1. Hollywood Beach, Florida

If the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing better than a beach getaway. US Beaches for winter sun are rather a special collection. Hollywood Beach’s average temperature in January-February is about 69 degrees Fahrenheit and the ocean averages about 75 degrees, so it’s very comfortable. The 2.5 mile boardwalk hosts joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and sightseers. Join them by renting a cruiser bike at one of the rental shops, or head up to Hollywood Beach State Park. Stay around for the night life, filled with live music and dancing.

2. Poipu Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii

The only kind of chill you get here won’t be from the cold weather but from the intense beauty. The “Garden Island” has an average winter temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s also the rainy season this time of year, so hang out on the dryer south or west side of the island. The park has a sheltered shallow pool that’s great for kids, or for the more adventurous, take a few surfing lessons and hang ten.

3. Santa Barbara, California

While average daytime temperatures in California’s Riviera average about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the nighttime temperatures can be a touch chilly. Beaches on either side of Sterns Wharf are popular and are close to shopping and eateries, however, locals often head to Arroyo Burro State Beach. Here, it’s less crowded and if the tide is low, there are lots of tidal pools to explore. Eat at the Boathouse nearby and enjoy the fantastic orange and pink sunsets.

4. South Padre Island, Texas

This 34-mile barrier island stays about 70 degrees during the day, but while it’s on the warm gulf coast it may not be warm enough to swim during the winter months. This long beach is excellent for beachcombing, horseback riding, or ATVing. However, other fun activities such as dolphin watching or taking a dinner cruise are great options. Play in the water Schlitterbahn’s Indoor Water Park if it’s too cold to swim, and then head over to Padre Island Brewing Company for a cold microbrew.

5. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

This Caribbean retreat is usually first accessed at Magens Bay, where cruise ships dock. There, as many as 10,000 people spill from the ships on the way to duty free shops in the area. While the beaches there are indeed beautiful, if you’d like a less crowded option head to Lindquist Beach. It’s usually only busy on the weekends when the locals visit, but more secluded during the week. Bluebeard’s Beach has more amenities if you’d like a little less seclusion. Average winter daytime temperatures are 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Coronado, California

This two-mile beach just across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge is often called one of the prettiest beaches in the U.S. Because there is a good amount of mica in the sand, it glistens! The waves are gentle and the beach is flat, so it’s ideal for families with children as well as those who enjoy walking, jogging, or just relaxing on a beach towel while drinking in the sunshine. Popular water sports include surfing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding and swimming. Head over to Coronado Central Beach at low tide to investigate the tide pools. Average daytime winter temperatures are around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Sanibel Island, Florida

If you love beachcombing and collecting shells, Sanibel Island will make you forget all about your winter blues. This 12-mile-long hammock shaped island is oriented east to west, which allows it to catch shells rolled up by the gulf tides. Sometimes, there are thousands of them, particularly on the south side. At the eastern tip is Lighthouse Beach Park where you can see a utilitarian lighthouse, plus views of Ft. Myers across the bay. Average winter daytime temperatures run about 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

I think I need to look at some beaches for winter sun closer to the UK because I won’t be finding myself in the US any time soon. If you live in a mild climate area, please share your favorite winter destinations close to home.