If you are looking for a beautiful getaway, then California is the best option for you. From beautiful and clean beaches, dense deserts, and snow-capped mountains to amazing shopping options, California has everything for you all. Also known as Golden State, California in winter, becomes much more beautiful and serene.

If you are fun loving and adventurous kinda person, then California is the perfect place for you to explore. The incredible beautiful places in California have attracted tourists worldwide, now it’s your turn to explore this golden state. 

Here’s a list of insanely beautiful places to visit in California to make your vacation more adventurous, interesting, and memorable.

• Solvang
• Los Angeles
• Big bear
• Palm springs
• San Diego
• Death Valley National Park
• Lake Tahoe
• Bishop
• San Francisco
• Yosemite National Park
• Mammoth Lakes

Solvang

Located in Southern California, Solvang is a charming city and you should definitely include it in your travel list. It is also known as ‘The Danish Capital of America’. From visiting museums, and mouthwatering pastries to a variety of wines, Solvang is a must to add to your visit list.

The center of attraction is Julefest, a festival during which the city is decorated beautifully. It runs from the end of November to December. In this, there is a tree lighting ceremony, just parade, a market, a Christmas tree burn, and much more.

Sightseeing attractions in Solvang

• Julefest
• Old Mission Santa Ines
• Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
• Sunny fields Park
• Rideau Vineyard

Things to do in Solvang

• Taste the different types of local wines in this Golden State
• Shopping
• Exploring architecture
• Enjoying mouthwatering Danish cuisines and pastries
• Olive oil tastings
• Hiking
• Windmills

Los Angeles

LA in December tends to have cool and cold weather. If you want to explore this city then December is a great time. Taking walking tours would be great at this time as the weather is enjoyable for exploring downtown or Hollywood. Bus tours are a great way to get around the city. One of the most interesting things to do in LA is to go to LA’s zoo with family and kids and watch it come alive with thousands of twinkling lights first annual zoo light celebrations. For more illuminations check out Grands Park Winter Glow or lanterns festival.

Universal Studios is the biggest attraction in LA. Hollywood Christmas Parade is also the favorite thing to do. For a unique experience, one should also attend a free holiday boat parade.

Sightseeing attractions in LA

• Griffith Observatory
• Universal studios Hollywood
• Los Angeles zoo
• Descanso Gardens
• Disneyland Park

Things to do in LA

• Big bus tour
• Enjoying the winter sunset
• Catching the stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Sightseeing at Griffith Observatory
• Hiking at Angeles National Forest 

Big Bear

Big Bear is a small city in Southern California. If one is fond of skiing, hiking, mountain biking etc. then Big Bear Lake is the best place for one to visit. Snow-capped mountains are the beauty of this place. This place is extremely famous among locals as well as tourists.

Sightseeing attractions in Big Bear

• Big Bear Alpine Zoo
• Snow Summit
• Big Bear Discovery Centre
• Boulder Bay Park
• Bear Mountain

Top things to do in Big Bear Lake

• Skiing
• Tubing
• Alpine sliding 
• Snowshoeing
• Visiting Skypark

Palm springs

Palm Springs, California, is one of the great winter getaways. The name Palm Springs comes from the spring found in the desert and where there is water,there are palm trees. Palm Springs is like a moody desert spa with luxurious cocktails and pools. All around there are shops, restaurants, blue skys, mountains and lots of lots of palm trees.

Sightseeing attractions in Palm Springs

• Palm Springs Air Museum
• Palm Canyon
• Palm Springs Art Museum
• Coachella Valley Preserve
• Moortens Botanical Gardens and Cactarium

Top things to do in Palm Springs

• Explore the desert, cactus, Joshua trees
• Pool party
• Play golf
• Palm Springs Village fest
• Spa time

San Diego 

San Diego is one of the best winter destinations. Sunsets in San Diego makes winter more special and memorable. Christmas at this place is very special. There are many interesting activities like Surfing Santa pictures in Seaport village, ice skating on the beach, etc. The views here are spectacular and needs to be here in your California Bucket list.

Sightseeing attractions in San Diego

• San Diego zoo
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
• Balboa Park
• Cabrillo National Monument 
• Mission Beach Park

Things to do in San Diego

• Whale watching
• Watch the San Diego parade of lights
• Enjoy winter sunsets
• Ice skating by the sea
• Visit old town

Death Valley National Park

This park is the hottest and driest region with typical temperatures ranging from 45°to 50° C. But in winter, the weather becomes pleasant here. From towering mountains to barren salt flats and shifting sand dunes, there is something to explore in this unique destination.

Sightseeing attractions in Death Valley National Park

• Zabriskie Point
• Mesquite flat sand dunes
• Telescope peak
• Dante view
• Badwater Basin

Top things to do in Death Valley National Park

• Watching the sunrise at Zabriskie Point
• Watching the sunset from Dante’s peak
• Ghost towns
• Walking inside Mosaic Canyon
• Drive just off Badwater Road

Lake Tahoe

Known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding and numerous ski resorts, Lake Tahoe is a great destination for visitors to California. In winter, Lake Tahoe turns into a wonderland, with mountains covered with snow and snow- snow everywhere. Lake Tahoe is truly a paradise in winter.

Sightseeing attractions in Lake Tahoe

• Emerald Bay
• South Lake Tahoe
• Northstar California Resort
• Sand Harbor
• Cave rock

Top things to do in Lake Tahoe

• Take a scenic drive around the lake
• Hiking in the mountains
• Go skiing or snowboarding
• Swimming in the Lake
• Fishing and boating 

Bishop

Bishop is the best place to visit in California in winter for outdoor adventures. From hiking, climbing to Benton Hot Springs, everything is available here to make your winter vacations more special. It has lots of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Sightseeing attractions in Bishop

• Bishop visitor centre
• Laws Railroad Museum
• Buttermilk country loop
• Long Lake
• Benton hot springs

Top things to do in Bishop

• Climbing rocks
• Hiking
• Warmup yourself in hot springs
• Visit the volcanic tablelands
• Enjoy beautiful Lake Sabrina

San Francisco 

One of the most beautiful places in California, and the weather is lovely and pleasant here. From exploring museums to art galleries to hiking, everything is available here. Here one can enjoy Christmas lights in Union Square and also learn about San Francisco’s history and culture by visiting Alcatraz.

Sightseeing attractions in San Francisco

• Golden Gate Bridge
• Alcatraz Island
• Golden Gate park
• Ferry Building
• Union Square

Top things to do in San Francisco

• Watching Christmas lighting ceremonies
• City bus tours
• Wine tasting
• Concerts and live music

Yosemite National Park

This park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls and mountains. It is a famous destination for tourists. One can go skiing, snowboarding, and hiking here.

Sightseeing attractions in Yosemite National Park

• Glacier Point
• Yosemite Falls
• Tunnel View
• Half dome
• Mist Trail

Top things to do in Yosemite National Park

• See famous viewpoints like tunnel view with Half Dome
• Walk among giant Sequoias 
• See black bears and other wildlife
• Explore Yosemite Trails
• Go camping 

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is like a paradise on earth in December, becoming the favorite destination for people. The snow-covered mountains, freezing cold, and natural hot springs make it much more beautiful.

Sightseeing attractions in Mammoth Lakes

• Mammoth Mountain Skii area
• Minaret Vista
• Crystal Lake trailhead
• Wild Willy hot springs

Top things to do in Mammoth Lake

• Bath at hot springs
• Snowshoeing
• Hot Creek Geological site
• Sledding
• Ride the Gondola