When the winter blues have you down, let the Sunshine State cheer you back up. Whether your family is a bunch of snowbirds already heading south for the winter or looking for a way to warm up, here are some of the best Florida beaches you should consider running away to this month.
What your kids may know as the pseudo-reality TV show, Siesta Key is actually a real-life beach town in Sarasota, Florida. The laid-back town and barrier island offers a slice of summer year-round. With a hearty lineup of daytime activities, like beaching, shopping and watersports, for all ages, and a great nightlife and bar scene for the older kids, this beach town will have everyone in your crew forgetting all about the winter.
The Palm Beaches in South Florida are some of the most fun your family will find in the state. Stretching 47 miles along the Atlantic, there’s a beach park or tropical oasis for all ages and all styles of beachgoers. Pick your neighborhood and explore this family-friendly locale.
Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: Ryan Jones | Dreamstime.com
Between Key West’s mix of Gulf Coast beaches, Atlantic sands, dog-friendly and family-friendly locales, hidden beach park gems and the occasional nude beach, consider Key West your go-to when you just don’t know what you want — it has it all. Bring your pet and make Key West a home away from home for the winter.
Fort Lauderdale’s beaches offer a city appeal for those who want to paddleboard, take a dip or get out on a boat by day, while having the comforts and attractions of the city after hours. Depending on your beach-going style, Fort Lauderdale can be a lazy morning on the beach and high energy at night, or go-go-go by day and head to bed early with the kids. There are also quite a few diversions in town if it’s just not warm enough to get out on the water.
Miami’s South Beach is famous for good reason. This part of town has it all, and for all ages. Picture fresh seafood and great dining options, high-end shopping along with idyllic beaches, vibrant nightlife and iconic Art Deco architecture, street art and entire districts devoted to all things beautiful. Miami may have a wild reputation, but, depending on your style, you can curate this beach region to fit the needs of your family.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Dec 5, 2025Why You Should Plan a Winter Escape to Florida’s Emerald Coast
If the family is itching for a warm-weather getaway, you don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy it. Florida’s Emerald Coast, a stretch of beautiful coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, includes cities like Pensacola Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre Beach and Panama City Beach. The region is known for white-sand beaches and emerald waters, and it draws visitors year after year looking to escape the cold and snow in favor of warm weather and sunshine.
Sponsored Content
Board a Nile River Cruise with A&K Sanctuary
If Agatha Christie took a Nile voyage today, we like to think she would do it aboard one of our A&K Sanctuary riverboats — consistently voted the best on the river, from boutique cruisers to a handsome six-suite dahabiya.
Hotels
Dec 5, 2025Holiday Happenings for Families at This Colorado Hotel
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, hosts a full lineup of festive programming perfect for family travelers.
Destinations / North America
Dec 5, 2025Calgary, Canada: A Sports-Loving Family’s Next Must-Visit City
Calgary, Canada, is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most exciting cities for sports tourism and sports-loving families looking for their next adventure will want to put this city at the top of their list for many reasons.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Hotels
Dec 4, 20255 Hotels Around the World Making December Travel Special for Families
Across the country and around the world, hotels roll out the red-and-green carpet to families traveling throughout the holiday season. With gingerbread houses, cookie workshops, Santa visits, festive décor, live performances, holiday teas and seasonal menus, these five hotels seek to make themselves holiday destinations.
ShareThis