California’s perennial sunshine draws visitors to effortlessly discover an ideal retreat, especially during the winter, for water activities and other outdoor pursuits. Explore these destinations renowned for their distinctive hotels, attractions, and welcoming warm weather.

Cosy Winter Hotels

Established in 1854, Ukiah’s Vichy Springs Resort is a unique historic hot springs resort only two hours north of downtown San Francisco. In addition to its rich history, Vichy Springs Resort presents a unique blend of relaxation and recreation, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the tranquilly of the countryside. In North America, Vichy Springs offers the only naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths. The room and cottage rates include full use of the mineral baths, a hot soaking pool, an Olympic-size swimming pool (in season), and a 700-acre private reserve for walking and hiking. Just a short 10-minute drive away, the vibrant restaurants and downtown shopping of Ukiah offer a delightful extension to the resort’s serene ambience.

From the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s lavish renovations to the seaside allure of San Diego’s seaside resorts, there is a diverse array of options to suit every traveller’s taste. The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Kona Kai Resort, and L’Auberge Del Mar promise distinctive experiences, from breathtaking bay views to upscale poolside relaxation.

For those seeking a unique desert adventure, AutoCamp Joshua Tree beckons with custom Airstream suites and amenities, providing an exceptional stay just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. The Presidio of San Francisco offers a “Green Christmas” with mild weather, diverse indoor and outdoor activities, and a mix of new and old restaurants serving seasonal menus and holiday cheer.

Further south, the iconic Balboa Bay Resort along Newport Beach’s Pacific Coast Highway provides a warm winter destination. Balboa Bay Spa, the Tequila Bar, and the flagship restaurant A+O offer indulgent experiences against the backdrop of yacht-covered sparkling waters.

The Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero offers a dynamic city connection with breathtaking views, while the Half Moon Bay Lodge, situated 28 miles south of San Francisco, is a coastal retreat with updated guest rooms and picturesque outdoor spaces.

Completing this ensemble of exquisite retreats is The Lodge at Sonoma, showcasing 182 redesigned accommodations, distinct culinary concepts, and rejuvenating spa treatments. With these diverse offerings, the allure of California’s winter escapes lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the unique experiences awaiting those who venture to explore its historical and contemporary retreats.

Winter Attractions and Events

California’s winter beckons with a myriad of attractions and events, from almond blossom cruises and whale watching to luxury spa retreats and picturesque coastal experiences:

1. Modesto’s Almond Blossom Cruise: Starting in February 2024 to mid-March, the almond blossoms on the outskirts of Modesto burst into full bloom, giving travellers a chance to see miles of blooms as a lesser-known alternative to cherry blossoms. Listen to the Almond Blossom Cruise while exploring the rolling hills and learn the essential role of the Central Valley’s agricultural system, plus stop for famous almond butter milkshakes at Robert’s Ferry Gourmet.
2. West Hollywood’s Social Wellness Club: Recover from the winter slopes on West Hollywood’s famous Sunset Strip, perched on the edge of the hills, with pampering spas and trendy rooftop pools. The world’s first social wellness club, Remedy Place, welcomes visitors for one-off recovery treatments like hyperbaric chambers, infrared saunas, Vitamin C rinses, IV treatments, and custom chiropractic or stretching.
3. Winter Nature Sightings in Oceanside: From November to April, the waters around Oceanside become a prime location for spotting migrating whales, adding an extra layer of wonder to a visit. A top 12 destination for wintering birds, Oceanside is a winter haven for bird enthusiasts who can enjoy guided excursions through the Buena Vista Audubon.

Winter Destinations

As winter unveils its charm, California beckons with a variety of enchanting escapes, each offering a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty.

1. Winter Bliss in St. Helena Napa Valley: St. Helena, Napa Valley, welcomes winter with an unforgettable retreat. Dine in The Charter Oak’s yurts for a rustic gastronomic experience, or indulge in ultimate rejuvenation at the Forbes five-star Spa at Meadowood. Explore Brasswood’s extensive wine caves and visit St. Helena’s Historic Shopping District for luxurious boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.
2. Sunny Respite and Water Adventures in Long Beach: Long Beach, with its warm December and January temperatures, transforms into an ideal winter escape. Rent jet skis for Alamitos Bay exploration, cruise around Naples Island on a Duffy boat, or venture on a day trip to Catalina Island. Major hotels like Hyatt Centric and Hotel Maya provide inviting pools and private beach areas.
3. Opulence in Every Season: Beverly Hills, renowned for year-round clear skies and manicured streets, boasts more 5-star hotels per square mile than any other U.S. city. Legendary establishments like the Beverly Wilshire and The Beverly Hills Hotel offer festive holiday décor. Rooftop pool decks, including those at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, provide panoramic views. New culinary delights, such as Dante and La Dolce Vita, enhance the city’s allure.
4. Hiking Wonderland in Pacifica: With over 100 miles of trails, Pacifica invites exploration even in the winter. Enjoy Mori Point for coastline views, San Pedro Valley Park for hiking trails, and the seasonal Brooks Waterfall. The city offers a haven for hiking enthusiasts with varying skill levels.
5. Coastal Tranquility in Carlsbad: Carlsbad welcomes winter with a mix of warm sun during the day and cool, crisp air in the evening. Explore pristine beaches, untouched natural bluffs, and hiking trails with breathtaking views. Resorts in the city offer accommodations with panoramic views of the surrounding beauty.
6. Winter Escape to Santa Monica: Santa Monica promises a blend of warm sunsets, mild temperatures, and exciting activities. From the iconic Santa Monica Pier to Palisades Park, the city offers a wealth of sights and events. With 3.5 miles of coastline and gentle waves, Santa Monica’s beaches are perfect for beginners. Skiing in the mountains is just a four-hour drive away.
7. SLO CAL’s Warm Beaches: SLO CAL, situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco, combines icy blue shores with warm sandy beaches. Experience the winter perfection of SLO CAL, where charming beaches like Avila Beach and Morro Bay offer serene and picturesque settings.
8. Winter Wine Tasting and Outdoor Adventures in Temecula: Temecula Valley offers outdoor activities year-round, including hot air ballooning, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, and biking. A winter wine-tasting tour provides a delightful opportunity to savour wines while enjoying stunning views. Explore Old Town for historic charm, boutique shops, and exceptional dining.
9. Quince Summer in Pismo Beach: Experience “Quince Summer” in Pismo Beach, a harvest-themed alternative to Indian Summer. With warm and mild days, the season offers affordable accommodations. Pequín Coastal Cocina at Vespera Resort provides fireside comfort with scenic views. Water sports like kayaking and surfing can be enjoyed amid rolling hills, orchards, and wineries.
10. Whale and Dolphin Watching in Dana Point: Dana Point, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital, offers year-round access to marine life. From sandy beaches to whale-watching excursions, visitors can immerse themselves in outdoor exploration. Gray whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Orcas can be spotted from the shores and with local outfitters.
11. Monterey County Winter Respite: Monterey County welcomes winter with a unique charm. Enjoy a white Christmas at Carmel Beach and explore outdoor adventures like hiking in Pinnacles National Park or cruising through Moss Landing’s Elkhorn Slough. The region’s temperate climate makes it an ideal coastal holiday destination.