The Best Off-Season Beach Towns to Visit This Winter
The days are finally getting longer, but it isn’t quite spring yet. “Seasonal living” might have us slowing down: ebbing with the seasonal shift by spending more time in cozy clothing or sipping hot beverages. Despite the change of pace, we may still find ourselves longing for that beach destination. After all, ocean views and sunrises are just as beautiful from under that cozy sweater. Winter beach destinations can offer so much more than swimming and sunbathing. Brisk walks in the sand, al fresco dining, and sweeping views of horizons and coastlines can all be enjoyed year-round. Plus, a wintertime visit may even offer more opportunities to explore when swimming isn’t hogging our daytime schedules.
Here are four beach destinations that really pack a punch in the winter months – even when you don’t pack a swimsuit.
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St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida
Few destinations rival the Tampa/St. Petersburg (often called “St. Pete”) area when it comes to having the best of both (or all) worlds: a waterfront downtown with a “Main Street” vibe sandwiched between pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches and one of the most exciting downtowns in America (yes, Tampa is on fire with transformation and waiting to be rediscovered). Book a stay in downtown Tampa or downtown St. Pete, and you’ll have no shortage of options to fill your warm days and cool nights.
Stay in downtown St. Pete and spend the days strolling art galleries and museums (did you know you can see world-renowned works by Salvador Dali AND Dale Chihuly in one day here?!), indulging in an epic food and wine tour, or enjoying the St. Pete Pier set against a beautiful Tampa Bay backdrop. Easily spend one afternoon at the beaches of Clearwater or Treasure Island, then zip into any one of downtown Tampa’s seven trendy microneighborhoods (newly redeveloped Water Street is a must). If you prefer to spend more time in a “big city” vibe, stay in downtown Tampa and enjoy a few daytrips to St. Pete and the beaches. Tampa’s Ybor City – a historic district just north of downtown with extra character and charm – and the Tampa Riverwalk are must-sees.
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
The many beaches of North and South Carolina have so much to offer year-round, and there’s a beach to suit every style. But when thinking of a beach community that’s quiet and relaxed yet sophisticated, Sullivan’s Island is top of mind. It is often considered a hidden gem in the lineup of great beach communities, thanks to its having NO hotels in its entire 3.5-mile stretch. To stay on Sullivan’s Island, you’re likely to reserve a rental home. These can be hard to find during the peak season – but that means they’re easier to find and less expensive in winter.
This small harbor island is home to just over 2,000 residents, making it a perfect destination for those looking to unplug and enjoy quieter, slower days. But a visit to Sullivan’s Island is far from isolation: you get all this beachy bliss alongside a selection of restaurants you can walk or bike to. When you get a hankering for more options or a night out on the town, visit historic Charleston, just 10 miles away. If enjoying coastal views with your morning coffee, followed by a walk on the beach and a relaxing evening, is your speed, an off-season visit to Sullivan’s Island should be on your list (especially if you haven’t checked Charleston off your bucket list yet).
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Deliberating where to enjoy California’s magnificent coastlines can feel like an impossible choice. But when prioritizing a sense of escape and whimsy, Carmel-by-the-Sea is at the top of our list. While formally an incorporated city, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s one square mile feels more like a village from another time. Streets lined with picturesque storybook cottages, a quaint, walkable downtown, and a western edge with the most beautiful coastal views make this beach destination truly one-of-a-kind.
Situated on the Monterey Peninsula in California’s Central Coast, Carmel’s Pacific Ocean is only swimmable with a wetsuit during even the warmest months. So why not recharge here during the winter season? Shape your experience by deciding whether you prefer a downtown hotel or inn for a highly walkable stay, or a vacation rental or resort farther inland to enjoy the region’s more rural beauty and wineries. Either way, a short winter visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea will provide no shortage of options for ways to spend your days. Explore the European-style village to shop, dine, embark on a self-guided Wine Walk or search for all 41 patios and courtyards. When you’ve covered the whole city, head out to drive some of the country’s most scenic coasts and visit wineries.
Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida
A visit to Miami’s oldest neighborhood – and “sailboat capital” – will feel other-worldly compared to the buzzy and bright South Beach that most travelers are familiar with. Coconut Grove, just 20 minutes south of the airport, offers perhaps the most serene way to experience the city. The quiet, walkable neighborhood is dotted with beautiful old-growth banyan and oak trees between trendy shops and restaurants. With such beautiful streets, the key here is to allow plenty of time to explore and enjoy on your way to whatever is on your itinerary. A Coconut Grove itinerary should include plenty of shopping and dining – with independent boutiques, chef-driven restaurants, and charming sidewalk cafes aplenty.
While there aren’t any public beaches in Coconut Grove, visitors can enjoy serene views of Vizcaya Bay from a rooftop restaurant or a beautiful public park. The must-do activity here is the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a private Renaissance-style estate turned publicly accessible wonder. The home and grounds date back to 1914 and feature 10 acres of pristine gardens overlooking the bay. Coconut Grove is perfect as a stand-alone getaway or as part of your larger Miami experience, with the famed beaches just 10 miles away.
