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#7 on this list
Saguaro National Park
Arizona
Sunny, mild desert days — perfect for the valley trails.
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#8 on this list
Florida Keys
Florida
High season begins — warm water, calm seas, holiday escape.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Saguaro National Park | Florida Keys |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southern Arizona, flanking Tucson | — |
| Districts | Tucson Mountain (West), Rincon Mountain (East) | — |
| December Highs | 65°F to 72°F | — |
| December Lows | 38°F to 44°F | — |
| Backcountry Permits | Required via Recreation.gov (East only) | — |
| Drive-in Camping | None within park boundaries | — |
| 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 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Saguaro National Park
- Mild December temperatures eliminate extreme desert heat risks
- Extensive, exceptionally maintained trail networks across two distinct districts
- High-elevation backcountry in the Rincon Mountains offers genuine wilderness isolation
- Unmatched density of mature giant saguaro forests in the Tucson Mountain District
- No frontcountry or vehicle camping options within park boundaries
- Urban Tucson divides the park, requiring a 30- to 45-minute drive between units
- Cactus thorns and sharp caliche rock demand constant trail vigilance
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
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