Perfect Beach Destinations To Escape The Winter

The winter season has a way of separating people into two basic groups – those who love the snow and those who want to get away from it. You don't have to wait for summer to enjoy the beach, go scuba diving, or embark on crazy adventures that don't involve ice.

Visit the Mayan ruins, swim in their gorgeous bright blue waters, go diving in El Gran Cenote – an underground cavern, and go snorkeling in one of their spectacular swimming holes. Playa Paraíso beach is still free, as are many of Tulum's shores, so you can save money. Tulum Beach, which still remains a secret to some people, sits in the shadow of the famous Tulum Mayan ruins.

Visit the Seven Mile Beach, one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Caribbean and the most popular beach on Grand Cayman Island. It's public, pet-friendly, and offers tons of water activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and parasailing. For little rain, sunshine and a refreshing cool breeze visit Grand Cayman Island from mid-November to April. 

Eleuthera, the pineapple capital of the world, about 50 miles east of Nassau, is a lesser-known island in the Bahamas. Walk along pink beaches, and explore the massive coral reefs by snorkeling and diving. The island was ranked The Best Island in the Caribbean by Travel & Leisure magazine.

Hawaii is well-known for its popular cliff diving spots, one of which is Kawainui Falls in Hilo. Beaches of different colors rule there. Also, as the largest settlement on the Big Island, did you know that Hilo is home to the only ski destination in Hawaii? The city sits atop two volcanoes and overlooks Hilo Bay. Also, Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only American zoo in a tropical rainforest.

Key West is full with incredible beaches. Many of the best are located on the south side of the island facing the Atlantic Ocean. Go snorkeling, diving, surfing and swimming. Some of Key West's famous beaches include Smathers Beach, the largest of the Key West Beaches, Dog Beach, Higgs Beach and Rest Beach.

Montego Bay is quite affordable this time of year. If you want to avoid families with kids stay at the The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios where kids under 12 are not allowed. The unique and soulful island of Jamaica has an entirely different vibe than its sister Caribbean islands. Adventurers will love Negril. Sunbathing is a given, but you can also go cliff jumping, waterfall climbing, and sunset sailing.

Famous for its 62 miles of breezy oceanfront and clear, warm, turquoise water, this is the perfect escape from cold and crowded big cities. Take your pick from the ten different beaches in Punta Cana. While you are there, go zip-lining and check out the lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.

This charming seaside city has wonderful warm weather year-round. It only rains on average 21 days each winter. Go surfing and relax on beaches sipping cocktails overlooking gorgeous water views. Eat as much seafood as you can. You can always count on it being fresh and delicious.

The five miles of public beach offer endless views of the Atlantic Ocean and are ideal for sunbathing, walking, biking, sailing, and fishing. Various art and music events are scheduled almost every day. Just about 17 miles from Savannah, this pure, uninhabited nature preserve is accessible only by boat, according to Visit Tybee. 

The pristine sand beaches, lush jungle-like rain forests and massive green cloud-covered mountains, offers one of the most beautiful places to go on vacation in Hawaii. One of the best beaches to visit is the secluded Honopu Beach. Located on Na Pali Coast you can only access it by swimming to it, either from Kalalau Beach or from an offshore boat.

This town is one of the reasons why Costa Rica should be your next vacation destination. It's known for beaches with strong surf. Playa Grande is a major nesting site for huge leatherback turtles and forms part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. Gorgeous beach houses and luxury hotels line the sunny sands.

This is South America's premier beach resort, known as the St. Tropez of Uruguay. The long sandy beaches and gorgeous islands off the coast will make for a peaceful getaway. Surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kite surfing, beach volleyball, swimming and beach fishing are very popular.

This is a city where spontaneity rules. The fact that it is surrounded by towering peaks, lush rain forest and beautiful beaches makes it even more attractive. Relax on the iconic Ipanema Beach, known for wild surf and fantastic sunsets. See the surrounding area on a bike tour or take a cable car up Pao de Acucar.

The untouched shores of Ko Phi Phi Leh are worth a trip. You can lounge all day and wade in the tranquil turquoise waters or climb the steep limestone cliffs rising from the sand on neighboring Ko Phi Phi Don. The islands are also a world-class scuba diving destination.

This small and beautiful stretch of untouched sand in the Indian Ocean is part of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, which is part of the same marine mountain range as the Maldives. The island, a hidden gem in India, has stunning beaches and pristine water. You can swim with dolphins and other marine life.

Known world-wide for iconic overwater bungalows, Bora Bora is like heaven on earth for water sports. Head to the Coral Garden, an underwater park teeming with tropical fish or hire a guide to lead you to some of the lesser-known spots. The island is a hotspot for sharks. 

The island offers a variety of beaches. Crane Beach is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Caribbean. The towering cliffs on each end and the coral reef in the ocean make for stunning views. The warm and lively waves make Crane Beach one of the best spots for boogie boarding.

This beautiful beach resort is known for its romantic atmosphere. Enjoy miles of golden beaches and blue lagoons. Swim under waterfalls and see an ancient mine, and mineral springs at the Enchanting Cosala.

This is one of the national parks with the best beaches. It is home to some of the tallest and oldest Redwoods in the world, and is a 10-mile coastal stretch that is commonly used by hikers and campers.