Growing up in California, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to explore every corner of this diverse state over my lifetime, visiting every single county.
What I love most about my home state are those perfect summer days we can sometimes get in February, to the snow-capped mountains of the Sierras. California has so much to offer, whether you’re seeking warmth, adventure, or simply a peaceful retreat.
These are some of the best things to see and places to visit in California during the winter from South to North.
1. San Diego
San Diego has some of the US’ most beautiful weather nearly year-round, making it an ideal winter escape. Since I have family there, I’ve been visiting for as long as I can remember, and even in November, you can still get warm days and enjoy the sandy beaches.
There’s also SO MUCH to do there. Learn to surf, go for a kayak, explore Balboa Park, or visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The Gaslamp Quarter offers vibrant nightlife, and don’t miss the annual December Nights at Balboa Park for a festive experience.
2. Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Anza Borrego Desert State Park is home to one of my favorite sunrises in California – Font’s Point. Since this is in the desert that covers 25% of the state, it’s best visited during the winter months as the summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees!
Although any time in winter is great, Anza-Borrego is best visited in March of a rainy year when the desert bloom transforms the landscape with vibrant wildflowers. Winter is perfect for hiking, with cooler temperatures allowing you to explore the vast desert terrain comfortably. The night sky here is also perfect for stargazing during a new moon.
Read my Anza Borrego guide for more on where to go, stay, and eat.
3. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is a winter wonderland for those who appreciate the stark beauty of the desert. The cooler temperatures are perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the unique Joshua Trees (read all my favorite things to do in Joshua Tree here).
The park’s serene environment and stunning sunsets are a must-see during the winter months, and it’s another great spot for stargazing. Plus, if your trip is short, it’s a 2-hour drive due east of Los Angeles and perfect for a weekend trip.
Twentynine Palms, the gateway to the National Park, is also a great spot to stay. It’s become a haven for unique accommodations like the Bird House.
4. Mojave Desert
If you’re down in the desert already visiting one of these other stunning locations, you can’t miss the Mojave desert, particularly the Kelso dunes. Personally, I’m in love with the California desert and implore you to do a whole road trip if you have the time (but don’t worry, we’ll get to beaches and forests too!)
Much of this area is going to require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but you can actually drive right up to the dunes in a Prius if you want to. There is free, dispersed, camping provided that you leave no trace
5. Disneyland
Having grown up just 15 minutes from Disneyland and holding a season pass for most of my life, I can attest that winter is one of the best times to visit.
Although mid-December onward can get busy, the decorations are up from November, so that week after Thanksgiving can be a sweet spot. By January and February, the holiday crowds have dissipated, and you can enjoy the park with shorter wait times. Just avoid it at all costs during Spring Break!
6. Laguna Beach
If you’re checking out Disneyland, stay in Orange County with some of the area’s best beaches, like Laguna and Newport Beach. I lived in Newport Beach for four years and can vouch, sometimes you get a random summer day in February.
While it will be too cold to swim, this is one of the prime times for surfing (with an 8m wetsuit!) and whale watching.
7. Chino Hills
I can’t believe I’m putting my hometown that I couldn’t wait to leave, but here we are.
I spent my whole life not knowing that Chino Hills State Park has one of the best super blooms in Southern California. If you’re visiting during a heavy rain year during February or March, particularly after a couple drought years, it’s worth stopping by for an easy hike (note that I’m on a trail we’ve hidden for the photo – PLEASE stay on trails only to preserve the future of the poppies!)
8. Santa Barbara
I went to university (UCSB) here and it’s still my favorite place in the world 65 countries later. There’s nothing like a place where the charming Spanish architecture perfectly frames the Pacific, where if you look for long enough, you’re almost guaranteed to see dolphins playing in the water.
This is a high end area (like, so high end that Oprah and the Duke and Dutchess live there) with gorgeous hotels to base out of that will be cheapest during the winter.
9. Death Valley
The hottest desert in the world is not the place to be in the middle of July, but it’s absolutely perfect for the winter months. This is my favorite National Park in California for the colors, and it’s the ideal time to go hiking in the Golden Canyon, take in a stunning sunset at Zabriskie Point, marvel at the colors of Artist’s Palette, and if you’re lucky, even see a wildflower bloom in the desert, which can happen from late February onward.
Be sure to check out the Badwater Basin as well, a unique geological feature at the lowest point in the US. Check out my Death Valley 48 hour itinerary that covers several landscapes including the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Artist’s Drive, Badwater Basin, and best places in Death Valley to camp.
The stargazing is also incredible, but remember to bundle up, because the temperature swing in the desert from day to night can be extreme, particularly in the winter. From Death Valley, you can have an amazing road trip up the 395 freeway into the snowy Sierras.
10. Alabama Hills
The Alabama Hills is a quick pitstop off the 395, which you might find yourself on if you’re leaving Death Valley. This is a must-see IMO, with free dispersed camping, provided you leave no trace, and some of the coolest rock formations in the state.
There are a few arches, one of which even frames Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48. It still blows my mind that one can easily drive from the Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the US, to the base of Mount Whitney in the span of a few hours.
11. Mammoth
If you’re heading up the 395 on your way to Lake Tahoe (which we’ll talk about soon!), you’ll pass by Mammoth and its many hot springs.
Mammoth is a ski town, but there is SO much to do in Mammoth that isn’t skiing. It’s got a wealth of hot springs, Hot Creek Geological Site pictured above, plenty of snowshoeing, and Convict Lake, which is stunning. From there, you’ll pass by Mono Lake on your way north, which is a must-stop if it’s a calm day, when the water turns into a looking glass.
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12. Yosemite
Since we’re talking about the Sierras, we have to talk about how Yosemite turns into a winter wonderland when it snows! Many of the usual trails, like the Bridalveil Fall and Lower Yosemite Fall trails, are still as easily accessible, mainly because they’re flat; other trails, like the road to Glacier Point, turn into fantastic Nordic skiing or snowshoeing opportunities.
There’s also snowshoeing to Dewey Point from the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area. There’s a free shuttle from the valley, and a snowshoe and ski rental place at the top. You can read more about this and the other winter activities in Yosemite here.
Keep in mind that the Tioga Pass, which is a great way to access Yosemite in the summertime, will be closed if it has snowed, cutting off access from the 395.
If you visit Yosemite, check out Sequoia National Park as well, especially if it’s snowy!
13. Big Sur
Heading back to the coast, it’s time to cross from Southern into Northern California on Pacific Coast Highway with a visit to Big Sur. Artists and poets have long been enchanted by this narrow stretch of coastline full of Redwood trees and lovely state parks. I’m a fan of Julia Pfeiffer Burns, particularly the purple sand beach – yes it’s really purple!
The coastal cliffs and the Pacific Ocean create a breathtaking backdrop, and the winter months bring fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. Visit McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and enjoy the scenic drive along Highway 1 without the summer crowds.
What many people don’t realize is California experiences its spring in late February to early March, so you can get gloriously sunny days, and the best chances of wild flowers.
15. Napa/Sonoma
Napa and Sonoma are indeed two different areas, but they are known for the same thing – wine.
Napa is higher end and you’ll open your wallet more there, but it’s also home to some of the region’s most famous wineries. Though the area is more beautiful with leaves on the vines, this is another spot that you’ll pay less to visit in the winter.
16. Mendocino
Mendocino is one of my hands-down favorite places in California. Rugged coastline and the charming small-town feel makes Mendocino and the surrounding area, like Fort Bragg with its glass beach, a perfect winter retreat.
I’ve visited four times in winter, and each experience was magical. The foggy mornings and stormy seas are enchanting, and the cozy luxury inns provide a warm escape from the chilly weather. I’ve also had warm days there that felt like summer, and some of the best sunsets of my life.
This is a high end area, so prepare to spend more while you’re here, but if you have the funds I highly recommend Newport Ranch Inn or Sacred Rock, two of the most romantic places to stay in California.
17. Point Reyes
I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest Bay Area fan, but I DO love Point Reyes, just north of San Francisco. It’s home to the Cypress tree tunnel pictured above, a famous lighthouse, a charming town, and a gorgeous national seashore.
This is a great spot to peep elephant seals and stay in cute boutique inns.
18. Santa Cruz
While the city of Santa Cruz isn’t my favorite, it’s the surrounding areas that make me swoon. Big Basin State Park is nearby with some of the largest Coastal Redwood groves in the area — the tallest tree in the world.
There are also plenty of rural beaches with stunning rock formations.
19. Lake Tahoe
Due east, Lake Tahoe is where I now call home, and you don’t need me to tell you it’s stunning in the winter. The largest alpine lake in North America, we lovingly call it the alpine Carribbean. Truly, the water looks like it was imported from the Bahamas.
There’s plenty to do in Lake Tahoe in the winter even if you don’t ski. It’s actually one of my favorite times to visit the beaches, which will be empty of people. Sure, it’s not swimming time, but truthfully that water never gets much above frigid anyways, even during a Tahoe summer!
Many people base out of South Lake Tahoe, but the northern part near Tahoe City and King’s Beach is also lovely.
READ NEXT: 10 amazing things to do in Northern California
20. Humboldt County
Though I hate to play favorites, this spot on the Northern California coast about two hours south of the Oregon border is one of the parts of California that I love the most — and it gets hardly any tourism! The beaches of the ‘lost coast’ in California’s Humboldt County are rugged and lovely, full of big boulders and waves, and there are Coastal Redwoods to walk through for days.
I’ve gone in the winter and in the warmer months and love it in every season. Fog is common in this part of the state, regardless of time of year, though.
nour says
Loved this post! So many great things
Very helpful for planning a trip
Sam says
I always read a personal horoscope before choosing a place to stay … never lets you down!