The 11 Best Beaches to Visit During Winter in the United States

Who says you can’t enjoy the beach during winter? Although we usually associate the cold and snow with winter, not all places in the United States experience cool winters. There are still some places where you can swim, sunbathe, and walk along the water. Follow along to discover the 11 best beaches to visit during winter in the United States.

Siesta Beach

One of the best beaches in the country to visit during winter is Siesta Beach in Florida on Siesta Key. This gorgeous beach is sometimes also called Siesta Key Beach. The sand is white, soft, and powder, while the water is clear and sparkling. During the winter, the average high in Siesta Key is around 74°F. Lows, though, may dive below 55°F. Siesta Beach is quiet from December to February. It’s a great beach to visit if you want to laze around on the beach and enjoy peace. You don’t have to stay at the beach all day. Near Siesta Key Beach is also the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Phillippi Estate Park.

Waimea Bay Beach

Waimea Bay Beach in Hawaii is second on our list of the best beaches to visit during winter in the United States. Winter is a unique time on this beach. Visitors can expect massive and impressively tall waves, sometimes reaching as high as 40 feet. It’s a surfer’s paradise! You should stop by this beach to take pictures and admire the incredible waves, even if you aren’t a surfer. If the waves are mild enough, you can swim and boogieboard in them! Lucky visitors may even see sea turtles or dolphins. This fun beach is worth a visit in the winter, but if you want to spend time snorkeling and swimming, visit during the summer.

Clearwater Beach

Also in Florida is Clearwater Beach, another excellent beach to visit during winter. Clearwater Beach is a must-visit beach, regardless of the season. In December, the average sea temperature in the beach is 67.5 °F. The coldest month is January, with an average sea temperature of 63.9 °F. If you’re looking for sunshine, December and January are the best months to visit, as the average precipitation is low. While here, you can swim, snorkel, look for seashells, walk along the water, and take boat tours. Clearwater Beach is known for its clear water, perfect for spotting fish and other wildlife. Dolphin sightings are common.

Punaluu Beach

Another excellent winter beach in Hawaii is Punaluu Beach on the southeastern Kaʻū coast. You don’t have to spend time in the water if you don’t want to. The star of this beach is the sand. The Punaluu Beach has black sand made of basalt. It’s rocky and quite a sight to see. While here, visitors can take pictures, walk along the water, and swim! However, if your feet are sensitive, water shoes are recommended as the sand can be rough. This stunning black sand beach is also home to hawksbill and green sea turtles.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach in South Carolina is next on our list of the 11 best beaches to visit during winter in the United States. You can find Folly Beach south of Charleston on Folly Island. While it’s a great place to visit during summer, winters are charming. Visitors can spend their whole day swimming, playing in the water, and relaxing on the beach’s soft sand. Taking a break from the sand, visitors can also explore the pier. The best place to see this beach is the Folly Beach County Park. This park is open daily from 8 am through sunset. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

South Beach

One of the most well-known beaches in the world is South Beach in Miami, Florida. South Beach isn’t just a beach but a unique community with lots to do and see. This beach is underrated during winter. It’s a great place to take in some sun and spend the day splashing around. You don’t have to spend your entire vacation on the beach, though (but you can). Near the beach, there are many great places to visit, like the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, South Pointe Park Pier, and Española Way.

Coronado Beach

California also has plenty of beaches you can visit during winter. A favorite for many is Coronado Beach. This beach is known for its strange and historic Hotel de Coronado. It’s near San Diego, in the city of Coronado. The hotel first opened in 1888, making it over 135 years old! Coronado Beach isn’t just home to this luxurious and beautiful hotel and a family-friendly stunning beach. It can be chilly during December, but it is worth visiting. The average daily high in this city is 65°F, but it may dip lower.

South Padre Island

In Texas, is the South Padre Island, home to many beaches. A popular beach in South Padre Island is South Padre Island Beach. Here, guests can build sand castles, look for sea shells, view wildlife, swim, and more. If you visit, pay close attention to the warning flags on the beach. Sometimes, jellyfish are abundant. You can also visit Isla Blanca Beach. It’s a great beat for surfing and biking.

La Jolla Beach

Also near San Diego, California, is La Jolla Beach. This popular beach is a joy to visit in winter as the temperature is still warm. It’s a picturesque paradise perfect for viewing wildlife, swimming, and more. While here, you can also find the La Jolla sea caves. So, what animals can you see here? La Jolla is home to leopard sharks, sea lions, garibaldi fish, sea turtles, and grey whales.

Rincon Beach

Puerto Rico is the best place to visit in the United States to enjoy warm weather and delicious food. Rincon Beach is a very popular beach in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. Technically, though, Rincon is a city with many beaches. You can enjoy the clear waters of Playa Doña Lala Beach, Sandy Beach, Domes Beach, and more. The water is so clear it looks like something out of a movie. Rincon is also a hot spot for surfers.

Flamenco Beach

The next beach on our list of the 15 best beaches to visit during winter in the United States is Flamenco Beach, also in Puerto Rico. This stunning and peaceful beach is on the island of Culebra. It’s one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico for diving and snorkeling. The turquoise sparkling water is refreshing on a warm day. You may see a nesting leatherback or hawksbill sea turtle if you’re lucky. The average daily high in Culebra is 84°F during December.

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