24 BEST CALIFORNIA WINTER VACATIONS

DOTTED GLOBE

Winter in California has its own beauty:  The crisp air, the crunchy snow under your feet, the deep blue skies above –  ...it all beckons you!

1

SAN FRANCISCO

December is our favorite time to visit San Francisco for all the holiday activities.

See the Christmas tree in Union Square, drink hot chocolate at Ghirardelli Square, and see the beautiful lights all over downtown!

2

YOSEMITE

Enjoy the national park’s fantastic views in the winter months with fewer crowds!

The scenery of this national park is just breathtaking in all seasons, but in December and January you’ll be able to witness the snow capped mountains that surround the picturesque Yosemite Valley.

BADGER PASS SKI AREA

3

los angeles

No list of best places to visit in December in California can be complete without Los Angeles: the City of Angels.

Visit the Hollywood sign. Enjoy the thrill rides at the Santa Monica pier. Take in the view from Griffith Observatory. Tour the museums on Miracle Mile. Los Angeles winter getaway is always fabulous!

From the beach towns of San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara ....to.... the snow capped mountains of Tahoe,  there’s something for everyone in California!

4

lake tahoe

If you want to get into the holiday spirit, there’s no better way than to visit Lake Tahoe in northern California.

With snow-covered trees, icy mountain peaks, and sparkling lakes, it’s a winter wonderland that leaves all enchanted. Visitors can enjoy activities such as skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding on frozen lakes, or simply take in all of the beauty of the area.

5

big sur

If you are visiting the Central Coast and want to explore its wilderness, then this is the place for you.

You will find pretty beaches, waterfalls, sea caves, sea stacks, redwoods, hiking trails, and marine life sightings including gray whale, seal, and sea otter in Big Sur.

The best way to explore this area is by taking a drive on Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway, as it winds along the coast and offers spectacular views of both land and sea.

6

death valley

Located near the California-Nevada border, Death Valley is famous for its desolate landscapes and spectacular scenery.

It is the largest national park America and covered by salt flats, sand dunes, mountains, valleys and dry lake beds. Death Valley is also one of the hottest places in the world. Winter is an ideal time to explore Death Valley without the intense heat.

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