While the winter can seem unbearable in some parts of the country, other areas actually find the weather to be quite pleasant. The state of Florida, in general, is a great area to visit during this time; but unless you want to face unrelenting crowds, it is best to avoid tourist traps like Orlando. Instead, you might consider other areas in Florida and other parts of the south to find refuge. Here are 4 places you might want to check out.

1. Savannah, Georgia

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Typically the coldest option on this list, Savannah is still a beautiful place to visit in the winter. It offers temperatures that rarely reach freezing and provides a beautiful city to explore. You’ll probably want to start out by taking a bus tour of the city, which lets you get a lay of the land and allows you to determine where you would like to visit. From there, you can visit a wide variety of local museums and historical houses. When night falls, you can check out the wide assortment of different bars.

2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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Myrtle Beach is one of those places that people might visit all year-round, but it can be a bit easier to navigate during the winter months. The main reason for this is that many of the local amusement and water parks close down due to the cooler weather. Though this might sound like a bad thing, it is great if you are just looking for a warmer and more peaceful environment to escape to. The temperatures stay quite mild and you can still see many of the beautiful beaches and other areas.

3. St. Petersburg, Florida

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This writer’s home town, St. Petersburg, is one of those destinations that rarely gets the attention it deserves. Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, it offers visitors both a beautiful downtown area where they can drink, eat, enjoy a professional soccer game, check out the famous Dali Museum, or simply stay at a ritzy hotel. But what makes it much more unique is that in addition to this charming downtown, visitors can drive a short 20 minutes and find themselves on an absolutely beautiful beach. Unless you come during one of the “cold fronts,” you’ll find that the weather stays right around that sweet spot, offering some cool air with the relief of the bright sun.

4. Key West, Florida

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Another perfect Florida destination during the winter, Key West is that kind of city that never really changes, no matter what time of the year. Boasting about its history as the Conch Republic, the area is an absolute joy for anyone. Whether you simply catch some street performances at Mallory Square or you stay up all night drinking at bars on Duval Street, there is never a dull moment. There are also quite a few museums and beautiful historical places to visit, such as the famous Hemingway House where you can see the six-toed cats. Oh, and the weather stays nice and warm all year, making it easy to escape down south and enjoy the winter without freezing.

Do you have any other great winter destinations down south that you like to visit? What is your main reason for choosing the south as your vacation destination?

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