Alright folks, lemme tell ya how I dug into finding those cozy, sunny spots in the USA last December. I was staring out the window at grey skies back home, just dreaming of palm trees and flip-flops. That’s when I decided, heck no, not this winter!
Where to Even Start?
First thing was figuring out where actually stays warm in December. Sounds obvious, but you gotta be sure, right? I remembered Florida for sure, but what else? Pulled up a map of the southern states and started scratching my head. Arizona came to mind ’cause deserts stay dry and warmish. Then someone mentioned Southern California – always sunny in pictures! Also heard whispers about Texas, though it can get weirdly cold sometimes. Florida Keys seemed like a dream, but maybe pricey? Needed to check.
Then the budget kicked in. Flights around Christmas? Ouch. So I started digging around different airports. Flying into Miami might be crazy expensive, but maybe Fort Lauderdale or Orlando could be a bit cheaper? Booked some fare trackers just waiting for a decent price to pop up. Found one into Orlando that didn’t make my wallet cry too much. Booked it fast! Lesson learned: book flights stupid early, especially for December.
The Places That Called My Name
Couldn’t hit everywhere, obviously. Had to pick just a couple spots to actually get a feel for ’em without rushing. Here’s where I landed:
- Key West, Florida: Always wanted to drive that Overseas Highway. Booked a cheap-ish place just outside the main drag. The vibe? Pure relaxation. Folks walkin’ around barefoot, live music everywhere, sunsets that knock your socks off. Ate fresh fish tacos watching boats bob. Sticky humid heat, even in December – loved it.
- Tucson, Arizona: Flew in expecting just desert dryness. Wow, was I wrong. The mountains right there? Stunning. Hiked Saguaro National Park – those giant cacti are something else! Daytime was perfect tee-shirt weather, maybe a light jacket at night. Dry heat feels amazing after freezing back home. Plus, the Mexican food? Unreal.
- San Diego, California: Wrapped up the trip here. Pure California beach vibes. Got super lucky with the weather – sunshine every single day. Walked forever on Coronado Beach, sand warm under my feet. Kids were playin’ in the water, which surprised me! Seemed pretty warm for December. Checked out Balboa Park too, felt like walkin’ around in summer.
Stuff You Gotta Know Before You Go
Alright, here’s the real deal stuff I figured out the hard way:
- Pack Light But Smart: Shorts and tees are your best friends, obviously. But seriously, bring a light jacket or sweater for evenings anywhere. That desert chill in Tucson sneaks up on ya! My flimsy hoodie wasn’t enough first night.
- Sun is Still Strong: Don’t be a dummy like me that first day. December sun can bake you good! Slap on that sunscreen, wear a hat, get shades. Red skin ain’t the souvenir you want.
- Expect Company:
- Water Might Be Cool: In some spots, like San Diego, the ocean felt okay for wading or quick dips for the kids who don’t care about cold, but full-on swimming? Depends on the day and your tolerance. Most people were just sunbathing.
Everyone else has the same brilliant idea to escape the cold! Places like the Keys and San Diego beaches were busy. Popular restaurants had lines out the door. You gotta book dinners ahead. Tried winging it once… ended up with soggy takeout burgers at the hotel.
Gotta admit, this trip was exactly what my frozen bones needed. Finding sunshine in December is totally doable if you aim south and do a bit of homework. Was it a breeze to plan? Not always. Was it worth dodging that winter chill? Heck yes. Packed away the mittens for a few glorious weeks!
