11 Awesome Places to Visit in California in Winter

California gets that “endless summer” stereotype for good reason, but the truth is that California in winter has just as much to offer visitors and residents!

Take it from someone who grew up in Maine but has lived in California for 10 years—when I’m especially missing the snow (though rare!), I love that in just two hours from LA, I can be in the mountains.

But visiting California in the winter months isn’t just great for snowy escapes. It’s also one of the absolute best times to visit some of the desert destinations that get unbearably hot in summer.

Plus, you’ll find much smaller crowds in traditionally touristy places along the coast.

Basically I’m here to tell you that if you don’t think of California as a winter destination, then you’re doing it wrong.

As someone who calls California home, I can say with total honesty that winter really is a magical time of year here. So whether you’re a die-hard snowboarder or looking to escape the cold and enjoy a sunny weekend in the middle of January, California in winter holds something for everyone.

The Best Places to Explore in California in Winter

1. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a gorgeous place to see snow in California during the winter season! In fact, it gets a LOT of it, with some peaks throughout the eastern Sierra Nevadas getting more than 30 feet.

Obviously, skiing and snowboarding are super popular, and with two different ski resorts to choose from (hello Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain!), there’s plenty to keep people happy in this regard.

If that’s not your thing, there’s still so much to do in Mammoth beyond hitting the slopes; I highly recommend snowshoeing, visiting Wild Willy’s hot spring, or snowmobiling here.

Mammoth Village even has a tiki bar called Lakanuki if you’d rather spend your winter holiday pretending you’re in Hawaii.

Still, if you’re able to get up on the mountain, the views from the ski lifts and gondolas are breathtaking, and the entire town looks like something straight out of a postcard. 

One (literal) roadblock people can face when visiting Mammoth Lakes in winter is the winter storms. These intense snow storms make driving the mountain roads extra dangerous.

Always make sure to check weather conditions before you go and rent a 4wd vehicle so you’re prepared for road conditions.

Where to Stay in Mammoth:

1. The Village Lodge for direct access to the ski lift and gondola
2. Mammoth Mountain Inn for affordable ski-to-door access
3. The Westin Monache Resort for beautiful facilities and highly-rated beds

2. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is probably my #1 favorite winter destination in California. It truly is a one-of-a-kind park that has some of the most spectacular desert scenery anywhere in the United States.

That being said, the summer heat is UNBEARABLE, making it a must-visit during the cooler months. Like, we’re talking upwards of 100 degrees fahrenheit—and that’s on a GOOD day!

I first visited Death Valley in winter during the middle of February and while it definitely got chilly as the light disappeared, the daytime temperatures were perfect for days out exploring under the beating sun.

During winter, daytime temperatures tend to be in the 60s and 70s (which is perfect park weather if you ask me), and while nights get quite cold, it usually doesn’t drop below freezing. 

Winter here is also a surprisingly less crowded time to visit since spring draws out the most crowds hoping to peep wildflowers in the park.

If you visit from December through February, you’ll get the added bonus of often feeling like you have endless panoramic views to yourself.

Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park:

1. The Ranch at Death Valley for high-end accommodation inside the park.
2. Tarantula Ranch Campground and Vineyard for quirky glamping vibes.
3. The Inn at Death Valley – a historic hotel inside the national park.

3. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is an epic destination for outdoorsy types all year round, but during the winter is when Lake Tahoe truly becomes magical once blanketed in snow. The views in Lake Tahoe are quite something in the winter with the snow-capped peaks as a backdrop.

Lake Tahoe has the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America, and for that reason it draws in skiiers and snowboarders from all over the country. However, there’s plenty of other snowy activities including ice skating in Northstar Village, tubing at TubeTahoe or this scenic snowshoe adventure in South Lake Tahoe.

If you really want the most epic winter views over Lake Tahoe in winter, don’t miss this scenic helicopter tour.

While there is so much to see on both the California and Nevada sides of the lake, this is a post about visiting California in winter, so I’ll mention that the most popular ski resorts on the California side are Northstar and Heavenly resorts.

If you choose to visit this California winter destination, just make sure to be prepared for bad road conditions with a 4wd vehicle and potentially snow chains.

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe:

1. Desolation Hotel for dog-friendly design vibes.
2. The Ritz-Carlton Tahoe for ski-in ski-out access at Northstar.
3. Black Bear Lodge for a cozy stay just down the street from Heavenly Mountain Resort.

4. Solvang

During the holidays, the charming Danish town of Solvang turns into a winter wonderland that is straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Located within one of the best wine regions in California, Solvang (and Santa Ynez Valley in general) is one of my favorite places to escape from LA on a long weekend, especially during the holidays.

From November 27th to January 1st, Solvang pulls out all of the stops to create a fun-filled and family-friendly holiday experience for locals and visitors.

Considering the fact that it has been named one of the “Most Christmassy Towns in America,” it’s no surprise that the town dedicates more than a month of the year to celebrating. 

This is an especially kid-friendly destination to visit in California in winter; between getting photos with Santa to experiencing the town’s annual Julefest Parade, kids of all ages will find plenty of fun and festive things to do during the winter in Solvang.

That said, if you’re kid-free, you’ll find plenty to do (and drink!) here too. This is one of my favorite areas of California to go wine tasting—with much more affordable prices than Napa.

I highly recommend booking this fun food tour through Solvang to try all the Danish treats, or taking part in this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour that will escort you to some of the best wineries in the region.

Solvang not only has tons of wineries within a short driving distance, it also has over 20 tasting rooms downtown that you can pop into as you please, in between strolling the festive, lit-up streets.

Where to Stay in Solvang:

1. The Landsby for a cute boutique hotel in the heart of Solvang.
2. Hotel Ynez for charming b&b vibes in between town and wine country.
3. The Winston Solvang for a quaint setting within walking distance to everything.

5. Big Bear 

Big Bear is another ski resort destination in California that is ideal for a winter visit, but it’s not as popular amongst serious skiiers as the mountain is more limited compared to Tahoe and Mammoth.

With that said, for those coming from SoCal, it can’t be beat as it’s only two hours from Los Angeles, making it even possible as a day trip.

One thing that’s especially appealing about Big Bear is that there are lots of cozy cabins available for rent. One of my personal favorite stays is at the Postcard Cabins campgrounds where you can sleep overnight in a fully-stocked tiny cabin immersed in nature.

Long story short, if you want an easy ski getaway that’s easily accessible from Southern California, Big Bear is ideal!

Where to Stay in Big Bear

1. Postcard Cabins for tiny home glamping in the forest.
2. The Stargazer Chalet for the perfect group ski getaway.
3. Noon Lodge for a hip mountain retreat feel.

6. Palm Springs

If embracing winter isn’t really your vibe, then let me introduce you to Palm Springs: the winter escape artist’s ultimate oasis!

Despite the fact that most of SoCal stays relatively warm in the winter, Palm Springs boasts pleasant temps that stick around the mid-70s during the daytime, even during the coldest months.

When it gets to be in the 50s in LA, those temps start to sound really nice! I’ve definitely escaped to Palm Springs in the winter more times than I can count.

Obviously, lounging poolside is the number one activity in Palm Springs, but there’s also lots of great hiking in Indian Canyons and plenty of fun places to drink and dine.

If you’re planning a Palm Springs weekend getaway, don’t miss some of my personal favorite spots: Workshop Kitchen and Bar for upscale eats, Thick as Thieves for amazing shopping and knick knacks, and Great Shakes for their sinful date shakes.

Other activities not to miss: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, taking a San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour, the Palm Springs Art Museum and a visit to the Moorten Botanical Garden.

Just a simple drive through the streets to check out all of the mid-century architecture is a fun activity as well. True design fans should also consider visiting in February for Modernism Week, which is a huge celebration of everything from fashion to furniture.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs:

1. Yara Hotel for bohemian desert decor and an intimate oasis in the heart of downtown (adults only).
2. Parker Palm Springs for iconic mid-century luxury.
3. ARRIVE for a lively Palm Springs social scene (adults only).

7. Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is kind of like Palm Springs’ more bohemian and free-spirited sister. It holds an incredibly special place in my heart, and I have never had anything but amazing experiences when visiting.

I have been to Joshua Tree during nearly every season, but winter is for sure a great time to visit.

Unlike Palm Springs, Joshua Tree can actually get pretty chilly in the winter at night as it sits in the high desert at more than 2,700 feet in elevation. But still, snow here is rare and reserved for the lucky (or the residents)!

While many days will see highs around the mid-60s, Joshua Tree gets dusted in snow from time to time, which adds a magical effect to the iconic desert landscape dotted with massive boulders and spikey joshua trees.

It’s difficult to time a snowy visit to Joshua Tree just right, but another perk of visiting in early to mid-December is avoiding holiday crowds and getting to experience the magic of the National Park all to yourself.

Seriously, the park is MASSIVE, and it won’t be hard to explore in peace and quiet during this time of the year. Plus, if you’re an avid hiker, mid-day temps will be much more pleasant if you plan to spend long days out on the trail.

Beyond visiting the national park, some of the best activities in Joshua Tree include vintage shopping downtown, stargazing during a new moon, and exploring Pioneertown. And no trip to Joshua Tree is complete without a BBQ dinner at Pappy & Harriet’s.

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree:

1. Autocamp Joshua Tree for fun glamping accommodations in the heart of town.
2. Pioneertown Motel for the closest access to Pioneertown and Pappy & Harriet’s.
3. The Joshua Tree House Hacienda to experience a more remote side of Joshua Tree.

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8. Sonoma 

Sonoma is Napa’s less-talked-about next-door neighbor, but it is top-tier when it comes to wine and food!

The downtown area of Sonoma is super quaint and charming, and if you’re looking to enjoy the small-town vibes in California in winter, I highly recommend planning a visit. 

During the winter, Sonoma is super quiet and peaceful. Thanks to the winter rain, the rolling hills become bright green and lush, creating a stunning backdrop to your vineyard visits. 

This time of year is also great for finding better deals on typically pricey coastal accommodations and unique lodging.

Another perk of the off season? You can easily pair a trip wine tasting in Sonoma with whale watching excursions along the coast as winter is peak whale season.

I’d recommend booking a guided wine tasting tour like this one so you don’t have to worry about driving and can focus on enjoying all of Sonoma’s world-class wines.

Where to Stay in Sonoma:

1. Gaige House in Glen Ellen for Japanese-inspired wabi sabi.
2. Beltane Ranch Bed & Breakfast for a countryside retreat.
3. Kenwood Inn & Spa for romantic Tuscan-inspired and elegant design.

9. Sequoia National Park 

This one might come as a bit of a surprise, but speaking from personal experience, Sequoia National Park in the winter is magical!

There’s just something so special about seeing a blanket of snow coating some of the most majestic and massive trees on Earth.

This national park offers quite a different experience in winter than you’ll experience in summertime, but it’s one worth experiencing—if you’re looking to find the literal meaning of “Winter Wonderland,” this is it.

Plus, a huge perk of visiting in winter? WAY fewer crowds. The park sees over 1.2 million people in a year, the majority of them visiting between June and September. That means more privacy, cheaper accommodations, and less traffic than in the summer months.

The snow can get pretty intense here, so having the proper vehicle and tire chains are often required to get into the park. The days tend to average slightly above freezing then drop well below at night, with an average snowfall of 37″.

We drove ourselves which was doable but a little nerve-wracking at times. If you want to leave the driving up to someone more experienced in winter conditions, this private winter tour is a gem led by super knowledgable former park rangers.

Pack plenty of layers and get ready to have a magical winter escape!

Where to Stay Near Sequoia National Park:

1. Soleil Luna for a home that’s just 2 miles from the park entrance.
2. Autocamp Sequoia for airstream and cabin glamping-style accommodations.
3. Wuksachi Lodge for Sequoia’s signature accommodation inside the park.

10. Mendocino

Winter in California means epic whale watching, and Mendocino is one of the best places to do it.

The migration season happens between November and February, and while booking a whale-watching cruise is definitely the best way to see them up close and personal, they are also often visible from several shoreline spots. 

The bluffs in Mendocino stretch far and provide a perfect view, especially when the horizon is clear. 

If whale watching isn’t your jam, some of the other best things to do in Mendocino include hiking through Russian Gulch State Park, canoeing on Big River, and grabbing dinner at Cafe Beaujolais, located inside a historic 1890s Victorian farmhouse.

One of the biggest perks to visiting Mendocino during the winter is the fact that the infamous Northern California fog lightens up a lot. Though it may seem counterintuitive, Mendocino and surrounding areas actually have clearer and sunnier days during the winter than they do during the summer, giving you coastal views you’ll never forget.

Where to Stay in Mendocino:

1. Mendocino Grove for luxury glamping-style accommodations.
2. SCP Mendocino Inn and Farm for a charming farm and garden stay.
3. SCP Mendocino Coast Lodge for amazing coastline views.

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11. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of, if not the most amazing national park to visit in California, and it’s one to be cherished in every season. During the winter, Yosemite offers a lot of solace for travelers hoping to immerse themselves in nature and unplug for a bit.

You won’t have to worry about running into large crowds (which you definitely will in both summer and fall), and the snowy valley truly is magical this time of year.

If you’re a photographer, this season really does provide the perfect opportunity to snap some breathtaking photos without interruption.

However, due to difficult conditions, a lot of the hiking and activities on offer in summer are not possible during the snow-covered months. If you want to explore Yosemite in winter with a guide who knows where to go, I highly recommend this Discover Yosemite tour that has been rated in the top 10% of activities in the world by TripAdvisor.

If you go the self-guided route, make sure to check out Tunnel View, as it’s one of the best things to do in Yosemite. The views are like a literal screensaver.

Also, if you’re planning your Yosemite trip in winter, try to time your visit during the the Firefall phenomenon which happens typically mid-February each year.

For two weeks in winter, Horsetail Falls magically aligns with the setting sun to look as if the waterfall is on fire—and it 100% needs to be on your California bucket list!

Where to Stay in Yosemite:

1. Autocamp Yosemite for glamping outside of the park entrance.
2. The Ahwahnee for a luxurious, historic stay inside of Yosemite National Park.
3. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite for an award-winning stay near the park’s south entrance.

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I hope this post showed you that there is so much more to California than surfers and endless beach days!

If this post inspired you to plan a trip to California in winter, let me know in the comments below!

Discover More California Destinations:

The Best Places to Visit in California in Spring

Where to Go in Fall in California

14 Must-Visit Spots in California in Summer