Once you consider California you might consider palm timber, sunny seashores, and Hollywood stars, however guess what? Winter in California isn’t all about sunbathing and browsing! The Golden State has some hidden snowy treasures that may simply shock you.
California provides a singular mix of solar and snow that’s excellent for a memorable winter getaway. On this submit, we cowl the 20 greatest locations to go to in California throughout winter.
From mountain retreats to charming small cities (and yes- the seashores, too!), California has one thing for everybody this winter.
Finest Locations to Go to in California in Winter
Palm Springs
Why I Love It: Through the winter, the climate in Palm Springs is good, not too scorching or chilly. Which means it’s excellent for mountain climbing the canyons or exploring the city on foot or on the scenic tramway.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Mountain climbing in Indian Canyons: Discover the desert landscapes and funky oases on the mountain climbing trails in Indian Canyons.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Take a experience on the enduring aerial tramway for panoramic views of the encompassing mountains and valley.
- Mid-Century Fashionable Structure Tour: Uncover town’s distinctive retro attraction on an architectural tour.
- Out of doors Eating and Purchasing: Benefit from the nice winter climate with out of doors eating at stylish eating places and discover the stylish boutiques for some procuring.
Napa Valley
Why I Love It: The vineyards is probably not in full bloom, however there’s nothing like tasting wines by a comfortable hearth. The smaller crowds make it really feel like you’ve got wine nation all to your self.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Wine Tasting: Benefit from the intimate attraction of Napa Valley wineries and take a wine tour through the winter months.
- Scenic Sizzling Air Balloon Rides: The crisp winter air and the breathtaking views make this a memorable expertise.
- Calistoga’s Sizzling Springs: Take a dip in Calistoga’s scorching springs. It’s the proper option to loosen up and unwind, surrounded by the great thing about Napa Valley.
- Eating Experiences: Try the area’s famend culinary scene. Many eating places supply seasonal menus that pair completely with Napa Valley wines.
Learn extra: Napa On A Budget: Where To Stay, Eat & Play
San Francisco
Why I Love It: San Francisco in winter is a complete delight. Town’s vibrant neighborhoods, like Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf, come alive with vacation decorations and the gentle climate is simply chilly sufficient to really feel like winter whereas nonetheless being heat sufficient to discover town.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Discover Golden Gate Park: Take pleasure in a winter day exploring Golden Gate Park. Go to the museums, stroll via the Botanical Backyard, or bundle up for a paddleboat experience on Stow Lake.
- Wander via Chinatown: Embrace the festive ambiance in San Francisco’s Chinatown, particularly through the Chinese language New Yr celebrations.
- Go to Fisherman’s Wharf: Discover the historic Fisherman’s Wharf and take pleasure in some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl – a San Francisco traditional.
- Museum Day: Escape any wet days by exploring town’s museums, just like the San Francisco Museum of Fashionable Artwork or the Exploratorium.
- Vacation Lights in Union Sq.: Expertise the festive spirit in Union Sq. and revel in some ice skating within the coronary heart of town or do some vacation procuring.
- Illuminate SF Competition of Gentle: This pageant, held all through the winter season, showcases mild artwork installations all through town.
Learn extra: The Complete Travel Guide To San Francisco In A Weekend and Where To Stay In San Francisco
Yosemite Nationwide Park
Why I Love It: You sometimes should cope with crowds when visiting any of the national parks in California, however Yosemite within the winter seems like you’ve got the place to your self! And after a day of exploring within the snow, there may be nothing like curling up in entrance of a fireplace in your cabin.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Snowshoeing or Cross-Nation Snowboarding: Discover Yosemite by strapping on some snowshoes or cross-country skis.
- Try the Frozen Waterfalls: Marvel on the frozen waterfalls, just like the well-known Yosemite Falls. The icy formations create a shocking spectacle in opposition to the granite cliffs.
- Catch the Firefall: For those who’re fortunate and the circumstances are good, you would possibly witness the uncommon “Firefall” phenomenon at Horsetail Fall, the place the setting solar makes the waterfall appear to be it’s on fireplace.
- Stargazing: The crisp winter air makes for glorious stargazing alternatives. Bundle up and benefit from the show of stars far-off from metropolis lights.
Learn extra: The Ultimate Guide to Yosemite National Park
South Lake Tahoe
Why I Love It: South Lake Tahoe is the proper place to get pleasure from all of the out of doors winter actions you may consider. On the finish of a cold day on the slopes you may as well loosen up within the scorching springs or construct a fireplace in your cabin. It is a quintessential winter wonderland!
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Snowboarding and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes! South Lake Tahoe has incredible ski resorts like Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe.
- Snowshoeing or Winter Mountain climbing: Discover the snowy landscapes on snowshoes or take a winter hike. There are trails for all ranges, providing stunning views of the encompassing mountains and forests.
- Sledding and Tubing: Take pleasure in some sledding or tubing enjoyable. You’ll discover plenty of designated areas for sliding down the snow-covered hills.
- Sizzling Springs: Go for a soak within the close by scorching springs.
- Ice Skating: Lace up your skates and hit the ice. South Lake Tahoe provides a number of out of doors ice rinks through the winter months.
- Winter Festivals and Occasions: There are tons of winter festivals just like the SnowGlobe Music Competition (December), Heavenly Holidays (mid-December to early January), Polar Bear Plunge (New Yr’s Day), Snowshoe Cocktail Races (on the Kirkwood Mountain Resort) and Valhalla Vacation Faire (December).
Learn extra: The Best Places to Camp in California
Santa Barbara
Why I Love It: I really like Santa Barbara in winter as a result of it’s like a sunny escape when different locations are chilly. The climate is good, not too scorching or too chilly. The seashores are peaceable, and I can benefit from the stunning surroundings with out the summer season crowds.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Seaside Strolls: Take pleasure in peaceable walks alongside the seashores with out the summer season crowds.
- Wine Tasting: Explore the nearby wineries within the Santa Ynez Valley.
- Hike within the Mountains: Discover the scenic trails within the close by mountains. The cool winter climate makes the proper circumstances for mountain climbing, and you may get pleasure from breathtaking views of town and the ocean.
- Store on State Avenue: Wander down State Avenue and pop into the boutiques and retailers for distinctive finds.
- Santa Barbara Worldwide Movie Competition: For those who’re round in late January or early February, take a look at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
- Artwork Exploration: Go to native artwork galleries and museums. Santa Barbara has a vibrant arts scene, and the quieter winter months permit for a extra quiet expertise.
Learn extra: 25 Easy Weekend Getaways From San Diego
Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park
Why I Love It: I really like Loss of life Valley within the winter as a result of it’s not loopy scorching like it’s in the summertime. The climate is good – normally within the mid 60’s through the day. The landscapes are distinctive, with colourful rocks and mountains, and I can discover with out feeling like I’m melting.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Badwater Basin: Discover the bottom level in North America at Badwater Basin.
- Artist’s Palette: Drive via Artist’s Palette to see the colourful and colourful rock formations.
- Zabriskie Level: Go to Zabriskie Level for panoramic views of the distinctive panorama.
- Dante’s View: Hike or drive as much as Dante’s View for breathtaking vistas of Loss of life Valley and the Panamint Vary.
- Golden Canyon: Take a hike via Golden Canyon.
- Star Gazing: Expertise the unimaginable evening skies. Loss of life Valley is designated as a Darkish Sky Park, and the clear winter nights present glorious circumstances for stargazing.
- Scotty’s Fort: Tour Scotty’s Castle, a historic mansion within the northern a part of the park.
Learn extra: Death Valley National Park Travel Guide
Mammoth Lakes
Why I Love It: Visiting Mammoth Lakes in winter is superior due to all of the snow enjoyable! You may ski and snowboard on the mountains, make snow angels, and have snowball fights. The entire city appears to be like like a winter fairy story.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Snowboarding and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Mammoth Mountain.
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Nation Snowboarding: Discover by snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding on the paths round Mammoth Lakes.
- Sizzling Springs Rest: Take a dip within the pure scorching springs. It’s an ideal option to loosen up and benefit from the environment.
- Snowmobiling Adventures: Expertise the fun of snowmobiling via the snowy backcountry. Guided excursions can be found for all talent ranges.
- Ice Skating at The Village: Take pleasure in ice skating at The Village at Mammoth.
- Woolly’s Tube Park: Have a blast tubing at Woolly’s Tube Park. It’s a enjoyable exercise for all ages, sliding down the snow-covered hills.
- Snowcat Excursions: Take a snowcat tour to discover extra distant and pristine areas.
Sequoia Nationwide Park
Why I Love It: I really like Sequoia Nationwide Park in winter as a result of when the enormous sequoia timber are dusted with snow, it feels so peaceable. That is the proper place to get pleasure from nature with out the summer season crowds.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Big Sequoia Sightseeing: Seeing the sequoias coated in snow is such a singular expertise!
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Nation Snowboarding: Explore the trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
- Winter Mountain climbing: Take a winter hike on lower-elevation trails.
- Sledding and Enjoying within the Snow: Take pleasure in some old school sledding or play within the snow in designated areas.
- Winter Wildlife Watching: Maintain a watch out for winter wildlife. The colder months can carry out animals like mule deer.
- Winter Tenting: For those who’re feeling courageous, expertise winter tenting within the park’s campgrounds.
- Stargazing: Sequoia Nationwide Park is thought for its darkish skies. Winter nights supply tremendous clear circumstances for stargazing.
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Why I Love It: I really like going to Joshua Tree Nationwide Park within the winter as a result of the climate is good. It’s not too scorching through the day, and the nights are cool. Good for mountain climbing, climbing rocks, and searching on the stars within the clear winter sky.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Mountain climbing and Nature Walks: Discover the park’s distinctive landscapes via its quite a few mountain climbing trails.
- Rock Climbing: Attempt mountain climbing on the park’s well-known granite formations. The cooler winter climate makes it a great time for climbers of all ranges.
- Stargazing: Benefit from the unimaginable evening sky. Joshua Tree is famend for its darkish skies.
- Ranger Packages: Take part in ranger-led applications and guided walks. Be taught in regards to the park’s ecology, geology, and cultural historical past.
- Chicken Watching: Spot the various hen species that stay within the park. Winter is a superb time for birdwatching, as many species change into extra energetic within the winter months.
- Tenting: The cooler temperatures in winter make tenting extra comfy, and it’s a incredible option to immerse your self within the desert.
Learn extra: Weekend In Joshua Tree: The Perfect 2-3 Day Itinerary
Kings Canyon Nationwide Park
Why I Love It: Visiting Kings Canyon Nationwide Park in winter is particular as a result of it transforms right into a peaceable snow-filled paradise. The timber are dusted with snow and the surroundings is totally stunning – and it’s so good to have the ability to get pleasure from all of it with out the summer season crowds!
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Nation Snowboarding: Strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis to discover the paths.
- Basic Grant Tree Path: Go to the Basic Grant Tree, one of many world’s largest timber.
- Sledding and Snow Play: Take pleasure in an old school snow ball struggle and go sledding!
- Winter Mountain climbing: There’s nothing like taking a hike right here when the snow is blanketing the park.
- Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive via the park. Many roads stay open through the winter, providing attractive views of snow-covered landscapes.
- Stargazing: Go stargazing in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, identified for its darkish skies.
- Tenting: Immerse your self within the panorama in a single day at one of many park’s many campgrounds.
Santa Cruz
Why I Love It: Visiting Santa Cruz within the winter is nice as a result of it’s quieter and extra relaxed. The climate remains to be gentle, excellent for strolls alongside the shoreline, and hitting the Boardwalk is even higher with out the peak-season crowds.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Coastal Strolls: Take pleasure in peaceable walks alongside the seashores and coastal paths.
- Browsing: Courageous the cool waters and take a look at browsing. Santa Cruz is thought for its surf tradition, and winter brings constant waves for these seeking to catch some.
- Boardwalk Enjoyable: Whereas some points of interest might have decreased hours, the Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk is much less crowded within the winter.
- Whale Watching: Take a whale-watching tour. Winter is a chief time to identify migrating whales alongside the California coast.
- Go to the Santa Cruz Mountains: Discover the redwood forests and wineries within the close by Santa Cruz Mountains.
- Santa Cruz Wharf: Take a stroll alongside the Santa Cruz Wharf. Benefit from the views and seize a meal at one of many seafood eating places.
Large Sur
Why I Love It: The long-lasting coastal views in Large Sur, like McWay Falls and Bixby Creek Bridge, really feel extra intimate with out the summer season hustle. Plus, cozying up in one of many small inns alongside the coast provides a singular attraction to the journey.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Scenic Drives: Take a drive alongside the enduring Freeway 1. The coastal views are dramatic, and winter typically brings clearer skies.
- Mountain climbing in Andrew Molera State Park: Discover the paths in Andrew Molera State Park. The cooler temperatures make it a pleasing time for mountain climbing the coastal bluffs and redwood groves.
- Go to McWay Falls: The waterfall is particularly stunning within the winter.
- Pfeiffer Large Sur State Park: Hike in Pfeiffer Large Sur State Park. The park provides varied trails via redwood groves and alongside the Large Sur River.
- Level Lobos State Pure Reserve: Go to Level Lobos State Pure Reserve for the birdwatching and the attractive views.
- Bixby Creek Bridge: The long-lasting bridge appears to be like much more majestic in opposition to the backdrop of winter skies and rolling waves.
Learn extra: The Best Big Sur Campgrounds
Large Bear Lake
Why I Love It: Winter is the proper time to go to Large Bear Lake! The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains the place you may go snowboarding, snowboarding, and sledding. The comfortable cabins and the festive ambiance make it an ideal winter retreat.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Snowboarding and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Large Bear Mountain Resort. The realm provides glorious snowboarding and snowboarding alternatives for all talent ranges.
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Nation Snowboarding: Discover the world by snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding on the scenic trails round Large Bear Lake.
- Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair: Take the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair for breathtaking views of the snowy landscapes.
- Snow Tubing: Children will love snow tubing within the designated areas!
- Ice Skating: Lace up your skates and revel in ice skating on the out of doors rinks within the space.
- Village Purchasing: Discover the charming Large Bear Lake Village. The village is roofed with festive lights through the winter, and the retailers supply distinctive winter finds.
- Large Bear Alpine Zoo: Go to the Large Bear Alpine Zoo. It’s open year-round, and winter offers a singular alternative to see the animals in a snowy setting.
Learn extra: 15 Cheap Weekend Getaways in California
Sierra Nevada Mountains
Why I Love It: I really like going to the Sierra Nevada Mountains within the winter not solely due to all the standard winter actions like snowboarding, snowboarding, and ice skating, but additionally due to the new springs and the enjoyable winter festivals!
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Go to the Sizzling Springs: Try one of many many scorching springs like Grover Sizzling Springs State Park (Markleeville), Travertine Sizzling Springs (Bridgeport), Mono Sizzling Springs (Mono Sizzling Springs), and Sierra Sizzling Springs (Sierraville).
- Lake Tahoe Winterfest: Winterfest typically options stay music, snow sculptures, and a polar bear plunge.
- SnowGlobe Music Competition: SnowGlobe is a famend pageant that pulls high artists in digital dance music (EDM) and different genres.
- Heavenly Holidays: This month-long pageant in December consists of ice sculpture competitors and vacation music.
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort Winter Competition: Kirkwood Mountain Resort hosts snowshoe excursions, stay music, and festivities for all ages.
- WinterWonderGrass Tahoe: Combining bluegrass music with winter actions, this pageant in Olympic Valley has a singular mixture of stay performances, craft beer tastings, and out of doors enjoyable.
Learn extra: The Perfect CA Hwy 395 Road Trip Itinerary
Los Angeles
Why I Love It: Visiting Los Angeles within the winter is the proper sunny escape from the chilly. The climate is gentle and nice, and town is a bit much less crowded, making it simpler to discover town’s hotspots.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Go to Griffith Observatory: Soak up panoramic views of town and the enduring Hollywood Signal from Griffith Observatory.
- Discover Venice Seaside: Stroll alongside the Venice Seaside Boardwalk. Whereas it is perhaps too chilly for swimming, the vigorous ambiance, road performers, and distinctive retailers make for a enjoyable go to.
- The Getty Heart: Discover The Getty Heart. This world-renowned artwork museum sits atop a hill and offers a peaceable setting for having fun with artwork and structure.
- LA Zoo Lights: Expertise the magical LA Zoo Lights. Through the vacation season, the Los Angeles Zoo transforms with a stunning show of lights and festive decorations.
- Hollywood Stroll of Fame: Take a stroll alongside the Hollywood Stroll of Fame. Winter is a superb time to discover with out the summer season warmth.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Why I Love It: Within the winter, the climate in Carmel-By-The-Sea is ideal for exploring galleries, having fun with scenic drives or hikes, and going to wine tastings in Carmel Valley.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Scenic Drives alongside 17-Mile Drive: Benefit from the breathtaking coastal views alongside 17-Mile Drive.
- Discover Carmel Seaside: Take a peaceable stroll on Carmel Seaside.
- Level Lobos State Pure Reserve: Discover the pure great thing about Level Lobos. The reserve has picturesque mountain climbing trails and unimaginable ocean views.
- Wine Tasting: Expertise wine tasting in Carmel Valley.
- Carmel Mission Basilica: Go to the historic Carmel Mission Basilica. Discover the attractive structure and study in regards to the space’s wealthy historical past.
- Galleries: The village is thought for its thriving arts group.
Learn extra: The Most Beautiful Road Trips in California + Where to Stay
San Diego
Why I Love It: The winter months are excellent for visiting San Diego as a result of that is prime whale-watching time and the climate is gentle sufficient to discover all the new spots within the metropolis or hike close by.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Balboa Park: Go to the museums, stroll via the gardens, and benefit from the Spanish Colonial Revival structure. Through the December Nights occasion, the world is embellished, the streets are filling with worldwide meals distributors and stay leisure, and most of the museums supply free admission.
- San Diego Zoo: Go to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which is embellished with festive lights through the holidays.
- Torrey Pines State Pure Reserve: Hike in Torrey Pines State Pure Reserve. The coastal trails supply gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Outdated City San Diego State Historic Park: Be taught in regards to the metropolis’s historical past and go to historic buildings in Outdated City San Diego.
- Winter Whale Watching: Take a winter whale-watching tour. The Pacific grey whales migrate alongside the coast through the winter months, offering a singular wildlife expertise.
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: A vacation custom, this boat parade lights up the bay with embellished boats, including a magical contact to the waterfront.
Learn extra: Where to Stay in San Diego: The Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
Monterey
Why I Love It: I like to mix a visit to Carmel-By-The-Sea with a go to to close by Monterey. The aquarium is incredible and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is magical through the winter migration.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: Discover the reveals on the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Cannery Row: Stroll alongside Cannery Row for the retailers, artwork galleries, and comfortable cafes with views of the shoreline.
- Pacific Grove Coastal Path: Stroll the Pacific Grove Coastal Path – you would possibly even spot some whales from right here!
- Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley: Take a brief drive to Carmel Valley for wine tasting.
- Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary: Go to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove. Witness 1000’s of monarch butterflies that migrate to the world through the winter months.
- Whale Watching: Take a winter whale-watching tour. The winter brings the chance to see migrating grey whales alongside the California coast.
Learn extra: The Best Beach Towns in California + Where to Stay
Catalina Island
Why I Love It: Catalina Island shouldn’t be solely stunning, but additionally has a wealthy historical past. There are many alternatives to take excursions to study in regards to the space’s historical past in addition to the marine wildlife.
High Issues to Do in Winter
- Catalina Island Conservancy Trails: Discover the Catalina Island Conservancy trails to take a look at the Native American middens and the remnants of the island’s ranching and mining historical past.
- Winter Whale Watching: Take a winter whale-watching tour to identify migrating grey whales.
- Catalina Island Museum: Try the reveals on the Catalina Island Museum.
- Avalon Scenic Tour: Take an Avalon Scenic Tour to study in regards to the island’s landmarks and historical past whereas having fun with the scenic views.
- Catalina On line casino Tour: Be part of a tour of the Catalina On line casino to study in regards to the iconic constructing’s structure and historical past.
- Golf at Catalina Island Golf Course: Play a spherical of golf with an ocean view on the Catalina Island Golf Course.
- Glass-Backside Boat Tour: Take a glass-bottom boat tour. Discover the marine life across the island with out getting within the water.
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