10 Best Places To Travel To In December 2024

Best Places to Travel to in December in California

California is a treasure trove of various landscapes, colourful cities, and unique studies, making it a great vacation spot yr-spherical. However, December brings its very own unique magic, with festive celebrations, iciness activities, and the beauty of fewer crowds. Whether you are dreaming of snowy mountains or sunny beaches, California has some thing for anyone. Let’s discover the fine locations to tour to in December in California to make your winter vacation unforgettable.

1. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the excellent places to travel to in December in California. This beautiful alpine lake, located at the border of California and Nevada, transforms into a winter wonderland, imparting international-elegance ski motels, snow-protected landscapes, and a comfortable alpine surroundings.

Activities:

Skiing and Snowboarding: Experience the joys of sparkling powder at hotels like Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and North star.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Traverse tranquil forests and admire the serene beauty of the snowy landscape.

Ice Skating: Glide across out of doors rinks at Heavenly Village and North star.

Scenic Gondola Rides: Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

2. San Francisco

San Francisco is some other one of the best places to travel to in December in California. The city lighting fixtures up with vacation cheer, offering festive decorations, seasonal events, and a vibrant cultural scene. Although it does not snow in San Francisco, the city’s charm and sports provide plenty of warmth.

Activities:

Holiday Lights Tour: Stroll via fantastically lit neighborhoods like Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Ice Skating: Enjoy skating at seasonal rinks at Union Square and Embarcadero Center.

Holiday Shows: Attend performances like “The Nutcracker” through the San Francisco Ballet.

Exploratorium’s Holiday Activities: Participate in interactive vacation reveals at this renowned science museum.

3. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel to in December in California. The park’s awe-inspiring granite cliffs, majestic sequoias, and pristine desolate tract are even greater enthralling with a blanket of snow. While some regions may be closed due to snow, there are nevertheless masses of sports to enjoy.

Activities:

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking: Explore the serene, snowy trails and experience the winter surroundings.

Ice Skating: Skate at the Curry Village Ice Rink surrounded with the aid of the beautiful Yosemite Valley.

Photography: Capture the splendor of Yosemite’s iciness landscapes, including landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan.

Yosemite Winter Club: Join in winter sports sports and occasions organized via this historic club.

4. Palm Springs

For the ones seeking warmer climate, Palm Springs is one of the best places to travel to in December in California. This wilderness oasis offers sunny skies, steeply-priced lodges, and a laid-lower back atmosphere, making it an excellent destination for relaxation.

Activities:

Spa Day: Unwind at one in all Palm Springs’ international-class spas and wellness facilities.

Golfing: Play a spherical of golf at one of the place’s picturesque guides.

Shopping: Explore chic boutiques and stores along Palm Canyon Drive.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ride to the top of Mt. San Jacinto for beautiful perspectives and a danger to enjoy snow inside the wilderness.

5. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is some other one of the best places to travel to in December in California, especially for wine enthusiasts. The vineyards are less crowded inside the iciness, bearing in mind a more intimate and relaxed experience. The cool, crisp weather is ideal for playing the location’s renowned wines.

Activities:

Wine Tasting: Visit a number of Napa Valley’s international-well-known wineries and pattern their high-quality wines.

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take in a chook’s-eye view of picturesque vineyards and rolling hills.

Dining: Savor gourmand food at Napa Valley’s acclaimed eating places.

Holiday Events: Participate in festive occasions, consisting of the Napa Valley Wine Train’s Santa Trains and holiday light presentations.

6. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a mountain getaway that ranks most of the best places to travel to in December in California. Located inside the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear gives a variety of iciness sports and a relaxed alpine atmosphere.

Activities:

Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit.

Snow Tubing: Enjoy the fun of sliding down the snow-blanketed hills at tubing parks.

Holiday Shopping: Browse fascinating shops in Big Bear Village for particular presents and souvenirs.

Winter Hiking: Explore scenic trails via snowy forests.

7. Los Angeles

Los Angeles, with its mild iciness weather and colourful entertainment scene, is one of the best places to travel to in December in California. The city gives a numerous range of activities and points of interest to match all interests.

Activities:

Holiday Events: Attend vacation parades, light displays, and festive activities throughout the city.

Theme Parks: Experience the magic of Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, both presenting unique excursion decorations and activities.

Beaches: Visit iconic seashores like Santa Monica and Malibu for a relaxing day via the ocean.

Cultural Attractions: Explore global-elegance museums including the Getty Center and LACMA.

8. San Diego

San Diego, regarded for its stunning seashores and own family-pleasant attractions, is every other one of the best places to travel to in December in California. The metropolis’s fine weather and festive sports make it a super destination for a wintry weather excursion. And you can also check the best places to trave in February as well.

Activities:

Holiday Lights on the Zoo: Visit the San Diego Zoo for their annual Jungle Bells occasion, presenting vacation lighting fixtures, song, and enjoyment.

Balboa Park December Nights: Enjoy vacation lighting, performances, and food at this festive occasion in Balboa Park.

Beach Day: Spend a sunny day at La Jolla Cove or Coronado Beach.

Old Town San Diego: Explore the historical place with festive decorations and events

9. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “American Riviera,” is one of the great places to travel to in December in California for a mix of coastal splendor and cultural stories. The town’s Mediterranean-style architecture and slight wintry weather weather make it a delightful destination.

Activities:

Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries and tasting rooms inside the Santa Ynez Valley.

Beach Walks: Stroll along the scenic coastline and revel in ocean views.

Historic Sites: Explore landmarks like the Old Mission Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

Festive Events: Join excursion events just like the Parade of Lights on the harbor.

10. Death Valley National Park

For a really particular winter enjoy, Death Valley National Park is one of the fine locations to tour to in December in California. Known for its severe temperatures, Death Valley is plenty more cushty to explore in the wintry weather.

Activities:

Hiking: Discover numerous landscapes, including sand dunes, salt flats, and canyons.

Stargazing: Death Valley is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it an brilliant vicinity for stargazing.

Scenic Drives: Take in breathtaking views along roads like Artist’s Drive and Bad water Road.

Wildlife Viewing: Spot wasteland flora and fauna including bighorn sheep and coyotes.