Are you trying to decide what are the best Florida beaches in December for your next beach trip?
I’ve got just what you need!
While some love to spend this festive holiday month in the snow and sipping hot chocolate, others like us love to head straight for the beach.
I know the only white I want to see is the sand beneath my toes!
December in Florida brings warm and comfortable weather without the intense summer heat and holiday events are happening all month long on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
A Florida beach trip is the best present you can give yourself! So, let’s unwrap the very best Florida beaches to visit in December.
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1. Fort Lauderdale Beach
With plenty of sunshine and low rainfall Fort Lauderdale is one of the best Florida beaches in December to spend time along the Atlantic.
December is also the month the South Florida holiday season kicks off for another year in Fort Lauderdale Beach with The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade making waves on December 13th.
Fireworks, a 12 mile parade route, live entertainment and Santa himself for photos before the parade, it’s a holly jolly way to celebrate winter in Florida.
Why I Love This as One of the Best Florida Beaches in December
I love visiting Fort Lauderdale and spending time out on the canals.
It’s such a fun way to explore the “Venice of America,” especially on one of the boat tours or the water taxi that runs along the Intracoastal Waterway.
If you are looking for some of the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale, you should consider the Ritz-Carlton for a luxury beachfront vacation.
The historic Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard is perfect for those who want to be steps from the trendiest spots.
With so many holiday events happening in December, hotels and attractions can book up quickly.
If you find a good deal, definitely grab it before it’s gone!
Best Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale in December
- Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens on November 22 through December 30th
- 24th Annual Light Up Downtown on December 2nd at The Plaza on Las Olas
- Oceans of Soul Jazz Festival on December 5th, 6th and 7th at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
- Drive thru the Holiday Fantasy of Lights from November 22nd to January 3rd, 2026
- Christmas on Las Olas on December 2nd with a snow mountain and skating rink
- Rent a kayak and explore the romantic Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway
- Relax on the golden sand beach, swim in the turquoise waters and catch a gorgeous sunset
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2. St. Augustine Beach
White sand beaches with gentle waves, I love spending time along the Atlantic shoreline especially St. Augustine Beach during the holiday season.
And with 42 miles of beaches, you don’t have to worry about it feeling overcrowded!
St. Augustine Beach is a beautiful beach to visit any time of the year but during December the world-famous Nights of Lights runs nightly from November 15th to January 11th, 2026 making it even more special.
Once a Victorian home from 1884, Bed and Breakfast 63 Orange Street is a cozy place to stay for the holidays.
It’s in the heart of the city, so you are close to so many attractions, and they decorate it beautifully for the holidays.
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort is another great option.
It will have you steps from the sand for a true Florida beach vacation.
Why I Love This as One of the Best Florida Beaches in December
Long strolls along the water, dining with ocean views and so much to see and explore in this historic city, it’s a Florida beach town made for everyone.
If you make your way over to St Johns Fishing Pier, you have to stop into Salt Life Food Shack, it’s one of my favorites.
They have some of the most succulent seafood I have ever tried, like the Lump Crab Spinach Dip and Fried Captains Platter and the views are phenomenal.
Looking for something fast then head over to Uptown Scratch Kitchen, an oceanfront food truck with a flavorful menu.
Best Things to Do in St. Augustine Beach in December
- Take a holiday ride on the Old Town Trolley Tour or the Nights of Lights Trolley Tour during the festival
- Tour the Holiday Regatta of Lights on December 13th
- Celebrate the Sounds of the Season at Kelly Farm with the St. Augustine Orchestra on December 6th
- Lean about colonial life and sip from the spring of eternal youth at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park
- Step back in time at The Old Jail Museum Tour
- Hear the tales of the city walking the streets and along the historic bayfront during the Pirates of St. Augustine Tour, (it’s free on Sundays at 6 p.m.)
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3. Palm Beach
The long strip of an island called Palm Beach is an incredible beach getaway in December.
It feels like a true vacation in the tropics with the golden sands, warm weather and all the greenery lining the barrier island.
Book a stay at The Colony is Palm Beach if you are wanting iconic luxury vibes for your holiday. The famous pink hotel is pure vintage glamour and a throwback to the golden age.
If you want to brunch like the socialites and tycoons who made Palm Beach famous, head to The Circle at The Breakers Palm Beach.
The oceanfront Italian Renaissance-style resort is spread across a sprawling 140 acres.
Surfside Diner is another great spot to pop into if you’re looking for a beach diner with breakfast served all day and a yummy menu with great prices.
Why I Love This as One of the Best Florida Beaches in December
I love that this Florida beach is small enough to travel solo to without feeling lost and overwhelmed.
One of my favorite ways to explore “America’s First Resort Destination” like a local is along the Palm Beach Lake Trail either by bike or out for a walk.
It’s 5.5 miles with spectacular views of West Palm Beach’s skyline, incredible homes, nature and is known as one of the most scenic spots in Florida.
Best Things to Do in Palm Beach in December
- Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival from December 11th to 14th
- Head to West Palm Beach to check out Sandi, the iconic 35-foot, 700-ton sand tree, and Ferris, a 50-foot Ferris wheel
- Holidays at The Square in West Palm Beach runs from November 8 until December 31 with snow falling nightly
- Explore Florida’s film history at Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film at Historical Society of Palm Beach County
- Boat Parade of the Greater Palm Beaches on December 13th
- Take your photo at the iconic landmark in Palm Beach, The Worth Avenue Clock Tower
- Window shop like the rich and famous along Worth Avenue shopping district
4. Clearwater Beach
Emerald waters, sugar sand beaches and casual beach vibes, Clearwater Beach is the best place to visit in Florida in December for families, a girl’s trip or a couple’s getaway.
The Gulf Stream keeps the water warm even in December, and the sunshine shines bright for days.
You could spend all day walking the white sand shoreline, swimming in the crystal clear waters, snorkeling or out for a paddle.
The Avalon Hotel is my go to place to stay with beautiful beach views of the Gulf of Mexico and a rooftop bar to catch some of the most magical sunsets in Florida.
With its beachfront location, this contemporary boutique hotel in Clearwater Beach feels like an exclusive beach condo resort.
Why I Love This as One of the Best Florida Beaches in December
Pier 60 is one of the must visit spots in Clearwater Beach!
There are fun street performers, live music, lots of cool shops for souvenirs and unique artisans.
Stretching 1,080 feet into the Gulf, it’s also one of the best places to see Clearwater Beach’s world-famous sunsets.
Tacos Tequila Rum has the best margaritas in Clearwater Beach and authentic Mexican food that is absolutely incredibly, everything on the menu makes my mouth water.
Sekushi on the Beach is another really great spot to eat and the Udon Noodle Soup and Chicken Bao Bun is worth the visit.
Best Things to Do in Clearwater Beach in December
- Put your skills to the test at Clearwater Beach’s Escape Room
- Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium and on December 20th they have Breakfast with Santa
- Go on a dolphin cruise and enjoy a relaxing day on the water
- Unwind along the The Clearwater Beach Walk
- Bring your favorite beverages and head out on a Floating Tiki Boat Cruise
- Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Boat Parade on December 13th
- Christmas brunch with Santa on December 28th at Latitude 28
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5. Destin
Destin is famous for its clear, emerald waters and shores of sugary white sands.
December is when you get to enjoy it all with cooler breezes and fewer crowds than the summer rush.
Destin is full of beautiful places to stay with beachfront condos, premier resorts, and gorgeous Gulf views that you can find on VRBO.
If you have waited too long to book your Florida beach home, you can always stay nearby in Fort Walton Beach.
It’s a bit less crowded and the Holiday Inn Resort is a great option to stay especially with their swim up bar.
Why I Love This as One of the Best Florida Beaches in December
There are so many beautiful free beaches to visit in Destin, and each one feels a little different!
You can take in the views and snorkel at Norriego Point, find some peace at the secluded Princess Beach, see unbelievable shades of blue at Miramar Beach, and spend some time at Crystal Sands Beach in the heart of Destin.
December brings some of the most gorgeous sunsets to Destin you will see all year as it sets right over the Gulf of Mexico in incredible colors.
Destin is one Florida beach town that goes all out in December with holiday spirit and events!
Best Things to Do in Destin in December
- Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice and rent skates for $3 and pay $15 for 90 minutes of skating
- City of Destin Christmas parade on December 13th
- Nights of Lights on the Village tree and Event Plaza Lawn
- Every Wednesday in December is the Holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series with visits from Santa
- Lantern Parade on December 6th
- Listen to your favorite holiday classics with Tuba Christmas and visits with Santa on December 13th
- Grinchmas is happening on December 12th with a movie showing of The Grinch and he will be there himself for photos then again on December 19th
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Wrapping Up the Best Places for a Florida Beach Vacation in December
There’s something magical about ending the year on a Florida beach.
The towns glow with twinkling lights, the palms are wrapped in holiday decorations, and there’s a joyful spirit in the air that makes everything feel calm and bright.
Even though Christmas and New Year’s week bring bigger crowds to Florida in December, the rest of the month feels relaxed and perfect for a Florida beach vacation.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Florida during the winter? Let us know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
