With the colder weather approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning a winter escape to a warm and breezy destination. Instead of suffering through winter’s icy grip, take vacation to a tropical or coastal destination where the sun is warm and the snow is non-existent. Here are the top seven warm-weather beaches:
1. Maui
When it comes to warm weather and gorgeous beach living, Hawaii is the place to be. Maui, specifically, offers some of the world’s most gorgeous scenery. From rainforests and waterfalls to Haleakala National Park’s view of the world’s largest dormant volcano to the fresh water caves and cliffs, Maui offers a tropical relief from the freezing temperatures. Don’t forget to go wetsuit shopping, as Maui is one of the top destinations to catch a wave.
2. St. Martin and St. Maarten
This half-French and half-Dutch island includes nearly 37 sun-soaked beaches begging for travelers to relax, windsurf, and dine right out on the sand. The villas of La Samanna are of the top resorts to vacation, as they are located right along the island’s largest beach.
3. San Diego
While most of California is typically drenched in sunshine year-around, when it comes to picking a California beach city, San Diego easily tops the list. Between the multiple gorgeous beaches, the quaint areas of Carlsbad, downtown, and Seaport Village, and the nightlife, San Diego has a little bit of everything for everyone.
4. Florida Keys
There are up to 1,700 islands stretching off the southern tip of Florida. When determining which area to visit, make sure to check out Key Largo and Key West. Two of the most popular destinations, these areas always have something going on. Whether it’s visiting the only living coral reef off the mainland US, Jet Skiing on Smathers Beach, or visiting Key West’s historic district, you can be assured you will never be bored down in the Florida Keys.
5. Los Cabos
Los Cabos in Mexico offers a perfect blend of culture and beach. The nightlife in Los Cabos begins at sundown and ends at sunup, making the relaxing atmosphere of the beach the perfect place to catch up on any sleep you missed while enjoying the local clubs and bars.
6. Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the friendliest islands of the Caribbean. The birthplace of reggae, the Jamaican culture is mellow and laidback, offering visitors plenty of opportunity to chill out and relax in the picturesque beaches.
7. Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman comprise the stunning and tropical Cayman Islands. Most of the action happens on Grand Cayman, as it is home to a thriving food scene, the crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach, and the ability to get up close to many tropical ocean creatures. Instead of only dreaming of warmer climates and coastal beaches whilst suffering through the icy winters, start planning a winter vacation where you can exchange the snowy temperatures for some temporary island living.