Last updated on October 24th, 2022
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Planning a winter trip to California but don’t know where to go? These are the best places to visit in California in December.
The Golden State has much to offer during the winter: beaches, hiking, skiing, and more. So it’s no wonder thousands of people spend the holidays there. And as someone who gets excited at the mention of the west coast, I’m giving you the best places to visit in California in December.
You will learn about all the best spots in California, warm and cold, plus the top things to do in the state.
After reading this post, you’ll be ready to explore the whole of the Golden State.
This post is all about places to visit in California in December.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Weather in California
The weather varies depending on what part of California you’re in. And depending on what type of vacation you want, that will determine where you visit. Depending on your mood, you could be strolling on the beach or skiing in the mountains.
Naturally, northern California is colder, with temperatures ranging from 64°F to 55°F degrees, and southern California is a bit hotter.
But not to worry, I’ll discuss cities in both the northern & southern parts of California, so you’ll get a feel of where you want to visit.
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Places to Visit in California in December
San Francisco
San Francisco is a great city to visit any time of the year, but it’s especially great in December.
December is a festive month in San Francisco with mesmerizing lights everywhere, unique events for the holidays, and live performances. And if you happen to be there during the New Year, you can catch New Year’s Eve celebrations, and fireworks light up the city.
Popular Attractions/Events to Check out:
- Check out festive performances at the Golden Gate Theater, The Curan, or the War Memorial Opera House.
- Explore all the holiday lights around the city.
- Go ice-skating at Union Square or the Embarcadero Centre.
- Stop by the Festival of Lights.
Besides the fun things to do in the city during the winter, visiting in December means smaller crowds and cheaper lodging options. Which is perfect for those traveling on a budget or those trying to escape the overcrowded winter destinations.
One thing to note, though, is that December is San Francisco’s coldest month. So, bring lots of layers to stay warm while enjoying all the city has to offer.
Lake Tahoe
Another fantastic place to visit in California in December is Lake Tahoe. Sitting right in the middle of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is well-known for its ski resorts. So, this destination is an excellent choice for those wanting to truly experience winter.
Visiting this snowy Winterland gives you the perfect excuse to snuggle up with your loved ones and get some quiet time. And Lake Tahoe has the best cabins to do just that! Or you can stay at a luxurious skiing resort like the Ritz-Carlton or a relaxing spa like Edgewood Tahoe.
Other outdoor activities besides skiing include snowboarding, snow tubing, sleigh riding, winter skydiving, and more.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a coastal town west of downtown LA and has pleasant weather all year. And winter is the most affordable season to visit the city. So, if you’re looking for a vacation on a budget, Santa Monica is a beautiful option.
Even though the temperatures are higher, you can still get into the Christmas spirit in Santa Monica by ice skating or going to some of the Christmas events in the city.
And with the city only being 20 minutes for Los Angeles, you can hit two cities in one trip!
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Yosemite
Next on the list, further north, is the Yosemite National Park. December is a great time to visit the park because of the fewer crowds. This means you can explore the beauty with peace and quiet and at your own pace.
And peace & quiet is perfect for reflecting on the past year.
Besides fewer crowds and ample parking, another pro to experiencing Yosemite during December is the snowfall in the valley. Absolutely Gorgeous.
However, the area’s hiking and backpacking are limited due to said snowfall. Although, there are a few trails available for hiking. But with the snow comes lots of sports like snowboarding, skiing, and more.
Yosemite is one of the best snow places to visit in December in California.
Monterey
Monterey, California, is well known for the Pacific Coast Highway 1, which has the best views of the pacific ocean. I say the fantastic views on this highway are plenty of reason to visit.
But if that’s not enough for you to book the trip, the whale watching season starts in December. And if you’ve never seen the whales on their journey, it’s quite the experience. Other activities include hiking, exploring the amazing culinary scene, and shopping centers.
There are also a lot of festivals and fun events specifically for the holidays.
San Diego
San Diego sits in southern California, so naturally, it has near-perfect weather all year. So if you’re looking for a sunny vacation in December, this is the place.
The city boasts nearly 70 miles of shorelines, so you must visit the beach if you plan to visit. While the water might be a little cold for a swim for some, scuba diving and snorkeling are all-year sports for others. But if you don’t want to take your chances in the water, you can check out group bonfires on the beach.
Plus, if you’re into whales, December just happens to be the start of the whales’ migration from Alaska to Mexico. So mid-December to April is a great time to catch the whales on their journey by booking a tour with companies like Adventure Whale Watching or Legacy Whale Watch.
San Diego has something for everyone to enjoy and is an excellent destination for a warm December!
Disneyland
Who doesn’t love Disney?! And during Christmas, it’s absolutely magical.
Like some relatives you may know, Disney goes all out for the holidays and creates an unforgettable experience for its visitors. So, naturally, we had to include it on the list.
There is so much to do and see on top of the regular park attractions. In addition, you can expect holiday festivals, Christmas fireworks, and lights galore at Disneyland during December.
And as a bonus, the weather is nice and cool this time of year. So if you don’t enjoy riding rides in the dead heat, this is the perfect time to visit!
The only downside to visiting the park in December is the crowds, as the holidays are peak season. But if you can handle a few extra people, I suggest Disney in December!
No matter where you choose to go, California is an excellent option for a December vacation.
This post is all about places to visit in California in December.
Wishing you safe travels!
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