Florida is a popular winter destination for travelers seeking warm weather and sunshine. With its miles of beaches, theme parks, and natural attractions, the Sunshine State has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Florida in December, you’ll want to choose your accommodations carefully.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, a beachfront hotel, or a cozy vacation rental, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to stay in Florida in December.

If you’re visiting Florida in December, make sure to check out The Best Christmas Lights Drive Thru in Florida.

Are you flying into Florida? Get a cheap rental car!

If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

Whenever I need to rent a car, I use Discount USA Car Rental; you can use it at all major Florida airports (and even most of the smaller ones!) and rent from large companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, etc., at discounted prices.

The best places to stay in Florida in December

Here are the best places to stay in Florida in December, listed in no particular order.

Florida Keys

In the Florida Keys, you can visit 44 islands. You can reach many of those islands via 42 bridges.

So, you have options when you choose the Keys for a vacation in Florida in December.

Key West is the most popular destination in the Florida Keys. You can fly directly into the Key West International Airport.

Or if you want to see other islands like Key Largo, you can drive from the Miami International Airport.

The average high temperature in Key West is 77 degrees in December. This temperature is perfect for exploring Duval Street. Or participating in water activities at one of the white sandy beaches.

You may also decide to snuggle with the six-toed cats at Ernest Hemingway’s house. Just don’t forget to grab those family photos down at the buoy. This marks the southernmost point in the continental United States.

And spend time in Mallory Square as the sun sets. This is one of the best places to watch the setting sun. The whole family will also get to see all the street performers until it is time for the sun to go down.

If you have extra time during your vacation, consider visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. You will see part of the Key West Bank Reef, which is one of the best coral reefs, there. I can help you make all the arrangements when I plan your vacation.

Oh, and a fun activity during December is hopping on the Old Town Trolley for the holiday lights tour.

Crystal River

One of the best places to stay in Florida in December is Crystal River. This river is known as the Manatee Capital of the World. Manatees are everywhere in this river during the winter months.

You can kayak amongst the manatees. There are also tours that allow you to get up close with the manatees, but remember you are not allowed to touch them!

After your swim, head over to Three Sisters Springs. This nature refuge has a boardwalk near the springs. There is always plenty of marine life to see near the boardwalk.

Naples

Another popular destination in Florida is Naples. Luxury hotels line the beautiful beaches. Your family will also find plenty of vacation rentals to choose from for your stay.

When you are not at the beach, you can visit the hundreds of shops and restaurants in Naples. Most of your days will be spent down on the white sand beaches. Everyone can kayak, swim, or head out for a boat ride.

If you have a golf lover in your family, the golf courses will keep them occupied for a few hours.

This is also the perfect time of year to visit because you can watch the Christmas boat parades. You won’t find those back in the colder states in December!

Make sure to check out the 28 best places to eat in Naples and unique things to do in Naples Florida, for even more ideas during your Naples vacation.

Pensacola

Pensacola is located in the Florida Panhandle. The temperatures are cooler in this part of Florida in December. So, your family won’t find the warmest beaches here during your vacation.

Don’t worry… Your entire beach vacation will not be lost! You will still have a blast away from the cold and the snow.

Start your adventure over at Fort Pickens. Learn the history of fortifying the ports during the War of 1812.

Then go out in a boat to do a little dolphin watching. Or head into the downtown area to check out Palafox Street. Fewer crowds at this time of year will allow you to experience so much more.

Holiday experiences here include the Polar Express, Pensacola Winterfest, and the Cajun Christmas Experience.

For more things to do in the area, check out the 20 best things to do in Navarre with kids.

Orlando

Okay, so I can’t leave Orlando out of the best places to stay in Florida in December. After all, this is where many of the major theme parks are located in the state.

Your family can choose from any of the Walt Disney World Parks. Magic Kingdom is the most popular for families. Universal Studios Florida is another possibility. There’s even a water park or two in Central Florida. Enjoy the Merry Christmas party at these theme parks. And watch the palm trees sway, despite being away from the ocean.

At a luxury resort at Disney, you can see full-size gingerbread houses. There are also miniature trains and winter wonderland villages.

Oh, and if you are not really into theme parks, you have options. One of those options is driving to Cape Canaveral. There you can visit the Kennedy Space Center.

Cocoa Beach is not too far from Orlando and is the perfect place to add a beach town visit to your Florida vacation.

Check out things to do in Orlando for Christmas for more ideas!

Fort Lauderdale

Relaxing is easy when you decide to head to Fort Lauderdale in December. Wandering around the Venice-style waterways will allow the stress to melt away.

The holiday highlights in Fort Lauderdale include the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and Christmas on Las Olas. The latter has a two-story mountain covered in ice. It is perfect for sledding.

So, yes, you can go sledding while on vacation in Florida in December!

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is always a bustling destination. Stroll through the historic district to see all the historical landmarks. History buffs will also want to check out the Castillo de San Marcos Fort.

Let everyone drink from the Fountain of Youth. Hey, it’s been around since 1565. So, it may actually work!

One of the best things about visiting St. Augustine during December is that your family can check out the holiday lights display. There are more than 2 million lights that are strung to connect to the Christmas tree.

Don’t forget to check out things to do in St. Augustine with Kids!

Amelia Island

There is never a bad time to sink your toes in the sand at the beach on Amelia Island. This northern Florida destination may be cooler than southern Florida. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the sunshine and soft sand.

A day or two can be spent exploring the historic downtown of Fernandina Beach. Head out into nature at Big and Little Talbot Island State Park. Or go horseback riding at Amelia Island State Park.

During the month of December, you can attend the Dickens on Centre Festival. Watch the lighted Christmas parade or take a holiday home tour.

If you stay until New Year’s, you can attend the New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop. This festival is full of food, music, shopping, and fireworks over the marina.

West Palm Beach

One of the first things you will want to do when you arrive in West Palm Beach in December is check out the Christmas tree made out of sand. This sandy Christmas tree can be found on the West Palm Beach Great Lawn.

Santa makes an appearance there on occasion too. Plus, your family can listen to stories, watch Christmas movies, and play mini golf.

Over in Rosemary Square, the snow falls every evening. Go shopping at that time to get the full holiday experience in West Palm Beach.

Try to book your vacation for when the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade takes place. It is a 2 hour event that starts in North Palm Beach and ends in Jupiter.

Marco Island

Marco Island is a barrier island in Southwest Florida. Nature lovers, beach lovers, and fishermen/women love this island.

Shelling is best on Sand Dollar Island. This is near Tigertail Beach, which happens to be the best beach on Marco Island.

If your family loves fishing, head down to the shoreline. You can catch snook, tarpon, redfish, and sea trout here.

Down at the JW Marriott Marco Island, you can watch the fire dancers perform at sunset. While this may appear to be a private beach, you don’t need to be a guest to watch this performance.

Don’t be surprised if you attend more than one night. It is that mesmerizing!

This is one of the more low-key places to stay in Florida in December. So, don’t be shocked if you find yourself relaxing a little more than usual.

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island offers a small-town charm. There is easy access to everything on the island. A short walk is all that is needed most of the time. So, you may not need to drive anywhere once you get there.

I’m sure the kids won’t miss heading out on a road trip all the time!

Bradenton Beach, Bean Point, and the Anna Maria City Pier are three places everyone seems to go on this island.

Vero Beach

Vero Beach is one of the best places to stay in Florida in December. The kids can walk quickly on the Vero Beach Scenic Coastal Walk. Okay, so they’ll run. At least you’re all outside inhaling all that fresh ocean air!

Shopping for souvenirs will be easy when you go to the boutiques. Although, everyone will also want to head over to McKee Botanical Garden to see the display of lights.

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is a popular destination for families all year long. This area has some of the best beaches in the state. Staying at a beach resort down there may allow you to stretch out on sunny days.

You may want to explore the Fort Myers River District when your family is not at the beach. The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is another option.

While Crystal River is an excellent place to see manatees, you can also see them in Fort Myers. Head over to Manatee Park and watch the manatees from the observation deck or go kayaking near them.

The 12 best places to see manatees in Florida will share even more places to find manatees in the Sunshine State!

The month of December is a great time to visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. This is when they offer their holiday tours. Lights are everywhere on these estates. See them all inside and out before enjoying the live music and food.

Other fun activities the kids will enjoy include the Holiday Express in Lakes Regional Park and the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a short drive from the Miami International Airport. You can also easily drive to Everglades National Park from Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples.

Your family will definitely get rid of the winter blues when you reach the Everglades. These tropical wetlands and mangrove forests are full of wildlife.

Head over to the Anhinga Trail to see sea turtles, alligators, and birds. Go kayaking on the Wilderness Waterway. Or head out on a bike on a trail in Long Pine Key or Shark Valley.

Another family-friendly activity is taking an airboat tour.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is on the eastern coast of Florida. You probably won’t find warm waters in the Atlantic Ocean in December in Daytona.

Your family may spend most of your time exploring the history of Nascar racing. Just remember, there won’t be any Nascar racing at the Daytona International Speedway. However, you may find other races – or practices – taking place.

Visiting the Museum of Arts and Sciences or Roots Family Museum are two ways to spend a few hours.

There is usually a type of festival going on every weekend in Daytona during the winter months too. Those festivals usually include food, music, and art.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, or St. Pete’s, is one of the popular cities on the Gulf Coast. This cultural destination on the Gulf of Mexico does experience chilly days in December. Thankfully, there’s plenty to do when you can’t swim at the white-sand beaches.

The Dali Museum is a great place to visit on chilly and rainy days.

Since this is the Sunshine State, you should find some sunny days in December. Embrace the warm weather by going to Sunken Gardens. These gardens are full of tropical birds, flowers, and plants. If you’re lucky, you may spot an ancient snapping turtle.

Oh, and if you don’t want to travel all the way to Orlando to visit a theme park, you will be happy to know there is one nearby. Busch Gardens is over in Tampa Bay. That is a short drive from St. Petersburg.

Boca Raton

Since Boca Raton is on the Atlantic side of the state, you won’t be spending your entire vacation at the beach in December. However, you will still want to head down to the white sandy beaches a few times during your visit.

You can explore the Morikami Museum or the Japanese Gardens between beach adventures.

Nature lovers will want to see the Daggerwing Nature Center. You can wander along the two boardwalk trails to see turtles, alligators, and many birds there. You will see butterflies here as well. Including the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly!

During December, you can check out the Lights Holiday Festival. It includes snow flurries, snow globe photos, train rides, and holiday stage shows. You may even want to purchase some gifts from the holiday vendors.

Siesta Key

The Christmas spirit is everywhere in Siesta Key in December. The entire family will love shopping at the annual holiday market.

Just don’t skip the SantaFest Celebration. It’s a lot of fun!

Turtle Beach, Crescent Beach, and Siesta Beach are the best beaches in this area. They all offer crystal clear waters for swimming and other water sports. The whole family will love heading out on jet skis.

Miami

The best time to visit Miami is in December. South Beach still has a party atmosphere. Miami Beach offers plenty of warm water. And Coral Gables Miracle Mile offers some of the best holiday shopping.

You can also explore Art Basel, with more than 200 art galleries in downtown Miami.

When you’re down here in South Florida, take the time to visit Santa’s Enchanted Forest. The kids will love meeting jolly Saint Nick. Although, they will also love the rides and entertainment there.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is not too far from Tampa. This Southwest Florida destination is one of the most popular places for families.

The water temperature won’t be warm in December. But you can still head to the beach to build a sandcastle or walk along Pier 60.

Nearby outdoor activities include kayaking through mangroves on Caladesi Island. Keep an eye out for armadillos on this island. You may be lucky enough to spot one!

Christmas

Yes, there is a town called Christmas in Florida. And yes, it is one of the best places to stay in Florida in December.

Your family will really get into the holiday spirit while on vacation in Christmas. The streets are named after Santa’s reindeer. And the Fort Christmas Cracker Christmas offers delicious food and crafty items.

One of the unique things you will find in Christmas is an alligator-shaped building. It is the largest building shaped like an alligator in the world. Definitely worth checking out during your vacation!

The best places to stay in Florida in December

There you have it, the best places to stay in Florida in December. Did your favorite Florida vacation destination for December make the list? If not, we’d love it if you shared it with us in the comments!

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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