15 Presidents' Day Getaways in California You'll Want to Take

Today I want to bring you my guide to the best Presidents' Day getaways in California. If you're wondering where to travel over Presidents' Day weekend, the Golden State will give you a lot of choices. From ski trips to cities and coastal areas, there's no shortage of fun places to spend the long weekend in February. Read on for my top picks for three-day weekend escapes. I've included a map of all the destinations, too.

Presidents' Day Getaways in California

On the third Monday in February, California and other states celebrate Presidents' Day in honor of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays. Many businesses and schools have the day off, and it's a popular time to travel.

From skiing in Tahoe to winter sun in San Diego, the Golden State offers locals and visitors a variety of long weekend getaways for the national holiday. There are a lot of great places to visit in California in winter, and Presidents' Day is a good time to experience them.

Whether you're after an alpine adventure in the Sierra Nevada, a sunny city escape in SoCal, a wine country sojourn, or an outdoor experience in a national park, there are tons of places you can go over the long weekend.

Tips for Presidents' Day Travel in California

Before booking your Presidents' Day getaway in California, keep in mind that some areas can be particularly crowded over the holiday. This is especially true when it comes to places like deserts, ski resorts, warm-weather cities, and other seasonal destinations that are popular with visitors in February.

As such, it's a wise idea to book things like accommodation as far in advance as you can. You can often get lower rates and have a wider selection of properties to choose from. You can see options and book a place to stay here.

Furthermore, some places are closed for the season, and roads can be blocked due to snow in others. The former tends to happen in destinations where winter is the off season, and the latter is common in the mountains during periods of heavy snowfall. It's important to check what's open and what road conditions are like before you travel for Presidents' Day.

1. Lake Tahoe

I'll start my list with Lake Tahoe. It's one of my favorite Presidents' Day getaways in California. My family had a place here when I was growing up, and I've spent a lot of 3-day weekends in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

This part of the Golden State is popular for skiing and snowboarding in February, especially in years when there's plenty of snow. From Palisades to Northstar, Heavenly, Sugar Bowl, and beyond, there are lots of great places to get on the slopes in Tahoe at the start of the year.

Whether you're an advanced skier or snowboarder, or a beginner wanting to learn, there are plenty of resorts you can choose from. If you're willing to travel a bit farther, Kirkwood is one of my favorite places to ski. Just keep in mind that Presidents' Day weekend is one of the busiest times on the slopes in Tahoe, so there will be crowds wherever you go.

If you don't want to ski or snowboard (or you want to do a few other things while you're in Tahoe), you can also try 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, Heavenly Village, and Truckee to the stunning lakefront scenery and indulgent spas, there's something for every traveler.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, you can book accommodation in Tahoe here. My favorite place to stay in winter 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 fun boutiques, places to eat and drink, and seasonal entertainment. You can book a room here.

2. San Diego

San Diego is another of my favorite places to travel for Presidents' Day weekend in California. I know this city is a great place to be in February because I spent a winter living here once.

San Diego is the perfect place for a long weekend getaway if you love sunny winter weather and beautiful beaches. From Del Mar to La Jolla and beyond, there are world-class stretches of sand for sunbathing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

There's more to this part of Southern California than just the Pacific Ocean, though. You can take a harbor cruise, paraglide in Torrey Pines at sunset, go on a tour or a bar crawl in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, eat amazing Mexican food in Pacific Beach, and shop in Del Mar.

If you're a fan of history and culture, you can visit Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, tour the USS Midway, and visit one or more of the museums in Balboa Park. And if you love zoos, the San Diego Zoo is world famous.

There's also a lot going on over Presidents' Day weekend in San Diego. February is Museum Month in San Diego, and visitors can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours and other special events. It's also peak season for whale watching. Getting out on the Pacific Ocean to see the cetaceans is a highlight of visiting at this point in winter.

If that all appeals, you can book a place in San Diego here. My favorite hotel here is the Andaz. This lifestyle boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter is not only in a central location close to the famous 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. Palm Springs

Palm Springs is another of my top picks for Presidents' Day getaways in California. I always love visiting this desert area in the winter, partly because of the mild weather and partly because there’s a lot going on at this time of year.

Palm Springs has great restaurants, famous architectural tours, popular golf courses, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, and other highlights. Winter is a great time to enjoy them, as summers in the desert get very hot.

If this sounds like your kind of 3-day weekend, you can book accommodation in Palm Springs here. My top pick for a place to stay in this part of California 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.

4. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is another of the best Presidents' Day weekend getaways in California. That's because it's known for offering a range of fun outdoor activities in the winter months. You can go skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and do all kinds of adventure sports here during a long weekend.

You can also visit the famous mountain lakes in and around Mammoth. From Mono Lake to the bodies of water along the beautiful June Lake Loop, they show off the eastern Sierra Nevada's natural beauty like nothing else.

Even if the snow isn't amazing, there's plenty to do in Mammoth. In particularly dry years, famous ghost towns like Bodie are accessible by road from Mammoth Lakes. They're great places to get into California's Gold Rush history and see what life was like here 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 (just be sure to reserve in advance).

If Mammoth sounds like your kind of escape, 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. The rooms are great, too. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

5. San Francisco

San Francisco is one of my all-time favorite Presidents' Day getaways in California. The City by the Bay is a great destination in February, not least because the weather can be sunnier and warmer in winter than in summer.

When it comes to Presidents' Day, there's a lot going on in San Francisco. From live theater performances to concerts, park tours, whale watching excursions, and museum exhibitions, the city has no shortage of things to keep you busy over the 3-day weekend.

Even if you miss the special events, San Francisco is a great February 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.

You can also take a day trip while you're here if you want to. From Yosemite National Park to Muir Woods, Napa, and Sausalito, there are plenty of great day trips from San Francisco to choose from.

Add to that the fact that winter is Dungeness crab season, and your taste buds will thank you for visiting the City by the Bay at this time of year.

If this sounds like your kind of escape, you can book a place to stay in San Francisco here. There are lots of good 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.

6. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is another of my top picks for Presidents' Day getaways in California. This coastal city in SoCal is known for its mild weather, shopping, restaurants, beautiful beaches, and luxury hotels. There’s excellent food and plenty of wine tasting here as well.

There’s a lot going on in Santa Barbara in February, too. This month marks the beginning of whale watching season, and you can take a boat cruise to see the famous California gray whales and other sea life.

But this is a year-round destination, and you can enjoy everything from the buzzing downtown to the coastal highlights. If you’re visiting Santa Barbara for 2 days or more, there’s plenty to do.

The seafood restaurants on Stearns Wharf, the tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail, the murals in the Funk Zone, the delicious stalls in the Santa Barbara Public Market, the beaches, the historic mission, and the shops are just a few of the highlights.

You can also explore other parts of Santa Barbara County while you're here. From Solvang and Santa Ynez to the famous Cold Spring Tavern in the hills, there are lots of fun places to visit.

If this sounds like your kind of escape, you can book a place to stay in Santa Barbara here. There are plenty of options throughout the area, from iconic hotels in Montecito to beachfront apartments and more. I love staying at El Encanto. This luxurious hilltop gem is a real treat. You can book a room here.

7. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is next on my list of the best Presidents' Day travel destinations in California. With mild February weather, amazing beaches, great restaurants, and plenty to see and do, LA has loads to entertain visitors in the winter.

There's a lot going on over Presidents' Day weekend in LA, too. From the annual (and free) Presidents’ Day Organ Festival to theater performances and museum exhibitions, there's no shortage of things to get excited about.

Beyond events, there's everything from hip shops and restaurants in Downtown LA to the views from Griffith Observatory, the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, and the world-class 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, LA is a great place for hiking. From Portuguese Bend Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes to San Vicente Mountain Park on Mulholland Drive, there are lots of good places to get some exercise. These trails are great in winter, as the weather can be much milder than in the hot summer months.

Beyond the outdoors, LA has cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, museums like The Getty and The Broad, theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood (and Disneyland in nearby Anaheim), and shopping streets like Abbot Kinney in Venice and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

If this sounds a fun 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, restaurant, performing arts venue, and rooftop bar. I always enjoy the hipster vibe and atmosphere. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

8. Paso Robles

Paso Robles is next on my list of the best Presidents' Day getaways in California. This part of the Golden State is known for its vineyards and olive groves, and it's a popular 3-day winter weekend trip from San Francisco and Los Angeles.

There's a lot going on over Presidents' Day weekend in Paso Robles. From art exhibitions to wine tasting, walking tours, happy hours, and live music at local wineries, it's an exciting time to be in this part of California.

Beyond events, Paso Robles has a lot going for it. Exploring the downtown area is a treat, and you can go on hot air balloon rides, hikes, scavenger hunts, and horseback rides. You can also indulge in mineral hot springs while you're in town.

If you're into culture and history, you can visit the Estrella Warbird Museum and the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum. And if you love art (and all things Instagrammable), an impressive multi-acre walk-through experience called Field of Light at Sensorio is for you.

Even if you don't want to spend your whole trip exploring and wine tasting, there's still plenty to do in and around Paso Robles. Cambria, San Simeon, and Hearst Castle are less than an hour away. And that's to say nothing of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.

If this sounds like a fun escape to you, you can book a place to stay in Paso Robles here. My top pick is the Allegretto Vineyard Resort. This 5-star Tuscan-style property is one of the best hotels in the area. It features lush gardens, bocce ball courts, a spa, and a pool. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

9. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is next on my list of Presidents' Day getaways in California. The place with the hottest recorded temperatures on Earth is a great destination in February, not least because the weather is a lot more pleasant in the winter than in the hot summer months.

Death Valley is a popular place with lovers of nature and the outdoors. The lunar-like landscapes and snow-capped mountains here have an otherworldly feel, 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 Martin Luther King Day weekend, Presidents' Day weekend is one of the most popular times of year to visit Death Valley. In light of that, 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 to choose from, including lodges, campgrounds, and hotels.

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 indulge in. You can book a room here.

10. Monterey & Carmel

Monterey and Carmel are two more great places to visit for Presidents' Day weekend in California. I came here all the time when I was growing up, and I still love this part of the coast. It's great in February because there are fewer crowds and more sea life to see, too.

Speaking of the sea, Monterey is renowned for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's the perfect place to learn about marine ecosystems, see local ocean life, and get up close to everything from sea otters to jellyfish.

The area around the aquarium is fun to explore, too. Whether you want to cycle by the bay, go kayaking, explore Old Fisherman's Wharf, shop and dine on Cannery Row, visit Lovers Point Park, or go whale watching to see gray whales, killer whales, and dolphins, there's a lot to do.

If you want to stay on land, you can go for a drive or bike ride along 17 Mile Drive. This iconic 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 cutest towns in California. From the beaches to the boutiques, thatched-roof cottages, and great restaurants, there’s a lot to love about this place. There's fun wine tasting in Carmel Valley and great scenery at Point Lobos, too.

If this sounds like your kind of holiday weekend, you can book a place to stay here. I enjoy staying at Tradewinds Carmel. The rooms have featured in Architectural Digest, and the property is surround by a garden with fountains. I love the decor and design-led elements, too. You can book a room here.

11. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is another of my top picks for Presidents' Day weekend getaways in California. This otherworldly part of the state is magical, and there's no shortage of options for getting outdoors and into nature in February here. It's one of the most popular weekend trips from Los Angeles in winter for good reason.

There are lots of benefits to visiting Joshua Tree over Presidents' Day weekend. First, 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.

Second, there's no shortage of things to see and do in Joshua Tree over the 3-day weekend. Hiking is one of the most popular activities here, and there's a range of trails and paths to choose from. They include the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail, Ryan Mountain, and Lost Palms Oasis Trail.

You can also do activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, and guided tours while you're here. They're great winter activities, not to mention unique ways to discover the best of Joshua Tree National Park. Just make sure to book them in advance, as it can get crowded here over the holiday weekend.

If this sounds like your kind of long weekend escape, you can book accommodation here. My top pick for a place to stay is Sacred Sands. This 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 go camping, 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 February.

12. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is another of the best places to travel for Presidents' Day in California. This area is one of the most famous wine regions in the Golden State. I love coming here in winter because there are fewer crowds and the landscapes are 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 world famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and there are award-winning wineries littered across the area.

If you don't want to spend the whole long weekend wine tasting, you can go shopping in downtown Napa, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on the Napa River, or hiking in the hills.

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 and exploring towns like Calistoga and St Helena, this place has a lot to offer. My 3-day Napa itinerary and my other Napa itineraries can show you more.

If a wine country getaway for Presidents' Day weekend sounds good to you, you can book accommodation in Napa Valley here. My favorite place to stay in the area is Indian Springs. One of California's original spas, this historic Calistoga resort is comprised of an eclectic collection of Mission Revival-style buildings, bungalows, and cottages.

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 fun places to stay in California.

13. Mendocino

Mendocino is another of my top picks for Presidents' Day weekend getaways in California. I've done trips with friends here in the winter months, and we've always had a great time. It's hard to beat a Mendocino road trip, after all.

This part of the California coast features dense redwood forests, boulder-studded beaches, art galleries, vineyards, and stunning scenery. The towns in Mendocino County have good restaurants and plenty of waterfront charm, too.

Mendocino has a lot for visitors to do over Presidents' Day weekend as well. The annual Anderson Valley International White Wine Festival is a great event for oenophiles. Wineries throughout the area welcome visitors with exclusive wine flights, food pairings, and special library tastings.

If you're not into wine, Mendocino County has everything from local landmarks to hiking trails and more. Whether you want to visit Fort Bragg, explore Mendocino Headlands State Park, or go to Manchester State Beach, there's something for you on this part of the Northern California coast.

If that sounds like a good trip, 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 famous Highway 1.

When I stayed at The Andiron I loved the rustic atmosphere and natural surroundings. Each cabin is individually decorated and completely one-of-a-kind, too. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

14. Sonoma County

Sonoma County is another of my top picks for places to travel for Presidents' Day weekend in California. I'm here a lot in the cooler months, and I always love how beautiful it is. My Sonoma itineraries can give you ideas for things to do, as can my Sonoma itinerary for 3 days and my guide to spending 3 days in Napa and Sonoma.

Like Napa, 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 still has plenty to offer if you don't want to spend your whole weekend wine tasting. This area is a fun one to shop and dine in places like downtown Healdsburg and Sonoma Plaza, hike in the redwoods and by the beach, and explore Jack London Historic State Park and Mission San Francisco Solano.

Over on the Pacific Ocean, the Sonoma Coast is home to beaches 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.

There are special events going on over Presidents' Day weekend in Sonoma County as well. There are art exhibitions, live music, and other festivities taking place around the area.

If this sounds like a fun escape, you can book a place to stay in Sonoma County here. There's a range of accommodation, from classic wine country hotels to vacation rentals. I love the Grape Leaf Inn in Healdsburg. This B&B near the plaza has cute guest rooms and reasonable rates for the area. You can book a room here.

15. Big Bear

When the snow is right, Big Bear is another of my top picks for Presidents' Day weekend getaways 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, visitors flock here in February to go to ski resorts like Bear Mountain, Snow Valley, and Snow Summit. They're particularly popular with families and beginners, as the slopes tend to be more gentle than in places like Tahoe and Mammoth.

The ski resorts in Big Bear also offer extended lift hours during the national holiday weekend. There are even Night Sessions at Snow Valley and Snow Summit.

Away from the pistes, there are plenty of fun winter activities to enjoy in Big Bear over Presidents' Day weekend. These include snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, Segway tours, ziplining, toboggan runs, outdoor scavenger hunts, snow play areas, helicopter rides, off-roading, and horseback riding.

If you want to stay inside and out of the cold, Big Bear has spas, yoga, 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 sounds like your kind of escape, you can book a place to stay in Big Bear here. My top pick is N + P. The cabins and lodges feature contemporary mountain design and rustic-chic atmosphere and decor. You can book one here.

Map of Presidents' Day Weekend Getaways in California

Best Presidents' Day Getaways in California

I hope you've enjoyed this guide to the best Presidents' Day 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 February is a great time to vacation here. Happy travels!

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