Are you starting to get cold at night? Is the winter creeping up on you? There is still time to take a warm weather vacation in the U.S. Start heading south! Southern California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida are all warm enough for shorts and flip flops.

Not sure where to go? Take my advice by heading south to one of these four warm weather vacation destinations:

1. Orlando, Florida: It is not too late to hit the beach and Disneyworld. An average temparature of about 73 degrees in December will help you defrost and take in some last minute sunshine. Airfare is cheap and there are plenty of places to stay such as Sheraton Vistana Resort or Bahama BayResort… both 5 star quality for amazing prices.
   

   Sheraton Vistana Resort Pool in Orlando Florida

2. San Diego, California: America’s Finest City… for a reason. There isn’t a single month of the year where the average high for the day is lower than 66 degrees. Every day is a beach day and if the sun is shining you can be sunbathing for your Christmas vacation. Don’t miss the unique beach towns of Coronado , Carlsbad, and Del Mar.
   

   View of San Diego Bay from Coronado Island

3. San Antonio, Texas: The most visited city in Texas has great temperatures for travelling there between October through April. Plenty of fun activities such as Sea World, the Alamo, the River Walk, and more all make San Antonio a great warm winter vacation destination. I recommend staying at the the Wyndham Riverside Suites.
   

   San Antonio, Texas

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/wattsbw2004/
4. Scottsdale, Arizona: Right now is the best time of the year to visit Scottsdale. Be sure to pack accordingly because you won’t need three layers to walk around in 68 degrees this winter. Stroll through art galleries, visit museums, or hone in on your golf skills, Scottsdale has something for everyone during the winter. There are many great places to stay, here are two of my favorites: Sheraton Desert Oasis and Westin Kierland Villas
   

   Scottsdale Golf at Westin Kierland Villas

When I heard we were going to Carlsbad, California, I got so excited! I’ve gone to Carlsbad twice. Once in 2007 and once in 2009. Both trips were so much fun.

     We went to the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Padres baseball games, and Knotsberry Farm.  What was also cool was I got to ride bikes on the beach. But best of all, I got to see my Aunt Ally.

     Later in the week, we stayed at the Carlsbad Sea Pointe Resort. Very nice! It has an arcade, basketball court, tennis court, ping pong, a pool table, two swimming pools, putt putt, and  very nice rooms. It is a fantastic place to stay.

     Also, there are amazing restaurants. The beach is awesome. The water is so clear.

     Unfortunaly, we had to leave. I was so sad! I never wanted to leave! Carlsbad is such a nice and amazing place to stay. I hope I will go back someday.

~Griffin Brooks  Daphne, AL

Vino Bello Resort

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhrDY5WIzpk

Old World Tuscan charm blends with the surrounding vine-covered hills to welcome you with style and grace to Vino Bello Resort. At Napa Valley’s newest luxury resort, you will find luxurious accommodations, fine amenities and gracious service, all designed to make your visit to Napa Valley a memorable one.

These luxurious Vino Bello accommodations includes 168 units located in the shadow of the Grape Crusher statue in Napa Valley. Enjoy spacious studios, or one and two bedroom suites, all with upscale appointments like plasma screen televisions, in-room Jacuzzi’s and five-headed showers. Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, high speed Internet access, balcony or patio, premium bedding, and spacious living and dining areas.

Vino Bello Resort

Resort amenities include two heated swimming pools, two fitness centers, a water spray playground for children, and banquet and meeting spaces. Vino Bello Resort also has a partnership with the adjacent Meritage Resort by providing guests with a variety of unique options. For a one of a kind experience, visit Spa Terra, a new state-of-the-art spa underground cave spa, for a relaxing massage or facial. Explore a remarkable selection of American wines at the Estate Wine Cave and Meritage Wine Tasting Bar. Or enjoy fine dining at The Meritage’s Siena Restaurant, featuring delightful wine country cuisine accented with Tuscan flavors.

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort

Southern California’s relaxation spot can be found in Carlsbad’s Grand Pacific Palisades Resort. Overlooking breathtaking ocean views and the local favorite, Carlsbad Flower fields, guests can experience a vacation like no other.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JQrQk09D14

Relax in bright and refreshingly decorated studios and one, two and three bedroom condos. The resort amenities provide fun for all including a private adult swimming pool and a children’s water park.

Indulge your mind, body, and soul with refreshing spa treatments and a fully equipped fitness center. Families can take advantage of the activities scheduled seven days a week for entertainment fun. Guests can also enjoy world-class golf, running trails, surf camps, tennis courts, fishing and beautiful beaches. Grand Pacific Palisades also provides luxurious on-site dining, spacious banquets, and fully-equipped conference rooms for business needs and special events.

The resort has a private entrance to LEGOLAND California featuring the new SEA LIFE AQUARIUM. For the shopping aficionados, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets is just minutes away. Want the best of San Diego? Just minutes away from the freeway and easy access to attractions like SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park, Petco Park and Downtown San Diego. Experience a vacation like never before at Grand Pacific Palisades Resort.

Grand Pacific Palisades Pool

Carlsbad, CALIFORNIA

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

Carlsbad, California – Nicknamed the Village by the Sea, this seaside resort-city is home to beautiful beaches, relaxing spas and plenty of outdoor activities and attractions so you can soak up as much of that Southern California sun as possible on your next vacation.

Stay: Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort – Just steps to the majestic Pacific Ocean, the award-winning Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort vacation condos are in the heart of the picturesque coastal Village of Carlsbad. Stroll through the large lush green courtyard of our luxury San Diego resort to the steps leading down to the rolling surf, or walk through surrounding Carlsbad and visit its countless boutiques and cafes. Visit www.ResorTime.com for reservations.

Eat: Norte Mexican Restaurant - Norte Mexican restaurant embodies the true traditional Mexican dining experience located next to the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort. Enjoy local favorites like their chicken enchiladas, chile rellenos, beef quesadillas and delicious burritos. Family and friends can gather around to relax in the historic ambience of the outdoor and indoor dining.  

Drink: Pizza Port Brewing Company – Check out a variety of high quality brews from the popular Carlsbad Cream Ale to its signature beer – Sharkbite Red. With the combination of a casual atmosphere, cheerful staff, great brews and mouth-watering pizzas, Pizza Port is the perfect place for a family gathering or a night out in town with friends.

Shop: The Village of Carlsbad – The quaint village of Carlsbad is comprised of boutiques, antique shops, salons, services and spas. Enjoy the seasonal Farmer’s Market providing fresh and fabulous delights of vegetables, fruits, sweets and other good eats.

Do: Carlsbad is within close proximity of many renowned family attractions, including LEGOLAND California and SEALIFE Aquarium, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild Animal Park and the beautiful and spacious Balboa Park, with its kid-friendly museums and tours. Or just relax for the day and soak up the sunshine on the beautiful beaches of Carlsbad.

1. Carlsbad Seapointe Resort: Carlsbad, CA – Perched alongside some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California, Carlsbad Seapointe Resort offers the finest comforts of home in a seaside escape. Experience the excitement of San Diego with a short drive to LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. Accommodations offer beautiful balcony views, romantic fireplaces and the gentle sounds of the Pacific Ocean.
   

   Carlsbad Seapointe Resort

2. Bahama Bay Resort and Spa: Orlando, FL – Each colonial style building is positioned with views of Lake Davenport or one of three sparking lagoon pools for peaceful scenery from every window. Whether you are taking in a cool breeze from the private balcony, or preparing a family meal, you will find everything you need for a relaxing Florida getaway with Orlando only a short 30 minute drive.
3. Cabo Azul Resort: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico – The Cabo Azul Resort is situated on 12 acres of oceanfront white sand beach and offers an abundance of outdoor activities and water sports year-round. Relax and enjoy its playful spirit, luxuriant design and sublime service, while you soak in the views of the Sea of Cortez.
   

   Cabo Azul Resort

4. Desert Paradise Resort and Spa: Las Vegas, NV – Desert Paradise Resort is minutes from all that glitters on the famous Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street. The heated pool, hot tub and fitness center are available year-round, and the concierge offers discounts to shows, attractions, major shopping centers and championship golf courses.
5. Ka’anapali Beach Club: Maui, HI – The Ka’anapali Beach Club is located oceanfront on Maui’s magnificent north shore. Immerse yourself in the resort’s tropical gardens. Meander between the waterfalls and gazebos. Slide into the one-acre heated pool. Play a round at the 18-hole miniature golf course located on property. Or just relax and enjoy all that the Ka’anapali Beach Club has to offer.
   

   Ka'anapali Beach Club

6. Red Wolf Lodge at Squaw Valley: Olympic Valley (Tahoe), CA – In winter, Red Wolf Squaw Valley treats outdoor enthusiasts to world-class skiing and snowboarding, and in summer, experience championship golf, hiking, fishing, sailing and water skiing. Any time of year, the nearby casinos, restaurants and the region’s scenic beauty make Lake Tahoe the ideal place to escape the ordinary.
7. Resort at Indio: Indio, CA - Your desert oasis awaits you at the Resort at Indio. Just a putt away from the Golf Course at Terra Lago, the Resort at Indio offers unlimited options for fun and relaxation. You can float aimlessly down the “Lazy River”, dive into the 4,950-square-foot pool, or soak in one of three courtyard whirlpools. The more active can tackle the tennis courts or play a game of hoops on the sport courts.
8. Scottsdale Links Resort: Scottsdale, AZ – Explore the beauty of Scottsdale on the emerald fairways of TPC Desert Golf Course and the breathtaking McDowell Mountains.  While at the resort, cool off from the warm desert air with a dip in the outdoor pool, which is heated for year-round use.
9. Sheraton Broadway Plantation: Myrtle Beach, SC -  You’re right in the heart of all the action – just across the street from famed Broadway at the Beach and approximately one mile from the ocean. Explore unspoiled beaches, amusement parks, water parks, state parks and museums. Tee-up on world-class golf courses, go fishing or sailing.
   

   Sheraton Broadway Plantation

10. RiverPointe Napa Valley: Napa, CA – Located along the Napa River in the heart of the wine country, RiverPointe Napa Valley features fully-equipped cottages for a unique style of vacationing.  Enjoy all the resort’s amenities such as croquet, volleyball, swimming pool, spa, sauna, workout room, and laundry facility.  With over 300 wineries, world-class restaurants, the Napa Valley Wine Train, museums, hot air balloon rides, championship golf courses and the numerous boutique and antique stores; it’s easy to relax and indulge in the local Napa Valley flavors.