27 Dec Celebrate 2018 with New Year’s Eve Beach Vacations

Our Favorite New Year’s Eve Beach Vacation Destinations

2018 is just around the corner, and that means it’s almost time to let 2017 go and enter the dawn of a new year. For some, that means celebration, for others it means contemplation, and for most of us it means a mix of both. For a balance of high-energy fun and meditative relaxation, we can’t think of a better destination than the beach. That’s why we’ve found two of the best destinations for New Year’s Eve beach vacations. Of course, they’re not just on December 31st. For a truly magical New Year’s beach vacation, you need at least a week! Here are our picks:

Myrtle Beach, North Carolina

For a classic celebration with live music late into the night, fine dining, champagne, and party favors, head to Greg Norman’s Australian Grille on New Year’s Eve. Or, spend the night laughing by visiting Comedy Cabana to see Jim Dailakis, a comedian who has worked with Jerry Seinfeld. If you love music, the Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, and Legends in Concert will all be hosting celebrations. For the quintessential Myrtle Beach experience, visit the famous Broadway on the Beach to watch fireworks over Lake Broadway.

The rest of the week, enjoy Myrtle Beach’s famous attractions, only with fewer crowds, thanks to the slightly cooler weather. Ride the SkyWheel at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, go golfing at several different courses, and walk through the Brookgreen Gardens off Highway 17. Have fun shopping at Broadway on the Beach, where you’ll find retro t-shirts, beachy souvenirs, candy, and more. Also be sure to spend some quality time on Myrtle Beach’s soft sands. While the weather may be a little brisk, jeans and sweatshirts are all you’ll need to enjoy comfortable walks and picnics accompanied by stunning sunsets. Keep an eye out for shells discarded by their ocean inhabitants, as well as dolphins in the distance!

Recommended Place to Stay: Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In terms of New Year’s Eve beach vacations, you can’t beat Fort Lauderdale if your party philosophy is “the bigger, the better”. Fort Lauderdale plays host to the annual Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve Celebration, which has a reputation for being one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Florida. The event centers around a countdown, in which a giant, LED-light adorned anchor descends as the new year approaches, and creates a lightshow in the process.The event also features a DJ, caricature artists, bounce houses, live music, and more. For more adult fun, head to Sway or Club Euro, two nightclubs in the city. To contemplate the new year and take a more relaxed approach to New Year’s Eve, attend the manifesting and meditation event at Deerfield Beach.

Fort Lauderdale’s weather is perfect for the beach in January, if you’re the type who prefers warm, rather than swelteringly hot, weather. The temperature tends to fall in the 60s and 70s during the day. If you stay at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, you’ll be only a short walk away from the beach, and you’ll also have access to an outdoor pool and sundeck. Plus, you can take a water taxi to explore the area.

Recommended Place to Stay: Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Make the Most of your New Year’s Beach Vacation

Your New Year’s Eve beach vacation will be fun no matter what, but preparing correctly ahead of time will make it even more fun. We recommend bringing a bathing suit, shorts, and t-shirts for warm days, as well as sweatshirts and longer pants for cool nights and breezy shores. You may also want to bring a fun New Year’s party outfit. You can’t forget sunscreen and beach towels, and you may want to bring along a journal to write down your New Year’s resolutions. Last, but definitely not least, prepare for your vacation by finding the best deals on resort rentals by exploring ResortRentals.com. See you in 2018!