December in the South: Warm Weather, Warm Hearts

If you’ve been searching for winter getaways in the Southeast, December is one of the best months to escape the cold and soak in warm sunshine, small-town charm, and family-friendly adventures.

While the rest of the country digs out scarves and snow shovels, we Southerners are still catching golden sunsets and sipping sweet tea on the porch. December down here doesn’t mean frostbitten mornings—it means cozy sweaters at sunrise and bare-feet beach walks by lunch.

If you’ve been craving a little warmth before the year ends, these are the best winter getaways in the Southeast—close enough for a road trip, easy on the wallet, and full of that laid-back Southern charm that reminds you why you call this region home.

🏝️ 1. Amelia Island, Florida

Drive time: ~5 hours from Atlanta

Amelia Island is Florida’s quiet cousin—a place where you can park the car and forget about it for a few days. The beaches are wide, the dunes still wild, and the pace slow enough to remember what breathing feels like.

Walk historic Fernandina Beach’s streets lined with twinkle lights, stop for shrimp & grits, and watch the kids chase waves without a single “hurry up” in sight. Bonus: most rentals here are pet-friendly, so your goldendoodle and golden retriever can join the fun. winter getaways in the southeast

🐚 2. Tybee Island, Georgia

Drive time: ~4 hours from Atlanta

Tybee in December is magic without the crowds. You’ll trade sunburns for hoodies and seashell hunts for snowball fights—and somehow, it’s even better.

Visit the lighthouse, stroll the pier, or grab a seat at The Crab Shack for oysters under twinkle lights. Savannah’s historic squares are only a short drive away if you’re craving a holiday stroll beneath Spanish moss.

🌅 3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Drive time: ~6 hours from Atlanta

Winter at the Gulf means fewer tourists and unbeatable sunsets. The sand is powder-soft, the seafood is fresh, and the vibe is pure relaxation.

Take the kids to Gulf State Park for biking trails and beach walks, or spend a morning at The Hangout’s breakfast bar before browsing the local holiday market. The air may be cooler, but the welcome is always warm.

🎄 4. Dahlonega, Georgia

Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Atlanta

If you want the twinkle and sparkle without freezing, Dahlonega’s got you covered. The entire town turns into a Hallmark movie each December.

Enjoy the Christmas market downtown, take family photos by the courthouse tree, then warm up with apple cider and a mountain view. You’ll head home with full hearts, tired feet, and maybe a new family tradition.

🕯️ 5. Apalachicola, Florida

Drive time: ~5.5 hours from Atlanta

Quaint, quiet, and kissed by the Gulf, Apalachicola is the South’s best-kept winter secret. Wander through antique shops, watch fishing boats glide by, and enjoy fresh oysters at Up the Creek Raw Bar. It’s small-town simplicity with salt air and soul. winter getaways in the southeast

❤️ Slow Season, Full Heart

December doesn’t need to be about hustle, airports, or expensive trips. Sometimes it’s just about stepping outside, taking a deep breath of warm air, and realizing you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Whether it’s a beach sunrise or a small-town parade, the South knows how to keep the season bright—without the frostbite. winter getaways in the southeast

So, pack light, drive slow, and let your year end where the weather (and the people) are warm.

December has a way of reminding us to slow down, breathe, and choose moments over madness. Whether you’re chasing sunshine on the coast or wandering through a small Southern town with a cup of cocoa in hand, these warm-weather escapes help you end the year feeling rested instead of rushed. Let the South wrap you up the way it always does—with good food, friendly faces, and memories that carry you straight into the new year. winter getaways in the southeast

✍️ Written by Tanya Michelle

winter getaways in the southeast

Founder of The Mama Life Blog, singer-songwriter, and family travel storyteller based in Georgia. Tanya shares real-life parenting moments, Southeast travel escapes, and creative ways to balance motherhood, music, and meaning.

Connect with Tanya on Facebook, TikTok, or Pinterest for more travel tips, family fun, and behind-the-scenes music inspiration. winter getaways in the southeast