8 amazing things to do this winter in California

Winter in California is full of possibilities: It can mean cross-country skiing in Lake Tahoe or surfing in Dana Point. You might find yourself chasing after hidden gnomes in Solvang or watching a joyful boat parade in San Diego. The range of things to do in California in winter is as vast as the state itself.

From family-friendly activities in Los Angeles like open-air ice skating to jaw-dropping natural attractions like the Firefall in Yosemite National Park, find your favorite thing to do in this winter guide to California.

California's best winter activities at a glance

The top things to do for kids and families visiting California in winter: Ice skate in the open air in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, or watch the extraordinary floating Parade of Lights in San Diego.

Romantic winter spots for couples in California: Enjoy a quiet couples' retreat in scenic Dana Point or take a skiing holiday in scenic Lake Tahoe.

Unique winter events in California: Hunt for mischievous gnomes during Julefest in Solvang, or catch the spectacular Firefall in Yosemite National Park.

1. Ski in Lake Tahoe, NorCal's winter wonderland

North America's largest alpine lake, the breathtaking Lake Tahoe is a popular California getaway at any time of year. But when the snows arrive, the local towns and resorts transform into "winter wow" (in the local marketing parlance).

February is the peak of the November-to-April skiing season. North Lake Tahoe claims North America's largest concentration of ski resorts, with 11 downhill resorts clustered around the top end of the lake. On the south side of the lake, advanced skiers can enjoy some of the area's best lakeside views from Heavenly Mountain's famously steep Gunbarrel run.

And the lake itself is not just for summertime. A (heated) cruise on the clear blue waters, surrounded by snowy mountains, is one of the best things to do in California in winter.

Address

Lake Tahoe, California

2. Celebrate Julefest in Solvang

A 45-minute drive north from Santa Barbara takes you into the heart of Santa Ynez Valley wine country and to Solvang, California's most famous (and perhaps only) Danish village. The tiny town's windmills and Danish bakeries are a year-round attraction, but in December, Solvang goes all out for Julefest, a month-long Christmas celebration.

Julefest features a mix of daily activities — such as the nightly sound and light show in Solvang Park and the kid-friendly Nisser Adventure, a town-wide hunt for hidden gnomes — and special events like the weekly Maker's Market and the New Year's Eve Copenhagen Countdown. Plus, you're on the doorstep of some of California's best wineries.

Address

Solvang, California 93463

3. Hike Death Valley National Park in winter

As its name suggests, Death Valley National Park is a place to be taken seriously. In summer, temperatures can occasionally soar past 130 F (55 C), and you're well advised to steer clear. But in the winter months, average daily highs are in the 65–75 F range (18–24 C): warm and pleasant weather for hiking some of America's most striking desert landscapes.

Check out the Badwater Basin salt flats, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. It's the hottest place in the park in summer but an extraordinary area to explore during winter in California.

Address

Death Valley National Park, California

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Go ice skating in downtown Los Angeles

Surprisingly, sunny Los Angeles does very well for open-air ice skating in wintertime. You'll find rinks popping up all over the city and its surroundings, from West Hollywood and Santa Monica all the way to Irvine in Orange County.

For a heart-of-the-city ice skating experience, head to the Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink. Nestled in downtown Los Angeles, the rink is typically open from mid-November to mid-January. You'll be skating minutes away from iconic LA landmarks like the Angels Flight Railway. Throughout the season, Pershing Square stages themed skate nights, DJ events, and even the occasional curling session.

Address

532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours

Open daily

Peak opening hours (Friday, Saturday, and every day from mid-December to early January): 11:30 AM–11:00 PM

Off-peak hours (Sunday to Thursday outside peak season): 11:30 AM–9:30 PM

5. See the San Diego Parade of Lights

Join the 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors crowding viewpoints along San Diego Bay for a look at the Parade of Lights. This annual procession on the water has been delighting spectators for more than 50 years with a flotilla of roughly 80 boats, vividly festooned with lights, sailing from Shelter Island to the Coronado Ferry Landing.

Recommended viewing points include Harbor Island and the Embarcadero, but the top spot is arguably the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, the main judging point for the boats on parade. The parade typically runs on two Saturday nights in mid-December as part of the city's buildup to Christmas.

Address

1444 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92113

Opening hours

The parade typically runs from around 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

6. Catch the Firefall at Yosemite National Park

There aren't many naturally occurring phenomena in America's national parks that you need to make reservations to see, but to catch Yosemite National Park's spectacular Firefall on a mid-February weekend, the park requires you to book your place in advance. This is a testament to the immense popularity of the midwinter phenomenon at Horsetail Falls.

Sometime around mid-February, weather permitting, the sun shines on the falls during sunset, transforming the plunging water into a streak of glowing orange: A Firefall. Check the Yosemite National Park website for details about reservations and how to get the best Firefall viewing experience.

Address

Horsetail Falls, California 95389

Opening hours

Park open 24 hours; note that access to Horsetail Falls is limited on days when reservations are required.

7. Taste America's finest wines in San Francisco

The annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Tasting Competition has blossomed into the world's largest American wine competition, featuring more than 7,000 wines from hundreds of wineries around the United States. It's a huge February event for the American wine industry. And the public tasting that follows is an equally huge February event for the American wine lover.

Generally held at the waterfront Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, not far from Fisherman's Wharf, the public tasting event features the competition's 1,500 gold-medal-winning wines and select others. If you don't have time for a California winery tour, you'll have the opportunity to sample the finest wines in the state (and the country) in one winter afternoon in San Francisco.

Address

Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94109

Opening hours

Typical hours for the public tasting, 1:30–4:30 PM

8. Soak up the winter sun in Dana Point

No winter guide to California would be complete without noting that this is a state where you can bypass snow, sleet, and ice completely. If you're looking for a winter sun experience, head to SoCal coastal resort towns like Dana Point, roughly midway between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Winters here are mild, with average daily high temperatures rarely dipping below 66 F (19 C). That's hospitable weather for on-the-water activities like surfing (with a wetsuit, of course), sailing, and paddleboarding at Doheny State Beach, one of the most popular state beaches in California. When night falls and the temperatures dip, get cozy in one of the many restaurants in the city's historic Lantern District.

Address

Dana Point, California