5. Charlotte, North Carolina
I wanted to add another east coast location to the list and thought Charlotte, NC would be the perfect addition to the list! Although it’s not so much a tropical location, it’s active environment and array of activities will get you out of your winter slump. However, wintertime in the Carolina’s can still be a bit chilly with the highs being in the 50s to 60s most days but depending on where you’re visiting from, that may sound like paradise!
4. Florida Keys
Fortunately, the average temperature in the Florida Keys during wintertime is typically in the 70s which is all you should need to hear to want to go visit!
- Visit the Turtles at the Turtle Hospital (for turtle rescue and rehabilitation)
- Explore Bahia Honda State Park
- Tour Ernest Hemingway’s House
3. Hawaiian Islands
While Hawaii can be a long flight depending on where you’re coming from, it’s worth it! Hawaii’s temperatures range from the 70s to 80s in the wintertime and is warm enough to swim in the ocean. The most popular travel spots to visit are Oahu, Kaua’i, Maui, and The Big Island.
- Disney Aulani
- Don’t Learn to Surf. Hawaii in the winter months (especially December) has the largest waves and is not recommended for beginner surfers. But if you’re an experienced surfer then DO go surfing!
- Spot Whales From the Shore! Whale season is December through March in Hawaii.
2. San Diego, California
When we lived in Phoenix, we loved taking weekend trips to San Diego with the dogs! This is where we want to spend our retirement. For instance, everything feels laid-back yet everyone is so active. The temperature in San Diego in the wintertime is similar to Phoenix, highs in the 60s to 70s and lows in the 40s to 50s.
1. Phoenix, Arizona
Finally, having lived in Phoenix, I had to put it first on the list! The winter’s in Phoenix are my favorite. It can be chilly at night (around the 40s & 50s) while during the day it’s the perfect temperature (in my opinion) around the 60s & 70s.
There’s lots to do in the Phoenix area, but to get you started I’ll suggest:
- Visit Old Town Scottsdale for Some Shopping
- Go Hiking! There are many hiking spots around Phoenix including Camelback Mountain, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park, etc.
- Have Dinner on the Water at Lake Pleasant
