5 Beachfront Destinations To Book This Winter

In a chilly winter, it’s not uncommon for travelers to flock to warm-weather destinations — whether that's by air or by sea.

According to a spokesperson at Holland America, November through March are the most popular months for the cruise line. Clearly, winter beach vacations are appealing, and some beachfront destinations are especially popular this season.

Here are five that stand out:

Bermuda

Famous for its signature pink sand beaches, Bermuda offers a temperate climate that’s comfortably cooler than the Caribbean but still warm enough for sunny days by the sea.

Bermuda is less than two hours from major airports along the Eastern U.S. And since U.S. customs is handled in Bermuda, travelers de-board in a domestic terminal, making the trip home much easier than you'd expect from other international vacations.

Horseshoe Bay Beach's stunning curved coastline makes for one of the most famous spots. But if you prefer a more secluded vibe, Warwick Long Bay and Jobson's Cove are hidden gems.

Beyond the beaches, Bermuda’s charm extends to its colonial architecture, outdoor activities and fascinating history. Visitors can explore the Crystal Caves, stroll through the colorful streets of Hamilton, or visit the UNESCO-listed St. George’s, one of the oldest continually inhabited English towns in the Americas.

Water sports include snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding and kayaking. Don’t miss the chance to explore the island’s shipwrecks, which rank among the most accessible and intriguing dive sites in the world.

Whether you’re lounging with a Rum Swizzle or Dark 'n Stormy, (the national drink of Bermuda), or noshing on the famous Bermuda fish sandwich, Bermuda also has plenty to eat and drink.

Noord, Aruba

Noord, which means "north" in Dutch, covers the northern portion of Aruba and includes tourist epicenter Palm Beach, the Bubali Bird Sanctuary and Tierra del Sol Resort and Golf. History and culture buffs might visit the California Lighthouse and Alto Vista Chapel.

Luxury-minded travelers might stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, which is among the fanciest of the Marriott brands. The property recently completed an extensive renovation and upgraded all 320 rooms and suites.

Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach is hardly an underrated beach city, but the appeal goes beyond its white, sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

It's been named Bon Appetit’s Food City of the Year. , and it also stands out in the winter for the Miami Arts, Culture and Heritage Months. The event includes discount tickets to shows, free park and museum tours, and limited-run performances such as "Cuba Under the Stars," an outdoor musical theater show at Bayfront Park.

Roatan, Honduras

Roatan is part of a cluster of island archipelagos located off the northern coast of Honduras, surrounded by the largest barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere (and second in size to Australia's Great Barrier Reef).

It appeals to everyone from backpackers to nature lovers to luxury traveler, too.

Among the region’s newest additions is the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa, which opened in October 2023 as a five-star, beachfront resort. For a hefty $50 daily resort fee, amenities include coffee, an evening social hour, sunblock, plus snorkel and kayak rentals. And like all Kimpton properties, there’s no pet fee.

West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach got even more accessible in 2023 when Brightline, a privately funded passenger rail service, began offering high-speed rail service from Orlando. West Palm Beach is the first southbound stop from Orlando after the roughly two-hour ride. (Brightline service between Miami and West Palm Beach began back in 2018.)

If you’re seeking manatees, there’s no better time to head to West Palm Beach than in the winter. According to Manatee Lagoon, a free educational tourist destination, manatee season runs from mid-November through the end of March.

Tips to save on a winter beach vacation

Because winter is popular for beach vacations, it can also be one of the most expensive times to travel. These tips to save on a beach vacation can help:

Visit during shoulder season: Delaying your trip until the tail-end of winter can help you capitalize on the benefits of traveling during shoulder season. For example, Florida’s shoulder season is generally late February into early March, according to Visit Florida. During that time, the snowbirds will have had their fill of sun — but spring break crowds haven’t arrived.

Avoid lodging on the beach: If you’re spending your time at the beach anyway, then booking an oceanview room might not be worth the additional cost.

For example, in Honolulu, you'll usually find lower rates at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani versus the opulent Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach. The former is situated inland one block from Waikiki Beach, on the other side of the Moana Surfrider. Yet, the two sister properties in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio offer reciprocal benefits, including daily yoga on the Moana Surfrider’s beachfront Diamond Lawn overlooking Diamond Head. Sheraton guests can use many of the same amenities as Moana Surfrider guests (albeit at a lower price).

The appeal of the Moana Surfrider is its elegant lobby and wraparound, beachfront porch. But you can listen to the live pianist in the evening even without being a hotel guest. And while the Moana Surfrider’s breakfast buffet on the restaurant’s veranda is popular, Sheraton guests can still charge it to their room.

Pack beach necessities: Complimentary sunscreen as a hotel benefit is the exception, not the norm. As long as you aren’t planning to travel with a carry-on only, pack sunscreen from home to avoid inflated gift shop prices.

It might also be worth bringing your own snorkeling set, as rental prices can exceed the cost of buying your own gear. Rentals can run more than $50 per day, but you can buy snorkel kits from retailers like Amazon for less than half that price.