and back. But this would be a 7 day vacation, so maybe not that bad.

 

[Rabbuk]

If you're looking for true beach vacation instead of just looking at it, you're not gonna be able to do it much further north than Miami in the US during December. Hawaii too obviously.

Look at the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico too. Cayman Islands was a good beach vacation. Aruba is plenty warm then as well.

Doesn't Miami only hit like the 70s in December? Seems chilly to swim but maybe I'm soft

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Doesn't Miami only hit like the 70s in December? Seems chilly to swim but maybe I'm soft

70s is fine if the sun is shining. It was in the 70s in Maui a couple days during our Maui Invitational week and I barely noticed except at night when it got in the upper 60s.

 

[scottie33]

I would highly suggest Aruba, been going once or twice a year for the last 8 years, and the flight patterns out of Des Moines are great. We, personally, have never rented a car as we walk to all the restaurants, bars, and casinos near the resorts. The bus system, if needed, is extremely clean and well kept and everyone on the island speaks English which is very nice! Island is far enough south that it is out of the hurricane belt so no concern for hurricanes ruining the island or your trip.

We had a 2 bedroom timeshare rented for $1,200 the first week of June but they restricted incoming international flights so we had to cancel so we’re going this winter.

Send me a PM if you’d like more details, photos, etc.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Hard to beat Key West for restaurants and everything in walking distance. We went all over on our honeymoon, and walked everywhere (could have gotten a golf cart, but it really wasn't necessary). Not sure on the actual beaches, as we never made it there.

 

[2forISU]

There are numerous resorts off the Florida keys that are great to visit, but the best we have stayed at is the Little Palm(pricey).
https://www.littlepalmisland.com/

 

[Frak]

I’m sure CW can get you in touch with Becah. This is right in her wheel house.

 

[jdcyclone19]

If cost is no issue, Hawaii hands down.

 

[Drew0311]

Baja Mexico is a pretty sweet spot. San Diego is where I used to live and it has so much to do but in December it will be cold. Well cold for San Diego.

 

[State2015]

I went to Puerto Rico this winter. San Juan is a great town, and PR is far enough south that it is sunny and warm during the winter. Stayed at a beach front resort and was a quick uber to the 'Old Town' area with tons of great restaurants and bars with some beautiful architecture. Locals are great, will definitely be going again

 

[moores2]

We had a grand time in Costa Rica as well if cost isn't a factor. Not a ton of restaurants and shops, but tons of excursions and adventures. Night time catamaran cruises etc to get out of the resort. The RIU in Guanacoste was beautiful.

 

[cyfan92]

Mrs and I took our first trip to Oahu and Kauai in December. It BLOWS AWAY almost every other place I've been.

Cost was about $5000 for the two of us too spend 10 days there . Flights where $1400 of that cost. First 3 nights in Oahu were free from hotel points with business travel. We rented a VRBO in Kauai and got a rental car to visit the island.

The most beautiful place I've ever been is the Hanalei Bay, Napoli coastline of Kauai. It really does take your breath away

 

[Farnsworth]

Are you looking for all inclusives or since price doesn't matter something you can explore locally? What kind of activities? Or just looking to lounge on the beach.

I really want to do Belize or Costa Rica next.