7 Best California Towns For A Winter Getaway
One of California's hallmarks is its warm weather and year-round sunshine. While the Golden State is known for its endless beaches, palm trees, and typical warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, the state is also home to many winter wonderlands. From California's northern mountains to the more southern Big Bear Lake, the state has no shortage of winter activities to enjoy. With a blend of coastal charm and mountain coziness, these small towns are the perfect place for visitors to enjoy all of California's spirit and the beauty of a wintery landscape. Regardless of whether you enjoy strolling through mountain communities or unique winter festivals, these towns are ideal for anyone who wants to add winter charm to their California travels.
Mammoth Lakes
Sitting in the middle of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mammoth Lakes makes the most of its unique location. Home to some of the best snow conditions in the country, the town is the go-to place for winter sports. The world-famous Mammoth Mountain is the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders to experience some of the best slopes around. With miles of snowshoe terrain and cross-country skiing, these mountains are accessible to a wide range of abilities and preferences. Regardless of the activity you choose, Mammoth's family-friendly events make it the best place to take in the winter season.
While Mammoth Lakes is home to the best snow sports, it's also home to plenty of more laid-back activities to enjoy. Willy's Hot Springs offers a spot to enjoy the mountainscape at a relaxed pace. For more dramatic winter views, the Panorama Gondola runs to the top of Mammoth Mountain, where you can snap a photo and have lunch at Eleven53 Café. After an exciting day, head down to the Village at Mammoth, where you can grab a drink at Mammoth Brewing Company and toast the winter season.
Truckee
Only 20 minutes from famed Lake Tahoe sits Truckee, a magical place for a winter wonderland escape with everything you need to embrace the season. Home to Northstar Resort, visitors can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling with trails and slopes for all levels and abilities. There is also ice skating, boutique shopping, and firepits scattered throughout the village to enhance your stay.
The town of Truckee itself offers plenty of downtown and relaxing activities for anyone to enjoy. Sip some delicious hot chocolate at one of the many local cafes, or pay a visit to the Truckee Railroad Museum to escape the cold. For more outdoor recreation beyond the resort, head to Truckee River Regional Park, where you can explore the trails and play a round of disc golf overlooking the river.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood is another town in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where winter comes alive. With its unique microclimate, Kirkwood offers a lengthy snow season, with winter conditions from November to April. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is the main attraction, offering everything from snowboarding lessons to parades during the winter season. Special events like Kirkwood Women's Weekend and The Vertical Drop, a ski competition and fundraising event, draw thousands of visitors to the community each year.
Like any small mountain town, The General Store offers visitors the chance to buy souvenirs and collectibles to remember their trip, in addition to staples and necessities. As Kirkwood Mountain Resort is home to most of the attractions and eateries you'll need during your stay, there is no shortage of places to explore. After skiing, rest at the K-Bar in the village or enjoy a meal on the slopes at Sunrise Grill. An ideal destination for true snow sport enthusiasts, Kirkwood has everything you need for an authentic winter getaway.
Bear Valley
Set inside the Stanislaus National Forest, Bear Valley knows how to celebrate winter. With a remote feel, Bear Valley comes alive when the snow falls, due in large part to the renowned Bear Valley Mountain Resort. The resort offers the typical snow sports, along with tubing, sledding, and cross-country skiing with Bear Valley Adventure Company. Because of its smaller population, Bear Valley also offers some of the most picturesque and unobstructed winter mountain views.
Although skiing and snowshoeing are the most common activities here, Bear Valley also has plenty of fun beyond the slopes. The downtown area offers cozy restaurants and local standouts like Sky High Pizza and Pub. In Bear Valley, slow and steady is key. With much to see and enjoy, this town is the epitome of a winter vacation.
Wrightwood
Just 77 miles outside of Los Angeles, Wrightwood is far enough from the city to make your winter getaway a reality. Wrightwood is home to Mountain High Resort, and although the resort offers everything from skiing to snowboarding, the town offers much more to do beyond the trails. Wrightwood Village has all the cozy community vibes you need to fully embrace the season. Here, the Wrightwood Certified Farmers' Market offers a chance to sample local produce and browse unique handcrafted items, and the Wrightwood Historical Society and Museum invites visitors to learn more about the town's history and culture.
Art lovers will also enjoy Wrightwood's creative side, with spaces like the Wrightwood Arts Center offering workshops and exhibits from local and regional artists in various media. As with any small town, Wrightwood has plenty of antique shops and boutiques, and after a long day of skiing or exploring, you can head to Evergreen Cafe & Racoon Saloon, one of the town's prized locations for comfort food in a casual, cozy setting.
Placerville
Founded during the Gold Rush era, Placerville is a historic town that knows how to handle winter. While only an hour away from Sierra-at-Tahoe for mountain sports, the real star in town is the Fountain and Tallman Museum, the oldest building on Main Street, which dates back to 1852. Originally, the museum was home to a soda factory, but it is now known as "the Biggest Little Museum in the West.” While on Main Street, take a trip to some of the local shops like Midnight Kin, which offers unique, natural, and handmade items.
History buffs can explore the Gold Bug Park and Mine. Here, visitors learn more about how the mine came to house gold and the process miners used to get it out. Afterward, grab a sweet treat at Sweetie Pie's or take a small drive outside of the city to one of the many vineyards in the region. Offering more than just winter sports, Placerville is steeped in history, and winter is the perfect season to explore it without the summer crowds.
Big Bear Lake
The town of Big Bear Lake is one of California's most charming winter escapes. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are two of the town's most iconic resorts, offering every type of winter sport imaginable, from tubing to snowboarding. For those looking to challenge themselves in true winter fashion, Big Bear Lake also hosts a polar bear plunge, where brave plungers can walk, run, or dive into the freezing water of the lake for charity. Although sports and physical activities are the most popular things to do in Big Bear Lake, there are also plenty of activities that don't call for fancy gear or nerves of steel.
Looking to relax and enjoy the winter season? The Village is home to all kinds of shops, boutiques, and entertainment options to fill your days. Locations like The Bowling Barn and Hollywood Studios at Santa Land are just a few indoor activities that offer fun for the whole family. Once you're ready to relax, Village Sports Bar is a comfortable and casual place to catch a game and grab a bite to eat.
California Dreamin' of a Winter Wonderland
California may be best known for its beaches and sunshine, but winter reveals a different kind of magic in its small mountain towns. From the powder-covered slopes of Mammoth Lakes to the cozy charm of Placerville’s historic streets, each destination offers a unique way to embrace the season. Whether you’re craving a peaceful mountain escape, festive downtown strolls, or days spent skiing under bluebird skies, these seven towns prove you don’t need to leave the Golden State to find a true winter wonderland.
