Lonely PlanetOct 13, 2026
The 13 Best Places to Visit in December
December is the ideal month to get away. Try these perfect winter escapes, taking in festive markets, action-packed adventures and the northern lights.
20 things in this story
- Subterranean River National ParkSightNavigable underground waterway through karst formations.
- Elsewhere
- La JollaNeighborhoodSan Diego, United StatesFancy neighborhood in San Diego.
- Puerto PrincesaHotelPalawan, PhilippinesCapital of Palawan, gateway to Subterranean River.
- El NidoNeighborhoodPalawan, PhilippinesOffers 20-plus dive sites with diverse marine life.
- El YunqueParkPuerto RicoRainforest for hiking in Puerto Rico.
- Bioluminescent BaySightPuerto RicoOffers dazzling after-dark kayaking.
- RincónNeighborhoodPuerto RicoKnown for surfing in Puerto Rico.
- San JuanNeighborhoodPuerto RicoOld town founded in 1521 with bright alleyways.
- ViequesSightPuerto RicoLocated about 8 miles (13 km) east of the main island of Puerto Rico, it is about 20 miles (32 km) long and 4.5 miles…
- PonceNeighborhoodPuerto RicoLively second city of Puerto Rico.
- Coron IslandSightPalawan, PhilippinesOffers thrilling wreck diving on a sunken Japanese fleet.
- Triglav National ParkSightSloveniaPark with thrilling landscapes for resorts.
- Lake BledSightSloveniaMagical lake with an isle and castle.
- HatilloNeighborhoodPuerto RicoTown known for high jinks on Día de los Inocentes.
- Lake BohinjSightSloveniaBeautiful lake in Triglav National Park.
- Central Kalahari Game ReserveNature reserveBotswanaLarge reserve attracting big predators in rainy season.
- Northern Deception ValleyNeighborhoodBotswanaArea attracting grazers and predators in the reserve.
- EncinitasNeighborhoodSan Diego, United StatesSurfy neighborhood in San Diego.
- Ocean BeachSuburbSan Diego, United StatesAlternative neighborhood in San Diego.
- CulebraNeighborhoodPuerto Rico
