Trade Snow For Sand At These 12 Coastal Getaways In Florida And Beyond
Winter doesn’t have to mean gray skies, bulky coats, and counting the days until spring!
Yes, you heard that right!
From sun-soaked shorelines to waterfront towns buzzing with live music, coastal destinations across the map offer the perfect escape, combining sandy beaches and a calendar full of lively events that keep the energy high!
Here, your days don’t start with rushing to heat up your home or preparing yourself mentally to walk out in the cold.
They start with ocean breezes and coffee by the water, then roll into beach walks, outdoor dining, and events that bring the community together.
If you are ready for an easy escape packed with sunshine, relaxing beaches, and fun events, these coastal getaways will make winter your favorite time to travel.
So, pack lighter clothes, and leave winter behind, even for just a bit!
1. Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
Waikiki pairs winter warmth with an effortlessly playful vibe, serving up sun by the hour and color by the wave.
It sits on the south shore of Honolulu on Oahu, where Diamond Head rises like a postcard anchor and Kalakaua Avenue hums with energy.
Expect daytime highs in the low 80s, calm turquoise water near the seawall, and a beach scene that moves at your pace.
You can start the day paddling an outrigger canoe, then snorkel at Queen’s Beach before taking a breezy stroll through Kapiolani Park.
Winter also brings humpback whales to Hawaiian waters, and lookout points near Diamond Head Road often deliver spouts and tail slaps on the horizon.
At sunset, torch lighting and free hula shows on the beach lawn add a sense of tradition that feels both welcoming and timeless.
When you want a change of scenery, walk to the Waikiki Aquarium or the Honolulu Zoo, both compact and easy with kids.
Food stands keep things casual with shaved ice and garlic shrimp, while beachfront restaurants lean into locally caught fish and island produce.
Evenings invite live music, soft trade winds, and moonlight that sketches silver lines across the water.
With reliable warmth, plentiful lodging, and car-free convenience, Waikiki makes winter simple, sunny, and memorable.
It is the kind of place where you arrive tense and leave unknotted.
2. South Beach, Miami, Florida
South Beach blends ocean calm with cultural spark, which means your winter can be both chill and buzzing.
The spot is framed by white sand, blue water, and the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.
Winter highs hover around the upper 70s, skies stay sunny, and sea breezes keep everything comfortable.
Art Deco Weekend in January paints Ocean Drive with classic cars, music, and guided tours that make the pastel skyline come alive.
December can bring Art Basel Miami Beach nearby, spilling creativity into pop up galleries and outdoor installations around town.
You can bike the Beachwalk, take a sunrise swim, then wander Lincoln Road for design shops and al fresco bites.
Mornings feel made for laps in the calm shorebreak or a jog along South Pointe Park’s pathways with sweeping views of the channel.
Afternoons often drift into volleyball games, people watching on Lummus Park, and quick dips that reset your mood.
Lifeguard towers, each uniquely painted, add playful color as you stroll the sand.
When the sun lowers, the ocean glows glassy and the neon starts to twinkle.
You can catch a film at the historic Colony Theatre or seek out live music that keeps the evening light and lively.
With warm water, design rich streetscapes, and a festival calendar that stays busy, South Beach turns winter into a canvas of sun and style!
3. Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica trades winter chill for mild Pacific days and an easygoing rhythm that pairs beach time with city perks.
The coastal city sits west of downtown Los Angeles, anchored by a broad strand and the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
While not tropical, winter afternoons often reach the mid 60s to low 70s, sunny enough for long walks and laid back biking.
You can rent a cruiser and roll the Marvin Braude Bike Trail past Venice to colorful murals and lively skate parks.
On the sand, volleyball courts set a friendly scene, and surfers pick off clean lines near the pier when swells cooperate.
Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place offer open air shopping with street performers and seasonal lights.
Clear winter conditions can reveal snowy San Gabriel peaks in the distance, adding a surprising backdrop to beach sunsets.
Palisades Park runs along the bluff with palms, ocean overlooks, and benches perfect for catching pastel twilight.
For families, the pier’s small amusement rides and aquarium make easy, low stress diversions.
Food trucks and farmers markets keep things fresh and local, while nearby trailheads in the Santa Monica Mountains invite quick hikes.
Evenings feel relaxed, with ocean air cooling the streets and the Ferris wheel casting neon reflections on the water.
Santa Monica’s blend of beach, culture, and sunshine makes winter feel wide open without demanding a complicated plan.
4. Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii
Kaanapali feels like a polished strand of Maui where winter slows down and the ocean softens your edges.
It sits on the northwest coast of Maui, with a long crescent of golden sand and the landmark Black Rock at the north end.
Winter days land in the high 70s, and the water stays clear for snorkeling and paddleboarding.
This coast shines during whale season, when humpbacks breach offshore and you can spot spouts from the shoreline or while sailing from Lahaina Harbor.
Snorkeling along Black Rock often reveals colorful reef fish and occasional sea turtles gliding by with unhurried grace.
The beachfront Kaanapali Parkway connects resorts, shops, and casual eateries, so you can walk everywhere without a car.
Morning is perfect for a reef float, then take the Coastal Trail toward Kahekili Beach Park for quieter space and excellent visibility.
Golfers can find two scenic courses with Pacific panoramas, while families enjoy easy entry and gentle waves near lifeguard stands.
As shadows lengthen, the nightly cliff diving ceremony atop Black Rock adds a respectful nod to island tradition.
Nearby, Lahaina’s recovery continues with care and community focus, so always verify current access and support local businesses that have reopened.
Day trips to Kapalua or Honolua Bay expand your beach options if you crave variety.
5. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach is the kind of Gulf Coast escape where winter feels like a friendly invitation to slow down.
You will find it on a barrier island west of Tampa, where it’s known for powdery white sand and calm, shallow water that suits every age.
Winter temperatures often sit in the low 70s, making swims, walks, and sunset watching pleasantly easy.
Pier 60 takes center stage with daily sunset festivities featuring artisans and performers that add a cheerful glow to evenings.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a short break from the sun and a chance to learn about rescued marine life.
Families love the flat shoreline, reliable lifeguards, and playful beach playgrounds that keep energy light and happy.
Rent a bike or hop on the Beach Walk, a palm lined promenade that traces the water with breezy views and gentle curves.
Dolphin watching cruises glide past sandbars where birds gather, and kayaks slip into glassy coves on calmer mornings.
Food stands and casual spots serve classic coastal comfort, from fresh seafood to tropical fruit bowls.
When the day softens, the sky leans pink and gold, and Pier 60’s silhouette turns postcard perfect.
You can end with a casual stroll or a simple sit in the sand, listening to the hush of the Gulf.
Clearwater shines in winter for its warm water, smooth logistics, and nightly rituals that make each sunset feel like a small celebration.
6. Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach gives winter travelers room to breathe, with miles of sugar white sand and mellow Gulf water.
This beach town sits on Alabama’s narrow coastal stretch near the Florida line, offering easy access via Foley Beach Express.
Winter days are mild, crowds are light, and the sunsets stretch long and syrupy over calm horizons.
Gulf State Park next door packs in boardwalks, bike paths, and a nature center that makes family time effortless.
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail weaves through marsh and pine with lookouts where you might spot herons and deer.
On the water, fishing charters and dolphin cruises keep things simple and smile heavy.
For beachgoers, the flat shoreline and gentle waves make long walks a daily ritual, especially around sunrise when the sand glows pink.
Restaurants focus on Gulf catch and Southern comfort, and winter specials often make menus friendly to explorers.
Wharf at Orange Beach adds a Ferris Wheel, events, and easy shopping without overwhelming your schedule.
When breezes cool, move to the protected bays for paddleboarding or cast a line from the pier.
Evenings are quiet enough for star watching and shell hunting by flashlight after dinner.
Orange Beach feels like a secret season on the Gulf, calm and welcoming, with just enough action to keep every day interesting.
7. Key West, Florida
Key West wraps winter in color, humor, and island ease, making every day feel like a slow turning page.
The city anchors the far end of the Florida Keys, roughly 90 miles north of Cuba, connected by the Overseas Highway.
Winter highs sit in the 70s, and breezes carry salt and frangipani while the water stays inviting for snorkeling and sailing.
Mallory Square’s nightly sunset celebration gathers performers and artists as the sky melts into blazing tangerine.
On the water, catamarans slip out for dolphin spotting and reef trips to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The Old Town streets weave past gingerbread trimmed Conch houses, the Ernest Hemingway Home, and leafy lanes that invite unplanned detours.
Daylight hours suit kayaking through mangrove tunnels at nearby Stock Island or cycling the flat loop along the shoreline.
Winter calendars bring parades, lighted boat shows, and quirky festivals that pop with Keys charm.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offers one of the island’s best beaches with clear snorkeling near the rocky edges.
Evenings are mellow if you want them, with live music drifting from porches and plazas.
You can grab a slice of the famous Key lime pie, then wander the harbor where masts clink like wind chimes.
Trust me, if you choose Key West, it’ll turn winter into a colorful ritual you will want to repeat!
8. Coronado, San Diego, California
Coronado delivers a classic California winter with a grand hotel, broad beaches, and a mellow, walkable pace.
It sits across the bay from downtown San Diego, linked by the soaring Coronado Bridge and a quick ferry ride.
Winter days are among the warmest in the state’s coastal lineup, often sunny and comfortable for long beach sessions.
Coronado Beach shines with mineral flecks that glitter under the sun, and the shoreline feels generously wide for spreading out.
The Hotel del Coronado anchors the scene with Victorian charm and seasonal happenings that add festive flair.
You can stroll Orange Avenue for boutiques, galleries, and tree lined sidewalks that feel pleasantly timeless.
For water time, the surf is typically gentle, great for first pop ups or relaxed body surfing.
Silver Strand State Beach stretches south for biking and kite flying when breezes pick up.
At the bayfront, views across to the San Diego skyline make golden hour walks feel cinematic.
Nearby attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are an easy hop for a half day adventure.
With mild weather, scenic sands, and a storybook hotel, Coronado shape-shifts winter into a soft focus version of summer, minus the crowds.
9. South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island trades winter rush for wide open sand, sunny skies, and bird filled wetlands that feel rare and peaceful.
The barrier island sits off the southern tip of Texas, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Laguna Madre on the other.
Winter temperatures trend mild, and the water often stays comfortable for quick swims and shoreline wades.
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center offers boardwalks over marsh where roseate spoonbills and herons feed.
Dolphin tours trace the channel, and kayak routes slip into quiet corners of the bay for mirror calm paddles.
On the beach, long straight stretches encourage steady walking, shelling, and those contemplative moments that reset your day.
For families, Sea Turtle Inc. provides insight into local conservation and seasonal releases when conditions allow.
Fishing piers and bay charters suit casual learners and seasoned anglers alike, with sunsets that turn the water copper and gold.
Winter events pop up with sandcastle lessons and holiday lights along the breezeways.
If winds pick up, the island is known for kiteboarding and wind sports, so watching or trying a lesson can be a thrill.
Evenings are relaxed, with gentle surf, stargazing, and the smell of salt hanging in the air!
10. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island turns winter into a coastal calm where biking, birdwatching, and beach strolls take center stage.
It sits along South Carolina’s southern coast near the Georgia border, shaped like a running shoe and laced with maritime forests.
While cooler than Florida, winter days often climb into the 60s with plenty of sunshine for outdoor time.
The beach is famously firm at low tide, perfect for long bike rides with gulls and sandpipers as company.
Harbour Town Lighthouse offers harbor views and a classic photo stop, while Sea Pines Forest Preserve hides boardwalks over quiet wetlands.
Golfers can enjoy year-round play on courses framed by live oaks and tidal creeks.
Nature lovers can spot dolphins in Calibogue Sound and egrets feeding along the marsh edge.
The Coastal Discovery Museum shares island history and Gullah culture with hands-on exhibits and trails lined with moss draped trees.
Winter also brings lighter traffic on bike paths that weave across neighborhoods and parks.
Evenings lean peaceful, made for fireplace lounges, fresh local seafood, and sunset looks across Broad Creek.
Bundle lightly for sunrise walks, then shed layers as the day warms and the Atlantic turns silver blue.
Hilton Head’s mix of nature, activity, and gentle weather makes winter feel restorative and deeply unhurried!
11. St. Pete Beach, Florida
St. Pete Beach delivers winter sunshine with a laid back beat and water that shimmers like sea glass.
The town stretches along a barrier island southwest of downtown St. Petersburg on Florida’s Gulf Coast, easy to reach from Tampa Bay airports.
Winter keeps temperatures pleasant, the Gulf calm, and the beach blissfully walkable from morning to dusk.
The Don CeSar, a historic pink landmark, anchors the skyline and adds a playful touch to every photo.
Dolphin sightings are common near the sandbar lines, and paddleboards glide across glassy mornings.
Corey Avenue hosts markets and seasonal events that bring local artists and fresh flavors to the streets.
When you want a change of scene, hop to nearby Fort De Soto Park for pristine shorelines, bike paths, and a historic fort with bay views.
Sunsets here lean dramatic, with the sky washing from gold to lavender as pelicans skim the waves.
Casual beach cafes keep meals simple between swims and gentle shoreline floats.
Evenings invite quiet walks or light shopping under string lights, with the Gulf humming softly in the background.
You can plan plenty or almost nothing and still feel satisfied by day’s end.
St. Pete Beach wraps winter in turquoise hues, pink architecture, and easy rituals that make the season feel kind.
12. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores welcomes winter with soft light, friendly locals, and beaches that look freshly swept every morning.
It rests on Alabama’s Gulf Coast just west of Orange Beach, reachable by Highway 59 as it spills onto the island.
Winters are mild, making long walks, fishing, and casual swims feel pleasantly doable most days.
Gulf State Park anchors the area with a long fishing pier, miles of trails, and freshwater lakes that attract birds year round.
Boardwalks stitch dunes to forest, and the park’s interpretive center helps you map easy adventures.
When the air turns still, try paddleboarding on Lake Shelby or cruising the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail network.
The shoreline’s gentle slope suits beginners, and clear mornings often reveal dolphins traveling just offshore.
Winter events bring markets, concerts, and nature programs that keep weekends lively yet low stress.
Sunsets pour golden light across the dunes, and evenings settle into quiet, starry skies.
Restaurants lean into Gulf flavors, and cozy vacation rentals make slow breakfasts part of the plan.
