Cover image for the best places to travel in December blog showing the Bryant Park holiday market in NYC

If you’re planning to travel in December you may be looking for warm places to escape the cold and beat the winter blues, or maybe you’re looking for more of a winter wonderland to celebrate the holiday season. Below you’ll find the destinations that are considered the top five best places to travel in December in the USA with the best weather and most iconic holiday celebrations.

These five cities are also perfect destinations for backpackers, digital nomads and long-term travelers because they’re all in locations that have hostels and hubs that are walkable for travelers. They also represent some of the best spots in the whole US to see. Happy New Year and enjoy your travels! ❄️

San Diego, California : #1 of the best places to visit in December in the USA

San Diego is definitely one of the best places to travel in December because, compared to other US travel destinations, you’re likely to get mild weather, warm days and plenty of sunny days.

There’s also more than enough to do and see in Southern California, and lots of holiday celebrations going on throughout the city including the iconic holidays at the Del at Hotel del Coronado on the beach. This is why it’s my top pick and the perfect place to travel to in December.

A couple smiling at the camera with athletic outfits on and the ocean in the background, on a cliff with their yoga mat after a yoga class on a sunny day
A couple biking down the Pacific Beach boardwalk on a sunny day with jackets
A redheaded woman on the beach during the sunset with pants, a sweater and on a blanket
Our trip to San Diego where we got to do a free oceanfront yoga class, bike down the Pacific Beach boardwalk bar hopping and spend multiple sunsets right on the beach

The beautiful beaches in San Diego are stunning and worth a visit any time of year between the panoramic views off the cliffs, sunsets and seal sightings at La Jolla Cove. I highly recommend visiting the boardwalk or Belmont Park amusement park of Pacific Beach, the hippie community of Ocean Beach or the stunning and historic Coronado Beach.

Speaking of the beaches, the historic and iconic Hotel del Coronado gets decorated beautifully for the holiday season, with an oceanfront ice skating rink and all sorts of other festivities.

Christmas lights on the Hotel del Coronado just after sunset
The oceanfront ice skating rink at the Hotel del Coronado with the sunsetting in the back, to display one of the most unique places to travel in December
Ice skating rink and igloos set up right on the beach at the Hotel del Coronado

This is definitely a bucket list trip, as the Hotel del Coronado is one of my most recommended hotels in San Diego as it is since it has such an interesting history and it’s right on the beach.

You can also see the historic Balboa Park and San Diego zoo, explore the shops of downtown San Diego and eat good food everywhere throughout the city but especially at the restaurants of Little Italy. For the nature lovers, consider taking a whale watching cruise.

A redheaded woman with a drink in hand in front of some giraffes on a sunny day at the San Diego zoo
My last trip to the huge San Diego zoo with a drink in hand

During the Holiday season the city comes even more alive with events and festivities, in case you need MORE options for things to do. One of the most famous holiday events in San Diego is the free December Nights festival at Balboa Park. Also near Balboa Park is the How Grinch Stole Christmas show at the Old Globe Theatre. There are also holiday markets, the annual Parade of Lights on the San Diego Bay and so much more.

Within a few hours of San Diego you can take a day trip to Los Angeles, the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, which are three additional destinations to check out if you have the time.

A waterfront restaurant with seating around firepits on the water at the Bahia Resort, showing that its one of the best places to travel in December
The stunning Bahia Resort on Mission Bay

The ITH Beach Surf Hostel is my top choice for places to stay in San Diego on a budget – it’s right on the Pacific Beach boardwalk. For a resort-style stay consider the Bahia Resort on Mission Bay. If you’d rather stay Downtown, you can’t go wrong with the Pendry San Diego.

New York, New York : NYC during the Holidays

New York City is already one of the top destinations in the US and when you add the magic of the Holidays, it’s definitely one of the best places to travel in December in the USA and a great time to see the world famous city, even though you should keep it mind it can be collllddddddd (but totally worth it!).

A POV shot of Times Square lit up with billboards at night, which is one of the most iconic spots in all of NYC
A photo of Times Square I took just after visiting Rockefeller Center

I’ve personally been to NYC in December at least three times and it’s never disappointed – although it can get VERY cold, but totally worth it. Because of all the festivities, the reliable subway system and countless indoor activities, the cold shouldn’t get in the way too much.

Some of the activities not to miss is the famous NYC Christmas tree and ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, the NYC Christmas markets like the Bryant Park winter village, Christmas bars & beautifully decorated restaurants, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes, Santaland and the winter displays at Macy’s and so much more.

Lauren of Inspired Backpacker standing in front of a half frozen fountain at Bryant Park Holiday Market
Me at the Bryant Park Holiday Market during a really cold day where the fountain was half frozen
The Rockettes all posing on stage in their red and green dresses, to show that it's one of the things that makes NYC one of the best places to travel in December in USA
The last time I saw the Rockettes I took this shot

You can even take a sleigh ride through Central Park. If you like to bar crawl, come for the annual SantaCon where you can roam the streets of NYC with the most condensed amount of people dressed up in Santa costumes you’ll ever see.

Beyond Christmas time, NYC is of course home to the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st. And so many other New Year’s Eve parties throughout the city, from big ticket parties to more lowkey lounges and everything in between. I still have it on my bucket list to visit for NYE.

A packed Times Square during the New Year's Eve bash lit up with snow falling

Some other things to check out in NYC are the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and the Empire State Building. You can also take a New York in one day tour if you want to check out the highlights with a guide.

One thing to keep in mind is that NYC CAN be really expensive during the holiday season but it doesn’t have to be. I always recommend Pod Times Square for a great discount hotel in a really convenient location. If you’re okay with a splurge, the Ned NoMad Hotel is an excellent choice right in the center of the action with beautiful holiday decorations.

Miami, South Florida

Miami in South Florida is one of the warmest destinations in the US so naturally it’s on my list for the best places to travel in December. Miami is my personal go-to when planning trips for this time of year! 

The rainbow lifeguard stand at the 12th Street beach entrance on Miami on a sunny day
Photo I took of one of my favorite lifeguard stands in Miami Beach on 12th Street

It’s the perfect time to visit if you don’t need hot hot weather because the crowds are lower and there’s usually warm weather without the humidity. It’s not guaranteed you’ll get warm weather but your chances are high and the ocean should be swimmable.

Other than having great weather, early December is when the world famous Art Basel happens. People from all over the world come to celebrate art in Miami Beach and the parties are some of the best all year.

Of course the best thing to do in Miami is to visit the beautiful South Beach! It’s huge and one of the best beaches in the entire US. Walk the Miami Beach boardwalk to take in all the sights. See the neon lights of the Art Deco district, history of Calle Ocho at Little Havana and maybe venture over to see the Everglades if you like nature.

A man biking down the Miami Beach boardwalk in front of the Art Deco district at sunset with palm trees against the sky
Photo I took during a walk along the Miami Beach boardwalk as it comes up to the Art Deco district

Miami is all about boating and water sports, and one of my personal favorite ways to see the city from the water is with a private boat tour like this one which is surprisingly affordable.

The Holiday season is a special time to visit and there are lots of festive events going on throughout the city. Some popular areas to visit that are decorated for the Holidays are Brickell, Lincoln Road, Bayfront Park and Coconut Grove. You can also check out Christmas Wonderland, the Winterfest Boat Parade and Zoo Lights.

Wondering where to stay? Miami has some of the best hostels in the US, so if you’re looking for cheap options there are lots of great ones. My go-to in Miami is the Viajero hostel, which is surprisingly nice and even has two secret speakeasy bars.

Two of the gorgeous pools at the oceanfront Savoy resort in Miami on the ocean, to show that it's one of the best places to travel in December for the gorgeous weather
The oceanfront pools at the Savoy

The Savoy and Miami Beach EDITION are two amazing midrange hotels. You can even stay in the former Versace Mansion in Miami if you’re willing to splurge at Villa Casuarina – definitely on my bucket list. 🤩

Puerto Rico

Although not part of the mainland US, Puerto Rico is a United States territory and one of the best places to travel in December without a doubt for the amazing weather and warm waters. Who doesn’t want a tropical vacation in the middle of the cold winter?!

An aerial view of a fort and the city of San Juan on a sunny day with a crystal blue ocean, to show how picturesque of a destination it is

The Christmas trade winds can make the weather a little windy but the temps are hot and you’ll see lots of sun. The winter months are Puerto Rico’s peak season and the best time to visit, which means you can expect crowds during this time. 

Of course the best part about Puerto Rico are the tropical beaches. Have yourself a beach day or three and relax with sand in your toes and a cocktail in hand. You can also head to the West Coast of Puerto Rico for world-class surfing during December.

A beautiful white sand beach with palm trees, which shows why Puerto Rico is one of the best places to travel in December

Old San Juan is home to the San Juan National Historic Site, one of the US’s best National Parks, with centuries-old forts, cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Lots of culture here, you definitely don’t want to miss it! The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is stunning.

There’s also the El Yunque National Forest where you can hike, see the local wildlife and swim underneath waterfalls. There are even natural slides in the rainforest. A rainforest waterpark, count me in!!! This small group tour is a good option for exploring the rainforest and checking out all the best spots.

A person sliding down the natural rock slide in Puerto Rico with a group behind waiting for their turn

Last but not least, make sure to check out one of the island’s Bioluminescent Bays if you’re visiting during a new moon where the night sky is darkest. 

Puerto Rico has one of the longest holiday seasons in the world and there is tons to do on the island during the season if you’re looking for festive activities. Some ideas are to check out the Holiday lights in Old San Juan, join in the lively tradition of Parrandas, similar to caroling in the mainland United States, or attend the San Sebastian Street Festival.

A pool and palm trees under a sunsetting evening sky at one of the best hotels in Puerto Rico, the Condado Vanderbilt hotel

When looking at where to stay in Puerto Rico, the iconic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel might be the best overall choice for a hotel. If you’re considering staying at a hostel to save money the Casa Coral and Mango Mansion are great options. For a beach resort you should check out the beautiful oceanfront Conquistador Resort on the cliffs.

Park City, Utah

I couldn’t write a list of the best places to travel in December in USA without mentioning a ski resort. Although some resorts won’t have enough snow yet in December, being at a ski resort during Christmas time is a magical experience.

A magical aerial view of Park City lit up at night with snow on the mountains

Your best chance for a white Christmas in the US is to visit Park City, Utah.

The two ski resorts include the Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley. Between the Holiday celebraitons and the winter weather, these resorts will make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. Plus, you’ll get fewer crowds before the ski season really gets going in January.

People riding up one of the ski lifts in Park City with an abundance of snow, to show that it's a magical destination and one of the best places to travel in December in the USA for snow
Photo credit: Visit Park City Facebook
Red glowing lights on the ski mountain, to show what the Torchlight parade looks like at Park City

For Christmas during the month of December the holiday spirit is in full swing. They have an annual Torchlight parade down the ski slopes which is super unique, decorations and activities in the gorgeous Main Street area, holiday shopping, other holiday events that tend to change each year and of course world-class skiing.

Just make sure to check the resort ski reports for both Park City and Deer Valley so you know what to expect when you visit.

The colorful buildings at the Westgate Park City in the snow, one of the best hotels in the area
The gorgeous Westgate Park City in the heart of Park City

There are lots of options for places to stay in Park City for all budgets. I recommend the Westgate Park City if you want to stay in the heart of the action or the Newark if you’re okay with being a little farther out to save money. There’s even a hostel for budget or long term travelers called the Park City hostel.

More Ideas for Places to Travel In December In the USA

Outside of these amazing destinations, here are a few more ideas for winter travel in the US in December:

  • Key West, FL – The Florida Keys offer warm temps and holiday celebrations in paradise
  • Disney World in Orlando, FL – Disney and Universal decorated for the holidays with mild temps are magical
  • Lake Tahoe, NV – Another great place for a chance of a white Christmas and skiing in December
  • Glenwood Springs, CO – Visit the Hot Springs of Glenwood Springs for a relaxing trip
  • St. Augustine, FL – Holiday celebrations and beautiful weather in North Florida
  • Charleston, Savannah or Myrtle Beach, SC- Amazing weather and holiday celebrations make South Carolina a great choice for travel
  • Bryson City or Raleigh, NC – Visit the North Pole via the Polar Express train ride in Bryson City, or watch the Christmas Parade in Raleigh North Carolina
Profile photo of Lauren Edmondson in Uluwatu, Bali
Lauren Kessel
hello@inspiredbackpacker.com

Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.