Today I want to bring you my guide to the best Martin Luther King Day weekend getaways in California. If you’re wondering where to travel on MLK weekend, the Golden State offers a lot of options. From ski trips to coastal areas and cities, there are plenty of exciting places to spend Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Read on for my top three-day weekend picks. I’ve included a map, too.
MLK Weekend Getaways in California
Having grown up in the Golden State, I’ve taken a lot of the top Martin Luther King Day weekend getaways in California. From skiing in Tahoe to winter sun in San Diego, I’ve covered the bases for a variety of long weekend escapes for the national holiday.
In doing so, I’ve experienced many of the best MLK weekend destinations in California. I’m always impressed by how many great places there are to explore here on the third Monday in January.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure in the Sierra Nevada, a sunny city in SoCal, a wine country escape, or a national park, there are lots of places you can travel over the 3-day weekend.
Tips for MLK Weekend Travel in California
Before booking your trip, keep in mind that some places can be particularly crowded over Martin Luther King Day. This is especially true when it comes to ski resorts, desert areas, and other seasonal destinations that are popular with visitors in January.
In light of that, it’s a good idea to book things like accommodation in advance. You can often get better rates and have a greater selection of properties to choose from. You can see options and book a place to stay here.
Additionally, some places can be closed for the season, or the roads can get snowed in. The former tends to happen in destinations where summer is the high season, and the latter is common in the mountains during winters with heavy snowfall. It’s a good idea to check what’s open and what road conditions are like before you travel for MLK Day.
1. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is one of the best Martin Luther King Day weekend getaways in California. That’s because it’s known for offering a range of outdoor activities in the winter months. You can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, and do all kinds of adventure sports over a 3-day weekend here.
You can also visit the lakes in and around Mammoth. From Mono Lake to the bodies of water along the scenic June Lake Loop, they show off the eastern Sierra Nevada’s natural beauty like nothing else.
There’s plenty to do in Mammoth if the snow isn’t amazing, too. In particularly dry years, famous ghost towns like Bodie are accessible by road from Mammoth Lakes. They’re fun places to get into California’s Gold Rush history and see what life was like in the pioneer days.
If this sounds like a fun long weekend escape to you, you can fly or drive to Mammoth from LA and the surrounding area. The drive takes around 5 hours, depending where you start from and what traffic conditions are like. If you fly to Mammoth, the trip takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Advanced Airlines offers flights from Hawthorne-LA (HHR) to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). Flights are on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There’s a free shuttle from LAX to Hawthorne if you’re flying into LAX first (make sure to reserve in advance).
If this sounds like your kind of place to travel for MLK Day, you can book a hotel in Mammoth Lakes here. I’ve stayed at The Village Lodge at Mammoth, and I love that it’s situated right in the heart of the area. If you want to do the same, you can book a room here.
2. San Diego
San Diego is another of my favorite places to travel for MLK weekend in California. I know this city from personal experience, as I spent a winter living here once.
San Diego is the ideal place for a long weekend getaway if you love mild winter weather and amazing beaches. From Del Mar to La Jolla and beyond, there are world-class stretches of sand for surfing, sunbathing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
There’s more to this part of SoCal than just the Pacific Ocean, though. You can take a harbor cruise, go on a tour or a bar crawl in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, paraglide in Torrey Pines, eat delicious Mexican food in Pacific Beach, go whale watching, and shop in Del Mar.
If you’re into history and culture, visiting Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, touring the USS Midway, and visiting one or more of the museums in Balboa Park is a must. And if you love zoos, the San Diego Zoo is world famous.
There’s also a lot going on specifically for MLK weekend in San Diego. The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the United States. There’s also a San Diego 5k Walk and Fun Run to commemorate the holiday.
If that all sounds good, you can book a place in San Diego here. My favorite hotel is the Andaz. This lifestyle boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter is not only in a central location near the Balboa Theatre, but it also has a rooftop pool and great guest rooms. When I stayed, I loved the decor and atmosphere. You can book a room here.
3. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is another of the best Martin Luther King Day weekend getaways in California. My family had a place here when I was growing up, and I’ve spent a lot of MLK weekends in this part of the Golden State.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are popular for skiing and snowboarding in January, especially in years when there’s good snow. From Palisades to Heavenly, Northstar, and beyond, there are lots of fun places to get on the slopes in Tahoe at the beginning of the year.
Whether you’re an expert skier or snowboarder, or a beginner hoping to learn, there’s no shortage of resorts to choose from. If you’re willing to travel a bit farther, Kirkwood is one of my favorites as well. Just keep in mind that MLK weekend is one of the most popular times to hit the slopes in Tahoe, so there will be crowds.
If you want to mix things up a bit, you can also consider winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. That’s not least because Tahoe is home to one of the largest concentrations of cross-country ski areas in North America.
Beyond the snow, Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer visitors over the holiday weekend. From the restaurants and shops in Tahoe City and Truckee to the beautiful lakefront scenery and relaxing spas, there’s something for every visitor.
If that sounds good, you can book accommodation in Tahoe here. My favorite place to stay in winter is The Village at Palisades Tahoe Hotel. It’s in an ideal location if you want to ski at the resort, and the village itself has an array of boutiques, places to eat and drink, and seasonal entertainment. You can book a room here.
4. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is next on my list of the best places to visit in California for MLK Day. With mild January weather, great beaches, amazing restaurants, and plenty to do and see, LA has a lot going for it at this time of year.
If you’re looking for MLK-related events, LA has you covered. The annual Kingdom Day Parade claims to be the “world’s largest and longest-running life celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King”. Fittingly, it takes place on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Beyond events, there’s everything from cool shops and restaurants in Downtown LA to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, the views from Griffith Observatory, and the famous beaches. My 3-day itinerary for Los Angeles can help you plan your weekend in the City of Angels.
If you want to get outdoors, you can go on a hike in LA. From Portuguese Bend Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes to San Vicente Mountain Park on Mulholland Drive, there are plenty of options. They’re perfect hikes to do in winter, as the weather can be much more pleasant and mild than in the summer months.
Beyond the outdoors, LA has cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood, museums like The Broad and The Getty, and shopping streets like Abbot Kinney in Venice and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
If this sounds a good MLK weekend escape to you, you can book a place to stay in LA here. I love staying at the STILE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. This boutique hotel is famous for its central location, fun restaurant, and cool rooftop bar. I always enjoy the hipster vibe and atmosphere. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
5. Monterey & Carmel
Monterey and Carmel are two more of my top picks for places to visit for the MLK holiday weekend. I used to come here a lot when I was growing up, and I still love this part of the California coast at any time of year. It’s great in January because there’s fewer crowds and more sea life to see, too.
Speaking of the sea, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s an amazing place to see ocean life, learn about marine ecosystems, and get up close to everything from otters to jellyfish.
The area around the aquarium is fun, too. Whether you want to cycle by the bay, shop and dine on Cannery Row, explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf, visit Lovers Point Park, or go whale watching, there’s a lot to do.
And that’s to say nothing of going for a drive or bike ride along 17 Mile Drive. This road offers some of the most spectacular views in California, including the famous Pebble Beach.
Right by Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the prettiest towns in California. From the stunning beaches to the cute shops, thatched-roof cottages, and delicious restaurants, there’s a lot to love about this place. There’s fun wine tasting and great scenery in Carmel Valley, too.
If this sounds like your kind of holiday weekend, you can book a place to stay here. I love staying at Tradewinds Carmel. The rooms have featured in Architectural Digest, and the property is surround by a garden with fountains. I always enjoy the decor and design-led elements, too. You can book a room here.
6. San Francisco
San Francisco is one of my favorite Martin Luther King Day weekend getaways in California. The City by the Bay is a great destination in January, not least because the weather can be warmer in winter than summer.
When it comes to MLK Day, there’s a lot going on in San Francisco. The Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation puts on a week-long festival each year to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King. It features a parade, a music festival, concerts, a film festival, a health and wellness festival, and more.
The foundation’s annual MLK Music Festival is a free celebration of artistry, culture, and unity in Yerba Buena Gardens, home of the third largest memorial in honor of Dr. King in the US.
Even if you miss the MLK-related events, San Francisco is a great January getaway. The tourist crowds are fewer in popular areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, and it’s easier to get tickets for sell-out attractions like Alcatraz. If you have a long weekend in town, my 3-day San Francisco itinerary can help.
Add to that the fact that winter is Dungeness crab season, and your taste buds will thank you for visiting at this time of year.
If this appeals for an MLK holiday weekend, you can book a place to stay in San Francisco here. There are plenty of options, from classic hotels to apartments with views. I always like staying at Hotel Triton. It’s in an ideal location by Union Square and I love the decor. You can book a room here.
7. Death Valley
Next on my list of the best California getaways for MLK Day is Death Valley National Park. The place with the hottest recorded temperatures on Earth is a great destination in January, not least because the weather is a lot more pleasant than in the roasting summers. The park offers free admission on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, too.
Death Valley is a popular place with travelers who love the outdoors. The lunar-like landscapes and snow-capped mountains feel otherworldly, and it’s the ideal park to discover when the weather is cool and temperate.
Along with the week between Christmas and New Year’s and Presidents’ Day weekend, Martin Luther King Day weekend is one of the most popular times to visit Death Valley. As such, make sure to book accommodation in advance and be prepared for crowds.
If you want to take this 3-day weekend escape, you can book a place to stay in Death Valley here. There’s a range of accommodation on offer, from lodges to camping and beyond. My top pick is The Inn at Death Valley. Located inside the national park, this place dates back to 1927 and it has a spring-fed pool for guests. You can book a room here.
8. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is another of the best places to travel for MLK weekend. This area is one of the most famous destinations in the Golden State for wine. I love coming here in winter because there are fewer crowds and the light is beautiful.
The majority of visitors come to Napa Valley in winter for wine tasting tours, and for good reason. This part of Northern California’s wine country is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and there are world-class wineries all across the area.
The Winter in the Wineries Passport is particularly popular in January, as it gives holders free tastings at a range of tasting rooms throughout the region. It also offers discounts and perks at restaurants, spas, and other venues.
There are some special events on in Napa Valley over MLK weekend, too. Napa’s annual MLK Celebration of our Beloved Community takes place over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend with community service events.
There’s also the annual Napa Truffle Festival. It features a marketplace, truffles for sale, special lunches and dinners, demos, and more. If you love food, it’s for you.
There are other things to do in the area as well. From fine dining in Yountville (it’s home to restaurants like The French Laundry) to hot air ballooning, shopping in downtown Napa, and exploring towns like Calistoga and St Helena, this place has a lot to offer. My 3-day Napa itinerary can show you more.
If a wine country getaway for MLK Day sounds good to you, you can book accommodation in Napa Valley here. My favorite place to stay in the region is Indian Springs. One of California’s original spas, this historic Calistoga resort is comprised of an eclectic collection of bungalows, cottages, and Mission Revival-style buildings.
I’ve stayed in one of the cottages, and I loved its sense of history. The spa was great, too. They make this one of the most unique places to stay in California. You can book a room here.
9. Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is another of the best Martin Luther King Day weekend getaways in California. This otherworldly part of the state is beautiful, and there’s no shortage of options for getting outdoors and into nature in January here. Joshua Tree National Park also offers free admission on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
There are lots of other benefits to visiting Joshua Tree for MLK weekend, too. The weather is milder in the cooler months than in the hot summer season. Daytime temperatures can reach 60 degrees, and there’s plenty of sunshine.
There’s a variety of things to see and do in Joshua Tree over the long weekend as well. Hiking is one of the most popular activities here, and there’s a range of paths and trails to choose from. They include Ryan Mountain, the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail, and Lost Palms Oasis Trail.
You can also go rock climbing, horseback riding, or take a guided tour while you’re here. They’re popular winter activities, not to mention unique ways to experience Joshua Tree National Park. Just make sure to book them in advance, as it can be crowded here over the holiday weekend.
If this sounds like your kind of MLK Day escape, you can book accommodation here. My top pick for a place to stay is Sacred Sands. This stunning hotel has amazing views, and it’s right near the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. If that appeals, you can book a room here.
You can also camp, but make sure to come well prepared for cold nights and mornings. Even when daytime temperatures are mild, Joshua Tree can get very cold at night in January.
10. Sacramento
Back to cities, Sacramento is another of my top picks for places to spend MLK weekend in California. The state capital is a great place to get into the Golden State’s history, explore the food scene, and soak up the atmosphere by the river.
There’s plenty to do and see in the city, from tours of Old Sacramento to river cruises. There’s also the California State Capitol, the California Museum, and the Crocker Art Museum. Add to that historic places like Sutter’s Fort and the Leland Stanford Mansion, and you can easily fill a 3-day weekend here.
There’s a lot going on for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Sacramento, too. The most important event is the annual March for the Dream. It covers a 4-mile route that starts and ends at Sacramento City College.
There’s also the annual MLK Jr. Day March and Family Celebration in Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin. It features a welcome and kick-off, a march, and opportunities to meet contests winners, hear from students, enjoy food from local vendors, and browse community booths.
If you’re in town later in January, you can check out the annual MLK Celebration. It symbolizes the principles of freedom and unity and the celebration of diversity that featured prominently throughout the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If this MLK weekend trip sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay in Sacramento here. I’ve stayed at The Citizen Hotel, and I love its stylish decor and great view of the city. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
11. Sonoma County
Sonoma County is another of my top picks for places to travel for MLK weekend in California. I’ve been here many times in the cooler months, and I always love how relaxed and beautiful it is.
Sonoma County is best known for wine tasting tours. My favorite places to go are Russian River for the Pinot Noirs and Dry Creek Valley for the Zinfandels. It’s hard to go wrong here, though.
Sonoma has plenty to offer beyond wine tasting, too. This area is a fun place to hike in the redwoods, shop and dine in places like downtown Healdsburg and Sonoma Plaza, and explore Jack London Historic State Park and Mission San Francisco Solano.
My Sonoma itineraries can give you more ideas, as can my Sonoma itinerary for 3 days and my guide to spending 3 days in Napa and Sonoma.
There are special events going on in Sonoma for MLK weekend, too. The annual Winter WINEland festival sees over 60 local wineries along the region’s Wine Road welcome visitors for tastings. It’s a great event to sign up for if you want to go to a lot of the area’s cellar doors in one weekend.
Over on the Pacific Ocean, the Sonoma Coast is home to beaches littered with big West Coast boulders and parks like Jenner Headlands Preserve with its plentiful hiking trails. The local town of Bodega is famous for being a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, too.
If this sounds like a good MLK Day escape, you can book a place to stay in Sonoma County here. There’s a range of accommodation, from wine country hotels to vacation rentals and more. I love the Grape Leaf Inn in Healdsburg. This B&B near the plaza has great guest rooms and atmosphere, and reasonable rates for the area. You can book a room here.
12. Big Bear
Big Bear is another of my top picks for places to go for MLK Day in California. Located near Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains, this winter destination is popular with travelers interested in snow-driven adventure sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Right on Big Bear Lake, most visitors come here in January to go to ski resorts like Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain. They’re particularly popular with families and beginners, as the slopes tend to be more gentle than in places like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain.
The ski resorts in Big Bear also offer extended lift hours during the national holiday weekend. There are Night Sessions at Snow Valley and Snow Summit, too.
Away from the pistes, there are plenty of popular winter activities to enjoy in Big Bear over MLK weekend. These include snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, Segway tours, ziplining, toboggan runs, outdoor scavenger hunts, snow play areas, off-roading, helicopter rides, and horseback riding.
If you want to stay inside and out of the cold, Big Bear offers yoga, spas, and other wellness activities. There’s plenty of great dining and apres ski bars at the ski resorts and around Pine Knot Ave as well.
If that all sounds like your kind of thing, you can book a place to stay in Big Bear here. My top pick is N + P. The cabins and lodges feature cool contemporary mountain design and rustic-chic ambiance. You can book one here.
Map of MLK Weekend Getaways in California
As promised, I’ve created an interactive Google map of all the MLK Day travel destinations on my list. You can see it here. If you click on the pins, you can find more information and my relevant blog posts about each one.
Best Martin Luther King Day Weekend Getaways in California
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best Martin Luther King Day weekend getaways in California, and that it’s inspired you to head out and explore more of the Golden State. There are lots of exciting places to discover over the long weekend, and January is a great time to vacation here.
If you’re coming from a specific place, my guides to winter weekend trips from San Francisco, winter weekend trips from Los Angeles, and places to visit in California in winter can help, too. Happy travels!
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