I have loved highlighting my favorite travel destinations in every season in my home state of California. We've covered the best spring break destinations in California, California summer getaways, and best fall trips in the Golden State. And now it is finally time to tackle the fourth and final season - winter travel in California!
Whether you are looking to embrace the cold and head for a snow-covered mountain ski retreat or escape it somewhere subtropical, California offers a variety of travel destinations that work well for families. Here are my top family-friendly winter destinations in California:
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Best Winter Destinations in California
1. Lake Tahoe
With over a dozen ski resorts, Lake Tahoe is simply THE place to ski in California. The ski resorts range from the luxurious scenes of Palisades Tahoe (formerly known as Squaw Valley) and Northstar California Resort to the tiniest of ski hills perfect for teaching a younger kid to ski on the cheap.
Choose between North Lake or South Lake, as the lake area is vast and road conditions can be challenging when winter weather hits. Can't decide which resort is best for your family? Check out my complete comparison guide to every Lake Tahoe ski resort. For visitors not within driving distance, the Reno, Nevada airport is your best bet for easy access, although Sacramento can work well too.
Family-friendly hotel recommendations: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe (North Lake Tahoe) & Marriott Grand Residence Club (South Lake Tahoe)
For more Tahoe information, check out these related posts:
2. Palm Springs
Snowbirds looking to escape winter in California have long been flocking to sunny Palm Springs. And families should join that migration!
Palm Springs boasts average high temperatures of about 70 degrees even in the dead of winter. The area offers a multitude of activities for travelers with kids, from the Living Desert zoo to the coolest aviation museum my family has ever visited (and we've visited a lot). Get more ideas for your winter family getaway in my post on what to do in Palm Springs with kids.
Family-friendly hotel recommendation: Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
3. Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth is home to California's highest ski peak so it probably goes without saying that it is another fantastic ski and snow destination. Mammoth is not far from Yosemite, but winter road closures make it a bit of a challenge for Northern Californians to reach directly. As a result, it is more commonly visited by Southern California locals (see all the closest ski resorts to Los Angeles). Out of staters can fly directly into the nearby Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop on United Airlines which offers seasonal service from DEN and SFO.
Family-friendly hotel recommendation: Westin Monache Resort
4. San Diego
San Diego has made my list for many seasons of the year because it is truly blessed with weather that works just about any time. And there is just so much in the greater San Diego area for families to do!
Both Legoland California and Sea World have holiday decorations and special events in December worth a visit to get into the holiday spirit. The winter months (December through April) are also peak whale watching season in San Diego. Families can also enjoy a little beach time on nearby Coronado Island.
San Diego is a popular port in cooler months for cruises headed down to the Mexican Riviera. Many cruisers spend a day or two before or after a cruise to extend the fun.
Family-friendly hotel recommendation: Hotel del Coronado
5. Death Valley
Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Death Valley National Park. Not only is it not unbearably hot, but crowds are actually reasonable as well. Late fall, winter, and early spring are the only time of years where visitors are allowed to hike all day long so you can really make the most of your time during a visit. Otherwise, hiking is limited to early morning only due to the dangers of heat. The light in Death Valley is also breathtakingly beautiful during winter months, making for some of the best family photo opps.
Family-friendly hotel recommendation: The Inn at Death Valley
6. Napa & Sonoma
Like many popular California travel destinations, Napa and Sonoma wine country can sometimes suffer from being a bit too popular. The regions are teeming with weekend tourists during spring, summer, and early fall months.
Related: Complete Guide to Napa Valley Wine Country with Kids
Winter in wine country is much quieter, offering a chance to experience the small town charms that the area used to offer year round before it was "discovered." You still need to pack a jacket as you won't exactly find warm temperatures there, but the area is rarely frigid. (And after the devastating 2017 and 2020 wildfires, Napa and Sonoma need your business more than ever.)
Family-friendly hotel recommendations: Indian Springs Resort & Spa (Napa County) & Safari West (Sonoma County)
7. Mount Shasta
A snow-covered destination often overshadowed by the big names of Tahoe and Mammoth is Mount Shasta. Conveniently located along I-5 about an hour north of Redding, it has the advantage of offering a much less harrowing travel route when winter weather strikes.
Skiers and boarders will enjoy Mount Shasta Ski Park, a mid-size ski area that is a significantly cheaper option than Tahoe and Mammoth for teaching kids to ski. There's also snowshoeing trails, cross-country skiing, sledding, and tubing.
Family-friendly hotel recommendation: The Inn at Mount Shasta
8. Santa Barbara
Mild temperatures make the coastal town of Santa Barbara another good fit for families in winter. Kids will love the beaches, the world-class zoo, and the chance to see ocean life up close at the Museum of Natural History's Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. You can even squeeze in a bit of history on a trip by paying a visit to the well-known Santa Barbara Mission.
Family-friendly hotel recommendation: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
9. Monterey & Pacific Grove
You won't exactly find warmth on the Monterey peninsula, but the chill is more than made up for by the seasonal offerings of the area in winter. Pacific Grove is the winter resting place of thousands of migrating monarch butterflies, offering a rare chance to spot them up close. And another migration is happening out at sea - the whales!
If it gets too chilly, you can always retreat to the world class Monterey Bay Aquarium which is entirely indoors and is worthy of at least a half day visit. Don't miss my guide to Monterey with kids for more information and ideas for family trips in the area.
Family-friendly hotel recommendation: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
10. Yosemite National Park
Last but certainly not least is one of my family's favorite national parks, Yosemite. While my family adores Yosemite, we do not always adore the overcrowding that happens in the summer months. My complete guide to Yosemite National Park with kids has all the general tips for the park in any season for families but be sure to check out my guide to Yosemite in winter for all the specifics for December, January, or February visits.
Winter offers a totally different national park experience with lower crowds as well. Ski lovers can hit the slopes at Badger Pass Ski Area. The resort offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing. Hikers can usually still find opportunities to explore the Valley on foot, even in the snow. And if you want a less active vacation, nothing beats curling up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa at the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel (related: 7 bucket list worthy national park lodges).
Family-friendly hotel recommendation: The Ahwahnee Hotel
California’s Best Destinations in Every Season
Don’t miss my travel guides for every season in California:
- Best Spring Break Destinations in California for Families
- Best Summer Destinations in California for Families
- Best Fall Destinations in California for Families
- Best Winter Destinations in California for Families – YOU ARE HERE
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diana says
I hope they don't pick up dog sledding in Mt Shasta. Those poor dogs.
Martin says
would also fit well on https://www.SmartMoneyMatch.com
Bethany says
I agree, Diana.
jsm says
I noticed your posting about the 10 Amazing Winter Destinations in California for Families. However, I have one question. The picture posted at the top of the article is the Australian tram owned and operated by the SF Muni, but San Francisco is not one of the 10 destinations.
So why use a picture unconnected to the article?
Leslie Harvey says
Thanks for commenting - I don't see a photo of a SF Muni vehicle anywhere in the article or set as a featured or top image on this post. Maybe a temporary glitch? If you have a screenshot and can email me what you are seeing, I'd appreciate it. Because no, this article doesn't feature San Francisco in winter and if a photo of SF is showing that is in error!