Back to the full Top 10
#8 on this list
Florida Keys
Florida
High season begins — warm water, calm seas, holiday escape.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#9 on this list
White Sands National Park
New Mexico
Gypsum dunes glow at sunset; cool enough to hike all day.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Florida Keys | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Geography | 1,700-island coral cay archipelago, 125 miles long | — |
| Dec Air Temps | Highs 75°F to 79°F, lows mid-60s°F | — |
| Dec Water Temp | 72°F to 76°F across the reef and flats | — |
| Primary Route | Overseas Highway (US Route 1, 113 miles) | — |
| Key Public Lands | John Pennekamp, Bahia Honda, Florida Keys NMS | — |
| Permits Needed | Florida Saltwater Fishing License for anglers | — |
| Managing Agency | — | National Park Service |
| December Highs | — | Mid-50s to low 60s°F |
| December Lows | — | Mid-20s to low 30s°F |
| Base Elevation | — | 4,000 feet above sea level |
| Entrance Fee | — | $25 per vehicle (or Interagency Pass) |
| Primary Access | — | U.S. Route 70 near Alamogordo |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Florida Keys
- Warm, reliable coastal weather during peak northern winter freezes
- Exceptional water clarity across the offshore living coral barrier reef
- World-class sight-fishing opportunities in sheltered backcountry waters
- Extensive public boat launches and established paddling water trails
- Severe holiday traffic bottlenecks along the single-artery Overseas Highway
- Lodging and marina rates spike to high-season maximums in December
- Winter cold fronts can introduce several consecutive days of heavy wind
White Sands National Park
- Mild daytime temperatures eliminate summer heat hazards
- Firm winter sand crust makes long-distance hiking far easier
- Spectacular low-angle sunlight and vibrant winter sunsets
- Significantly lower park traffic compared to spring break peaks
- Temperatures plummet below freezing immediately after sunset
- Unannounced missile range tests can trigger temporary closures
- Disorienting landscape presents serious navigation risks
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.