San Diego is not swimable in January. The water isn't particularly warm at anytime, but especially not in January. |
| I’d think you find this in Mexico— you just have to adjust your latitude and altitude. (I mean you could go to Mexico City or whale watching in Cabo but it might be a little bit chilly) |
Santa Fe is at high altitude and cold and windy that time of year. |
Well, I’m originally from Michigan, so those places are warm as far as I’m concerned. Certainly in the context of “warm, but not tropical.” OP said warm, not hot. |
That is the definition of tropical |
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Savannah, Charleston, the Florida Keys
Florida, Georgia coast |
| Parts of Portugal and Spain |
None of these aside from the Keys will be warm in January |
Not always warm then in the Keys. We go there often, and how many sweatshirts have I had to buy there in the winter because I once again forgot to pack one? |
| Southern California or Aruba. |
Can you elaborate more on where these enjoyable ocean/tide pool vacations took place? |
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Aruba fits all the criteria , not tropical, very swimmable, not hours and hours away, fit budget, lots of lodging options.
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The Canary Islands won’t be warm in January. It’s a seasonal vacation destination that will feel empty and boring with most shops/restaurants shut down.
Since your family seems content to plop down at a resort, Aruba is perfect: reliably warm and easy. There are activities you can do if you get bored. My sense is you want something more impressive. Try curaçao or Bonaire. |
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Bahamas
Atlantis or Baha Mar |
Hahaha |