Perhaps you want to see some of the state’s phenomenal deserts, but don’t want to risk the intense heat. Maybe you want to visit some popular spots, but without the summer crowds. Or it could be that you live in SoCal and just want to experience a quintessential white winter for a day. If any of these sounds like you, we’ve got you covered with these eight day trips in Southern California that are even better in the winter.
- Palm Springs, CA
MCCAIG/E+ via Getty Images Not only is Palm Springs a perfect day-trip escape from the cold and rain, but it also lets you explore a lot of fun history and architecture, as well as shopping and dining. One exciting adventure is the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which takes you from the mildly warm desert floor up to the snowy San Jacinto Mountains, with 360-degree views up the steep canyon. You can basically experience two seasons in one day! Palm Springs, CA, USA
- Catalina Island, CA
Matthew Micah Wright/The Image Bank via Getty Images This little island off the coast of Los Angeles County, and its quaint little beach town of Avalon, is generally thought of as a summer destination. However, during fall and winter, there are far fewer people, which gives it an even more laid-back vibe. There is much to do and explore on Catalina Island, and it only takes an hour to reach by ferry. Santa Catalina Island, California 90704, USA
- Whale Watching - Ventura, CA
Ventura Harbor/Facebook Winter brings the annual Gray Whale migration off the coast of Southern California. You can book a whale-watching excursion from Ventura Harbor Village and travel out near the Channel Islands, where you are likely to spot not only the awesome Gray Whales, but Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, and many other marine animals along the way. Ventura Harbor has a slew of restaurants and shops to enjoy before and after your boat trip. Ventura Harbor, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
- San Diego, CA
Philippe TURPIN/photononstop via Getty Images A trip to San Diego in winter is still a pretty well-kept secret. There is so much to do in San Diego, and it is so much more enjoyable during this season when the beaches are uncrowded, the days are clear and sunny, and the temperatures are perfect for walking outdoors. You can explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park’s amazing gardens and architecture, or a fun whale-watching trip. San Diego, CA, USA
- Big Bear Lake, CA
Mine Beyaz/Moment Collection via Getty Images If a white winter and snow play are what you are after, Southern California’s snowiest town is the wonderland to visit. Big Bear Lake has everything a winter getaway should offer - skiing, tubing, hiking, a snow-covered village full of shops and restaurants, and more, all against a backdrop of pine-forested mountains. Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
- Los Angeles, CA
Markus Walber/EyeEm via Getty Images If you are from somewhere other than SoCal, Los Angeles is a pleasant escape from the cold. If you are from the area, winter is a great time to play tourist for a day without the summer heat. Hike up to the Hollywood sign and visit Griffith Observatory for fantastic views over the city. Explore the areas of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or Malibu. And visit Grand Central Market downtown to get a taste of this city’s diverse cuisine. 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
- Anza-Borrego State Park, CA
shutterjack/RooM via Getty Images Another desert adventure that is better visited in the winter is Anza-Borrego State Park, as summer temps reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler weather makes desert hikes so much more enjoyable. The park’s Hellhole Canyon Trail takes you through the rocky landscape to the Hellhole Palm Oasis, and you may see Bighorn Sheep along the way. Be sure to go to Fonts Point and see the spectacular badlands! If you still have time and energy, there is also a very cool slot canyon hike a few miles outside the park.
- Kelso Dunes - Mojave Desert, CA
shanemcmurphyphotography/iStock via Getty Images Plus Late fall to early spring is the best time to visit. Once the temperatures begin to rise, it gets too hot to do anything in the desert, let alone climb the epic Kelso Dunes. These 600-foot high dunes cover 45 square miles of Mojave Desert and are unlike anything else you will experience. Kelso Dunes Trail, Baker, CA 92309, USA
The winter months in Southern California make some day trips even cooler. What is your favorite winter day trip? Have you experienced any of the ones on this list? We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments.
MCCAIG/E+ via Getty Images
Not only is Palm Springs a perfect day-trip escape from the cold and rain, but it also lets you explore a lot of fun history and architecture, as well as shopping and dining. One exciting adventure is the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which takes you from the mildly warm desert floor up to the snowy San Jacinto Mountains, with 360-degree views up the steep canyon. You can basically experience two seasons in one day!
Palm Springs, CA, USA
Matthew Micah Wright/The Image Bank via Getty Images
This little island off the coast of Los Angeles County, and its quaint little beach town of Avalon, is generally thought of as a summer destination. However, during fall and winter, there are far fewer people, which gives it an even more laid-back vibe. There is much to do and explore on Catalina Island, and it only takes an hour to reach by ferry.
Santa Catalina Island, California 90704, USA
Ventura Harbor/Facebook
Winter brings the annual Gray Whale migration off the coast of Southern California. You can book a whale-watching excursion from Ventura Harbor Village and travel out near the Channel Islands, where you are likely to spot not only the awesome Gray Whales, but Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, and many other marine animals along the way. Ventura Harbor has a slew of restaurants and shops to enjoy before and after your boat trip.
Ventura Harbor, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Philippe TURPIN/photononstop via Getty Images
A trip to San Diego in winter is still a pretty well-kept secret. There is so much to do in San Diego, and it is so much more enjoyable during this season when the beaches are uncrowded, the days are clear and sunny, and the temperatures are perfect for walking outdoors. You can explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park’s amazing gardens and architecture, or a fun whale-watching trip.
San Diego, CA, USA
Mine Beyaz/Moment Collection via Getty Images
If a white winter and snow play are what you are after, Southern California’s snowiest town is the wonderland to visit. Big Bear Lake has everything a winter getaway should offer - skiing, tubing, hiking, a snow-covered village full of shops and restaurants, and more, all against a backdrop of pine-forested mountains.
Big Bear Lake, CA, USA
Markus Walber/EyeEm via Getty Images
If you are from somewhere other than SoCal, Los Angeles is a pleasant escape from the cold. If you are from the area, winter is a great time to play tourist for a day without the summer heat. Hike up to the Hollywood sign and visit Griffith Observatory for fantastic views over the city. Explore the areas of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or Malibu. And visit Grand Central Market downtown to get a taste of this city’s diverse cuisine.
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
shutterjack/RooM via Getty Images
Another desert adventure that is better visited in the winter is Anza-Borrego State Park, as summer temps reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler weather makes desert hikes so much more enjoyable. The park’s Hellhole Canyon Trail takes you through the rocky landscape to the Hellhole Palm Oasis, and you may see Bighorn Sheep along the way. Be sure to go to Fonts Point and see the spectacular badlands! If you still have time and energy, there is also a very cool slot canyon hike a few miles outside the park.
shanemcmurphyphotography/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Late fall to early spring is the best time to visit. Once the temperatures begin to rise, it gets too hot to do anything in the desert, let alone climb the epic Kelso Dunes. These 600-foot high dunes cover 45 square miles of Mojave Desert and are unlike anything else you will experience.
Kelso Dunes Trail, Baker, CA 92309, USA
Wondering about winter travel essentials in SoCal? Even though we’re lucky that it doesn’t get too cold, it’s still good to be prepared!
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