America's Top 10 Winter Beach Escapes

Looking for a winter escape? You don't have to travel to the South Pacific for tan lines and white sandy beaches. Here are 10 great options to escape the chills - no overnight flight needed!

Some of these sandy destinations may surprise the traditional Caribbean traveler- how about a beach vacation in Alabama or Louisiana?  Beaches like those in Grand Isle - just two hours from New Orleans - are actually a great winter bet.  First of all, for fishermen, there's no place better. Secondly, there aren't nearly as many crowds in midwinter.

In many of the continental U.S. destinations, travelers have the opportunity to visit popular spots that would be swarming with tourists in the summer. Plus, with water temperatures in the mid to high 60's in Southern California and the Gulf of Mexico, it's still warm enough for a swim. Some of the locals may think you're a bit crazy, but compared to the numbing oceans of the Northern U.S. and Canada, it feels like bath water.

Other destinations like Puerto Rico and Hawaii are in peak season as visitors flee from cold climates. Here, it's important to find beaches off the usual tourist path.

This winter, trade in a snow shovel for a sand shovel, a wool suit for a bathing suit, and an orange spray tan for a real suntan. Whether you're envisioning laying on a beach in Puerto Rico, snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, or hiking the California bluffs, this top 10 list has a destination for every type of beach lover.

Press "Start" to enjoy the ten warmest, most beautiful beaches in America this winter.

Hawaii is slated to begin construction on an elevated train in Honolulu this spring, ending a 40-year battle to build the mass transit system.

Jekyll Island was once the winter retreat of the rich and famous, including the Rockefellers and Pulitzers. Today, the five mile beach has been restored to a family friendly vacation destination.
Average winter highs: 60°F

This small island has some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. Many of the beaches are now preserved by the U.S. Park Service, since the island was once used as a U.S. military base.
Average winter highs: 82 °F

La Jolla Shores, located on the rocky San Diego coast, is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing- it also happens to be one of the most beautiful places in California.
Average Winter Highs: 66°F

Located just over two hours from New Orleans, Grand Isle is the perfect escape for the fisherman in the family. The winter is the perfect time to visit Grand Isle, as the population shrinks from about 14,000 in the summer to 1,600 winter residents.
Average winter highs: 63 °F

A study conducted by Wells Fargo found a quarter of Americans polled expect to work until they are 80. Since average life expectancy in the U.S. is 78.1, these respondents might need to work full-time two years longer than most people live.

Located near the Mexican border, South Padre Island is home to the most well-preserved beaches in Texas.
Average Winter Temp: 67°F

Bask in the tropical sun or snorkel the Underwater Trail through the reef - either way, the pristine Trunk bay is sure to be a favorite winter escape.
Average winter highs: 84 °F

This small beach (only about half a mile) consistently ranks among the world’s best beaches. Lanikai means “heavenly sea” and that’s exactly what you will find here.
Average winter highs: 80°F

Miami is the worst city to find a job in with 4.37 unemployed people per job posting.