Today I want to bring you my guide to the best places to visit in California in winter. From snowy mountains to classic coastal retreats and festive cities, there are plenty of exciting travel destinations to discover during the cooler months in the Golden State. Whether you want to go to the top ski resorts or spend time exploring a national park, there are lots of fun winter vacations you can take. Read on for my top picks. I’ve included a map, too.
Places to Visit in California in Winter
Having grown up in the Bay Area, I’ve been to a lot of the best places to visit in California in winter. From snowy trips to Lake Tahoe to sunny sojourns to San Diego, I’ve covered the state from north to south and east to west.
In doing so, I’ve experienced a lot of the best winter destinations in California. I’m always impressed by how many exciting places there are to discover in the colder months, too.
Whether you’re looking to go to the Sierra Nevada, get some winter sun in SoCal, or visit one of the best Christmas towns in California, there are lots of places you can travel to this season.
Tips for Winter Travel in California
Before booking your trip, keep in mind that some places can be particularly crowded in winter. This is especially true when it comes to ski resorts and dates that fall around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, winter break for schools, and public holidays like Martin Luther King Day and Presidents’ Day.
In light of that, it’s a good idea to book things like accommodation well in advance. You can often get better rates and have a wider selection to choose from. You can see hotels and book a room here.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that some places can be completely shut for the season, or the roads can get snowed in. The former tends to happen in smaller destinations where summer is the high season, and the latter is common in the mountains during winters with heavy snowfall.
If you’re planning to visit somewhere particularly seasonal or snowy, make sure to check what’s open and what road conditions are like before you book and travel.
1. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places to visit in California in winter. My family had a place here when I was growing up, and I’ve spent a lot of time in this part of the Golden State.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are popular for skiing and snowboarding in the colder months, especially in years when there’s good snow. From Palisades to Northstar, Heavenly, and beyond, there are lots of great places to get on the slopes in Tahoe in winter.
Whether you’re an advanced skier or snowboarder, or a novice hoping to learn, there’s no shortage of resorts to choose from. If you’re willing to travel a bit farther, Kirkwood is a great option as well.
If you want to mix things up a bit, you can also do winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Tahoe has one of the largest concentrations of cross-country ski areas in North America, so it’s an ideal place to do it.
Beyond the pistes, Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer visitors in winter. From the restaurants and shops in Tahoe City to the lakefront scenery and indulgent spas, there’s something for everyone.
Some of the restaurants, hotels, and resorts around the lake offer special Christmas feasts on December 25th as well. And that’s to say nothing of the New Year’s Eve festivities. They’re fun ways to get into the seasonal spirit.
If that sounds good, you can book accommodation in Tahoe here. My favorite place to stay at this time of year is The Village at Palisades Tahoe Hotel. It’s in a great location if you want to ski at the resort, and the village itself has an array of boutiques, shops, places to eat and drink, and seasonal entertainment. You can book a room here.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is next on my list of the best places to visit in California in winter. With mild weather, world-class beaches, award-winning restaurants, and plenty to do and see, LA has a lot going for it.
From the cool shops and restaurants in Downtown LA to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, the views from Griffith Observatory, and the famous beaches, you’ll have no trouble filling your time here. My Los Angeles itineraries can help you plan your trip.
If you’re here during the holidays, the annual Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square is a great place to go skating, the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier lights up with festive displays, and there are special gondola rides in Long Beach for the Christmas lights. There are fireworks and great parties on New Year’s Eve, too.
If you want get outdoors, there are great hikes in LA. From Portuguese Bend Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes to San Vicente Mountain Park on Mulholland Drive, there are lots of options. They’re ideal to do in winter, as the weather can be much more pleasant than in the hot summer months.
Beyond the outdoors, LA has cultural attractions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, museums like The Broad and The Getty, theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood, and shopping streets like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Abbot Kinney in Venice.
If this sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay in LA here. My favorite is the STILE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. This boutique hotel is famous for its central location, stylish restaurant, and buzzing rooftop bar. When I stayed, I loved its hipster vibe and fun atmosphere. If you want to do the same, you can book a room here.
3. Solvang & Santa Ynez Valley
In Santa Barbara County, Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley make for another great winter getaway in California. Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains, this part of the Golden State is known for its award-winning vineyards and wineries, charming towns, and beautiful scenery.
Visiting the Santa Ynez Valley in winter is great because the weather is cooler than in the summer months, the crowds are fewer, and the wine tasting tours and hotels are easier to book.
There are lots of fun places to visit in the Santa Ynez Valley. The most popular is Solvang, a Danish-inspired town with whimsical architecture, windmills, fun shops, and a range of places to eat and drink. It goes all-out for the holidays, too.
Solvang’s annual Julefest celebration is a month-long extravaganza that features lights, events, trolley tours, a tree lighting ceremony, a parade, music, a maker’s market, a Santa’s Village, candlelight tours, carols, holiday shopping, food, drinks, and more. It makes this one of the best places to visit in California during Christmas.
Other great destinations include Santa Ynez with its attractive main street, Los Olivos with its plethora of tasting rooms, Buellton where parts of the movie Sideways were filmed, Ballard, and Los Alamos. They’re fun places to go wine tasting and enjoy the delicious restaurants the area is known for.
When it comes to accommodation, you can book a place to stay here. My top pick is the Vinland Hotel and Lounge in Solvang. When I stayed, I loved the contemporary decor and location in easy walking distance of the center of town. You can book a room here.
4. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is another of the best places to visit in California in winter. It’s known for offering a wide variety of outdoor activities in the colder months. You can go skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and do all kinds of adventure sports while you’re vacationing here.
You can also visit the lakes in Mammoth (it’s in the name, after all). From Mono Lake to the bodies of water along the popular June Lake Loop, they show off the pristine natural beauty of the eastern Sierra Nevada.
There’s plenty to do in Mammoth during the holiday season if you’re visiting around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, too. From evening fireworks to kick off the festive period to a torchlight parade and Santa in the Village, there’s a lot to get excited about.
If that all sounds like a fun vacation to you, you can fly or drive to get to Mammoth from LA and the surrounding area. The drive takes around 5 hours, depending where you leave from and what traffic conditions are like. If you fly to Mammoth, the trip takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
From November 26, 2025 through April 27, 2026, Advanced Airlines is offering flights from Hawthorne-LA (HHR) to the Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). Flights are on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9am. There’s a free shuttle from LAX to Hawthorne if you’re flying into LAX first (reserve in advance).
When it comes to accommodation, you can book a hotel in Mammoth Lakes here. I’ve stayed at The Village Lodge at Mammoth, and I loved that it was located right in the heart of the area. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
5. Palm Springs
One of the best warm places to visit in California in winter is Palm Springs. I enjoy visiting this desert area in the cooler months, partly because of the mild weather and partly because there’s a lot going on at this time of year.
Palm Springs has excellent restaurants, fun architectural tours, renowned golf courses, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, and other highlights all year long. But in the winter there are added bonuses.
One is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which is held every January. I went once and I loved the movies and events in equal measure.
Other seasonal events like the drive-through Magic of Lights holiday experience, the Indian Wells Winterfest with its roller skating, movies, Ice Bar, and entertainment, and the annual Indio International Tamale Festival can keep you busy all winter.
Later in the season, you can go to the BNP Paribas Open in Coachella Valley. Taking place in early March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, this annual tournament is the largest combined ATP Tour and WTA Tour two-week event in the world.
If this sounds like your kind of place, you can book accommodation in Palm Springs here. My top pick for a place to call home-away-from-home here is The Saguaro. Surrounded by mountains in Coachella Valley, this hip boutique hotel is a colorful spot to vacation in the desert. You can book a room here.
6. San Diego
San Diego is one of my favorite places to visit in Southern California in winter. I know this city from personal experience, as I spent a winter living here once.
San Diego is the ideal place for a California winter getaway if you love good weather and great beaches. From Del Mar to La Jolla and beyond, there are beautiful stretches of sand for surfing, sunbathing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
There’s more to this part of SoCal than just beaches, though. You can take a harbor cruise, do a tour or a bar crawl in the Gaslamp Quarter, eat delicious Mexican food in Pacific Beach, paraglide in Torrey Pines, go whale watching, and shop pretty much anywhere.
For culture lovers, visiting Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, touring the USS Midway, and exploring the museums in Balboa Park is a must. And if you love zoos, the San Diego Zoo is world famous.
There’s a lot going on in San Diego during the holidays, too. You can ice skate, enjoy the San Diego Botanic Garden’s Lightscape installation, visit Holidays by the Bay at Seaport Village, check out the Holiday Market in Gallagher Square, go to the San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells celebration, enjoy the Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular in Del Mar, and see New Year’s Eve fireworks.
When it comes to accommodation, you can book a place in San Diego here. My favorite is the Andaz. This lifestyle boutique hotel in the historic 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.
7. Yosemite National Park
Next on my list of the best places to visit in California in winter is Yosemite National Park. I’ve loved visiting this place in the colder months since I came here on a class trip in seventh grade. Seeing the valley in snow was magical.
There’s a lot you can do even if you only have a weekend in Yosemite in winter. From hikes like the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail and the famous Mist Trail to photography in the soft light, it’s easy to fill your time in the park. If it’s really cold, you can head indoors to places like The Ansel Adams Gallery to see some of the most famous photos of Yosemite.
Yosemite is one of my top picks for places to visit in California during Thanksgiving, too. That’s because you can book Thanksgiving dinner at The Ahwahnee. It’s famous for serving a holiday feast each year in its impressive Dining Room. Other options include a big Thanksgiving buffet or special plated menu at Tenaya at Yosemite.
There are also festive activities on offer in the park during the holiday season. These include scenic sleigh rides from Tenaya Lodge and an ice skating rink in Curry Village.
There’s skiing, too. Badger Pass is the oldest downhill ski area in California. I learned how to ski here when I was a child, and it’s a fun place for everything from snowboarding to snowshoeing, tubing, and cross-country skiing.
When it comes to accommodation in Yosemite, you can see options and book a place to stay here. My top pick is The Ahwahnee. Built in 1927 and designed to highlight its natural surroundings, this landmark hotel is known for its heritage interiors and stunning Arts and Crafts architecture. It’s in the heart of the valley, too. If that appeals, you can book a room here.
8. San Francisco
San Francisco is one of my favorite places to visit in California in December. The City by the Bay is a great destination in the cooler months, not least because the weather can be warmer in February than July.
But December is particularly special because SF goes all-out for the holiday season. Highlights of San Francisco in December include the giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink in Union Square, the puppies and kittens in the windows of Macy’s, The Nutcracker ballet at the War Memorial Opera House, the twinkling tree in the dome at Neiman Marcus, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Add to that seasonal bars and pop-ups, the gingerbread house at the Fairmont Hotel, the sugar castle at the Westin St. Francis hotel, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace, the decorations in Ghirardelli Square, and the Christmas tree and afternoon tea offerings at the Palace Hotel, and there’s a lot to love about SF during the festive season.
Even if you’re not visiting over the holidays, San Francisco is a great winter 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 weekend in town, my 2-day San Francisco itinerary can help.
Add to that the fact that winter is the start of Dungeness crab season, and your taste buds will thank you for visiting at this time of year.
If that all sounds good, you can book a place to stay in San Francisco here. There are plenty of options, from bayfront hotels to apartments with views. I always enjoy staying at Hotel Triton. It’s in an ideal location by Union Square and I love the decor. You can book a room here.
9. Death Valley
Next on my list of the best places to visit in California in winter is Death Valley National Park. The spot with the hottest recorded temperatures on Earth is a great destination during the cooler months, not least because the weather is a lot more pleasant than in the scorching summers.
Death Valley is a popular place with lovers of the outdoors. The moon-like landscapes and snowy mountains feel otherworldly, and it’s a great park to explore when the weather is cool and temperate.
The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the least crowded time of year in Death Valley, so it’s the perfect time to visit. The opposite is true of the week between Christmas and New Year’s, Martin Luther King Day weekend, and Presidents’ Day weekend.
If you want to take this trip, you can book a place to stay in Death Valley here. There’s a range of accommodation on offer, from camping to lodges and more. 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 to enjoy. You can book a room here.
10. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is one of my favorite places to go in Northern California in winter. This area is one of the best-known destinations in the Golden State thanks to its famous wines. I love coming here in the cooler months because there are fewer crowds and the winter light is beautiful.
The majority of visitors come to Napa Valley in the 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 region.
If you’re visiting during the holidays, you can enjoy seasonal highlights like the annual Lighted Tractor Parade in Calistoga, the Napa Valley Wine Trolley’s Holiday Lights Tour, the tree lighting ceremony in St Helena, and Napa’s Christmas parade.
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 Calistoga and St Helena, this region has a lot to offer. My 3-day Napa itinerary can show you more.
If a winter wine country getaway sounds good to you, you can book accommodation in Napa Valley here. My favorite place to stay in Napa is Indian Springs. One of California’s original spas, this historic Calistoga resort is made up of an eclectic collection of cottages, bungalows, and Mission Revival-style buildings.
I’ve stayed in one of the cottages, and I loved its unique sense of history. The spa was amazing, too. They make this one of the coolest places to stay in California. You can book a room here.
11. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is another of the best winter vacation destinations in California. This otherworldly part of the Golden State is beautiful in the soft seasonal light, and there’s no shortage of options for getting outdoors and into nature here.
There are lots of benefits to visiting Joshua Tree in winter. The weather is more pleasant in the cooler months than in the hot summer season. Daytime temperatures reach the mid-60s, and there’s still plenty of sunshine. The tourist crows are sparse, too.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Joshua Tree in winter as well. Hiking is one of the most popular activities here, and there’s a variety of trails to choose from. They include the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail, Lost Palms Oasis Trail, and Ryan Mountain.
You can also go horseback riding, rock climbing, or take a guided tour while you’re visiting. They’re popular winter activities, not to mention unique ways to discover Joshua Tree National Park.
As far as places to stay go, you can book accommodation here. My top pick for a spot to call home-away-from-home here is Sacred Sands. This beautiful 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 overnight.
12. Disneyland
Next on my list of places to go in California in winter is Disneyland. The Magic Kingdom sparkles year-round, and winter can be a particularly good time to visit because crowds are fewer and temperatures are lower than in summer.
The theme park steps things up during the holiday season, too. The festive period at Disneyland lasts from early November until early January, so there’s plenty of time to take in the decorations and enjoy the celebrations, seasonal entertainment, special events, and more.
From the Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure to the Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland, there’s a lot to get excited about during the season. With special lights, Santa, fireworks, and more, this is a great time to visit Disneyland.
Both Disneyland and California Adventure are open on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, so you can even spend the official holidays celebrating with Mickey and friends.
Even after the holidays are over there are lots of reasons to visit Disneyland in winter. There’s entertainment throughout the season, and fun decorations and events for Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and other special occasions.
When it comes to accommodation, you can see a range of options and book here. My top pick for a place to stay at Disneyland is Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This beautiful property has exclusive access to Downtown Disney, California Adventure, and other areas. You can book a room here.
13. Monterey & Carmel
Monterey and Carmel are two more of my top picks for places to visit in California in winter. I used to spend weekends here a lot when I was growing up, and I still love these destinations at any time of year.
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 sea otters to jellyfish.
The area around the aquarium is fun, too. Whether you want to cycle by the bay, visit Lovers Point Park, shop and dine on Cannery Row, or go whale watching, there’s a lot to do.
There’s plenty to enjoy in Monterey during the holiday season, too. The annual Ice Skating by the Bay ice rink in Custom House Plaza is a fun place to get your skates on. Christmas on the Wharf offers festive decorations and a variety of free live weekend entertainment, too. As if that’s not enough, Christmas in the Adobes features 15 historic buildings to visit.
Right by Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the cutest towns in California. From the beautiful beaches to the picture-pretty shops and great restaurants, there’s a lot to love about this place. There’s fun wine tasting and beautiful scenery in Carmel Valley, too.
If this trip sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here. My top pick is Tradewinds Carmel. The rooms have featured in Architectural Digest, and the property is surround by a pretty garden with lush greenery and flowing fountains. When I stayed here I loved the decor and design-led elements. You can book a room here.
14. Sonoma County
Sonoma County is another of my favorite places to see in California in winter. I’ve been here many times in the cooler months, and I like 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 a lot to offer beyond wine, too. This area is a great place to go hiking in the hills, shopping and dining in places like downtown Healdsburg and Sonoma Plaza, and exploring in Jack London Historic State Park and Mission San Francisco Solano. My Sonoma itineraries can give you more ideas, as can my itinerary for 3 days in Napa and Sonoma.
If you’re visiting during the holidays, Healdsburg turns into a winter wonderland in the weeks leading up to Christmas. There’s everything from the annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting to twinkling lights and the festive holiday night market to get people into the seasonal spirit. There’s also great Christmas shopping here.
Over on the Pacific Ocean, the Sonoma Coast features beaches studded with iconic West Coast boulders and parks like Jenner Headlands Preserve with its miles of hiking trails. The local town of Bodega is famous for being a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, too.
If this sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay in Sonoma County here. There are lots of options, from beautiful hotels to vacation rentals and more. My favorite is the Grape Leaf Inn in Healdsburg. This B&B near the plaza has pretty guest rooms, good atmosphere, and refreshingly reasonable rates for the area. You can book a room here.
15. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is another of my favorite places to travel in winter in California. This coastal city is known for its world-class surfing and beaches. It’s the ideal spot to soak up the sunshine and learn how to ride the ocean waves.
If you don’t want to don a wetsuit and brave the cold water, the city also offers great shopping and dining in the downtown area and beautiful Victorian houses on the side streets. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an iconic amusement park, too.
Speaking of which, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk turns into a Winter Wonderland in the weeks leading up to Christmas. There’s everything from Santa to shopping, lights, and a huge Christmas tree to get people into the seasonal spirit.
Elsewhere you can find the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train in front of Neptune’s Kingdom, visits with Santa in the downtown area, Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, and more. There’s great Christmas shopping in the city, too.
I grew up sailing in Santa Cruz, and I’ve always loved it. This place has a cool beach culture and hippie vibes. Neighboring Aptos and Capitola are worth visiting, too. They have more beaches and shops to discover. You can even go wine tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains if you have time.
If this sounds good to you, you can book accommodation in Santa Cruz here. From hotels to apartments on the beach, there are plenty of options. I’ve stayed at the West Cliff Inn and I loved its prime location, spacious rooms with Pacific Ocean views, seaside decor, and spa bathtubs. You can book a room here.
16. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is another of my favorite places to visit in California in the winter months. This coastal city in Southern California is known for its mild weather, beaches, shopping, and luxury hotels. There’s great food and plenty of wine tasting here, too.
There’s a lot going on in Santa Barbara in winter as well. During the holidays there are festive workshops, markets, parades, and theater and dance performances to enjoy. There are also pop-up gift galleries, boutiques, and bars downtown.
If you’re looking for unique experiences, you can check out a walk-through light show called ZooLights at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and an annual Trolley of Lights Tour through the most festive neighborhoods in town.
If you’re visiting Santa Barbara for 2 days or more outside of the holiday season, there’s still plenty to do. This is a year-round destination, and you can enjoy everything from the downtown and coastal highlights to the inland areas.
The seafood restaurants on Stearns Wharf, the murals in the Funk Zone, the tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail, the delicious stalls in the Santa Barbara Public Market, the mission, the beaches, and the shops are just a few of the highlights.
When it comes to accommodation, you can book a place to stay in Santa Barbara here. There are lots of options throughout the area, from landmark hotels in Montecito to beachfront apartments and more. I love staying at El Encanto. This luxurious hilltop hotel is a real treat. You can book a room here.
17. Ojai
Ojai is next on my list of the best places to visit in winter in California. Situated northwest of LA in Ventura County, it’s nestled in a valley in the Topatopa Mountains. Popular with people seeking spiritual experiences, this place is known for everything from meditation retreats to New Age shops.
Winter is the perfect time to visit Ojai because daytime temperatures are mild and there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. From hiking to mountain biking, tennis, horseback riding, and golf, there’s no shortage of things to do. You can even go on a jeep tour.
If you like to go at a more leisurely pace, you can spend time shopping, gallery hopping, and dining while you’re visiting. The city center is fun to walk around, and there’s lots to discover.
Then come the spas. They’re perfect places to hole up in winter, and they offer a range of experiences to choose from. Whether you want a massage or a communal treatment with self-applied desert clays, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, you can browse the Ojai Holiday Marketplace, book a ticket for the Ojai Holiday Home Tour, shop, admire the decorations, and get into the festive spirit. If you time your trip right, you can be here for the annual Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony in Libbey Fountain Plaza.
When it comes to accommodation, you can book a place to stay in Ojai here. My top pick is the famous Ojai Valley Inn. This place has been named one of the best resorts worldwide, and it has an amazing spa to boot. You can book a room here.
18. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is another popular winter getaway in California. It’s a fun place to visit and spend time soaking up the sun and island vibes.
As an added bonus, the crowds aren’t as big as they are during the peak summer season and there are better deals on everything from accommodation to dining. While some things are closed for the season, it’s much more cost-effective to visit in the cooler months.
There’s a lot you can do and see on Catalina Island in winter, too. From outdoor activities like the Garden to Sky Hike to shopping, dining, spas, museums, adventure tours, and boating, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here during the cooler part of the year.
Temperatures average around 60 to 65 degrees in winter, and you can still go in the water if you wear a wetsuit (or you’re brave enough to swim in the 60-degree ocean). Whether you want to go snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, or diving, there’s something for everyone.
If you visit during the holiday season, you’re in for a treat. The island’s Holiday Kick Off is an all-day event that includes a community tree lighting, a visit from Santa, and carolers. Add to that the annual month-long Shop Catalina event and the New Year’s Eve celebration in the island casino’s ballroom, and there’s a lot to get excited about.
If this sounds like your kind of place, you can book accommodation here. There are plenty of options to choose from, including hotels, house rentals, and B&Bs. I’ve had a great stay at the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel. It has beautiful rooms and sweeping views over Avalon. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
19. Mendocino Coast
Mendocino is one of my favorite places to visit in Northern California in winter. I’ve done getaways with friends here in the cooler months, and we’ve always had a fun time. It’s hard to beat a Mendocino road trip.
This part of the Golden State features miles of boulder-studded beaches, classic redwood forests, art galleries, vineyards, and stunning scenery. The towns in Mendocino County have good restaurants and plenty of coastal charm as well.
Mendocino has a lot for visitors to do and see during the holidays, too. The Skunk Train offers a special Christmas Tree Train from Willits Station to the world’s largest Christmas tree (a decorated California redwood). Additionally, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens come alive with the annual Festival of Lights.
If you’re visiting outside the holiday season, Mendocino County has everything from local landmarks to hiking trails and more. Whether you want to explore Mendocino Headlands State Park, visit Fort Bragg, go to Manchester State Beach, or head inland to go wine tasting, there’s something for you in this part of Northern California.
If that all sounds good, you can book accommodation in Mendocino here. My favorite spot to call home in this part of Northern California is The Andiron. The retro-chic hideout features 1950s cabins spread across five acres of meadow and woodland on the iconic Highway 1.
When I stayed at The Andiron I loved the rustic atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Each cabin is individually decorated and completely one-of-a-kind, too. If that all sounds good to you, you can book a room here.
20. Big Bear
Big Bear is one of my top picks for places to visit in Southern California in winter. Located near Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains, this destination is popular with travelers seeking snow-driven adventure sports like skiing.
Right on Big Bear Lake, most visitors come here in the winter to go to ski resorts like Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. They’re particularly popular with families and beginners, as the slopes tend to be more gentle than in places like Mammoth and Tahoe.
Away from the pistes, there are plenty of popular winter activities to enjoy in Big Bear. These include snowshoeing, tubing, Segway tours, sledding, ziplining, outdoor scavenger hunts, toboggan runs, snow play areas, off-roading, helicopter rides, and horseback riding.
If you want to stay inside and out of the cold, Big Bear has yoga, spas, and other wellness activities on offer. There’s great dining and apres ski bars at the ski resorts and around Pine Knot Ave, too.
There’s a lot going on here over the holidays as well. Christmas kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Village in Big Bear Lake. There are also special decorations, photo opportunities with Santa, Christmas night skiing at Snow Summit, and more.
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.
21. Avila Beach
On the Central Coast, Avila Beach is another great place to visit in California in winter. This gem near Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo is known for its sunny weather, sandy shoreline, and shopping.
There’s great food and wine tasting here, too. From beachfront restaurants to local tasting rooms, it’s hard to go wrong in this part of California.
There’s a lot going on here during the holidays as well. Visiting Avila Valley Barn is one of the best things to do in Avila Beach around Christmas. The complex features everything from farm animals to shops and food.
There’s delicious seasonal produce and great local gifts, and the outdoor area has the perfect place to pick out a Christmas tree or get a photo with Santa.
Elsewhere in town, there’s a Santa’s Doggie Parade on the Avila Promenade and great Christmas shopping in the local boutiques. If you stay through New Year’s Eve, the Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a unique way to kick off January with a dip in the Pacific Ocean.
When it comes to accommodation, you can book a place to stay in Avila Beach here. There are lots of options, from hotels to vacation rentals. My top pick is the Avila La Fonda Hotel. This intimate boutique hotel is right near the beach, and I loved the festive Christmas tree and friendly staff when I stayed. You can book a room here.
22. Nevada City
Nevada City is one of my top picks for places to visit in California during Christmas. This place goes all-out for the holidays, and it’s worth a special trip to see its transformation into a magical winter wonderland.
Nevada City is known for its annual Victorian Christmas extravaganza. The hilly streets are lit with real gas lamps, and festive carolers dress in Victorian costumes. There’s also live entertainment, seasonal treats and refreshments, and a resident Father Christmas.
Victorian Christmas in Nevada City takes place two Wednesday evenings and three Sunday afternoons in December. Visitors can enjoy free roasted chestnuts, see the model Dickens Village, shop at artisan vendor stalls, admire the big Christmas tree, and take in the decorations and lights.
If you want to stay a night or two, you can book accommodation in Nevada City here. There are plenty of options, including hotels, cabins, houses, and more. My top pick is Broad Street Inn. A family-owned guesthouse set in an 1870 Victorian, it’s right in Nevada City’s historic district and in walking distance of the action. You can book a room here.
23. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is another fun place to visit in California in winter. This sunny beach city in Orange County is the ideal getaway for good weather when other parts of the country are freezing cold and blanketed in snow.
There’s a lot going on in Newport Beach during the run-up to Christmas, including the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. This iconic event is one of the largest decorated boat parades in the country. Hundreds of festive vessels compete for awards as spectators look on and revel in the seasonal atmosphere.
Add to that the Christmas light displays on the houses along the waterfront and the Ring of Lights decorating competition, and there’s a lot to get excited about over the holidays in Newport Beach. You can even take a holiday cruise to see the festive homes.
If you’re not visiting during the festive season, there’s still a lot to do here in winter. From beaches to piers and Balboa Island, there’s plenty to entertain visitors. And that’s to say nothing of whale watching excursions, which are great from January to March.
When it comes to accommodation, you can book a place to stay in Newport Beach here. There are plenty of options to choose from, including hotels, beachfront apartments, and more. My top pick is The Resort at Pelican Hill. With a Tuscan vibe, this place overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features beautiful villas and bungalows. You can book a room here.
California Winter Map
As promised, I’ve created an interactive Google map of all the California winter 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 Places to Visit in California in Winter
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best places to visit in California in winter, and that it’s inspired you to head out and explore more of the Golden State. There are lots of exciting places to discover, and winter is a great time to vacation here.
If you’re coming from a specific place, my guides to winter weekend trips from San Francisco and winter weekend trips from Los Angeles can help, too. Happy travels!
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