While the rest of the neighborhood is busy decking the halls with boughs of holly, we think it’s time you and your family tried something different this holiday season. This year, swap untangling the Christmas tree lights in the snow for a cocktail under a swaying palm tree instead. If this sounds like your kind of vacation, join us as we explore our five top US beaches for a tropical Christmas.
Soon, you too could be swimming in the crystal-clear waters off the Florida coast or opening your advent calendar on Christmas Eve under some coastal Christmas decorations, enjoying a Californian Pacific Ocean sunset. Wherever you choose to go this festive season, nothing quite beats tropical Christmas on the beach.
Nowhere does Christmas quite feel as peaceful as Florida – with its warm winters, tropical seas, and coastal Christmas decorations, it’s a fantastic destination to escape the winter blues for a warm and sunny holiday season. To kick start our list of the top US beaches for a tropical Christmas, we’re heading to the crystal-clear waters of West Palm Beach.
Ideal for the whole family, head first to Palm Beach Zoo, where the palm tree lined zoo pathways provide a festive atmosphere while you meet the resident flamingos, alligators, and scarlet macaws. Then, after a day of snorkeling the warm tropical waters and a game of beach volleyball, head over to Sandi Land as night time approaches. Here, you’ll find the world’s only holiday-time-inspired 35-foot-tall sand Christmas tree, illuminated every evening with a vibrant display of Christmas lights.
Enhance your Floridian Christmas holidays by booking your stay at the impressive Palm Beach Shores Resort and Vacation Villas in Palm Beach Shores, Florida.
Another fantastic Christmas on the beach destination has to be the family-friendly Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As one of our top US beaches for a tropical Christmas, you can bring your friends and family here to enjoy the beach Christmas decorations. Nothing quite beats waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve while enjoying the mild winter climate of Myrtle Beach.
Start every day with a festive swim or surf session before beachcombing or building the ultimate sandcastle on the pristine sands of Myrtle Beach. Afterward, you can get in a round of golf at various golf courses in the area or head to Broadway Theater for some festive live entertainment. However, the pinnacle of any Christmas season in Myrtle Beach has to be the festive ‘Nights of a Thousand Candles’ display at Brookgreen Gardens.
Enjoy the seasonal holidays with a cozy night’s sleep every night at the Best Western Plus Myrtle Beach @ Intracoastal in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina.
If you’re looking for the perfect beach vacation to escape the winter chills this festive season, a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, could be the ideal Christmas tonic. The sunny climate and warm tropical waters make this a premier choice on our list of the top US beaches for a tropical Christmas.
Palm trees dressed in beach Christmas decorations and an annual Christmas lighted boat parade are the perfect reason tell the kids Santa Claus is coming to Gulf Shores this year. Offering family fun on the beach, you can take a tranquil swim in the seas of the Gulf of Mexico or sunbathe on the beach. After a day of beachcombing and building sandcastles, enjoy a stunning dolphin sunset boat tour with the crew at The Sunny Lady @ The Wharf.
Maximize Christmas on the beach this holiday season when you stay at the Best Western Premier The Tides in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Next on our list of the top US beaches for a tropical Christmas, we enjoy the seasonal holidays on South Padre Island, Texas. Here, you can wake up to the gentle sound of waves lapping on the beach while palm trees decorated in coastal Christmas decorations remind you that despite the lack of snow, it’s still the holiday season.
South Padre Island is famous for its water sports, so after a morning swim, you can always join Santa for some parasailing and jet skiing. You can also write Christmas cards to all your friends and relatives in the shade of the swaying palm trees before going snorkeling with the kids. While you’re on South Padre Island, be sure to also visit the team at Sea Turtle Inc. for a fascinating insight as they strive to ensure local sea turtle conservation.
For the ultimate coastal Christmas vacation, make sure you stay at the excellent Best Western Beachside Inn in South Padre Island, Texas.
For fans of Santa who fancy heading to the West Coast for a Christmas Eve, our final tip for the top US beaches for a tropical Christmas must be San Diego, California. Imagine opening the last door on your festive advent calendar on the beach before diving into the ocean for a swim or a surf. With so many great beaches to enjoy, such as Mission Beach to La Jolla Shores beach, see them all lit up at night with their impressive Christmas lights and decorations.
Of course, Californians enjoy the traditional seasonal holidays, too, so head down to Coronado Beach for a unique ice-skating experience at the ocean-side ice rink. However, the high point of our journey to visit the top US beaches for a tropical Christmas must be a spectacular Pacific Ocean sunset, some wine, fine dining, and Christmas dinner at the Duke’s La Jolla Restaurant.
Enjoy Christmas at the beach California style, when you get a comfy night’s sleep every night at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina in San Diego, California.