Hawaii : A Tropical Paradise for December Travel

If you’re looking for some warm place to spend a cozy vacation, Hawaii makes for one of the perfect destinations in the USA. The place boasts several islands like Oahu, Lanai, Kauai, and Maui where you can experience some exotic natural attractions and engage yourself in different outdoor activities like snorkeling and sightseeing. Hawaii has it all – the serene beaches, beautiful scenery, and not to forget, the perfect weather to make for a relaxing vacation spot. 

Things to do: Shark Cage Dive on the North shore, guided UTV tour, buffet dinner with Luau Kalamaku show, air tour of Na Pali coast, big island twilight volcano & stargazing tour

Jackson Hole, Wyoming: A Top December Destination in the USA

Jackson Hole is the perfect place to enjoy some exciting winter activities like snowboarding, ice skating, and skiing. Winters at Wyoming also calls for craft fairs, live shows, and stroll through the beautiful town square. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy a sleigh ride or wildlife tour at the National Elk Refuge which remains open in the month of December. 

Things to do: Wildlife tours, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, alpine skiing, snowmobiling, fat tire biking

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles has got the perfect weather year-round which makes it one of the best places for travelers. However, being a popular travel destination also means that it mostly remains packed with crowds.

While you’re here, make sure to not miss out on exploring Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena which is one of the most festive streets in Los Angeles featuring the LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink and Hollywood Christmas Parade. Besides all this, know that the traffic in LA can get pretty brutal. Hence, try to explore only one place at a time rather than spending your entire day in your car.

Things to do: Take a tour of iconic Universal Studios, Hollywood, Mulholland Drive, Dtla art walk, and experience the Grammy Museum of LA live. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans has its own way of celebrating the holiday season. You can get a lot to enjoy here. From Christmas Eve bonfires along the Mississippi River to LUNA Fete, the annual festival that brings art, technology, and light together, this place is no less than a delight for travelers. And while you’re here, don’t, I repeat, DON’T forget to check out the Reveillon Dinners where the top restaurants from all over the city offer specially curated prix-fixe menus and cocktails. 

Things to do: Horse-drawn carriage tour, shop at the French market, visit the Museum of Death & garden district to spend some of your leisure time

Las Vegas, Nevada

December in Las Vegas is a pure treat for visitors. The weather during this time is perfect for hiking and the holiday decor around the town is something worth appreciating here. Here, you’ll come across casinos with impressive displays. But our (and probably everyone’s) favorite holiday display is at the Bellagio Conservatory. 

And while you plan your days here, note that the sun sets quite early i.e., at 4:30, so make sure to plan things accordingly. Also, make sure to pack some extra layers as it gets quite cold after the sunset. 

Things to do: Cosmopolitan ice skating, attend the Snow Carnival at M Resort, visit the super fun Blitzen’s Antler Attic

Breckenridge, Colorado

December in Breckenridge calls for the ski season, so it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for some downhill adventures. And while you’re not out making your way in the snow, you can enjoy your time enjoying the festive scenes in the town. Here you’ll find small shops all decked up for the holidays.

Things to do: Dog sledding, sampling the best hot chocolate, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating

New York City

December in New York is all about huge Christmas trees, beautiful holiday window displays, Christmas markets, and ice skating rinks – literally, everything you could imagine for the perfect Christmas! And there’s never a dull moment in New York City. However, know that weather in December is quite unpredictable with snow storms being a frequent affair, especially in the North East. So try planning some extra days in your itinerary in case there are any travel delays. 

Things to do: Shop your heart out at the Christmas markets, go ice skating, and enjoy the fun-filled holiday shows. 

Savannah, Georgia 

Lying amidst historic mansions, exotic, moss-draped trees, and lovely parks, this wonderful destination turns magical when decked up for the holiday season in December. Here, you can visit River Street to shop for handmade gifts and other creative items from the local vendors. And while you’re here, make sure to experience Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade on Tybee Island. It includes a tree lighting ceremony followed by dancing, caroling, and more o

Things to do: Hit the riverboat cruise, try ice skating at the Savannah Civic Center, and experience wonder at the Davenport House Museum

San Diego, California 

San Diego is one of the favorite travel destinations in the US for most travelers. During the holidays, the city lights up with glimmer and makes for the most beautiful scenic views. In December, you can also explore San Diego Bay, Balboa Park, and San Diego Zoo which offer a unique glimpse of nature with a Christmas twist. And if you wanna have some fun rolling on the ice, try ice skating at the Coronado Hotel.

Things to do: Gondola ride at Loew’s, ice skating by the sea, whale watching, jet skiing, indoor rock climbing at the Grotto

Conclusion

So these were our top picks for the best travel destinations in the USA. If you’ve got enough days, you can explore all the places and if not, just shortlist a few that excite you the most or the ones that you’ve never traveled to before. That’s all, Happy Journey!

Also Read : The Travel Resorts of America lawsuit (Legal Controversy)

Frequently Asked Questions :

Q. What makes December the best time to travel to the USA

A. December makes for the festive season in the USA. During this time the land boasts beautiful winter landscapes and various seasonal attractions and activities.

Q. Are these destinations suitable for solo travel?

A. Yes, all these destinations are safe and suitable for solo travel.

Q. Any travel essentials that I must pack while traveling to cold destinations?

A. Yes. Make sure to carry insulated and waterproof shoes, rechargeable hand warmer, gloves, beanie, and mid-layers to keep yourself warm. 

Q. Is it expensive to travel to the USA during December?

A. Travel costs can vary, but with careful planning, you can find budget-friendly options. However, note that the prices might be higher around the holiday season.

Q. Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance for December travel?

A. It is best recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially for popular destinations as December is the peak season for tourists. 

Hope you like the blog about Top 9 Best Places to Visit in December in the USA. Please feel free to leave a comment below.

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