Florida, the Sunshine State, is a popular winter destination for travelers seeking warm weather, beautiful beaches, and exciting attractions. December is one of the best months to visit Florida, with mild temperatures, festive atmosphere, and a wide range of activities to enjoy. From theme parks to national parks, museums to beaches, Florida has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top destinations to visit in Florida in December, helping you plan your dream vacation.
Get ultimate traveler plannerTheme Parks and Attractions
Florida is home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. These parks are a must-visit for families and thrill-seekers alike. In December, these parks are decked out in festive decorations, offering a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is a vast resort that includes four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park offers a unique experience, from the iconic Cinderella Castle to the thrilling rides and attractions. In December, Disney World is transformed into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations, special events, and holiday-themed activities.
Some of the top attractions at Walt Disney World in December include:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: a special event that takes place on select nights in December, featuring holiday decorations, parades, and fireworks.
- Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade: a colorful parade that features Disney characters, floats, and music.
- Holiday Wishes: a fireworks display that takes place at the end of the night, featuring music and special effects.
Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is another popular theme park destination in Florida, featuring two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. In December, Universal Orlando is decked out in festive decorations, offering a fun and festive atmosphere that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Some of the top attractions at Universal Orlando in December include:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: a themed area that features rides, shops, and restaurants inspired by the popular book and movie series.
- Universal’s Cinematic Celebration: a nighttime show that features music, lights, and special effects.
- Universal’s Holiday Parade: a festive parade that features Universal characters, floats, and music.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a marine-life theme park that features shows, exhibits, and attractions that showcase the wonders of the ocean. In December, SeaWorld is transformed into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations, special events, and holiday-themed activities.
Some of the top attractions at SeaWorld in December include:
- Winter Wonderland on Ice: a festive ice skating show that features music, lights, and special effects.
- SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: a special event that takes place on select nights in December, featuring holiday decorations, parades, and fireworks.
- Shamu Christmas Show: a festive show that features Shamu, the park’s famous orca whale.
National Parks and Beaches (See Also: Where to Visit in Europe in March 2020? Top Hidden Gems)
National Parks and Beaches
Florida is home to a diverse range of national parks and beaches, each offering a unique experience for visitors. In December, these parks and beaches are less crowded than during the peak summer months, making them a great destination for those seeking a relaxing and peaceful vacation.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades is a vast and unique ecosystem that covers a significant portion of southern Florida. In December, the Everglades is a great place to spot wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park by airboat or on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and learning about the park’s unique ecosystem.
Some of the top attractions at Everglades National Park in December include:
- Shark Valley: a scenic area that offers airboat tours and hiking trails.
- Flamingo Visitor Center: a great place to learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing: a great opportunity to spot alligators, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Key West National Wildlife Refuge
The Key West National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area that covers a significant portion of the Florida Keys. In December, the refuge is a great place to spot migratory birds, including sandpipers, plovers, and terns. Visitors can explore the refuge by kayak or on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and learning about the refuge’s unique ecosystem.
Some of the top attractions at Key West National Wildlife Refuge in December include:
- Key West Wildlife Viewing: a great opportunity to spot migratory birds, including sandpipers, plovers, and terns.
- Kayak Tours: a great way to explore the refuge and spot wildlife.
- Refuge Visitor Center: a great place to learn about the refuge’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a popular beach destination in Florida, known for its white sand and calm waters. In December, the beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun, or to try your hand at water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing.
Some of the top attractions at Clearwater Beach in December include:
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: a great place to learn about marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles.
- Clearwater Beach Pier: a great place to fish and take in the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Beach Activities: a great place to relax and soak up the sun, or to try your hand at water sports.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Florida is home to a diverse range of museums and cultural attractions, each offering a unique experience for visitors. In December, these attractions are a great place to learn about the state’s history, art, and culture. (See Also: Where to Visit in Kauai? Hidden Gems Revealed)
The Ringling
The Ringling is a museum complex in Sarasota that features a variety of art and cultural attractions, including the Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, and the Historic Asolo Theater. In December, the Ringling is a great place to learn about the history of the circus and the art of the Ringling brothers.
Some of the top attractions at The Ringling in December include:
- The Ringling Museum of Art: a great place to learn about the art and history of the Ringling brothers.
- The Circus Museum: a great place to learn about the history of the circus and the art of the Ringling brothers.
- Historic Asolo Theater: a great place to see a live performance and learn about the history of the theater.
The Dalí Museum
The Dalí Museum is a museum in St. Petersburg that features a collection of works by the famous artist Salvador Dalí. In December, the museum is a great place to learn about the art and life of Dalí, and to see some of his most famous works.
Some of the top attractions at The Dalí Museum in December include:
- The Dalí Collection: a great place to learn about the art and life of Dalí.
- The Dalí Theatre-Museum: a great place to learn about the art and life of Dalí and to see some of his most famous works.
- The Museum Store: a great place to buy souvenirs and learn about the art and life of Dalí.
Recap
In conclusion, Florida is a great destination for visitors in December, offering a wide range of attractions and activities to suit all interests and ages. From theme parks to national parks, museums to beaches, there’s something for everyone in Florida. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Florida has it all.
Some of the top destinations to visit in Florida in December include:
- Walt Disney World: a theme park resort that features four theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
- Universal Orlando: a theme park resort that features two theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- SeaWorld: a marine-life theme park that features shows, exhibits, and attractions that showcase the wonders of the ocean.
- Everglades National Park: a protected area that covers a significant portion of southern Florida and is home to a diverse range of wildlife.
- Key West National Wildlife Refuge: a protected area that covers a significant portion of the Florida Keys and is home to a diverse range of wildlife.
- Clearwater Beach: a popular beach destination in Florida, known for its white sand and calm waters.
- The Ringling: a museum complex in Sarasota that features a variety of art and cultural attractions.
- The Dalí Museum: a museum in St. Petersburg that features a collection of works by the famous artist Salvador Dalí.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Florida in December?
A: The best time to visit Florida in December is from mid-December to early January, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. (See Also: Where to Visit in Michigan? Ultimate Guide)
Q: What are the top attractions to visit in Florida in December?
A: Some of the top attractions to visit in Florida in December include Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Everglades National Park, Key West National Wildlife Refuge, Clearwater Beach, The Ringling, and The Dalí Museum.
Q: What is the weather like in Florida in December?
A: The weather in Florida in December is mild, with average highs in the mid-70s to low 80s (°F) and average lows in the mid-50s to low 60s. It is a great time to visit Florida if you prefer milder weather.
Q: What are the best ways to get around Florida in December?
A: Some of the best ways to get around Florida in December include renting a car, using public transportation, or taking a taxi or ride-sharing service.
Q: What are the top restaurants to visit in Florida in December?
A: Some of the top restaurants to visit in Florida in December include The Capital Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, and Joe’s Crab Shack.
Q: What are the top shopping destinations in Florida in December?
A: Some of the top shopping destinations in Florida in December include The Mall at Millenia, Universal CityWalk, and Disney Springs.
