Best Places To Visit In The USA In December

The year-end is approaching, and you want to visit somewhere different.. But where to travel in December in the US?

If you’re looking for a year-end getaway, the USA has plenty of great places to choose from. From snowy mountains and picturesque lakes to festive cities and charming towns, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of the best December vacations in the US, Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an exciting adventure, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this roundup, including the best states to visit in December.

So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing trip!

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20 Best Places to Visit in January USA (2024)
Best Places To Visit In October In The USA
Planning a USA Trip; A Step-By-Step Breakdown

18 Best Places To Go In The US In December

1. Big Island, Hawaii

One of the best December getaways in the USA is the Big Island of Hawaii which is the peak season for winter visits to the island.

You’ll find the island festooned for holiday parades, events, decked out decorations at all the major venues and holiday cheer everywhere. On top of the holiday vibe, the Big Island is a tropical getaway to enjoy the outdoors, hike the many trails in Hawaii, swim or snorkel around the coastlines and challenge yourself to every kind of adventure and recreation experience you can imagine.

Whale watching season also starts during the holidays with migrating whales, spinner dolphins, sea turtles and all sorts of marine life that you’ll see along the coastline or even hanging out at the local beaches all around the island.

You can relax and enjoy the various resorts and low key vibe or be more active driving around and visiting the botanical gardens, waterfalls and even an active volcano at Volcanoes National Park and see the amazing lava flows come alive late into the night and dark skies.

Or, drive up to Mauna Kea and view all the brilliant stars from above and enjoy a stunning sunning above the clouds and into the surrounding islands.

There’s so much to see and do in the wintertime on the islands and December adds that fantastic Christmas element that’s very popular and festive in all the towns and cities around the island and fun to explore and enjoy the holiday scenes.

Don’t forget to also grab this packing guide for your trip to Hawaii!

Recommended by Noel Morata from This Hawaii Life

2. Oahu, Hawaii

There is no better place to escape the U.S winters than Oahu, the third biggest island of Hawaii and home of Honolulu & Pearl Harbor. Often known as the heart of Hawaii, Oahu receives beautiful weather all year round.

In December, the average highs and lows are 27ºC and 19ºC (81ºF and 66ºF), respectively. The water temperature is around 25ºC/ 77ºF, a temperature that’s perfect for enjoying the plethora of water sports Oahu has to offer such as snorkelling, diving or just swimming.

Oahu is home to a wide variety of beaches that allow everyone to enjoy its stunning weather. In the south, you will find the legendary Waikiki Beach and its crystal clear water and an urban backdrop. In the north, you’ll find beaches for surfing like Banzai Beach, which is one of the most famous attractions on the North Shore of Oahu. For relaxing, visitors can head over to Makaha Beach.

Not a fan of beaches and water sports? Worry not. In December, the weather in Oahu is a lot cooler, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and bicycling. Not only are they great ways to soak in the warm December sun of Oahu, but you can check out some of the stunning vistas and the iconic Hawaiian landscapes along the way!

Recommended by Sean of LivingOutLau

3. Maui, Hawaii

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in the US in December, make sure you go to Maui in Hawaii.

When most people think of Hawaii, they think of Honolulu, which is on the most popular island Oahu. If you’re looking to escape the winter and enjoy some winter sun, look no further than Maui. Maui is less popular and touristy – but just as beautiful.

With balmy weather year-round, Maui boasts a tropical paradise in December with more sunshine hours than any of the other Hawaiian islands. December is a great time to visit because the temperatures are still warm (around 80°F/27°C).

While December is Maui’s rainiest month, these rain showers are typically confined to the north shore and most rainfall occurs at night. The beauty of the rainy season is the daily rainbows that come with it, alongside comfortable average daily temperatures in the low 80s and nightly temperatures that rarely fall below 70°F.

If you’re looking for things to do in Maui, it has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Paia is a very cute village that has lots of locally-owned clothing and homeware boutiques and is definitely worth visiting if you love shopping (I went back a couple of times). There’s also a local craft market in Lahaina (the largest town).

Human visitors aren’t the only ones that take advantage of the warmer weather in Hawaii in December. The whale watching season officially starts on December 15th, although sightings can begin as early as September. The shallow ‘Au‘au Channel between Maui, Moloka‘i and Lānaʻi makes for one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, with whales frequently spotted from the Maui shores. So keep your eyes out to the ocean or add a whale watching tour to your Maui itinerary to spot some of these majestic marine mammals.

The Road to Hana is also very popular and has lots of lovely waterfalls to stop at – just be aware the roads are very narrow and windy. If you’re looking for something completely different to do, check out Maui Goat Yoga where you do yoga overlooking the most beautiful views with baby goats jumping on you!

When you’re travelling around Maui, make sure to stop at one of the food trucks on the side of the road selling fish tacos.

Visiting Maui in December also brings many other festive events such as the Lahaina Banyon Tree and Wailea Tree lightings at the beginning of the month.

Throughout December, you can enjoy a festive evening stroll under the holiday lights in the warm, tropical weather. Just make sure you plan in advance so you don’t miss out! Maui is a popular US destination in December and many resorts and tours will be booked up.

Recommended by Ashleigh from Ashleigh’s Atlas & Sophie from We Dream Of Travel

4. San Francisco, California

As most of the United States settles into the cold doldrums of the blustery winter months, San Francisco remains fairly temperate and has a comfortable temperature for exploring the city’s historic landmarks. A walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or a hike up to the Coit Tower should be pretty comfortable as the average high temperature sits in the high 10ºC/ 50ºF.

These chillier months are also the perfect time of year to enjoy the full bounty of culinary delights that the city has to offer. From luxurious tasting menus at the city’s palaces of fine dining to freshly steamed dumplings at street-side bakeries in Chinatown.

December marks the start of the California commercial Dungeness crab season. There is no better time to grab a bowl of cioppino in Little Italy or some simply steamed crab legs in Fishermans Wharf right from the fishing boats. This is also the time of year when the Bay Area’s oysters are at their peak and a seat at one of San Francisco’s historic oyster bars is at a premium.

You can also get yourself in the holiday spirit with a visit to Union Square where you can go ice skating or do some shopping for your loved ones. This San Francisco landmark is adorned with an 83-foot tall Christmas tree and the surrounding shops decorate their window showcases with holiday-themed displays.

You can also visit the Fairmont Hotel and see the larger-than-life 2 story gingerbread house made out of 8000 pounds of gingerbread bricks and is adorned with 1900 pounds of candy.

Enjoy this quiet season away from hoards of tourists during the warmer months when you can get to see the best of the city without all the crowds.

Recommended by Gabriel from Chef Travel Guide

5. Santa Cruz, California

For a quick getaway that’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit, consider this northern California town.

Santa Cruz offers beautiful beaches and a variety of activities to do when you’re not at the beach. Located right on Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a prime spot to go whale watching or book a boat tour to see the sunset and learn about the local history.

Weather-wise, December is an excellent month to visit Santa Cruz. The weather is cool and wet, with fewer crowds than in the summertime. Santa Cruz is also decorated with Christmas decorations. Visit Natural Bridges State Beach where you’ll find fascinating rock formations and breathtaking winter sunsets.

If you’re travelling with kids, there’s no better way to entertain them than at the world-famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, where you’ll find rides for all ages, food of every variety, games and live entertainment, especially during Christmas time.

The nearby Roaring Camp Railroads is another unique opportunity for a fun holiday excursion with kids — it’s a historic steam train that runs through towering redwood forests.

On the train, you can greet Santa Claus and sip hot cocoa. Or take the Holiday Lights train and travel through homes lit with holiday lights.

Recommended by Rasika, Bae Area and Beyond

6. Monterey, California

The city of Monterey is one of the best places in the US to spend a December vacation. Located in the county with the same name, Monterey has gorgeous beaches, exciting activities, and plenty of fun attractions for visitors of all ages. Cannery Row’s annual tree lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season.

The festivities include live music and an appearance by Santa Claus himself. Head to Old Fisherman’s Wharf to see the annual Lighted Boat Parade that starts at Old Fisherman’s Wharf and ends at Cannery Row. You’ll also see a 23-foot Christmas tree and holiday decor all around the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.

Listen to stories of Monterey’s historic adobes on Christmas in the Adobes walking tour. In December, the weather in Monterey is relatively nice and not too cold. It’s a great time to visit the beaches and enjoy the water. It’s also the perfect weather to go shopping for Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

This coastal charm, Monterey attracts visitors year-round, but December is an ideal time to visit this unsung California destination. If you’re looking for a place to spend the holidays that’s beautiful and festive, serene and fun, Monterey is the perfect destination.

Recommended by Rasika, Bae Area and Beyond

7. Palm Springs Desert, California

Palm Springs, the gateway to the desert in Southern California, is a fabulous place to visit in December. While there are many fun things to do in Palm Springs year-round, you’ll find an added festive ambience in December, with lower crowds, except toward the end of the month.

Palm Springs has gorgeous weather in December, with daytime highs in the low 70s, making it perfect for outdoor exploration and even lounging by the pool in the pleasant warmth of the afternoon. Bring a warm jacket for the early part of the day and the evenings, though, because the desert does get cold at night.

Winter is the perfect time to go hiking in Palm Springs, whether you day trip to Joshua Tree National Park or explore nearby oases in Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon. You can also go hiking and birdwatching in the Thousand Palms Oasis.

Although it’s not traditional holiday weather, you can still enjoy holiday festivities in Palm Springs in December. The city hosts a Festival of Lights Parade in December each year. You can go ice skating at the Renova Ice Rink in Rancho Mirage.

Downtown Palm Springs looks festive all through December, with twinkling lights and decorations. Enjoy browsing the many shops and galleries, and savour fabulous cuisine at downtown Palm Springs restaurants.

Recommended by Dhara from Roadtripping California

8. Catalina Island, California

Looking for a winter island getaway in the US? You’ll love Catalina Island in December. Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island offers a charming town, outdoor adventures, and an escape from the cold in many parts of the country. The weather on Catalina in December is mild, averaging around 60 degrees during the day, so you can leave the winter coats at home.

The city of Avalon is a great destination on the island. You can visit the Wrigley Memorial Botanical Gardens, a large sanctuary of native California plants, and the Catalina Casino, which is not a place for gambling but an architectural attraction with a stunning theatre and ballroom.

On the other side of the island, the town of Two Harbors is smaller and secluded. It makes a great base for water adventures such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and stand-up paddleboarding.

If you want to enjoy the perfect weather and explore the whole island, backpacking the Trans-Catalina Trail is the way to do it. This 62 km/ 38.5-mile trail circumnavigates the island and takes around 3-4 days to complete. Along the way, you will experience awesome views, amazing sunsets over the ocean, and maybe even a glimpse of the buffalo that roam the island.

Recommended by Allison from She Dreams of Alpine

9. Lake Tahoe, California

Located about 322 km/ 200 miles from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe is spread over the California and Nevada Stateline. The lake is known for its North Shore, Truckee and most ski resorts, and the South Shore, where casinos and most budget hotels are.

Plan between 3 hours in dry conditions but double the duration during a stormy weekend drive.

Come December, Lake Tahoe becomes the land of fairytales. With snow-covered peaks, green trees peppered with white powder, and wooden chalets nestled deep in the forests or bordering the famous turquoise lake, Lake Tahoe in winter is a dream come through for incredible adventures, outdoor activities, or simply chilling by a fireplace.

Winter sports include skiing and snowboarding in one of the 10 ski resorts, including Northstar, Kirkwood, and Heavenly. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating are other popular snow adventures.

If you’re looking for something different, build an igloo, go snow camping, or go snowkiting. For special occasions, helicopter rides and skydiving can give you extraordinary bird’s views of the whole Lake Tahoe area.

The white landscape is the perfect setting for the holiday season – the ideal white Christmas scenery for some, the classical winter spot for relaxation for others.

Recommended by Patricia from Ze Wandering Frogs

10. Death Valley, California

Death Valley is a land of extremes: it has the lowest elevation in the US and some of the hottest temperatures. But beyond that, the park is home to expansive vistas and one-of-a-kind landscapes.

Looking for warm places to visit in December in the USA so you can get outside and escape the snow? Head to Death Valley.

Why? In contrast to its more known extremes, December in Death Valley has the perfect weather to explore everything the park has to offer.

Temperatures hover around the mid 10ºC/ 60ºF, the skies are devoid of light pollution, and the spring crowds have yet to arrive. It’s not uncommon for hiking trails in the park to be nearly empty and to have panoramas of the desert all to yourself.

While the park is huge, you don’t need more than a day in Death Valley to see the highlights (but make it 2 if you have the time!) Make sure you spend some time exploring Badwater Basin, walk out to the salt flats and take in the stark contrast of the white salt against the desert colours.

Along the same road, stop and take in the strange views at the Devils Golf Course, where the salt has formed into jagged rock formations. Two other must-dos: a morning stop at Zabriskie Point and a walk along the sand dunes. At Zabriskie, the early morning sun lights up the badlands in stunning shades of purple, making for a picturesque sunrise.

At sunset, the dunes are bathed in deep shadows, making for great photos. End your trip to the park with stargazing: the dark skies are unlike any other.

Recommended by Ale from Sea Salt & Fog

11. Miami, Florida

One of the best places in the US to visit in December is easily Miami, Florida. From beautiful beaches and iconic bars to wonderful weather and sunbathing, Miami is the perfect winter escape. So, what makes Miami so great in December?

Located in southeastern Florida, Miami’s weather ranges from 24ºC to 20ºC (76ºF to 68ºF) in December – the ideal weather for outdoor activities without the scorching heat and humidity. This makes for a great trip to South Beach, one of the top things to do in Miami.

Vacationing in Miami during December has many other advantages as well. You’ll notice shorter wait times at restaurants and won’t have to deal with large crowds. Fewer people also mean less traffic. So, take that day trip to the Florida Keys without spending an extra hour trying to get there!

And since you will be visiting during the holiday season, you’ll get to enjoy Christmas lights without the freezing cold temperatures. A popular Miami activity in December is a visit to the Miami Zoo! The zoo turns into a magical winter wonderland with hundreds of lights and other attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Lastly, who wouldn’t party in Miami on New Year’s Eve?

Visiting Miami in December allows you to enjoy all the attractions without the crowds, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during the holiday season.

Recommended by Alex of WanderWithAlex

12. Tampa, Florida

If you’re tired of snow, winter sports, and looking for warm places to visit in December in the USA and escape the chilly winter, look no further than Tampa. Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is one of the best places to live in Florida.

From the Busch Gardens, Tampa Riverwalk to the newest attractions like Snowcat Ridge, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a vacation in Tampa in winter. Vibrant nightlife, fine dining, amusement parks, museums, luxury shopping – Tampa has something for everyone.

Visitors can enjoy the cooler temperature along Tampa Riverwalk. It also offers holiday light displays and seasonal events including New Year’s Eve fireworks and a lighted boat parade. December is the perfect time to visit ZooTampa. You can also visit this family-friendly place which is home to 1300 animals and endangered species.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is another reason for visiting Tampa in December. Wander through millions of twinkling lights. Kids will definitely love to visit Santa at his cottage at Santa’s North Pole Experience. There you’ll find festive shows, holiday dining, and plenty of holiday lights and music.

Although this Florida city is a little bit warmer than other US cities, you can still enjoy the holiday spirit at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park located along the beautiful Riverfront.

The village hosts an outdoor ice-skating rink with real ice as well as pop-up markets and refreshments throughout December. Snow lovers can also enjoy snow gliding, tubing, ice skating at Snowcat Ridge, a beautiful snow park which is located just 35 miles away from downtown Tampa.

Recommended by Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff

13. Aspen, Colorado

If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in the US in December then give Aspen, Colorado a try.

After all, Aspen is easily one of the best mountain towns in Colorado that’s home to 4 different mountains where you can ski, snowboard, and sled to your heart’s content all month long – making it an ideal spot if you’re looking for a fun, snow-filled vacation in December.

In particular, Aspen Snowmass is the most famous of them all since it covers 3,339 acres of terrain and is home to the second-largest vertical drop in the USA.

That being said, it’s a place that’s geared more towards advanced snowboarders and skiers. So, if you’re looking for slopes that are perfect for beginners, then visit Buttermilk instead.

Afterwards, enjoy some adrenaline-filled excitement at the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. It’s a fun, tandem coaster that reaches speeds of around 45 km/ 28 miles per hour and that mimics the feeling of a luge ride but without any of the danger.

However, no trip to Aspen would be complete without a visit to Maroon Bells Scenic Area.

Yes, Maroon Creek Road is closed in December but that just means that you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a snow-capped wonderland of mountains as you ski, snowmobile, hike, and snowshoe your way through this picturesque area.

And to enjoy the area’s most iconic highlights be sure to hop on the Lake Scenic Trail just in time for sunrise.

Recommended By Meg of Fox in the Forest

14. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island is easily one of the best places to visit in the USA in December if you want to get away from the cold and enjoy a sunny walk along the beach.

That’s because, throughout the month, temperatures on this Texas Island generally hover around 22ºC/ 72ºF during the day and 14ºC/ 57ºF at night.

Additionally, December only receives an average of around three days of rain. So, you could easily go for a scenic walk along some of the best beaches in Texas all December long.

In particular, though, a trip to the Padre Island National Seashore is a must. See, this stunning national park is home to 65 miles of pristine coastline and is the largest undeveloped barrier island in the world.

It’s also known for having several secluded beaches where you can escape the crowds, like Bird Island Basin Beach and Malaquite Beach.

Then afterwards, enjoy other fun activities like a trip to the Dolphin Research and Sealife Nature Center. While here, you can learn all about these incredible creatures before visiting the historic Port Isabel Lighthouse.

It was originally built in 1852 and is a great place to stop before spotting dolphins during a sunset dinner cruise with Osprey Cruises.

Recommended By Ketki of Enchanting Texas

15. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park in Utah is another place that’s easily one of the best places to visit in the US in December.

Yes, the weather is a bit cool – with highs around 7ºC/ 45ºF and lows around -5ºC/ 23ºF – but that makes sense since this park sits between 1,804 metres and 1,859 metres (5,920 feet and 6,100 feet) above sea level.

However, if you can handle the cold, you’ll love visiting Canyonlands in winter, and December particularly, since you’ll be able to avoid long lines into the park, will have the trails all to yourself, and won’t have to worry about intense heat from the summer sun.

That being said, do be aware that visitor services are limited throughout the off-season.

And while all the hiking trails here remain open throughout the winter, you’ll need to bring traction devices and trekking poles since snow and ice may accumulate along with popular hikes like the trek to Mesa Arch.

Other than that, just enjoy the relative solitude of this amazing place as you hike to Mesa Arch, take in sweeping views of Monument Basin from Grand View Point Overlook, and trek along the White Rim Overlook trail.

Plus, if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and the winding dirt road isn’t too treacherous, you can always drive out to Shafer Canyon and admire the panoramas from this viewpoint.

Recommended By Jamie of Photo Jeepers

16. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

If you love outdoor winter adventures, look no further than Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It’s one of the best December vacations in the US for a reason.

The area is well known for its kaleidoscope sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and breathtaking waterfalls that all turn into a winter wonderland!

There are over 20 gorgeous waterfalls throughout the lakeshore and by mid-December, these flowing falls become ice caves and formations – creating a dramatic landscape and fun activity. As long as the falls have fully frozen, visitors are welcome to explore the caves and even climb the frozen falls—some are more than 15 metres/ 50 feet tall.

The easiest waterfall to view and climb is Munising Falls. Parking isn’t available on Sand Point Rd. but there is a parking lot near where the road ends. The trail isn’t marked per se, but The National Parks Service places brown signs signifying “ice formations” along the road. The trek to see each is just about a quarter of a mile (be prepared, the snow might be deep!).

If climbing ice formations doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing throughout the area.

Whatever winter activities you do decide to enjoy, be sure to have the proper gear and only wander during the daylight in case you become stuck – the area averages around 3.6 metres/ 140 inches of snow annually!

One last important note, dogs are not allowed on the ice formation trails.

Recommended by Rebecca Gade Sawicki of Veggies Abroad

17. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

For a mild winter escape that still looks like snow, head to White Sands National Park. Located in southern New Mexico, White Sands covers 275 acres of Chihuahuan desert consisting of gypsum sand dunes. In December, you can expect daytime temps in the high 10ºC/ 50ºF, making for perfect weather to explore this unique landscape.

Hiking is one of the best things to do in White Sands. There are several easy trails to explore, or you can challenge yourself by hiking up and down the sand dunes on the Alkali Flat Trail. This trail will give you an incredible perspective of the vast landscape of the sand dunes. It gets too hot to hike this trail in the summer, but December is an ideal time to tackle it.

Another fun hiking opportunity is a sunset stroll with a park ranger. These guided tours happen every night, and you can learn about the geology, flora, and fauna of White Sands, then finish the stroll with a stunning sunset view over the sand dunes.

Finally, don’t miss the chance to go dune sledding on your trip to White Sands. Bring your own sled or buy a plastic saucer at the visitor centre and feel like a kid again (or take the kids) sliding down the hills. It’s the perfect winter adventure in White Sands!

Recommended by Allison from She Dreams of Alpine

18. Washington, DC

There are plenty of free winter and Christmas activities in the national capital, making it a great destination to visit in December. When you arrive at Union Station, the first thing you’ll see is the stunning 30-metre Christmas tree donated by the Norwegian Embassy.

From historical buildings to charming holiday markets and winter activities – make sure to spend at least 2 days in Washington DC to enjoy the full magic.

Enjoy the morning doing some Christmas shopping in Georgetown before you visit Washington’s iconic monuments and memorials, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Junior Memorial.

Besides the city’s main attractions such as the White House, the Capitol and the Supreme Court, there are many activities that can only be enjoyed during wintertime.

What about seeing a magical Christmas performance in Ford’s Theatre or going ice skating in the sparkling little village “Enchant Christmas”? During the month of December, the popular U.S. Botanic Garden displays festive decorations and world-famous train stations as little models made of plant parts.

Definitely a must-see on your trip to the national capital! However, one of the biggest events is the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree, which takes place on 2 December and has been a tradition in the city for about 100 years.

Recommended by Carolin from Happy When Abroad

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Where’ll your December vacation take you? Whether you’re looking for a festive city to enjoy the holidays or a quiet town in the mountains, the USA has something for everyone. We hope this roundup of the best December vacations in the US has given you some ideas for where to travel in December.

If not, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more inspiration. And don’t forget to pack your camera – you’ll want to capture all of the amazing memories you make on this trip!

Are you excited to explore some of the best places in the USA during December? If so, be sure to bookmark this page and come back often.

We’ll continue to update it with new information as we discover more amazing destinations. And don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! They’re sure to appreciate all of the great ideas for December getaways.