Winter in California is 2 issues: non-existent on the SoCal coast and a breath of contemporary, crisp air close to the lakes and California mountains. There’s no in-between, and I actually wouldn’t need it another means.
With that stated, there are additionally 2 sorts of people that come to California in the course of the winter: those that try to escape the chilly and people who reside on the coast and need a white winter getaway. The excellent news is there are 15 locations to go to in California throughout winter that every one kinds of vacationers are going to adore.
As a California native, I’ve skilled the better of each worlds! Whether or not you’re in search of a winter wonderland-inspired getaway or trying to escape the chilly, I’ve an inventory of the perfect locations and excursions for you.
Let’s hop proper into it!
P.S.: Be certain that to e-book your excursions and inns forward of time to safe the perfect offers!
If you’re in a rush
Should you solely have a day or 2 to discover California within the winter, keep away from the effort and be part of distinctive, must-see, and activity-based excursions that may take advantage of out of your time!
Listed here are the primary issues to e-book prematurely:
And listed here are the perfect inns: The Ritz Carlton (luxurious), Lakewood Cabins (mid-range), Midday Lodge (funds)
Now right here’s a map of the place you’ll be visiting!
1. Uncover the sweetness Lake Tahoe has to supply
That is the place native SoCals go to get some snow – this clearly needed to be 1st on my record!
Lake Tahoe is a real-life winter wonderland with gorgeous snow-covered landscapes and ski resorts at each flip. The lake is a well-liked vacation spot within the Sierra Nevada Mountains for snowboarding, snowboarding, different winter actions, and even casinos for late-night exhibits and extra.
The lake is separated between north and south, with North Lake Tahoe being extra in style within the winter with ski areas like Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley, Diamond Peak, Mount Rose, Sugarbowl, and extra. You too can discover extra cross-country snowboarding alternatives right here versus South Lake Tahoe.
The south aspect of the lake gives extra mellow, back-country snowboarding choices and a incredible nightlife virtually corresponding to Vegas – casinos, bars, and golf equipment galore!
Should you’re staying in South Lake Tahoe, take a look at the comfortable Cedar Glen Lodge – it’s the cutest lodge, and also you’ll really feel such as you’re in a stand-alone cabin out within the wilderness. The superb customer support right here can also be value noting. Plus, they make your keep extra handy with a charging level if you happen to drive an electrical car.
HACK: The wintertime is all the time crowded, e-book your journey in the course of the weekdays for fewer crowds and a greater deal.
2. Plan a getaway at Yosemite Nationwide Park
I visited Yosemite Nationwide Park in February 2023 and was in LOVE with the ice-covered trails, vigorous waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes.
Yosemite Nationwide Park is a attractive pure surprise in California. However I gotta say – it’s a complete completely different expertise whenever you go within the winter. As a result of it’s an enormous park, it’s simple to get misplaced and overwhelmed. I all the time e-book a bunch tour forward of time so I can breeze by means of the park with a information (principally holding my hand).
The Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is a comfortable possibility for vacationers in search of a top quality expertise and all the things you want for an ideal weekend getaway. It’s lower than a mile away from the west gate entrance of Yosemite Nationwide Park and gives 2 scorching tubs (one for households and one for adults) – very best for each households and {couples}!
PRO TIP: I’ve executed this 9-hour day tour, and it’s so definitely worth the value. They take you to the well-known Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and some different main spots and mountain climbing trails in Yosemite Valley. It’s really easy to get misplaced at this park, I like to recommend reserving a tour for some steerage!
3. Uncover the winter months in San Diego
I’m a San Diego native, so I may be a bit of biased, however it’s the best (and sunniest) metropolis on Earth!
Should you’re trying to escape the chilly climate wherever you’re from, San Diego is among the sunniest cities within the Golden State (significantly, all 12 months spherical).
Staying in San Diego can get actually costly, so I like to recommend staying within the Mission Valley or Resort Circle space, an ideal central space that’s a few 15-minute drive to downtown San Diego. You could find some nice inns right here and can find yourself saving a reasonably penny in the long run.
Moreover having the ability to go to the ocean lions in La Jolla any time of the 12 months, there are a plethora of outside actions taking place all through the winter months and vacation season that I completely love:
- December Nights in Balboa Park: gives a holiday-themed occasion bringing meals vans, distributors, and drinks to the park over the course of three days.
- Ice Skating: on the iconic Resort Del Coronado (the place Marilyn Monroes famously stayed)
- The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: over 80 boats embellished with holiday-themed decorations, creating a phenomenal show of lights on the bay.
- Whale Watching: seize a cup of espresso and spot whales, dolphins, and different marine animals alongside the Pacific Ocean on this pretty priced tour.
4. Make a journey to Los Angeles for countless winter actions
I’ve been to LA so many occasions, and I gotta say, there’s all the time one thing new to do right here.
Should you haven’t figured it out but – the Southern California coast within the winter season is usually fairly heat, and Los Angeles isn’t any exception! I like to recommend staying exterior of the touristy areas.
Downtown Los Angeles, Venice, or Hollywood aren’t the most secure areas to remain in a single day. You probably have a automotive, owned or rented, and also you’re capable of drive to your LA locations, take a look at Glendale Resort for an inexpensive keep that gained’t go away you worrying an excessive amount of about your security. However it is best to all the time take precautions wherever you’re!
There are a few issues I like to recommend trying out within the winter months:
- Take a trolley by means of a historic central coast city: I like to recommend taking a trolley tour first to discover town and take a look at the historic Santa Barbara Mission. Santa Barbara Harbor is dwelling to natural farms serving seasonal components in the course of the winter, so you may finish your day on the harbor with a cup of espresso and contemporary components to take dwelling.
- Surf Metropolis in winter: Huntington Seaside has an ice skating rink yearly referred to as Surf Metropolis Winter Wonderland. Should you’re within the space, I like to recommend checking it out within the night after exploring the seashore on this segway tour journey. Should you’ve by no means ridden a segway, you don’t need to miss this one!
- Santa Monica Pier: In December, this park gives free vacation musical performances, ice skating by the seashore, and their annual Polar Bear Plunge.
- Whale-watching in Newport Seaside: The winter season simply so occurs to be the perfect time to go whale-watching in Newport Seaside, and you are able to do this on a guided tour.
5. Uncover sand dunes in Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park
In the summertime, Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park (admission is US$15 per particular person) is thought to have the most well liked and driest local weather in North America. Should you go to within the winter, you’re extra more likely to take pleasure in your time there (and never get a warmth stroke).
The desert is stuffed with tons of distinctive geological formations, gorgeous views, and my favourite – the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The sand feels nice beneath your ft in the course of the winter, and there’s an unbelievable sense of calmness being there.
I’ve stayed at The Ranch at Loss of life Valley and had a constructive expertise. It’s a family-friendly, charming desert oasis, good for your entire household in the course of the winter and all 12 months lengthy. There aren’t a ton of lodge choices in Loss of life Valley, so this lodge is all the time shortly booked. Be certain that to e-book forward of time!
PRO TIP: I don’t suggest going sandboarding on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes within the winter as a result of it could actually get windy and harmful. As an alternative, plan on having fun with the sand in your ft, deliver your digital camera and drone for a images session! You hardly get to sand dunes like these in California, so make the reminiscence depend.
6. Go to San Francisco with the fam for the last word vacation deal
Fairmont San Francisco is named “Santa’s dwelling away from dwelling” in the course of the winter in San Francisco. It’s one of many extra luxurious choices, centrally situated in Knob Hill, making it simple to commute to any occasion town holds over the vacations.
Santa’s Suite Bundle is among the coolest experiences for households in the course of the vacation season. You’ll be able to keep in a family-friendly luxurious suite that includes festive vacation decor, breakfast, a “Sweet and Scorching Chocolate Bar” with grownup drinks, a gingerbread home package for the children, and a complimentary vacation film with parking included. Really the perfect package deal in all of Northern California for households in the course of the holidays.
When you’re in San Francisco, you may be part of this festive 1.5-hour tour aboard a classic open-back Mack hearth engine. Calm down within the again with a cup of espresso as you watch glowing mild shows centered round Downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge! You too can simply stroll across the metropolis watching the sunshine shows since all the things right here is inside strolling distance from one another.
However that’s not all! Yearly, San Francisco additionally holds a number of tree lighting ceremonies all all through town: Golden Gate Park, Union Sq., Pier 39, Presidio, and extra. There’s a lot to see in the course of the holidays in San Francisco!
7. Plan a winter wonderland trip at Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes (also referred to as Lake Mammoth) is among the finest California winter trip concepts for households! The lake gives alternatives for outside journey mixed with enjoyable actions.
The largest distinction between Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe is that the Mammoth Mountain ski space sits on a better elevation, and the slopes are a bit steeper. Mammoth can also be fairly smaller and extra condensed, making it nice for a extra intimate household journey.
The small city can also be identified for its nationwide well-known craft brewery, Mammoth Brewing Co. They serve their finest microbrews and a number of the finest burgers on the town. Give it a strive, you gained’t remorse it!
The Cinnamon Bear Inn is an excellent lodge for {couples}, households, or associates in search of an actual lodging expertise. It’s proper within the coronary heart of downtown Mammoth and a brief stroll away from all the foremost spots. There’s even a Bear Lounge for visitors who simply need to loosen up indoors with a board recreation and a cup of espresso!
NOTE: The climate will get as little as 11°F (-12°C), so that you need to be ready with all the right snow gear.
8. Get cozy beneath the celebs at Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is a must-see desert about a 2-hour drive from downtown Los Angeles, being the right day or weekend journey for locals trying to be within the desert in the course of the winter. It’s significantly in style with individuals who wish to hike, as there are fairly just a few stunning mountain climbing trails.
As well as, it’s truly fairly chilly at night time within the winter months. The final time I went (in mid-December), my Airbnb host advised me it was snowing the night time earlier than I arrived. You should definitely preserve that in thoughts when planning your journey!
I’m an enormous rock collector, and that is my absolute favourite place to search out hidden gems!
The Full Moon in Joshua Tree is a shocking villa with 2 bedrooms and a pair of baths beginning at an affordable value of US$119 per night time. You get your entire dwelling to your self (nice for a staycation), a jacuzzi, and a hearth for these colder nights. There’s even a washer, a fully-equipped kitchen, and all the things you want to make your self good and cozy.
Should you’re touring along with your important different, I’d suggest staying at a extra intimate place like Sacred Sands.
PRO TIP: Put on lengthy pants and heavy outerwear whenever you’re on the park! It additionally will get darkish exterior fairly early within the winter, so plan to go away the park by 4 PM.
Should you’re visiting Joshua Tree coming from Los Angeles or San Diego, be sure to make a pit cease at Salvation Mountain! It’s undoubtedly a bucket record place.
PRICE: The park entrance charge is USD$30 for 7 days per car
9. Calm down and unwind in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is one other a type of locations to flee whenever you’re avoiding the intense chilly climate. It’s additionally thought-about “low season” within the winter, which means you rating the perfect deal wherever you keep. (Win and win!) Primarily based on my expertise, it does get chilly, however it’s not an insufferable form of chilly.
The Calistoga Motor Lodge is my prime decide in the course of the Napa Valley winters. They’ve an Italian and Mediterranean restaurant the place wood-fired nice meals are served of their cozy eating room. Sure, please!
Their spa, MoonAcre Spa, is thought to be a “hip and fashionable model of the basic Calistoga bathhouses of the Eighties”. It’s some of the good winter locations for {couples} in search of a soothing, romantic getaway.
If you wish to get out of the lodge and discover the wineries, that is an inexpensive tour that may take you round to three completely different wineries. It’s a personalised expertise for six.5 hours with a small group and a picnic lunch in Napa Valley. SO definitely worth the value!
10. Admire the snow and great thing about Sequoia Nationwide Park
Strolling among the many tallest timber on Earth in Sequoia Nationwide Park has been one among my favourite experiences so far!
Within the winter, Sequoia seems to be like a Disney Christmas film – snow-covered pine timber, wildlife within the meadows, and youngsters taking part in within the snow!
I’m in love with this Quiet Thoughts Lodge, Spa & Retreat – it gives a serene ambiance surrounded by nature. It’s a pleasant cabin to maintain you heat and nonetheless permit you to take pleasure in winter on the park. Some models even characteristic a balcony and/or a patio with mountain or river views, so gorgeous within the winter! I do lots of solo touring, and that is a type of locations I deliver my laptop computer and work from (utilizing their free Wi-Fi, after all).
The serene ambiance can also be nice for yogis who wish to discover yoga retreats. I deliver a foldable yoga mat in every single place I journey and actually reap the benefits of the zen vibes. I like to recommend making an attempt it out!
When you’re in Sequoia, go to Kings Canyon Nationwide Park to see extra canyons, waterfalls, valleys, and peaks. It’s a few 2-hour drive, however value it if in case you have time to spare!
11. Uncover snow-capped mountains in Huge Bear
Much like Lake Tahoe and Lake Mammoth, Huge Bear is one other snowy winter wonderland getaway. One key distinction is that Huge Bear is situated in Southern California alongside the San Bernardino Mountains, making it extra simply accessible if you happen to’re staying in Los Angeles or San Diego.
The Midday Lodge gives lovable cottages on the lake with full kitchens, fireplaces, and Wi-Fi – principally, all the things you want for the final staycation. There are additionally seasonal BBQ amenities and a pair of fuel hearth pits on your comfort. On prime of that, the hospitality and luxury of this place are distinctive as a result of this lodge is so in style, e-book prematurely to safe your room!
The lake is comparatively small in comparison with Lake Tahoe and Lake Mammoth (being solely 7 miles/11 km lengthy), however there may be a lot to do on each nook! Cross-country snowboarding, snowboarding, sledding, and so forth. You title it, they’ve it! Oh, and being a California woman and never having pine timber or snow rising up, I’m in love with the change of surroundings at Huge Bear. Belief me, you’ll like it, too!
As a tree hugger myself, my first response to Huge Bear for the primary time was, “The timber are sooo cool!” That’s the day pine timber gained my coronary heart.
12. Expertise a style of vacation magic in Temecula
The small wine nation metropolis of Temecula is a few 1.5-hour drive from downtown San Diego, making this an ideal weekend journey for a style of Temecula’s vacation spirit. They’ve stunning vineyards to discover, reside performances, a wide range of holiday-themed occasions, outside ice skating, and vacation buying. There’s significantly one thing for everybody in Temecula in the course of the winter!
Staybridge Suites in Temecula has among the best offers in Temecula (if you happen to e-book on time!). The resort gives a on line casino, spa, dry cleansing companies, free breakfast, and fashionable and spacious rooms whereas being conveniently situated close to Previous City Temecula.
PRO TIP: Many wineries will supply 2-for-1 offers in the course of the week. I’ve gotten offers prior to now by merely asking, don’t be afraid to ask!
Temecula is blisteringly scorching in the summertime, with a median of 65°F (18°C), making the winter an ideal time to go.
13. Escape to Julian’s snow-capped mountains
I’ve a comfortable spot for Julian – it’s a cute little city that I commonly escape to!
Julian is a cute little city situated within the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego. It’s identified for its scrumptious, do-it-yourself pies and nation really feel. It’s an ideal escape within the winter for these dwelling within the metropolis who want a break from the hustle and bustle and need to step foot into an outdated, snow-covered city!
Mother’s Pies is my favourite place to cease for a slice of pie (my favourite is the apple boysenberry crumb). You’ll be able to even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on prime. So delicious!
Be certain that to go to Mother’s Pies early within the morning to beat the lengthy strains. The strains wrap round exterior within the chilly, so that you need to keep away from it as a lot as you may!
The Pine Hills Cabin in Julian is the final winter getaway. You get your entire cabin to your self with a totally geared up kitchen, washer, and all the things you want for a winter weekend in Julian. The villa additionally consists of outside play gear and a child security gate, good for households with infants. You too can unwind and heat up with the outside scorching tub situated on the property. Appears like paradise, proper?
Reserve Your Comfortable Cabin
14. Make a journey to the happiest metropolis in America, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo stays at a median of about 65°F (18°C) within the winter, making outside actions simple to entry. The town is thought for its wine nation, Farmer’s Market, artwork galleries, Bubblegum Alley, and a lot extra.
It’s also identified for being the happiest metropolis in America! Should you haven’t been right here earlier than, expertise the enjoyment for your self on the (in style and iconic) Madonna Inn! Every room on this lodge is uniquely embellished, that includes premium bedding, customized furnishings, plush bathrobes, free spa toiletries, and extra. That is essentially the most distinctive and well-known keep in your entire metropolis!
Whereas staying in San Luis Obispo, contemplate taking a drive down the Pacific Coast Freeway and visiting Hearst Fortress, about 1 hour from the city. Throughout winter, there’s a particular vacation twilight tour provided for a restricted period of time. It modifications yearly, so you’ll want to examine beforehand if you wish to test it out.
The fort is embellished with quite a few vacation decorations, lights, and a large Christmas tree. The European-inspired fort stands out on this record as a result of we don’t have something within the state that appears fairly prefer it. That is undoubtedly value your time!
15. Sit again and loosen up in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the very best escape in winter. The truth is, it’s even higher to go to in winter than in summer season!
Just a few in style issues to do in Palm Springs are sunbathing by the pool, buying, and eating downtown. I like to recommend making an attempt out one thing a bit completely different than the common vacationer. The Palm Springs Drag Brunch is an award-winning present that may make you each giggle and cry with the hilarious efficiency on prime of the limitless champagne, mimosas, and 3-course menu. What extra are you able to ask for?
I additionally suggest trying out essentially the most well-known scorching springs spa in Palm Springs, Two Bunch Palms. Should you haven’t skilled the therapeutic results of scorching springs earlier than, I 100% suggest checking this one out in Palm Springs. The wintertime is the right time to go as a result of the water is good and heat!
For households, take a look at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tramway takes you over the cool winter desert, providing gorgeous views you can take pleasure in with a cup of espresso or cocktail in your hand. It’s enjoyable and a novel technique to get a view of the San Jacinto Mountains (over 5,800 ft/1770 meters within the air)!
FAQs about locations to go to in California throughout winter
🦋 The place are essentially the most stunning locations to go to in California throughout winter?
Probably the most stunning locations to go to are Lake Tahoe, Lake Mammoth, Huge Bear, and Julian!
📍 The place are the perfect low-cost locations to go to in California throughout winter?
☀️ What are the warmest locations to go to in California throughout winter?
The warmest locations to go to are San Diego, Los Angeles, Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park, Palm Springs, and Temecula!
❄️ The place are the perfect locations to go to in California throughout winter for winter actions?
The perfect winter actions are cross-country, shoeboarding, and snowboarding. Lake Mammoth, Lake Tahoe, Huge Bear, and Julian have all of the winter actions so that you can take pleasure in!
Conclusion
Nicely, there you may have it! As you may know, the record of cozy winter getaways can go on and on with how various and huge California is.
Out of those prime 15 locations to go to in California throughout winter, my absolute favorites must be Julian and Huge Bear, each providing wonderful lodging spots and issues to do.
Being from San Diego means you by no means see snow within the metropolis – the winter wonderland vibe in each these small getaway cities is past spectacular. Hope you’re keen on them as a lot as I do!
Should you plan on visiting any of those, contemplate reserving prematurely to make sure your spot and get the perfect offers! You probably have any options or find yourself staying at any of those locations, go away me a remark! I’d LOVE to listen to about it!
Secure travels,
Esabel S.
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