December destinations sun: The best winter-sun destinations – 46 hot spots

20 Best US Destinations for Winter Sun travel notes and guides – Trip.com travel guides

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TripBlog

Oct 15, 20196,0531

Contents

• Palm Springs, California
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Davenport, Florida
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Laguna Beach, California
• Edisto Island, South Carolina
• Galveston, Texas
• Cocoa Beach, Florida
• San Diego, California
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• The Everglades, Florida
• Tempe, Arizona
• Grand Isle, Louisiana
• St. John, US Virgin Islands
• Orange Beach, Alabama
• Mesa, Arizona
• Bradenton, Florida
• Coastal Georgia
• Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii
• South Padre Island Texas

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Looking for some precious winter sun across the US? When the trees are bare and the days to wear your t-shirts are gone with nights getting longer and days getting shorter. It’s time to escape to warmer locations where the sun still shines and will surely drive your winter blues away. You will be amazed to know that there are many warm sun destinations in the U.S that you can plan for spending your winter holiday. So, here’s a list of top 20 locations offering winter sun and providing you escape and winter getaways in the US.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a resort town in Riverside County in the state of California. It is located in the Sonoran Desert within the Coachella Valley in Southern CA and is well known for its hot springs, golf courses, and stylish hotels and spas. It is famous for its mid-century and modern style of architecture, arts, design elements, and culturally vibrant scene. Known as a winter snowbird destination for the Americans. It is the most suitable destination from November to March during which its population triples due to the influx of tourists seeking winter sunshine.

Palm Springs is an ideal winter sun location for outdoor activities like golf, tennis, horse riding, cycling, and hiking in the desert and nearby mountain areas. It has many hotels, restaurants and shopping attractions with high-end boutiques. It also has few clothing-optional resorts for those who want to indulge.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Sun Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico. It is a coastal place on the Atlantic coast offering plenty of winter sun. It is well known for the Isle Verde resort which is a coastal strip known for nightclubs, bars, and casinos. San Juan has a rich Spanish colonial history. The beautiful cobblestoned Old San Juan is rich in 16^th-century architecture with landmarks like El Morro, La Fortaleza, Paseo De La Princesa seaside promenade beside a fortress having awesome ocean views. San Juan is a tourist-friendly place with plenty of hotels, historical buildings, museums. It has good restaurants and shopping centers. You will enjoy its beaches and nightlife around them. Among its famous tourist attractions is Cathedral of San Juan. It is a 15^th-century Cathedral located in Old San Juan. It has a tomb of the Spanish explorer and founder Juan Ponce De Leon.

Many cruise ships regularly come here as you will see the bayside lined with dock slips to enable them making it one of the notable winter gateways in the US.

Davenport, Florida

Florida is known for its winter sun, and Davenport in this state provides an ideal place for your winter holiday 2019. It is known for its enticing attractions and warm temperatures without the big city cost and frills attached to it. If you want to spend your afternoon just walking down the nature trails near lake Kissimmee or want to play golf, this is a place to go to. Davenport is also an ideal base location if you want a family vacation and want to go to Disney World, which is close to it. You can also visit the universal studios and many more tourist attractions in the nearby Orlando town without having to spend a bomb on your accommodations. You can find many hotels and rental accommodations for extended family stays. You can also find many restaurants in this small-town catering to your taste buds at a reasonable price.

Phoenix, Arizona

Looking for the winter sun head out to Phoenix, Arizona. The hottest destination promises you year-round sun & warm temperatures, making it one of the best winter gateways in the US. Also known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is well known for its high-end resorts and spas. It has vibrant night clubs and designer golf courses. You can also spend time in the Desert Botanical Garden if you are interested in the local flora and fauna including Cacti and other native plants. Attend the Arizona Taco festival if you want to lay your hands on some amazing local tacos and other mouth-watering dishes or go for a hike in the Desert Mountains for a time of your lifetime. There are many things to do in Phoenix. One of the seven natural wonders of the world the Grand Canyon National Park is just 4 hours’ drive away and is worth a visit while you get your winter sunshine in Phoenix.

Laguna Beach, California

If you fancy having winter sun in lazing on a beach and getting yourself a body tan, head out to Laguna Beach, a small beach town in Orange County, CA. It is well known for its coves and beaches and also for its many art galleries. Its main beach has tide pools and a pathway leading to the Heisler Park nearby. If you are keen on water sports, hit Aliso Beach Park, which is famous for surf sport. Laguna has a history of providing rich surfing spots across a stretch of rocky reefs. It hosts the Brook street surfing classic since 1955. This is one of the world’s longest-running competitive surfing tournament. The participants can only be Laguna residents; however, it is an amazing sight to see during your winter holiday.

Tip – It is one of the cities in the US which has been declared smoke free. There is no smoking allowed in public areas.

Edisto Island, South Carolina

Located near Charleston, Edisto Island in South Caroline is an ideal place for getting winter sun. It is an easy-going beach destination offering opportunities for outdoor adventure while you spend your winter holiday 2019. This is a place for water sports and adventure while you can see dolphins as you do Kayaking or cruise through the marshlands. You will enjoy walking past the driftwood forests at Botany Bay. You will enjoy learning tour about Barrier Island and its unique Gullah culture. You can have a lazy day having a picnic at the Edisto Beach State Park or go over to the Indian Mound Trail for a walk in the woods or visit the Edisto Island Museum. Whatever you choose, Edisto Island provides you with plenty of winter sunshine.

This Island is 72 Km from downtown Houston and promises plenty of winter sun. It is situated on the Gulf Coast of Texas and is known for Moody Gardens. This garden has huge glass pyramid type structures which house animals including monkeys and sharks. There are many amusement parks and restaurants which make this Island and an interesting place to visit. It also has a historical side to it with many restored Victorian-era buildings. You can also go for seawater sports like kayaking and fishing and laze around in the scenic East beach and Stewart beach on this island.

Tip – Be careful as this area is prone to storms and hurricanes to disrupt your winter holiday.

The quintessential beach town, Cocoa Beach, Florida, is close to Orlando and an hour’s drive away. It offers endless ways to enjoy the winter sun providing recreation and leisure. Good for family holidays this place provides an affordable seaside experience which is good in case you are looking for long term winter getaways in the US. It offers some amazing sun and fun activities at the beach including deep-sea fishing or eco-tour adventures. Boating, kayaking and other water sports of your choice are available here. You can also visit the Kennedy Space Center or explore the city’s rich history visiting the museums & historic sites. Orlando being nearby, you can also use it as a hub for visiting Disney Land, Universal Studios and other tourist attractions. After dusk, the nightlife kicks in with cool jazz clubs. Beachside cafes making it an ideal seaside getaway. You can also board Carnival or Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for cruises to exotic destinations from here.

Located on the Pacific coast of California, San Diego is well known for its sunny beaches, warm climate, and parks. Balboa Park has the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. It also has many art galleries, museums and artist studios to tickle your artistic side. It has a deep harbor and home to a large US Naval Fleet stationed here. The USS Midway is a decommissioned aircraft carrier that has been turned into a museum and is open for public viewing. The nightlife in San Diego is impressive and the most bussing on the west coast. It has night clubs with world-class DJ’s rocking the night away. So, if you want winter sun as well a fun after sundown, head away to San Diego for an amazing winter holiday here. You can have great experience which is good in case you are looking for long term winter getaways in the US.

Known as the Jazz capital of the world, the New Orleans city is located along the Mississippi River. It is famous for its distinct music, unique dialect, and Creole cuisine. It has many annual celebrations and festivals. It has a rich history as a French and Spanish colony. It has a very vibrant nightlife which is centered around Bourbon street. It is described as one of the unique cities in the US. Known for its warm and sunny weather, New Orleans offers a peek into the history with rich multi-cultural heritage, and its French quarters. It has many museums and art centers. If you are here to catch the winter sun, ensure that you visit a wide choice of restaurants which offer a wide range of cuisines and the Jazz Music festival which will take you on a musical journey in time during your winter holiday up here.

The Everglades, Florida

The Everglades is a region of tropical wetlands. It is in the southern part of the US in Florida. It is a natural ecosystem that is nowhere else found in the world. The wetlands start from near Orlando with the Kissimmee River discharging water into the vast and shallow lake Okeechobee. Thus, forming a water-filled area of 97 km wide and over 160 km long. It has swamplands with cypress and mangrove forests, hardwood trees and pine growing out from here. The Everglades National park a destination if you want winter sun and enjoy going out in waste swamps to see the largest tropical wilderness on our planet. You can go bird watching with over 350 species of them found here and see the 40 different species of reptiles including the great American crocodile found here. Other animals’ worth seeing are the Florida Panthers over here as you seek the winter sunshine.

Looking out for a tourist destination that gives you a winter sun? Well, your search ends here for a perfect winter holiday 2019. Head out to Tempe in Arizona which lies east of Phoenix. The city is a treasure trove that hosts concerts, art festivals, comedy, and dance shows. The Tempe town lake has entertainment if you like water sports, boating. Tempe Beach Park is the venue of the hottest concerts which are organized here. Nearby Hayden Butte mountain has centuries-old rock art which is a must-see attraction as you trek enjoying the winter sunshine. Many more things to do here at Tempe. Sea Life Arizona aquarium is another tourist attraction along with the zoo, which should not be missed.

Grand Isle, Louisiana

The Grand Isle is a town in Louisiana which is a narrow island across the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its magnificent and long stretch of beaches it is a must-go destination for those seeking the winter sun. The Grand Isle State Park has beaches, trails, and campsites where you can tent in and go fishing on the pier. The Butterfly Dome is worth seeing as it has an amazing collection of native butterflies and plants. There are exciting water sports activities you can take part in at the Wake Side Cable Park. The Isle is known for its great fishing spots and deep-sea angling in the Gulf of Mexico. The tiny seaside town hosts annual Cajun Rodeo which sees a massive influx of tourists in the region 15 times its population. The Grand Isle can be reached by car driving 3 hours from the city of New Orleans.

Tip – Watch out for the frequent hurricanes and storms which sometimes are damaging for life and property.

St. John, US Virgin Islands

The smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, St. John is a paradise with winter sun in the Caribbean Sea. This tiny island is a hot destination if you love scenic beaches. It has some of the amazing ones like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, Maho Beach, and Honeymoon beach. It’s a small Island stretching just 9 miles long with two-thirds of it occupied by the Virgin Islands National Park. Other than enjoying the amazing beaches for days you can take up discovering wildlife at the park which is home to many species of birds. The Hurricane Hole has mangroves which support corals and other sea life. You can swim with the dolphins which inhabit the island’s waters along with the green turtles and hawksbill. Staying and looking at the bay is an amazing experience, especially during the sunrise and sunset. Add the St. John in your list of places where you can get unlimited winter sunshine.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Head out to Orange Beach Alabama in search of winter sun, and you will not be disappointed. A small city in the state of Alabama on the Gulf Coast, Orange Beach is very well known for water sports. Hub of all such activities it attracts a lot of water sport enthusiasts. The Waterfront Park located on the Wolf bay has an amazing picnic area and fishing piers. A family vacation spot the Orange Beach – Indian and Sea Museum provides a very good peek into the Native Americans and their fishing history. It also offers an amazing dining experience with plenty of seafood joints, dolphin cruises, championship class golf courses, charter fishing boats, and nature hikes. There are also plentiful options for a colorful nightlife in Orange beach with free concerts, rock shows, and many more entertaining shows.

Mesa, Arizona

Mesa is located east of Phoenix in Arizona. A certain place for winter sun, the city is known for Mesa Grande Cultural Park which holds the history of the Hohokam people. The Arizona Museum of National History is a place to go with the family to see the prehistoric dinosaur skeletons and many more things of archaeological importance. You can also visit the art center which has a theatre for contemporary arts. If you are into Golf, Mesa offers many championship class golf courses including the Mesa Country Club founded in 1940. So, go ahead and take a “Put” in the winter sunshine in Mesa.

Bradenton, Florida

A small city on the Manatee River south of Tampa in Florida, Bradenton is ideal for the winter sun. The sand with beaches is sure to enthrall you. The South Florida Museum here is a source of insight into the natural and cultural history of the region. The 487-acre Robinson Nature Preserve is a place worth visiting here, and so is the Planetarium and Parker Aquarium.

Coastal Georgia

A beach town, Savannah in Georgia is a paradise with sun-soaking tourists all around. This beautiful place has a coast with barrier islands and waterways worth exploring. Tybee Islands, which is 30 min. Drive has some amazing beaches that you will love to soak at in the winter sun. Sapelo Island is a historical place where African slaves worked in the plantations until the 19^th century. Other places on the coast to enjoy are the St. Simons and Jekyll Island.

Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii

A splendid for winter sun and sand is Kailua in Hawaii. On the west side of the Big Island, this place is warmer than Honolulu. Here you can go on boat tours and surf the great waters and do snorkeling. An amazing place to be Kailua is a must-visit place.

South Padre Island Texas

One of the most popular Texan seaside resort towns is a place to be for some serious winter sun. The birding and Nature center at the Padre Islands are an ideal place for bird watching along with sea turtles and alligators. The Isla Blanca Country Park’s beach is very popular here and has many shops and restaurants that you can enjoy.

Come and experience the winter sun in the US. Pack your bags to plan for spending your winter holiday.

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Best winter sun destinations for 2023

MAY WE SUGGEST: The head of publicity at Sybil Colefax & John Fowler’s elegant Moroccan home

Jamaica

In this, the diamond year of James Bond, perhaps now is the moment to think of visiting Jamaica. Take this theme one step further and stay at GoldenEye, the tropical hideaway of Bond’s creator Ian Fleming, which has one of the loveliest locations on the island with no less than three private beaches. Private villas, cottages or beach huts are the accommodation options; music, art and culture set the vibe.

Oman

One of the best destinations for fly-and-flop winter sun – not quite as convenient as nearby Dubai, but so much more interesting. Most people tend to hang out in one of the very lovely hotels near Muscat (the Chedi they’ll tell you is the best, but I have rather a soft spot for the Al Bustan Palace), which also means the desert town of Nizwa and the beautiful Jabal Akdar mountains are within easy striking distance. More adventurous types might consider an onward flight down south to Salalah, where the Al-Baleed Resort by Anantara sits on one of the most fabulous stretches of sandy beach in the region.

Sri Lanka

This island has had a tough time of late. Political unrest caused fuel shortages and blackouts earlier this year and in one fell swoop most tourists – the life blood of Sri Lanka – left. The island seemingly was written off, but you’d be wrong to rule it out. Stability has been restored and now is a better time to go than ever – partly because not many people are and there are consequently good deals to be had. Given the choice, I would combine a few days in the Central Highlands staying at one of Resplendent Ceylon’s tea plantations with a few days at both lovely Malabar Hill, just inland from Welligama, and the Last House, on the beach at Tangalle.

Vietnam

Bai San Ho

This is a great South-East Asian country to visit in the winter months. Take note, however, that as a very long, very thin country, Vietnam’s climate and temperature vary dramatically between north and south according to which time of year you go. Central and southern Vietnam are best during the European winter. Bai San Ho, a 245-acre nature and beachfront resort from the brilliant Zannier hotel group, ticks the luxury box; Salinda Resort on Phu Quoc island off Vietnam’s mid-western coast not far from Ho Chi Minh City, would be my less-expensive choice.

Mexico

I might have included Brazil or Costa Rica in this spot but plumped for Mexico instead because it’s marginally easier to get to and this country has so much to offer. Hassle-free sunseekers should head to Cancun from where they can decide whether to head south down the Mayan Riviera towards Playa del Carmen and Tulum or west towards laid-back Isla Holbox and Merida. The more intrepid who have greater time to spare should head via Mexico City to the Pacific coast at Puerto Escondido. Journey Latin America is a good tour operator for all holidays in this part of the globe.

South Africa

Forever a favourite choice of those seeking winter sun – great food and wine, minimal time difference and lots to see and do. To maximise your time there, seek the advice of an African specialist, Aardvark Safaris, for example, who can throw you plenty of ideas your way whether you’re after beach, safari, a family trip or off the beaten track adventure.

December sun – Influences — LiveJournal

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  Igor Shelkovsky. Man standing. Walking man. Man running, 2019. Tree And we are walking, walking around Moscow… Leonid Sokov…

• The phenomenon of the sun

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• Saturday photo. From the series “Moscow Temples”

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• Street photo #1. In parks

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  There is only a moment between the past and the future, It is he who is called life… I recalled a very popular song of the composer Alexander in its time…

December solstice: the shortest and longest day of 2020

The December solstice is approaching, marking the beginning of a new season, as well as the shortest day of 2020 for the Northern Hemisphere and the longest for those in the southern part of our planet. In today’s article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the December solstice, as well as some interesting facts about this astronomical event.

What is a solstice?

The solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its furthest point – north or south – from the celestial equator in a year, which is due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis and the movement of our planet in its orbit around the Sun. The term “solstice” comes from the Latin “sol” (“Sun”) and “sistere” (“to stand still”) and reflects the fact that on the day of the solstice, the Sun seems to stop moving across the sky and stops at the point of greatest declination – north or southern.

There are two solstices every year: summer and winter. They fall around June 21 and December 21, respectively, but they are not tied to specific dates. Traditionally, the solstices (and equinoxes) mark the beginning of a new astronomical season.

December solstice

During the December solstice, the Sun reaches its lowest and southernmost point in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere, on the contrary, it shines at the highest point in the sky. In addition, during the solstice in the northern part of our planet, the shortest daylight hours and the longest night of the year are observed; After the December solstice, the days become longer and the nights shorter. In the Southern Hemisphere, the solstice has the longest daylight hours and the shortest night of the year.

The December solstice is called the southern solstice, because on this day at noon the Sun is at its zenith over the Tropic of the South (Tropic of Capricorn) – the southernmost point that the luminary will ever reach.

In 2020, the December solstice will take place on December 21 at 12:47 Moscow time (09:47 GMT). Observers from the northern and southern hemispheres will have the chance to observe the southernmost sunrise and southernmost sunset of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice is winter and marks the beginning of astronomical winter in this part of the world. For the Southern Hemisphere, the December solstice is summer and marks the beginning of the summer season.

A rare “Christmas star” will grace the sky on the solstice

Note that this year’s December solstice coincides with the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn – this rare and spectacular astronomical event will also occur on December 21st. The gas giants will almost merge in the night sky and look like a bright “Christmas star”. The 2020 Jupiter Saturn Grand Conjunction will be the closest gas giant conjunction since 1623 and their closest observed conjunction since 1226!

Interesting facts about the annual December solstice

• The December solstice can occur between December 20 and 23; however, it rarely falls on December 20 or 23. The last time the December solstice was on December 23 in 1903, and the next one will not take place until 2303.
• Despite the fact that it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is during this period of the year that the Earth is closest to the Sun. Our planet reaches its perihelion – the closest point to the Sun in its orbit – just a few weeks after the December solstice.