Best Southern California Winter Vacation Ideas
Southern California offers winter getaways ranging from sunny beaches and desert resorts to snowy mountain towns.
You can find an array of activities and itineraries for a Southern California vacation, from star-studded adventures and theme park excursions to beachfront hotels and snowy mountain getaways. Here are a few options for your next Southern California Winter Vacation.
Southern California Winter Getaways at a Glance
| Destination | Best for | Winter highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Orange County | Families and beach vacations | Disneyland holidays, coastal walks and boat parades |
| Los Angeles | Entertainment and city breaks | Museums, Universal Studios and theater |
| Big Bear Lake | Mountain vacations | Skiing, snowboarding and seasonal tubing |
| Lake Arrowhead | Cozy retreats | Cabins, village shopping and seasonal snow |
| Palm Springs | Warm-weather escapes | Resorts, hiking and desert scenery |
| San Diego | Families and coastal vacations | Balboa Park, beaches and attractions |
| Mammoth Lakes | Extended ski trips | Skiing, snowboarding and winter recreation |
Winter planning: Holiday schedules, attraction availability, hotel amenities and snow conditions change. Confirm current offerings with the destination before booking.
Orange County
In Orange County, families and friends can enjoy scenic beaches with smaller crowds during winter months. Hotel prices vary by property and holiday dates; winter can offer attractive coastal stays outside peak travel periods. Explore hotel day-pass options separately from overnight room rates. Holiday boat parades make this area iconic during this season. Here are some of the best getaways in Orange County:
Disney Vacations
Orange County is home to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and a variety of other family attractions. During the winter, these theme parks feature festive lights and special programs. Disneyland is by far the most sought after family vacation experience in the area.
Disneyland Resort & California Adventure
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
The Happiest Place on Earth is in full swing during the holidays. Disneyland spares no expense with lights and decorations. For a full Disney Vacation Experience, stay at one of the surrounding resort hotels. Guests can choose from the classic Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. When planning your visit, check the official Disneyland website for current vacation packages, ticket options, hotel offers and any seasonal promotions. To round out your Disney Vacation, don't forget to include a character dining experience. The whole family will enjoy Disney-style dining with visits from all the favorites at locations like Goofy's Kitchen and Storyteller's Café.
Learn about Knott's Berry Farm and other Orange County Family Attractions.
Marriott Newport Coast Villas
23000 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, 92657
The Marriott Newport Coast Villas are perched atop a bluff where a panorama of recreational possibilities stretches out before you. This Tuscan-style enclave is surrounded by the Newport coastline and overlooks the exclusive Pelican Hill Golf Course, the Pacific Ocean, and with complete with views of Catalina Island. The 70-acre hillside site features 41 buildings with two bedrooms and two bathrooms in each unit. The villa grounds feature many on-site activities plus you're minutes away from exploring Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach.
Surf City Beach Vacations
Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA is one of the most visited destinations in Southern California. Vacationers can explore over two miles of city and state beaches with paved paths for walking or bike riding, volleyball courts, and bonfire pits. And most hotels offer surfboard and paddle board rentals for those who want to catch some waves, and beach cruisers for cruising in the cool ocean breeze. The Huntington Beach Pier is the perfect place for a stroll to take in the ocean air, watch the local surfers, and see views of Catalina Island. The sunsets here are definitely worth posting on Instagram. Pacific City offers shopping and dining near the beach. Main Street and 5th & PCH also have an almost endless supply of places to visit for shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Many locations are within walking distance from the hotels.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, California 92648
The Hyatt Regency Resort is an upscale hotel with many amenities and luxurious rooms. The Pacific Waters Spa is one of the most notable in the area. There are multiple pools and semi-private hot tubs on the grounds, including the ultra-popular Slyder's Water Playground which features three water slides. The Hyatt is pet-friendly and has five dining options including Watertable Restaurant, Pete's Sunset Grille, and Tower 15 Pizzeria.
Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel
500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
The Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel is a lifestyle boutique hotel located in Downtown Huntington Beach on 5th & PCH, just steps from all the nightlife, shopping, and dining that Main Street has to offer. Just across PCH visitors can stroll the Huntington Beach Pier and experience Surf City at its best. Guests can check out beach cruisers for an afternoon ride, enjoy fireside s'mores every evening, and soak in the coastal vibe. Shorebreak is a pet-friendly hotel.
Pasea Hotel & Spa
21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Paséa Hotel & Spa is located along Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, next to the shopping destination Pacific City. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations including pools with ocean views, a Balinese inspired Spa, an oceanfront lawn, fire pits, and more. Guests can take in the panoramic views and coastal sunsets at the rooftop bar, Treehouse Lounge, and enjoy delicious California cuisine at Tanner's. Pasea is a pet-friendly hotel and is within walking distance to the pier and downtown.
Waterfront Beach Resort Hilton
The Waterfront Beach Resort is a luxury beachfront hotel with guest rooms, dining and resort amenities. The Driftwood Beach Club and Huntington Pool are perfect for soaking in the California sun and the newly added waterslides are perfect for families. Guests have access to a kids club, cabana rentals, beach butler service, and the new Drift Spa. Drinks and dining are top notch here at the Boardwalk Restaurant, the Dock Bar, and the new rooftop lounge, Offshore 9 which offers panoramic ocean views, specialty cocktails, and small plates. The Waterfront Beach Resort is a pet-friendly hotel and is steps from the Surf City sand.
Other Beach Getaways
Hotel La Casa Del Camino
1289 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Hotel La Casa Del Camino is a historic Spanish-style hotel that was frequented by Hollywood stars during the Golden Age. Now featuring modern, coastal-inspired décor, the hotel offers a variety of amenities for guests and is within walking distance to the beach. Just a few blocks away, visitors can stroll through the art galleries and browse the shops or head to Heisler Park, one of the most popular destinations in Laguna Beach. A free trolley service is available so guests can explore all that Laguna Beach has to offer without ever having to search for a parking spot.
Montage Laguna Beach
30801 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
If you're looking for a luxury beach vacation, the Montage Laguna Beach is about as close as you're going to get. This upscale luxury resort is perched on the bluffs of Orange County overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Dining venues and menus at the resort may change; consult the hotel's official website for current restaurants and reservations. There are two pools for splashing in the sun, a 20,000 square foot spa for the ultimate experience in relaxation, and guests at the Montage are just steps from the beautiful sandy beach. The Montage Resort is centrally located to provide easy access to the many other activities the area has to offer including hiking, art galleries and museums, top-rated golf courses, and shopping.
Los Angeles County
If your idea of a grand vacation includes exploring the big city, Los Angeles - the entertainment capital of the world - has plenty to keep you busy. The city offers luxury hotels and state-of-the-art sports and events centers plus cinematic history around every corner. Spend the day at Universal Studios enjoying the tours and rides and get up close and personal with some of your favorite characters. Then immerse yourself in magic as you explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
For a star-studded adventure, you can purchase tickets for one of the many bus tours that show off celebrity homes. Later, take a stroll on the Walk of Fame where you can see the stars for hundreds of celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor and Shirley Temple to Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg. Also located near the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the Hollywood Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, El Capitan Theatre, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, and the shopping center Ovation Hollywood. A few blocks away, catch a legendary Broadway production at Pantages Theatre.
Visitors to Los Angeles may also enjoy exploring L.A. Live. Anchored by the Ritz Carlton and Marriott Hotels, L.A. Live offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options and is located near the Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, and the L.A. Convention Center. When visiting L.A. Live, don't miss the Conga Room and The Grammy Museum.
Options in L.A. are endless. For other ways to spend the day, consider reserving tickets to a live studio recording of a television show or escape the city with a visit to the Griffith Observatory and a hike near the Hollywood sign.
Where To Stay in L.A.
Courtyard by Marriott at L.A. Live
901 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Courtyard offers modern and sophisticated accommodations in the center of the action. Located just steps from L.A. Live, guests can enjoy a multitude of entertainment options with easy access to nearby museums, concert venues, and more.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Stay at this historic hotel frequented by the stars. The Roosevelt is located on Hollywood Boulevard just steps from the historic theatres and the Walk of Fame. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, exquisite dining, a game parlor with vintage bowling lanes, and a pool with a multi-million dollar David Hockney mural on the bottom.
Ritz Carlton Los Angeles
900 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Ritz offers the ultimate in luxury and style in the heart of L.A. Standing in the center of L.A. Live, guests have convenient access to Crypto.com Arena, nightlife, shopping, and dining. The rooftop pool offers panoramic views of the city. Check the hotel's current restaurant, lounge and spa offerings when planning your visit.
W Hollywood
6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Vacation in style at The W Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard, located across the street from the Hollywood Pantages Theatre and just steps from Ovation Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, and the many attractions of Hollywood. The W offers an upscale Hollywood stay; check current pool, dining and spa amenities directly with the hotel.
San Bernardino County
Big Bear
San Bernardino County is home to Big Bear Lake and when the snow falls, visitors can enjoy hitting the slopes at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit. Relax in one of the resort hotels or choose from one of the many cabin rentals available. If snow is minimal, visitors can enjoy other activities like hiking, fishing, boating, or browsing the shops in the downtown area. Animal lovers may want to pay a visit to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, and the Big Bear Discovery Center is a great place to explore all the adventurous options the area has to offer.
Big Bear Mountain Resort
Snow Summit - 880 Summit Blvd , Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Bear Mountain - 43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Find everything you need to plan your trip at Big Bear Mountain Resort, from lodging to mountain information. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit offer a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Lift tickets, lessons and rentals vary by mountain, date and product. Snow Summit typically offers night skiing on select scheduled dates; confirm availability and ticket terms before booking. For families interested in fitting in some snow play and tubing, check out the Grizzly Ridge Tube Park.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead offers a quieter mountain getaway with village shopping, cabin stays and scenic winter views. There are no major downhill ski resorts in Lake Arrowhead Village itself. But the resorts are not too far to get to. Snow Valley, Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Rim Nordic are the nearest destinations for skiing and snowboarding. Snow Valley is the closest, at just under 15 miles from the village.
If skiing and snowboarding isn't essential, there are plenty of other things to enjoy in Lake Arrowhead. Go shopping in the village, play in the snow, or relax around a cozy fire and sip hot cocoa. If you want to get out and have some fun with the kids, head to SkyPark at Santa's Village.
SkyPark is a family-oriented mountain adventure park with seasonal attractions, trails and special events. Winter activities and access to individual attractions vary by date, weather and operating schedule, so confirm the current offerings before visiting.
Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
Palm Springs is an appealing winter getaway for travelers who prefer sunshine to snow. Enjoy resort pools, midcentury architecture, downtown shopping, golf and desert hiking during generally milder daytime temperatures. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway climbs into the San Jacinto Mountains, where temperatures are much colder and snow is possible after winter storms. Check tram operations and mountain conditions before visiting.
Where to stay: Choose a downtown Palm Springs hotel for restaurants and walkability, or a resort in Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage or Indian Wells for pools, spas and golf. Winter weekends and holiday periods can be busy, so compare rates and cancellation terms.
San Diego Winter Getaways
San Diego offers a mild-weather winter escape with beaches, waterfront walks and family attractions. Spend time exploring Balboa Park and its museums, visit the San Diego Zoo, walk the La Jolla coastline or explore Coronado. Ocean temperatures are typically cool in winter, and occasional rain is possible.
Where to stay: Downtown and the waterfront are convenient for museums and dining; La Jolla and Coronado offer coastal accommodations. Check holiday attraction schedules and current hotel amenities before booking.
Mammoth Lakes Winter Vacations
For a longer snow-focused vacation, Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra offers skiing and snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain, plus seasonal tubing, winter scenery and mountain lodging. This is a substantially longer trip from Orange County or Los Angeles than Big Bear, and snowstorms can affect access.
Where to stay: Consider lodging in Mammoth Lakes or near the resort's village and shuttle connections. Check road closures, chain controls and the official mountain report before departure. For more ideas, see our California ski resort opening dates and best places to play in the snow guides.
Tips for Planning a Southern California Winter Vacation
Book holiday weekends early, but compare flexible cancellation policies and confirm whether advertised resort amenities are operating. Beach and desert destinations can be mild during the day and chilly at night; mountain destinations may require winter clothing and tire chains. Check Caltrans QuickMap for current highway conditions, and verify ski-area tickets, snow-play access and activity reservations before traveling. For seasonal coastal events, see our holiday boat parade guide.
