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Some travelers are enchanted by snow and the chance to curl up with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate. Others would give anything to trade the bleak winter days for tropical afternoons at a warm destination.
From bustling cities to more laid-back destinations with pristine beaches, there’s no shortage of where you can go. Winter getaways are perfect for romantic couples, solo travelers, girl trips, and even families.
If you’re looking for winter vacation spots that will make you forget the dreary weather back home, we’ve compiled a list of warm places to visit in December. Just remember to add timeless sophistication to your poolside escapade with a new Anne Cole swimsuit!
Caladesi Island, Florida
Caladesi Island is a barrier island just off the coast of Dunedin, Florida that can be accessed by a causeway. As one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in all of Florida, this park offers visitors a great way to be able to enjoy many natural features without having to leave the country.
One of the best ways to enjoy what this park has to offer is with a winter getaway. During these months, it’s less crowded and you will most likely have the place to yourself. A floral design swimsuit will be perfect for this island setting.
Start your day with a walk along the beach—the warm breeze coming off Tampa Bay is a far cry from the biting winter cold in most parts of the country. Grab something to eat around lunchtime and head back to your new beach towel for an afternoon nap.
If you want more activity, try the island’s birding trail. You might spot ospreys, gulls, terns, or a plethora of wading birds. There’s also a kayaking trail that presents many animal spotting opportunities.
Spending Thanksgiving or Christmas in this park is a great idea. Picture a fun family getaway where you can enjoy cooking a feast on the beach. You can bring some marshmallows for s'mores, spend some time watching the sunset or enjoy the sounds of the waves in the night.
Miami, Florida
Miami's famous beaches and signature arts and culture draw visitors from near and far throughout the year. If you're a lover of vibrant scenes, nothing beats South Beach. Long hours of sunshine bring thousands of people to play volleyball, swim in the ocean, or take a break at a beachside café.
All you need is your one piece swimsuit and enough energy to last you for a day of sun and fun.
Discover the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of the Florida Keys when you visit Key West and Key Largo on this exciting family vacation.
Explore the Truman Little White House, home to one of our nation’s 33 presidential hideaways; snorkel with playful sea lions at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and go deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
There's something for everyone in this sunny city. Miami Seaquarium is home to one of the world's most beloved family shows.
Visit the park’s dolphin habitat in style with our bandeau swimsuit, and enjoy special encounters with marine life experts, summertime airboat rides through Florida swamplands, and get an up-close look at endangered sea turtles.
Miami’s famed South Beach is indisputably one of the most dynamic art scenes in the country, home to numerous galleries and museums. The nationally recognized Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) features world-class modern art exhibitions, with its atrium serving as an open-air art piece with colorful, eye-catching installations.
There is no better way to experience the city's bright future than by taking in its past during a stroll through South Beach’s celebrated Art Deco Historic District. Lined with glamorous examples of deco architecture, this National Historic Landmark District is home to chic boutiques and cafes.
You can also join over 40,000 art aficionados and enthusiasts each January for three days of festivities including culinary demonstrations, seminars, docent-led tours, and a lively after-hours music series.
While you're at it, don't miss the chance to throw on your Anne Cole cover-up and go shopping at the Miracle Mile. This upscale shopping district is located in Coral Gables and is called Miracle Mile for its location between two of Miami's world-class medical centers. The popular outdoor mall features dozens of stores along lively pedestrian walkways on South Dixie Highway and Lejeune Road.
Las Vegas, Nevada
It's no secret that most people visit Las Vegas in the summer. When it is blistering hot outside, what could be better than a trip to Sin City? The casinos and shows are busier and the entire city caters towards tourists who love to soak up as much fun as possible during their visits.
However, there is another time to visit Las Vegas that is often overlooked: winter. Sure, everyone knows about the famous “Strip” and the bright lights of Fremont Street, but what you may not know is that there are lots of things to do in Las Vegas during wintertime.
Start by taking a dip in one of the many pools throughout the resorts. Some hotels have pools with stunning views—if you’re lucky you’ll find them open and heated during the winter months!
If you're looking for a deal, take advantage of the plethora of hotel deals during winter. In addition to finding reduced rates on hotels and resorts, many stores and restaurants offer special promotions during this time, so your entire vacation can be more affordable.
There are also several attractions and entertainment options in Las Vegas that may appeal to you. The Bellagio carries on the tradition of its spectacular fountain show that draws thousands of visitors to see it each day.
There are also other free or low-cost attractions, including the Mirage Volcano, the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage, and the Fall of Atlantis attraction at Caesar's Palace.
For lovers of the outdoors, there is no better time to get behind the wheel of a dune buggy and explore the desert on the outskirts of town. You can always enjoy a barbecue lunch and sip your favorite wine or cocktail at the poolside afterward.
U.S. Virgin Islands
If you are looking to get away from the cold winter months, visiting one of the three U.S. Virgin Islands is a good idea. Get ready to experience tropical weather and some of the best beaches in the world.
From swimming with turtles in St. Thomas to relaxing on white powdery beaches within the boundaries of the National Park in St. John, there is no shortage of exciting things to do during your stay. St. Croix is particularly known for its historic attractions and sugar plantation tours, as well as its scenic views.
Got your underwire tankini ready? You can stop in at Trunk Bay for a swim in the clear blue water where they also have a designated swimming area for those who can't or don't want to venture into the open ocean.
Visitors to St. Thomas's may take a tour by boat and snorkel with turtles at Honeymoon Beach. There is also an award-winning beachside restaurant, Cuzzin's on the Beach, where you can enjoy lunch or dinner.
In addition to hiking, snorkeling, and swimming with turtles there are also a variety of other water activities you can enjoy such as deep-sea fishing, sailing, diving, or exploring an underwater shipwreck.
Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island is a wonderful place to visit. It is located in southern California and can be reached by cruise or ferry from San Pedro.
The island boasts boutiques, hotels, and various kinds of restaurants for all types of visitors; however, the cost is significantly more during the summer peak season. Winter months offer mild weather and fewer tourists.
The island still has beautiful weather during the winter with an average temperature of 70 degrees, and it only rains about every other week. This allows for plenty of outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, kayaking, and even swimming in some areas.
For those that enjoy water sports, Catalina has many options. Grab your Anne Cole swim dress and head for the water! The island's calm, protected waters are perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even surfing.
The wilderness on Catalina provides great opportunities to hike in the hills of the island. There are trails through historical sites like Santa Rosa or China Cove. The hills are filled with wildlife, such as bison, bald eagles, and falcons.
For the more adventurous hiker, the Trans-Catalina Trail goes all the way to the western end of Catalina. The trail is 37 miles total with six days required for completion.
Another great activity for winter is guided evening tours through Avalon's neighborhoods. Tours are given nightly and visitors will learn about the architecture and history of the many homes on the island.
Are You Swimsuit-Ready for Your Winter Getaway?
Once you’ve chosen your ideal destination, you’ve got to make sure you look the part. What beats lounging poolside (or by the beach) in stylish swimwear?
Anne Cole’s swimwear will take your winter vacation style a notch higher. Choose from our collection of sophisticated tankinis, bikinis, swim skirts and bikini bottoms, and one pieces. Whether you’re looking for a tankini top to match your shorts or a one piece that you can accessorize with jewelry, we have just the right piece for you.