The 10 best American seaside cities to visit to escape winter

A getaway in these sunny destinations is exactly what the doctor ordered.


They do not call it the "winter slump" for nothing - while temperatures start to fall, the snow begins to fall and the days become shorter, many travelers are impatient to drop their city native for a little sunnate. Fortunately, there is a richness of beautiful seaside cities here in the United States which can help chase these winter blues . Because something that feels the sand between your toes, hearing the relaxing sound of the waves and sipping a fruity cocktail cannot repair?

Pro advice: If you are ready to wait after the death of the vacation chaos, you may be able to conclude a stellar agreement on plane tickets and hotels for a January or February getaway. Better yet, traveling to these Ocean destinations During the season out of season, maybe even more fun, because you can dodge the crowd that tends to flock to the beaches during the summer.

If you have itching for a quick A getaway for a weekend With your SO or a long and long trip with the whole family, here are the best American seaside cities from one ocean to another for a wonderful winter escape - no required passport.

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The best American seaside cities to visit during the winter

1. Avila Beach, California

Avila Beach California
Juancat / Shutterstock

If you are looking for a surfing city in California par excellence, you can stop looking for - Avila Beach corresponds to each respect, from its magnificent beaches and pillars to its relaxed lifestyle and Charming shops .

Located just four o'clock in northern Los Angeles or three o'clock in the south of the Bay region, it is the winter getaway for the perfect weekend for Coasters' courses or those who already explore California , said Laura Cox , founder of Travel 80 by 80 .

"The promenade offers a variety of catering options, beautiful seafood restaurants with pizza and hawaiian ice options," she adds. "Expect that the weather is crowned in the mid -1960s - crisp and cool but sunny, so that you can always go out and explore."

The activities adapted to children abound here, but a highlight is certainly the aquarium of the Central Coast, where you can Learn everything about sea creatures And even touch babies and other fish. Adults will certainly never miss things to do either - just a few options include coastal hike, cycling, kayaking, beach volleyball or wine tasting.

2. Boca Raton, Florida

Boca Raton Florida
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"There is a reason why this seaside city continues to gain popularity and is a holiday destination for celebrities like Rod Stewart and Adam Sandler , "said Bryan Mullennix , Owner of Feelingvegas . "It's calm, has tons to offer and it looks like it's immediately outside a film."

Indeed, Boca has everything. Not only is this seaside town known for its spectacular beaches, parks and golf courses, but also Vibrant nightlife , Luxurious spas and impressive museums.

"What really impressed me was how clean and well maintained this city," explains Mullennix.

Discover the world class Boca Raton Museum of Art , attend an outdoor concert or gastronomy at the Mizner Park amphitheater, and browse the high-end stores in the city center and Mizner Park designer labels. And of course, be sure to spend time on the section of two miles of immaculate beaches.

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3. Mendocino, California

Mendocino California
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You are necessarily in love with this breathtaking city in northern California as soon as you feel your eyes on its dramatic coast, its cliff trails and Historical attractions .

"Mendocino is surrounded by tons of natural beauty all year round," says Nina Ragusa , co -founder of the blog California is for the adventure . "It is a magnificent coastal getaway with trails to wander, sequoias to explore and beaches to surf."

During the winter, you can expect to have an overview of the oil violation just offshore while they migrate through the water from November to February. And while the region's sequoia trails are perfect at any time of the year, winter means much fewer crowds and a much more comfortable climate for hiking.

Mendocino also happens to be the only city in the Californian coast designated as a historic landmark - many buildings date back to the 1850s, and Victorian architecture and salt chalets have a certain charm of New England. Remember to stay in one of the many picturesque local guest rooms, which are accessible on foot for most of the best restaurants, shops and galleries in the city.

"The whole city is picturesque," adds Ragusa. "Head to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse for a view of the sea that crashes underneath and a pinch of history.

4. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island
Devon S / Shutterstock

You might not think of Texas when you are looking for a beach getaway, but don't sleep on this subtropical secret gem. Laura Elm , the travel blogger behind The itinerant elms , calls South Padre Island, his favorite winter place, thanks to abundant activities and ideal times during this time of year, which hover around the middle at the 60s.

Whether you are going into apnea diving or under-manage diving at Laguna Madre, bring a bait bucket to the pier of Queen Isabella of the State or praise Jet-Skis, you are definitively for a trip to the ' Adventure here, according to Elm.

Regarding the kiddos, they will have an explosion of splashes in the inner water park - Beach Park in Isla Blanca - Ziplinison or horse riding at the South Padre Island Adventure Park, as well as karting and mini -golf at Gravity Park.

Make sure to grasp your binoculars and stop by South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary to watch tropical birds, reptiles and other fascinating critters - or swing by the South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Seallife Nature Center for an educational boat visit or to enjoy interactive touch tanks.

5. Jolla, California

La Jolla California
Richard a McMillin / Shutterstock

"Famous for its surfing, its white sands and its tidal pools of the Jolla during the low tides, the Jolla is a fantastic destination to avoid cold in winter", explains Owen Redford , Founder of Things to do Travel blog. "The area south of the village is ideal for sunbathing and swimming, while the north-oriented part is perfect for apnea diving, swimming and scuba diving."

The Jolla is considered a district of San Diego - and chic to that, filled with chic shops and elegant resident restaurants. The beach here, which is nestled between superb sandstone cliffs, is undoubtedly one of the most photographed places in all of southern California.

Each year, many families flock to this chic seaside district to catch seals and sea lions which call the Jolla Cove their house. But apart from the Pélicans, the Cormorants and other wild animals to see there, there is also a lot to do. Learn to surf, make a kayak visit through the caves of the sea, rent paddles or parapye - these are only a few of the many outdoor adventures waiting for the Jolla.

6. Cayucos, California

Cayucos California
Joseph Karibian / Shutterstock

When Pafoua Pistoresi , Creator of His wandering world , moved to California, she instantly fell in love with this central seaside city of California.

"This little but idyllic Bake Town will capture the hearts of all those who visit," she said. "Of course, the peaceful ocean is far too cold to swim - but surfers could certainly catch waves with a damp suit on Cayucos beach, and visitors can also fish for Cayucos Pier, which is part of the whale path in California."

Hikers will be in paradise Among the rocky cliffs, the dunes and the breathtaking shipwrecks at the Estero Bluffs state park for dogs, while history enthusiasts will be delighted with a visit to the Luminous Piedras Blancas station - a national monument in continuous since 1875.

Pistoresi recommends exploring Estero Bluffs saddens or walking in the city center to find a handful of locally painted murals. She also recommends sifting the trinkets and unique memories in antique dealers just in front of Cayucos beach - and stopping at the legendary Brown butter cookie company For some memorable treats.

7. Destiny, Florida

Destin Florida
Jay Beckerich / Shutterstock

Travel blogger Jennifer Jay, Calls this city, which is located in the pandandle of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, "the seaside town perfect for a good winter getaway."

Destin has white sandy beaches and waters with emerald combinations, but it is also famous for its golf courses and fishing possibilities. "With its world class beaches, its exquisite meals and its plethora of attractions, you will not know where to start when planning your vacation," said Jay. "There are a lot of unique attractions here for the whole family - dolphins observation cruises and fishing on the high seas on a fishing charter, to self -driven kayak trips, you are certainly not bored. ""

Wayne Kask , Owner of Always on shore , also calls destiny his seaside city preferred to visit during the coldest months - partly because of the wide variety of activities, such as arcades, water parks, racing tracks and purchases in the village of Harborwalk.

"If you like seafood, you have to try The rear porch , "Recommended Steve MORROW , a travel blogger and founder of Paddle .

This seafood and oyster joint has been a local favorite for decades now - and thanks to its location by the sea, it is the ideal place to look at the sun on the water while you enjoy .

8. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Bay St. Louis
Clayton Harrison / Shutterstock

"Bay St. Louis is a hidden gem along the" secret coast "of the Mississippi that few people consider when they talk about the beach vacation," said Josh everyone , a travel expert and chief meteorologist at Yourcast . "Other than in some parts of Florida, you cannot find a statistically better weather in December, January and February in the east of the United States. Although the ups and downs are in the 60s, it 'is not uncommon to obtain a gentle and windy day either the upper 1970s or the 80s lower. "

While the water of the Gulf of Mexico can be a little too cold to swim in winter, each one says that you can certainly pack a cooler, install some chairs and spend time on one of the many picturesque beaches adapted to animals of company.

Eachus says that Bay St. Louis provides the perfect compromise: you can avoid the agitation and agitation and trafficking of cities like Biloxi and Gulfport, but easily access the incredible points of sale, casinos and other attractions that are less than 'one o'clock.

"Although there are many tourist opportunities for a family looking to explore a new part of the country, the region is best suited to a couple or a group of friends during a weekend getaway "He adds.

Although there are a lot of Hotel options In Bay St. Louis, everyone recommends determining one of the many impressive Airbnb and VRBO options.

"Most restaurants have water views and will offer a good sample of the Gulf coast, including fresh seafood," he said. "In addition, if you visit in January or especially February, the crayfish season is just beginning."

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9. Morro Bay, California

Morro Bay California
Alexander Demyanenko / Shutterstock

This seaside town - which is conveniently in the middle of San Francisco and Los Angeles - is well suited to a Romantic couple's escadet , said Ciara Turner-Wewert , author of Well-being travel journal . AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"He has a small city center that provides tasty fresh fish and salt water," she explains. "But the real reason you should visit in winter is that this city is near hot Springs , which are perfect for soaking, relaxing and connecting with your partner before or after the busy holiday season. ""

While Morro Bay can be small - don't let your size be wrong. It is full of kilometers of preserved sandy beaches and nature trails and restaurants of seafood worthy of envy.

After a day of beach beach, kayaking, sailing or surfing, taste some of the famous bitter beers of the city barrel or distinctive local wines. Or, take a portable cruise from the beautiful Morro bay at sunset to absorb the landscape.

Before getting home, however, make sure you expand on Morro Rock - an emblematic landmark which now serves as a sanctuary for many species of birds. While you are there, you can even encounter otters, seals and dolphins that are gambling in the bay. And for a memorable memory, you will want to hit eclectic art shops and galleries for certain works of art, jewelry and other unique articles made by local craftsmen.

10. Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island Lighthouse
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

This barrier island, located right next to Savannah, is a perfect mixture of old and all new history rich in modern pieces and equipment. Have we mentioned the deliciously relaxed pace of life and the undeniable southern hospitality?

"The island of Tybee is known for its long sandy beaches, including South Beach, with a pier and a pavilion," explains Luke Xavier , travel expert and founder of USA Rover . “In the north of the island, Fort Screven has 19th century concrete batteries and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. The lighthouse still operating from the 18th century has been rebuilt several times and the museum in Battery Garland focuses on local history. ""

It is not surprising that this city is so popular family holidays Destination - You cannot beat the colored sunsets here, the comforting excessive food and the endless stores and galleries along the shore and the marshes. But rather than driving to explore these island attractions, plan to jump on an outdoor Tybee cruiser - a unique and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

Couples may want to make a boat trip to sunset for a breathtaking view of the cockspur lighthouse and Fort Pulaski - while families may want to stop at the Marine Science Center to learn more about maritime life. However, you spend your time here - if you are lucky - you can just locate dolphins from the shore.


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