Christmas in the United States doesn’t have to mean freezing temperatures, heavy coats, and shoveling driveways. While most of the country bundles up, millions of smart travelers head south and west to celebrate the holidays barefoot on sugar-white sand with a margarita in hand. These are the absolute best beach destinations in the continental U.S. that deliver 70–85°F sunshine, festive holiday events, and postcard-perfect scenery every December.
1. Siesta Key, Florida – The #1 Christmas Beach in America
Siesta Key consistently ranks as having some of the finest, whitest sand on the planet—made of 99% pure quartz that stays cool under your feet even on the hottest days. In December, daytime highs hover around 73–77°F with almost zero chance of rain. The annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival often spills into early December with Christmas-themed masterpieces, while the village lights up with boat parades and a massive decorated Christmas tree right on the public beach. Hotels and vacation rentals deck their palm trees with twinkling lights, creating a surreal tropical North Pole vibe.
2. South Padre Island, Texas – Warm Water & Fireworks on the Beach
The southernmost tip of Texas offers the warmest ocean water on the mainland U.S. in winter—usually 68–72°F. Christmas week brings the “Lighted Boat Parade” in the Laguna Madre and spectacular beachfront fireworks on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Many resorts host “Christmas Day on the Beach” buffets complete with roasted turkey served under cabanas. Affordable pricing compared to Florida makes it a favorite for families wanting a budget-friendly sunny holiday.
3. Clearwater Beach, Florida – Santa Arrives by Boat
Clearwater Beach transforms into a winter wonderland—minus the winter. The famous “Christmas Under the Oaks” event at Coachman Park combines live music with thousands of lights, while Santa trades his sleigh for a speedboat and arrives at the marina to the delight of thousands of kids. Pier 60 hosts nightly sunsets with street performers dressed as elves and reindeer. Water temperature stays swimmable at 68–70°F, and the wide, powdery beach rarely feels crowded in December.
4. San Diego, California – 70°F and 70 Miles of Coastline
San Diego’s 70-mile coastline delivers perfect 70°F weather almost every Christmas. Hotel del Coronado, one of the most iconic Victorian beach resorts in America, installs a 75-foot Christmas tree on the sand and an outdoor ice-skating rink right by the ocean—an unforgettable contrast of palm trees and ice skates. The Parade of Lights in San Diego Bay features over 80 brilliantly decorated boats, and many neighborhoods compete in holiday light displays visible from the beach.
5. Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii – The Ultimate Tropical Christmas
Yes, Hawaii is part of the U.S., and Waikiki in December is pure magic. Temperatures stay between 78–82°F with gentle trade winds. The Honolulu City Lights festival opens in early December with a 50-foot Christmas tree, while Outrigger Resorts host canoe rides with Santa paddling in from the reef. Friday night fireworks over the beach, Christmas hula shows, and surf lessons under the sunshine make it the gold standard of warm-weather holidays.
6. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama – The Hidden Gem of the Gulf
This 32-mile stretch of the Alabama coast offers snow-white sand and emerald water at a fraction of Florida prices. December highs average 63–68°F (warm enough for sunbathing and occasional swimming). The Coastal Christmas Lighted Boat Parade and the annual “Polar Plunge” on New Year’s Day draw huge crowds, while beachfront homes decorate with over-the-top light displays that reflect on the calm Gulf waters at night.
7. Santa Monica & Venice Beach, California – Hollywood Christmas by the Sea
Los Angeles County beaches stay in the mid-70s in December. The Santa Monica Pier glows with thousands of lights, and the Third Street Promenade becomes a pedestrian-only holiday shopping wonderland. Venice Beach hosts drum circles around beach bonfires while muscle beach athletes work out wearing Santa hats. Many luxury hotels in Santa Monica offer “Christmas at the Beach” packages with in-room fireplaces overlooking the Pacific.
8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – 60 Miles of Festive Boardwalk
Myrtle Beach surprises visitors with 65–70°F days in December and some of the lowest winter hotel rates on the East Coast. The Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens and the Great Christmas Light Show drive-through attract families from across the Southeast. Beachfront resorts light up palm trees in red and green, and the boardwalk stays lively with holiday markets and live music.
9. Key West, Florida – The Quirky Southernmost Christmas
At the very end of the Florida Keys, Key West celebrates the holidays like nowhere else. The annual Lighted Boat Parade in the historic harbor features vessels decorated as floating Christmas trees. Duval Street bars host “Ugly Christmas Sweater Crawls,” and many B&Bs serve eggnog on their oceanfront porches. Average temperature: 77°F. Bonus: you can stand at the Southernmost Point buoy on Christmas morning in shorts and flip-flops.
10. Coronado Beach, San Diego – The Crown Jewel
Consistently voted one of the best beaches in America, Coronado’s wide, mica-flecked sand sparkles like gold in the winter sun. The historic Hotel del Coronado (featured in “Some Like It Hot”) turns into a Victorian Christmas dream with ice skating on the beach, a giant tree made of poinsettias, and “Breakfast with Santa” overlooking the Pacific. The island’s residential streets compete in holiday decorating contests that are legendary.
Why December Is Actually the Best Time
Crowds drop dramatically after Thanksgiving, hotel rates can be 30–60% lower than peak season, and the weather is often more pleasant than humid summer months. Most destinations listed above average 8–10 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall under 3 inches for the entire month.
Whether you dream of Christmas morning mimosas on a balcony watching dolphins, or building sandmen instead of snowmen, these U.S. beaches deliver the ultimate sunny holiday escape—no passport required.