19 Best Places to Visit in California in the Winter in 2024

PLANNING A WINTER GETAWAY IN CALIFORNIA?

We are so happy you decided to click that button that led you to us! Why? Because we have been visiting California together since 2012 and love a good California winter getaway! We have visited California many times during the winter and always have a great time.

With its diverse landscapes and mild winter climate, you have an incredible array of choices to experience. There are so many great places to visit in California in the winter. Consider this your friendly recommendation from a couple of fellow travelers who’ve explored these fantastic destinations.

So, pack your bags, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the best places to visit in California during the winter.

California Mountain Destinations vs. California Coastal Destinations 

Before we dive into our list of winter havens, let’s talk about the age-old dilemma: mountains or coast? California offers both, and each has its unique charm.

Mountain Destinations: If you crave the magic of a snow-covered wonderland, head to the mountains. You can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, and cozying up by the fireplace in a cabin. Places like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes are prime spots for winter adventure.

When we are in the snowy mountains, we love to go sledding and skiing. My oldest daughters are starting to get the hang of skiing. We also love taking supplies to build a snowman!

Coastal Destinations: For those who prefer mild, sunny days and ocean breezes, the coast is calling. California’s coastal regions offer pleasant temperatures even in winter. Cities like San Diego and Santa Barbara provide a tranquil escape from the cold.

We have visited San Diego a few times in the winter to escape the cold Idaho winters as home. You won’t be swimming and sunbathing at the beach most days, but in winter, it has nice temperatures. This is especially true if you are visiting from a colder climate like we normally do.

Now that we’ve established the two main types of winter destinations in California, let’s delve into our list.

Best Places to Visit in Northern California During Winter

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is arguably one of the most iconic and unique cities in America. This is for good reason: there is never a boring moment in this hilly city. From its unmistakable skyline and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, there’s always something fascinating around every corner in this melting-pot city. 

We have visited San Francisco multiple times and always have a great visit. We like to spend time at the beach, explore the beautiful parks there, and visit the different downtown neighborhoods. Like most big cities, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and not leave your valuables lying around. We enjoy visiting San Francisco but are always cautious in the city.

Things to Do in San Francisco in Winter

Visit The Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park

One of our favorite places to see when we visit this awesome city is the Golden Gate Bridge. To us, the winter fog makes for an extra charming addition to this iconic landmark. You’ll also want to check out the nearby Golden Gate Park. This massive urban park has some wonderful sights to explore.

The Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden are just a few mentions of the natural beauty that this place brings. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit Koret Children’s Playground. There are some long concrete slides that are really fun, as well as a carousel.

Honestly, we could spend a few days just visiting all that this park has to offer. A visit to this park is truly one of our favorite things to do with kids in San Francisco.

Explore the City’s Neighborhoods

If you want to explore some of the cultural neighborhoods San Francisco has to offer, we recommend the following route. You’ll want to start with Japantown and check out the unique Peace Pagoda.

Next, go to Chinatown. There is some beautiful architecture in this area, and there are some great spots to have lunch. This is one of our favorite neighborhoods despite the crowds we usually find there.

Be sure to stop by the Fortune Cookie Factory. The fortune cookies there are so delicious and are nothing like the cookies you get from Chinese takeout restaurants. Plus, you get to watch them make the fortune cookies, which is really entertaining.

Also, if you are lucky enough to visit this city in February, Chinatown truly comes alive during the Lunar New Year celebrations (February 10th, 2024). It’s a great opportunity to see amazing dragon dance performances in the parade! 

If you prefer a more conventional lunch, Little Italy is just around the corner, and the pizza is delish! There are also a lot of landmarks to check out in North Beach, like Coit Tower. Embarcadero has a lot of fun seaside attractions. If you are traveling with little ones, the Exploratorium was a fan favorite for us. 

You’ll want to finish off at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can check out sea lions at Pier 39. And for a more occult attraction, the Musée Mécanique is a museum that features old arcade games. The best part is that admission is free. Just make sure you bring quarters to bring some of these back to life.

Check Out All the Other Iconic Highlights

Honestly, we could go on and on about San Francisco. There is simply so much to see and never enough time to see it all.

A few more noteworthy mentions are, of course, Alcatraz, the iconic Victorian and Edwardian houses known as “painted ladies,” and the windiest road – Lombard Street.

If you’re looking to catch a bunch of the city’s highlights in a short period of time, consider taking one of the fabulous San Francisco bus tours. They are always super informative and a lot of fun!

San Francisco is, in our humble opinion, the best city to visit among Northern California places to visit in winter. 

Where to Stay: Omni San Francisco Hotel

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park in winter is a true gem waiting for you to explore. For us, it is one of the best places to visit in California in winter, spring, summer, and fall. Even if you’re not a nature enthusiast, you won’t want to miss out on this park.

It is one of the most visited national parks and for a great reason. All of the hikes, views of the surrounding rock, and waterfalls are some of the reasons we loved visiting.

There are shuttles running through the Yosemite Valley, and if you’re going to be in the park for more than a few hours, we recommend utilizing them. We tried to navigate in our own vehicle and found it frustrating trying to get around the road construction detours and one-way roads. The shuttle is a much simpler option.

What to Expect When Visiting Yosemite National Park in Winter

In the winter, there are fewer visitors around, and you’ll have the chance to take in the park’s natural beauty. We especially love visiting iconic spots like Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. 

Thankfully, most trails off the Yosemite Valley trails are still accessible in the winter. A few of our recommendations are Valley Floor Loop Mirror, Mist Trail, and Lake Loop Trail.

Hiking these trails is one of the most fun things to do in Yosemite with kids. To us, there’s something truly enchanting about seeing these landmarks adorned by snow. 

Driving in Yosemite National Park in the Winter

If you’re planning to visit Yosemite in winter, there are a few things we like to recommend. First, be prepared for possible snowfall. If there’s a chance for snow, make sure you’ve got some snow tires and chains.

Also, some parts of the park are simply off-limits during the winter season. However, most of the valley stays open, and there are a lot of fun things to explore. 

Things to Do in Yosemite National Park in Winter

We recommend taking a stroll through Miwok Village, the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee. There’s a mile-long path that takes you through a native plant garden that we enjoy.

You can also check out the Yosemite History Museum. If you find yourself there on a Sunday, you can check out the historic Yosemite Chapel open to the public on that day. 

If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, there’s a very special event in store for you. The Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel is an event that has been held annually since it opened back in 1927! win

The grand dining room is transformed into the majestic manor hall of the “Squire Bracebridge.” This is a fancy – and, to be frank – expensive event that requires you to wear formal attire. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event to attend, with a holiday feast and musical numbers. 

If we have piqued your interest, you can always tour the Ahwahnee on its own. The hotel offers free, one-hour guided tours throughout the year. The tours include showings of its hallways, great rooms, dining areas, and surrounding grounds.

You will also learn about the hotel’s history and hear stories about celebrities like John F. Kennedy and royalty like Queen Elizabeth, who have stayed there. 

Where to Stay: Yosemite View Lodge

3. Redwood National State Parks

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking among ancient giants, Redwood National and State Parks is where you want to be. Here, the towering redwood trees are one of the most magical sights to behold.

Hiking through these forests feels like stepping into the fairy tale of Gulliver’s Travels, but in this case, you are the Lilliputian. 

One of the delights of visiting California national parks like this in December is the opportunity to embark on scenic drives that showcase the majesty of the tallest trees on Earth.

If you’re stepping outside to take in the sights or going on a hike, we recommend bringing the right gear. Bringing along an umbrella and a raincoat is the way to go. Winter encompasses part of the rainy season here, and you’ll want to have these handy. 

If you’re looking for some recommendations on what to explore in the park, we are happy to share some of our favorites: Avenue of The Giants and the Fern Canyon. If you’re up for some adventure, we love the Trees of Mystery. 

Our favorite attraction here is their canopy trail. This is a series of netted suspension bridges that take you through a unique perspective of these trees. They also have a SkyTrail gondola that travels through the forest and is the perfect place to take in some aerial views of the area. 

Redwood National Park will always have our hearts. If you’re looking for places to visit in North California in winter, we hope that we have convinced you enough to check out this beautiful park.

We promise these trees hold a special place on this earth, and getting to see them at the least will be a wonderful memory. 

Where to Stay: View Crest Lodge

4. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park may be a lesser-known gem, but well worth a winter visit. There are awesome bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and some frozen lakes.

It’s a fun juxtaposition to see this beautiful volcanic wonder in a winter setting. It’s a sight that’s truly out of this world.

The areas you can visit in the winter are Manzanita Lake and the southwest area of the park. Make sure you come prepared for driving in the snow by bringing tire chains, and make sure to have a full tank of gas (the nearest station is 30 miles away).

Southwest Area

• Location: Five miles north of the SR-36 and SR-89 junction.
• Elevation: Starts at 6,700 feet (and a lot of snow). 
• Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center: open year-round. 
• Sulphur Works: This is the only hydrothermal area available in winter.

Manzanita Lake Area

• Location: Two miles south of the SR-44 and SR-89 junction in the northwest corner of the park.
• Activities: snowshoeing & cross-country skiing. 
• Scenic Features: Gentle slopes and scenic lakes. 

If you’re new to snowshoeing and want to learn, there’s a great program we recommend. The park offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes on the weekends.

The rangers will teach you snowshoeing basics, and then you’ll trek one to two miles on moderately challenging terrain through the red fir forest. 

The best part is that this activity is completely free and provides the equipment for it. You can get a ticket starting at 9:00 a.m. inside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

We don’t recommend waiting too long, though, as the activity is limited to a certain number of participants, and it’s distributed on an FCFS basis.

Lassen is truly one of the best places to visit in winter California if you’re looking for lots of snow and natural beauty. 

Where to Stay: The Village at Highlands Ranch

Best Places to Visit in Southern California in Winter 

5. San Diego

If you’re looking for a fantastic winter getaway, San Diego has got you covered. The weather is quite pleasant in winter, and attractions are abundant. It’s one of our top places to visit in California in winter, that’s by the sea. 

We love it so much that we even put together a San Diego itinerary covering our favorite spots throughout the city.

Things to Do in San Diego in Winter

Seasonal Events

Here, you won’t want to miss out on some of the unique seasonal events. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a spectacular holiday tradition. This event features over 80 beautifully decorated boats cruising the bay – it’s a parade like no other!

You can catch this dazzling show from various points around the city, including the Embarcadero, Gaslamp Quarter, and San Diego Convention Center. For free parking, you can try viewing from Shelter Island and Harbor Island (limited parking). 

Balboa Park December Nights is another highlight of the holidays you won’t want to miss. Not only is this place known for its stunning gardens and world-class museums, but this event brings a twinkling twist to this park. 

But if you’re missing a taste of winter, we’ve got some news for you! Head over to the Hotel Del on Coronado Island for some ice skating. That’s right, ice skating by the beach! The rink is open for about six weeks between late November and early January. 

Enjoy the Landscape and Wildlife

And if you’re a nature lover, winter in San Diego brings a special treat: whale watching. From mid-December through April, thousands of gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California. This makes San Diego an ideal spot for sightings.

We recommend bringing your binoculars and heading to Cabrillo National Monument for a chance to witness these magnificent creatures. If you’re not crazy about whale watching, enjoy the gorgeous landscape on a hike in Torrey Pines, less than 30 minutes outside of town.

Lastly, don’t forget to soak in the stunning winter sunsets. Thanks to the earth’s closer proximity to the sun during this season, these are some of the best sunsets you’ll get to see. What a great way to end a trip to one of the best places to visit in southern California in winter!  

Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/SeaWorld Area

6. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree in winter is a spectacular way of spending your next vacation. We should know, we wrote a whole ‘nother article about it. But seriously, this place has some of the coolest rock formations that little ones will enjoy discovering.

Overall, Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderful place to explore during the cold winter months, including January, compared to its usual foot traffic and weather in the summer. 

Its desert landscape is surreal, and it provides the perfect opportunity for many activities. Some of our favorites, of course, are camping and hiking. However, for those who enjoy other hobbies, rock climbing, stargazing, and photography are other popular activities to do. 

For us, the twisted Joshua trees and the Cholla Cactus Garden were some of the coolest plants to discover here. Our kids really enjoyed the Skull, Heart, and Arch rock formations that are spread throughout the park. 

This is one of those places to visit in California during winter with the whole family. This park is inclusive and has some nice wheelchair and stroller-accessible hikes that anyone can enjoy. Even dogs are allowed on most of these trails! You won’t regret visiting this very cool place. 

Where to Stay: El Rancho Dolores Motel at Joshua Tree National Park

7. Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the quintessential American beach destination. In fact, what is more quintessential than Barbie herself? If you were curious, the movie was filmed in Venice Beach. There’s rollerblading, biking, volleyball, and beach gyms. It will truly be like stepping into the movie itself. 

This iconic beach town has a more relaxed atmosphere, even in winter. If you want to take a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, try renting a bike and ride along the scenic Ocean Front Walk. Or, if you want something a bit easier, try an e-bike tour.

This is the most popular activity, and we understand why, with miles and miles of bike trails along this beautiful beach, who wouldn’t want to take a ride?

Another All-American classic is visiting the Santa Monica Pier. This is a fun activity and one of the best places to visit in winter in California for some good old-fashioned fun. This pier has a small amusement park and some concession stands. There are also some good areas to take in, some ocean views and some for fishing. 

Where to Stay: Sea Shore Motel

8. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is often dubbed the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” and for good reason. Not only is this place home to Hollywood, the epicenter of the entertainment industry, but there are so many things to do in this massive city.

Trust us, the glamour and history of this iconic city make for an unforgettable experience.

Things to Do in Los Angeles in Winter

Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Of course, if you are stopping by, you’ll want to take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, we recommend picking out your very favorite stars and planning out a route to see them. This place is often crowded, and there are more things to do besides reading the names on these iconic plaques.  

Check out the Free Attractions

You might think that you have to drop some big bucks when you visit major cities; however, this is not the case. The best part about visiting a large city is that you can often find many free activities and locations to visit.

For example, both the Getty Center and the Griffith Observatory have free entrance. As a tip, the latter also delivers some amazing panoramic views of the city.

One of the perks of Los Angeles during winter is its mild and inviting weather. It’s the perfect setting for outdoor adventures. So, lace up your hiking boots and head to Griffith Park.

The park has a network of scenic trails that we know anyone can enjoy. This is also an ideal way to enjoy that mild winter climate and take in those gorgeous vistas.

Savor the Food

However, Los Angeles is not just about art and nature. It’s also a paradise for food enthusiasts. We recommend taking on a food tour that will introduce you to the city’s diverse culinary landscape.

What we love most about this activity is that there is truly no budget that it won’t accommodate. You can head out on your own and go all out. Whether you’re craving ethnic dishes from a food truck all the way to farm-to-table creations, Los Angeles has it all.

Enjoy a Theme Park Day

And, of course, no visit to Los Angeles would be complete without exploring its world-famous theme parks, like Disneyland and Universal Studios. These attractions will fill your days with a little adventure, magic, and excitement.

To us, Los Angeles truly lives up to its reputation as the Entertainment Capital. It is one of the best places to visit in the winter in California for a multifaceted experience. 

Where to Stay: Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center

Warm Places to Visit in California in Winter 

9. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a real historic beauty by the sea. It has some comfortable mild winter weather that averages around 65° F. In fact, its Mediterranean climate often allows for sunbathing in January and February. 

The best spots to visit are the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse and Old Mission Santa Barbara. Both of these have some beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and plenty of history to share. 

Another great activity to do while visiting this charming place is to take a wine tour. The nearby Santa Ynez Wine Country is home to over 120 wineries. It’s also the largest American Viticultural Area in the county with the highest concentration of vineyards.

Santa Barbara also gets in the spirit of the holidays. Their annual Parade of Lights makes a splash on the water with costumed kayakers and paddleboarders, a tree lighting ceremony, and a boat parade.

The Old Mission Santa Barbara also hosts a delightful Holiday Sip ‘N’ Stroll event. This festive gathering is an event centered around the sampling of local wines and beers. The won’t be a dull moment in the charming town of Santa Barbara this winter. 

Where to Stay: La Playa Inn

10. San Jose

San Jose is the heart of the tech hub of Silicon Valley. It is home to Google, Apple, and Facebook – a geek’s paradise. A really fun attraction that we recommend for the whole family is visiting The Tech Interactive.

This tech and science center has hands-on activities and labs. We’ve loved visiting as adults, and it’s especially appealing to children too. 

Another more obscure attraction is the Winchester Mystery House. This amazing seven-story mansion has a very intriguing history. This was the home of Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, the widow of the rifle manufacturer William Wirt Winchester. 

People are really attracted to the oddity in the architecture of this house. The Maze-like rooms, rooms that lead nowhere, staircases that end in the ceiling, and doors that open into walls are quite literally a house of madness, but it’s super fun to tour and experience first-hand. 

If you like upscale shopping (or window shopping), you need to check out Santana Row. This high-end shopping village complex has a peaceful atmosphere among the hustle and bustle of this very busy city. The Row also hosts some really fun winter activities like the “Santana Snow Showers.”

If you want to continue shopping, there is also the massive Westfield Valley Fair Mall right across the road. Here, you can take your holiday shopping game to a whole new level; we won’t judge!

There are also tons of nearby cities with amazing museums and neighborhoods to check out here. To top it off, San Jose has an international airport that makes it very accessible to travel to this famed area. 

For those willing to travel a couple of hours out of town, we also recommend a visit to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for some amazing outdoor fun!

Where to Stay: Aloft San Jose Cupertino

Places to Visit in California in Winter to See Snow

11. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of our top winter places to visit in California. This place is one of those truly magical places that gives all year round.

In the summer, the lakes are beautiful, and there are so many things to do in South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe. We love to take a boat tour or go camping in Lake Tahoe during this time of year.

Fortunately, there is plenty to do here in the winter as well. You can fill those cold winter days with some action-packed day activities and cozy up at night. Sand Harbor is a lovely spot to visit year-round, and Lake Tahoe restaurants are some of the best around!

The sights are honestly a piece of art in themselves. The surrounding forests are adorned with pine and fir trees that are just waiting to be explored. This stunning alpine beauty also offers a range of winter activities that cater to everyone.

Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or simply seeking the charm of a cozy cabin retreat, Lake Tahoe has you covered. 

Winter Activities in Lake Tahoe

Ride a Gondola: The Gondola at Heavenly is a 2.5-mile ride from Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe to the top of the Sierra Nevada mountain. The ride takes about 15 minutes and stops midway at the Observation Deck viewing platform. This is a unique way to get some cool mountain views of Lake Tahoe. 

Hike: There are lots of hikes around Lake Tahoe, but make sure you come prepared for these. You will want to bring, at the very least, some spikes or crampons, and bringing hiking poles never hurts. Our choice would be to hike Eagle Lake Trail. This is a moderate out and back 1.8 mile pretty popular hike. 

Ice Skate: You can choose to go skating at the rinks of Northstar Village, Heavenly Village, or South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena. 

Snowshoe: If you have never tried it, you have to give snowshoeing a try. Yes, it is inherently harder to snowshoe than to simply walk, but what’s the fun in that?

The cheapest rentals we have found are at the Mountain Hardware & Sports Donner Pass location. They have snowshoes for men, women, and children. And at a day rental rate of $15 per pair (including poles), it is a super affordable winter activity.

Just make sure you return the equipment the same day you picked it up! Some easy trails to go on for beginners are the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail and the Donner Peak Trail. 

Go Tubing: If you are visiting this area with little ones, they will love this activity. Tubing at Tube Tahoe is one of the coolest experiences you and your kiddos will enjoy! Their tubing lanes are super long (over 500 feet in length), and the entrance offers unlimited rides! 

Where to Stay: Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa

12. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra. It’s a fantastic place for those who consider themselves to be winter sports enthusiasts. Its reputation as a winter sports paradise is well-earned. There is a large array of world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

The majestic Sierra Nevada mountains are just one of the few reasons you need to visit this beautiful area. These mountains make for the most stunning backdrop for your snowy adventures. Mammoth Lakes Basin is the hidden gem within this alpine wonderland. The frozen lakes and dense forests are a serene retreat.

Whether you’re a seasoned winter sports enthusiast or just looking for a tranquil escape, Mammoth Lakes delivers. 

Where to Stay: Tamarack Lodge and Resort

13. Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta is a serene winter destination with some beautiful snowscapes. Cool fact – it is actually a volcanic mountain. This place is ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. But if you’re looking for a calmer retreat, you can also just enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. 

If you are up for a little adventure, we recommend checking out the Three McCloud Falls. During the winter, these are only accessible via snowshoe as McCloud River Loop Road is closed from December 15 through March.

This region is one of Northern California’s fastest-growing vacation destinations, so don’t miss your chance. There are some luxurious resort retreats in this area if you’re looking to treat yourself.

To us, the snow-covered mountain landscape is a postcard-worthy setting that makes this one of the best places to visit in California in December. 

Where to Stay: Mount Shasta Resort

Romantic Places to Visit in California in Winter 

14. Napa

When it comes to romantic winter getaways, Napa reigns as a cherished destination. This town is celebrated for its exquisite wines and for having an intimate atmosphere. You can just imagine having a dreamy retreat with your loved one – surrounded by rolling vineyards and sipping fine wines. In Napa, love is in the air.

The Napa experience is one of sheer indulgence, one where you can savor some of the world’s most renowned wines. If you want to make the most out of your visit to this charming area, we recommend that you take a wine-tasting tour.

This tour offers round-trip transportation, visits to three wineries, and a picnic lunch. Trust us: if you want your vacation to be hassle-free, this takes care of it all. 

Gourmet dining is another highlight of a Napa visit. There are so many amazing romantic restaurant spots in this area. Many of these restaurants have beautiful scenic vineyard views that will have you swooning for each other. The hardest choice you’ll have to make is which ones to visit! 

If you’re looking for an extra special activity for a romantic escape in Napa, we have the perfect one for you. A hot-air balloon ride over the picturesque vineyards – the perfect romantic finale to this getaway.

Drifting above the valley with a bird’s-eye view of this enchanting landscape will become a moment to remember. Napa is truly one of the most romantic places to visit in Northern California in December. 

Where to Stay: Archer Hotel Napa

15. Carmel

Carmel, also known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a coastal town on California’s Monterey Peninsula. This charming town is a sought-after romantic destination, and for good reason. With its fairytale-like cottages, beautiful beaches, and thriving art galleries, this place sets the stage for an enchanting escape. 

If you’re looking to start a new day on the right foot, head over to the aptly named Lovers Point Park to watch the sunrise. All you have to do is take a beachside stroll hand-in-hand along Carmel’s beaches to get a romantic experience. 

However, if you are interested in more, this place offers more charm than you can imagine. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a great place for couples to enjoy some nature. There are hiking trails, walking trails, picnic tables, and even a whaling museum. 

The Sunset Center, a local performing arts center, has a lot of great showings for this winter season. Among these are the Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet, The Nutcracker, and a Mardi Gras Mambo. Carmel also has many venues for wine tasting. This is one of our favorite places to visit in California during winter for a romantic getaway. 

Where to Stay: Carmel Fireplace Inn

16. Calistoga

Nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Calistoga is another great location for a winter escape. This gorgeous city is known for its natural hot springs and geothermal pools.

We recommend trying out a mud bath, but there are also plenty of spa treatments out there. The Indian Springs Calistoga and the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs are two great locations to get your relaxing. 

To complement the rejuvenating hot spring experience, you can explore local wineries. Castello di Amorosa is the only authentic Italian Tuscan castle and winery built in America. Its name aptly translates to “castle of love” in Italian. 

This town has another natural hidden gem – The Petrified Forest. This forest is the only Pliocene petrified forest in California. The trees were petrified through the eruption of Mount St Helena. It also has the largest petrified trees in the world – the redwood giants. 

This town is great for those who need a  serene and intimate setting to unwind and reconnect with their partner. We also believe it’s one of the best places to visit in winter in California for a peaceful & rejuvenating retreat, so don’t miss out! 

Where to Stay: The Bergson

Cheapest Places to Visit in California in Winter 

17. Ojai

Ojai is an affordable getaway that has budget-friendly accommodations and charming small-town vibes. The Ojai Valley Trail is a wonderful place to explore. You should also pay a visit to Meditation Mount. This is one of the places to visit in Southern California during winter. 

The Ojai Valley Museum is a local museum where you can explore collections of local art, history, and culture. Another recommendation we have to make is to pay a visit to Bart’s Books.

This beautiful bookstore is actually the world’s largest outdoor bookstore. The bookstore was founded in 1964 by Richard Bartindale, and it started as a group of bookcases outside his home. Now, this place has over 150,000 books, and it is a book-lover’s paradise. 

You can also check out the Ojai Hot Springs. These hot springs are located at the base of Mount Merino on private property owned by the Ecotopia Foundation.

Just as a warning, the hot springs are clothing-optional. The foundation created the hot springs in an effort to create a nude destination while protecting nature and encouraging self-reflection. So, if you are brave enough, go ahead and bear it all! 

Where to Stay: Ojai Retreat & Inn

18. San Luis Obispo 

San Luis Obispo is a welcoming and economical location for exploring nearby attractions without sacrificing comfort. One of the attractions near San Luis Obispo is Morro Bay, a coastal gem known for its scenic beauty.

The Morro Rock State Natural Preserve is a great place to explore and witness the rugged grandeur of Morro Rock rising from the water. In our opinion, it’s a sight that captures the essence of California’s coastal charm.

If you’re in search of sandy shores, Pismo Beach is another nearby destination. This is a great beach to go on a stroll along the shoreline. Or perhaps, a bit of sunbathing as a way to spend a relaxed winter day. This is one of many great places to visit in winter in California. 

Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Morro Bay

19. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz has a relaxed beach town atmosphere and some budget-friendly accommodations. This lively coastal city is on the central coast of California. And is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers like ourselves. 

A highlight here is the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This is a historic amusement park right by the beach. Here, you can experience rides, fun attractions, and some classic boardwalk treats.

There are also a lot of great little restaurants nearby where you can go take lunch. For a special treat, you need to check out Marianne’s Ice Cream. We promise you will not be disappointed! 

Another place you cannot miss out on is Natural Bridges State Beach. This place is known for its stunning rock formations and the annual monarch butterfly migration.

The best time to see the butterflies is actually from mid-October to late January, so winter is the perfect time to visit! I don’t think we have to explain why Santa Cruz is one of the best cheap places in winter to visit California.

Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Winter Weather in California 

California’s winter weather varies depending on the region. The coastal areas tend to be mild and rainy, and the mountain areas get snowfall. Southern California has some very pleasant, warm winter temperatures. 

What to Wear in California in Winter 

Layer up! In coastal areas, a light jacket and sweater will likely be enough. However, in mountainous regions, you’ll want to pack warm clothing, including waterproof gear for snow activities.

FAQ: Places to Visit in California in Winter

Conclusion: Places to Visit in California in Winter

We hope that this has made you as excited as we are to explore more of this incredible state. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, the coast, or something in between, California has a place for you. 

We promise you won’t be disappointed. California offers a diverse winter experience that’s second to none. Pick out your top places to visit during winter in California and go embrace its winter magic. We hope you get to create some unforgettable memories in the Golden State!