21 U.S. Winter Getaways Where You Can Swim Outside In December
Picture this: snow in your driveway, sunshine on your shoulders, and your kids racing to an outdoor pool in December.
That gap between everyday winter and that scene is smaller than you think, especially with so many affordable US winter getaways that stay swim friendly.
These 21 spots keep outdoor water open in December, from warm oceans to desert pools to steaming hot springs.
Key Takeaways
- Pick early December for lower prices and lighter holiday crowds.
- Look for heated pools if ocean or gulf water runs cooler.
- Book walkable areas so kids can hit the pool without long drives.
Miami, Florida
Miami averages mid 70s in December, so hotel pools stay busy and beach days still feel like summer. According to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, ocean temps often sit in the low 70s, warm enough for quick dips.
When you are ready for a slower pace, head further south into the Keys.
Key West & The Florida Keys, Florida
Key West feels almost tropical, with December highs around 75 degrees and calm, clear water for snorkeling and swimming.
The official Florida Keys tourism site lists plenty of waterfront motels and simple cabins that fit family budgets.
Keep that island energy going, or swing back toward the Gulf for softer waves.
Clearwater & St. Pete Beach, Florida
You get long, wide gulf beaches here, plus family friendly resorts with heated beachfront pools.
Check deals on the Visit St. Pete Clearwater site, then pick a hotel where kids can walk straight from room to pool.
If crowds feel heavy, you can slide over to Orlando next for more pool time.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is theme park central, but it is also packed with huge resort-style pool complexes. The official Visit Orlando site lists many properties with lazy rivers, splash pads, and heated pools open all winter.
When you want sand instead of slides, drive about 60 minutes to either coast.
Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach leans a little fancier, but you can still find smaller hotels with simple heated pools and beach access. Stay one or two blocks off the ocean for lower nightly rates, then walk five minutes to the sand.
If you prefer softer prices and a looser vibe, the Gulf Coast might fit better.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores gives you white sand plus condos and hotels with outdoor heated pools that stay open in December.
The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism site shares which properties keep pools warm and which add lazy rivers.
From here, it is an easy drive to Florida or west toward Texas beaches.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island sits far south, so December days often feel like late spring. According to South Padre Island CVB, many condo resorts offer outdoor heated pools plus direct beach access for sunrise swims.
If you prefer a shorter drive from Houston, Galveston is your next stop.
Galveston Island, Texas
Galveston mixes history with family resorts that keep outdoor pools heated near the Seawall. Book a property across the street from the gulf, so you can switch between pool and beach in under five minutes.
When you need a totally different scene, head west to San Diego.
San Diego, California
San Diego rarely feels cold, with daytime December highs near 65 degrees and sunny waterfront walks. The official San Diego Tourism Authority lists hotels with heated pools near Mission Bay and the downtown harbor.
If you like the sun but want desert air, Palm Springs is an easy next move.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is pool country, with outdoor pools at almost every hotel, many open year round. Visit midweek to grab lower nightly rates, then spend all day rotating between pool, hot tub, and short hikes.
From here, sliding over to Arizona keeps the dry desert warmth going.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale resorts love big pools, water slides, and huge hot tubs that steam under cool desert nights. The official Experience Scottsdale site highlights family friendly properties with lazy rivers and heated pools.
If you want more culture and mountain views, keep driving south to Tucson.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson brings you clear desert skies, saguaros, and quiet resort pools with mountain backdrops. Check smaller inns or guest ranches, since many include simple heated pools and free breakfast, which helps families save.
Next, you can trade cactus views for lake life in Arizona.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Lake Havasu stays milder than many spots, so December lake dips and hot tubs both feel doable. Many condo complexes offer outdoor pools, and public beaches stay open for quick swims on sunny afternoons.
If you want bright lights with your pool, Las Vegas is your answer.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has dozens of resorts, and several keep one outdoor pool heated and open in winter. Pick a property that confirms winter pool hours in writing, so the kids are not disappointed on arrival.
From neon nights, you can swap to island sunsets in Hawaii.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu gives you Waikiki Beach, warm Pacific water, and tons of oceanfront hotel pools.
The statewide site Go Hawaii notes year round ocean temps, often around the mid 70s near Honolulu.
If you want more waterfalls and greenery, hop over to Maui.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui feels made for December, with calm bays for snorkeling and resort pools built like mini water parks. Stay in Kihei or Lahaina for condo options that include kitchens, which cuts food costs fast.
For even quieter beaches, many families fall in love with Kauai.
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is lush and slower paced, with small hotel pools and swimmable beaches tucked into sheltered coves. North Shore can see more rain in winter, so stick to the south side if you want more consistent pool days.
Next, circle to the Island of Hawaii for lava rock and big water views.
Island of Hawaii (Kona Coast)
The Kona side of the Big Island stays sunnier, so hotel pools and rocky beaches with clear water get regular December use. Look for oceanfront condos with simple pools instead of huge resorts, which saves hundreds on a weeklong stay.
From lava fields, it is a short hop to the Caribbean side of US territory.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan brings color, history, and Caribbean water warm enough for long swims. The official Discover Puerto Rico site highlights beachfront resorts and budget friendly guesthouses, many with small outdoor pools.
If you want even smaller islands, keep moving to the US Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas offers cruise ship bustle plus quiet coves if you stay a little away from the main port. You will find small hotel pools and beaches where the water feels like bathwater in December.
For one last twist, finish with hot springs that steam beside Colorado snowbanks.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Springs flips the script, with huge outdoor hot spring pools steaming in the cold air. The historic pools at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort stay open in winter, so kids can swim while mountains sit covered in snow.
If you want a winter scene without freezing in it, this spot nails the balance.
Here Is How I Picked These Winter Swim Spots
I looked for places where you can realistically swim outside in December, without needing a passport. That meant average highs above 60 degrees, access to heated pools, or reliable hot springs that stay open year round.
I leaned on official tourism boards, long term climate averages, and real family experience with road trips and off season deals. If you aim for the first three weeks of December, you often see far better prices than holiday weeks.
Now Get Out There
You do not need a five figure budget to trade gray skies for a warm pool this winter.
Pick one of these US winter getaways, set a simple budget, and start checking hotel pool details tonight.
Book early December if you can, pack carry ons only, and use those saved baggage fees on an extra poolside lunch.
You only get so many holidays with your kids or your favorite people, so stop scrolling and start planning the trip.
