Hello,I am looking for a southern destination to bring my travel trailer down during the week of New Years. Last year we stayed in Orlando, weather was awesome (low 80's), lots to do with kids (obviously w/ Disney), but this year was hoping to explore another great southern destination. Coming all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio, and only have a total of 10 days, so wouldn't want to travel any further South than Orlando. Was interested in Myrtle Beach Oceanfront campground? Or is that a complete Ghost town during early January? Interested in any other Florida destination or Carolina's, Louisiana destination that can help us escape the Northern Cold for a week.Also, is South Carolina, and North/Middle Florida a must to get reservations in advance for this time of year? Or can we wing it, and move around as we please? Was maybe thinking the snowbird crowds stay more south?

I understand the winter cold, lived in Rome NY for 12 years. But even as far south as here, Montgomery Area of AL, highs will be in the 50s to low 60s and lows can dip into the 30s at night that time of year. If you want warm weather Florida is the best plan.

Florida is NUTS in the winter months. Your issue is entertaining the kids. We enjoy the Gulf Coast, LA, MS, AL and there are many nice parks to choose from. All depends on what you are looking for. Now Mobile area is close to Pensacola that has the Naval Air Museum and Mobile has the battleship Alabama you can go through, lots of things to see and do around New Orleans although I would keep away from Bourbon Street with the kids. I wouldn't think you would need reservations there as much as in FL.

Ken56- thanks for the ideas! My kids can be easily entertained if I can find a real nice park, just trying to find that nice park in a real nice city. Thanks!

All of the springs and Manatees in central Florida are pretty cool. There are numerous spring fed rivers that are Crystal Clear, and have manatees in them. Crystal RiVer, Manatee Springs, really neat places. Also the paddling the Rainbow River is amazing, but no manatees, but lots of fish and birds, even saw an otter.We did a combo trip last tie down that way with2 teenagers, and spent half the week at Disney, and the other half at different springs. Both the kids said they would have rather spent the whole week exploring springs.

St. Augustine is a very nice place to visit. Lots to do and would think the kids would enjoy it, too.

Southern destination w kids week of New years? Where to go?

jabres
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2019
Thanks for all the replies.
My kids are 5 and 2.
Fort Wildress would be awesome, but when I called the other day the lady said they book like 2 years in advance. No hope there.
I’ll chedk out the myrtle beach winter link, and st Augustine area. Thanks! Keep any other links going
jkwilson
Explorer III
Aug 13, 2019
New Orleans and the plantations up along the river is an interesting area. Depends on how old the kids are and what they like. We took a cruise out of there several years ago and really enjoyed spending a few days there after we returned to port.
Ed_C
Explorer
Aug 13, 2019
I can't believe no one said Ft. Wilderness at Disney World. It might be a little crowded, no, overwhelmingly packed, but that's because it's the place to be!
mgirardo
Explorer
Aug 13, 2019
You did not mention how old your kids are, but our kids got bored with St. Augustine pretty quick. Now when we visit, the kids stay at home. It's a city rich with history, but not all that entertaining for kids. If your kids like Forts, then visit the Castillo de San Marcos. If they like animals, don't miss the Alligator Farm. You can probably keep them entertained for 1 day in downtown St. Augustine. There is also the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. We go for a few hours on the free national park day. The view from the top is incredible. On a clear day you can see north all the way to Jacksonville.

We live about 90 miles north of St. Augustine and our kids go in the Ocean year 'round. For the locals, anything below 80 degrees is too cold to swim in. Our kids swim even when it is in the 60s (everyone thinks we are tourists). Being from Ohio, your kids will probably be fine with the Ocean water temps in January. We like North Beaching Campground. It is directly across from the beach on A1A in St. Augustine Beach. You can walk to the beach from your site.

There is lots to do in Jacksonville, which is a short drive from St. Augustine. Cape Canaveral and Space Center are not a far drive either. If you are a Golfer, be sure to check out Ponte Vedra just north of St. Augustine.

-Michael
pbeverly
Nomad
Aug 13, 2019
Check this link out for Winter activities in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach has become a all year place, but it will be too cold to swim.

http://www.myrtlebeachsnowbirds.com/area-attractions-for-snowbirds.php
jabres
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2019
Myrtle Beach area sure would be an easier tow. Are shops, putt putt, typical entertainment type stuff open all winter there?

Ladyrver- St Augustine sounds nice. lots of typical tourist type stuff going on there all winter long?
wanderingaimles
Explorer
Aug 12, 2019
Last year did you do Canaveral and the space center? Or Sea World?
CFerguson
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2019
For Myrtle and with kids, Ocean Lakes CG has a lot of on site entertainment for kids. Its a MESS in summer, but winter should be pretty nice there.
sgfrye
Explorer
Aug 12, 2019
pbeverly wrote:
Myrtle Beach is not totally dead and it is actually a good time to go.

x2
check out myrtle beach state park and huntington beach state park south of myrtle in murrells inlet

charleston is good too. couple years back wife and i stayed at koa mt pleasant sc close to charleston over new years
pbeverly
Nomad
Aug 12, 2019
Myrtle Beach is not totally dead and it is actually a good time to go.