There are many of the best places to visit in California in January, as winter is always a fantastic time to spend time in California. From skiing in Northern California to the perfect hiking weather in California, January offers awesome weather for many outdoor activities.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in California
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best California hotels here!
Best Places to Visit in California in January: Northern California
San Francisco
By Shweta of Zest in a Tote
San Francisco is such a year-long destination, but it is one of the best places to visit in California in January. But while many parts of the US see snow, this city gets mild temperatures in January. Plus, fewer crowds are making it budget-friendly. I would recommend at least 3 to 4 days in San Francisco, and more if you are using it as a base for several day trips. You can fly into the city or take a road trip to the west coast in California.
There are several neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco: Embarcadero Street is near popular tourist attractions, and there are local areas like Mission and Haight districts. The Westin Union Square, the Courtyard Union Square, Hilton Union Square, Parc 55 San Francisco, and the Hilton Financial District are all excellent options.
There is adequate public transport available so no need to rent a car within the city. You can also go on a bay cruise to get a different view of SF. The city is full of lively cafes and bars. You cannot miss the iconic Golden Bridge while visiting this city. If you drive to Fort Baker, you can get some of the best views of this bridge. And I recommend Golden Gate Park as well.
For families, a visit to the California Science Center and Exploratorium is a must. There are touristy areas like the Fishermen’s Wharf, where you can see the antics of sea lions and take a ferry for the Alcatraz Prison Tour. The Ferry building, with its tall clock tower, is not to be missed. And you can take a stroll through the Embarcadero area. Another area to walk through is the Mission District, with its street art on the buildings.
South Lake Tahoe
By Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
If you’re looking for a winter getaway and one of the best places to visit in California in January, South Lake Tahoe should be at the top of your list.
There are several incredible ski resorts right nearby, including the Heavenly Ski Resort and the Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort. Not only are these resorts known for their incredible powder come January, but you’ll also get to enjoy the slopes while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding Sierras and the famed blue water of Lake Tahoe.
If you’re not into downhill skiing, there are other outdoor activities to enjoy. For example, go on a cruise or head out on a hike along the Rubicon Trail, which leads through a beautiful pine tree forest along the rim of the beautiful lake from Emerald Bay State Park to D.L. Bliss State Park. In the winter, the trail can be completely free of snow and ice or if a snowstorm hits, it may require snowshoes to navigate—so be sure to check recent trail reports before heading to the trail!
You could spend weeks enjoying the winter sports around Lake Tahoe, but if you’re looking for a quick getaway, a weekend is enough time to soak in the winter wonderland vibes. While you’re visiting, consider a stay at Basecamp, a hip and modern hotel with all kinds of neat amenities, including its very own onsite brewery and rooftop hot tub (much needed after a day on the slopes).
South Lake Tahoe can be a pricier destination, especially in the wintertime. However, January is a nice time to visit, especially as the month wears on, as it’s typically much cheaper than the busy holiday season. You will need a car to get around the area, and it would be best to rent something that handles well in the snow, like an SUV. You never know when you’ll get dumped on!
Big Sur
By Alyssa of An Apple, A Plane
Big Sur makes for an incredible winter getaway in California! Big Sur refers to the road that winds beside the Santa Lucia Mountain range and the Pacific Coast of California. It is one of the best places to visit in California in January.
Big Sur weather in January averages a high of 61 degrees and a low of 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Weather is considered mild year-round, but is known to change drastically throughout the day in any season, so come prepared!
It is essential to rent a car in order to fully enjoy the beauty of Big Sur. Public transportation services do not run along this winding mountain road.
I recommend spending 3-5 days on your Big Sur road trip. This will provide ample time to stop at a couple of your top destinations along the drive. Add on longer if you want to combine your road trip with Pinnacles National Park or San Francisco.
January is an amazing time to visit thanks to the mild temperatures and low crowds. If you are prepared with warm weather gear for the cold night temperatures, consider camping at one of the state natural reserves along the drive. There is tons of camping at Big Sur, from Limekiln State Park to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Big Sur is known for beautiful hiking along mountain and coastal views. Top scenic state parks along Big Sur include Garrapata, Limekiln, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns.
Best Places to Visit in California in January: Central California
Yosemite National Park
By Jamie of Photo Jeepers
One of the best places to visit in California in January is Yosemite National Park. After all, Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the country. However, January is a relatively quiet month at the park. Therefore, you won’t have to deal with intense summer crowds, search for a parking spot, or endure traffic jams in the valley. You’ll also love seeing the domes and the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove covered in snow.
Now, winter does mean some closures. So, you can probably enjoy most of the park’s major highlights in two days, depending on how much you like snow. Just be aware that Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are both closed. However, Highway 140 will be open. Also, while Mariposa Grove Road will be closed, you can park at the Welcome Plaza and then walk along the Washburn Trail to this amazing place. You can also see Half Dome and El Capitan. They are two of the most well-known granite monoliths in the park and will be covered in snow. Afterward, check out Yosemite Falls and Horsetail Falls since they won’t freeze over in the winter.
Now, to get to the park, you’ll want to fly into Fresno-Yosemite International Airport and then rent a car so that you can make the 90-minute drive to the park itself. Upon arrival, check into the Yosemite Valley Lodge. It’s a quaint lodge that is well-located near Yosemite Falls and is home to a couple of eateries. Also, depending on what activities you want to enjoy and where you want to stay, plan on spending around $140.00 per day.
Santa Barbara
By Monica of This Rare Earth
January is a great time to visit Santa Barbara, as the crowds from the holiday season have cleared out, making it easier to find affordable lodging and enjoy everything at a slower pace. To keep your trip budget-friendly, consider avoiding the three-day Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend and New Year’s Day.
Two to three days is a sufficient amount of time to explore the city and its surroundings. While having a car is ideal, many of the main attractions and restaurants are centrally located. The downtown area has a lot to offer in terms of shopping and sightseeing with the beach just a short drive away. Explore the nearby Funk Zone, known for its vibrant arts scene and plentiful art galleries and studios.
One unique experience to consider during your trip is hiking the Gaviota wind caves, a stunning natural rock formation that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Pacific Ocean. The caves themselves are fun to crawl through, finding various windows and passageways throughout. Be sure to pack the correct hiking gear for women and men, as the weather may be chilly in January.
Other activities to enjoy include visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo, perusing art galleries, and strolling the boutiques and restaurants on State Street. When choosing an area to stay in, look for hotels in downtown Santa Barbara or along the beachfront.
While the weather may be cooler during this time, the off-peak season will provide a more peaceful and relaxing experience. Overall, one of the best places to visit in California in January is Santa Barbara, as it has so much to offer without breaking the bank!
Best Places to Visit in California in January: Southern California
San Diego
By Kristin of Global Travel Escapades
If you’re keen on starting the new year with a beach vacation, there’s no better place to do it than in beautiful San Diego! While other parts of the country may be experiencing cold and dreary weather, San Diego is often known to experience warmer temperatures. Not to mention, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
For starters, one event that’s great for adults who want to feast on amazing local food is the annual San Diego Brew Fest. This event features more than 200 different beers, all kinds of food trucks, and live performances. Or, if you want to learn more about Latin culture, attend the four-day BIG Salsa Festival. Each day includes dance classes, mesmerizing performances, and authentic Latin food!
And if you’re an experienced surfer, the wintertime is the best time to visit San Diego since you can generally expect strong winter swells. But even if you aren’t a surfer, the city’s many beautiful beaches make practically every day a good beach day. Another fun activity is going on a harbor tour of San Diego Bay.
For first-time visitors, try to plan a trip that includes at least two full days. In general, you can expect to spend about $600-$700 for two people for a three-day weekend stay. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay, check out Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina. They are centrally located near the San Diego International Airport and offer rooms with gorgeous views of the marina.
To get to San Diego, you can either fly into the International Airport or simply drive down if you’re already in the region. San Diego is one of the best places to visit in California in January.
Los Angeles
By Alina of World of Lina
Another one of the best places to visit in California in January is Los Angeles. Los Angeles is great to visit in January if you want to escape the tourist crowds and the unbearable heat. Temperatures are still around 46 to 64°F, and with mostly sunny weather, it’s just perfect for a city trip.
To get the fullest out of your time, it’s best to spend at least 5 days in LA. In this way, you can cover all the must-see spots and maybe still have time to plan a day trip to some of the many great surrounding destinations.
Some of the best things to do in LA include hiking up to the Hollywood sign, visiting The Broad, watching the sunset from Griffith Observatory, or taking a Warner Bros Studio Tour.
While you can rent a car to get around Los Angeles, the public transport system is good enough to reach all the main places in the city. If you take the subway or train, you’ll avoid getting stuck in the heavy traffic jams LA is famous for. Also, you can take the hop-on hop-off bus.
LA has many great areas to stay in, and one of the best and most centrally located ones is Hollywood. There are many great and affordable Airbnbs and also hotels such as the Samesun Hollywood. Especially in January, when it’s low season, all accommodations are way cheaper than in the main season.
Death Valley National Park
By Catherine of Nomadicated
In the remote southeastern corner of California, Death Valley National Park’s rugged landscapes are a spectacle unlike anywhere else on Earth. Known for its extreme climate, Death Valley holds the title of being the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America.
January is not just a prime time to explore Death Valley but also one of the few months when the intense heat recedes. The park enjoys mild and pleasant weather this time of year, with average highs in the mid-60s to low 70s. However, being a desert, the temperature drops to the mid-30s once the sun sets below the desert landscape.
As the largest national park in the contiguous United States, Death Valley requires a minimum of 2-3 days for a complete experience. Due to its vastness, you will want to secure a campground spot near the park’s center to avoid unnecessary backtracking. The ideal option is to stay close to Furnace Creek. It is one of the best places to visit in California in January.
The nearest major airport is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (2 hours) or LAX (4 hours). To tour Death Valley from Las Vegas or Los Angeles, you’ll have to drive or find transportation the rest of the way.
When it comes to activities, Death Valley has a range of outdoor adventures, from hiking, camping, stargazing, and off-roading. Some must-visit locations include Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, or a sunset hike through the unique landscapes of Zabriskie Point and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Don’t miss scenic points like Dante’s View and Artist’s Palette.
A Death Valley trip can be affordable, especially if you have the America the Beautiful pass. The entrance fees to the park are reasonable, and camping is a budget-friendly choice. Just make sure you have enough gas before you enter, as the one service station there is known for having some of the highest prices in the country!
Palm Springs
By Noel of Travel Photo Discovery
One of the best places to visit in California in January around the LA area is visiting Palm Springs, just a short drive from the LA metropolis. A popular getaway for visitors in the area and from around the world, Palm Springs remains warm (approximately in the 70s-80s daytime temperature) and gets a little colder at night time.
It’s still a comfortable time to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle the city is known for, especially exploring the gorgeous canyons and local hikes, taking the aerial tram above Palm Springs for more hikes and spectacular views of the entire region or just enjoying a road trip around the many attractions close to the city. There are also a ton of photo spots to visit around Palm Springs.
You can visit a date farm, explore the celebrity homes of Palm Springs, visit some of the world-class museums, or enjoy shopping and dining in many fun venues around town especially at the El Paseo Shopping Center and the downtown district.
I would recommend about 4-5 days and rent a car so you can explore the many landscapes, national and state parks along with many other places that you can easily drive to. Since this is the peak season for Palm Springs, rates will be higher, so consider towns or cities further away from downtown for cost effective lodgings from the city.
You’ll enjoy all the art, architecture, outdoor lifestyle, and recreation and explore all of Palm Springs during January.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child
One of the best places to visit in California in January is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California. It’s located in the Colorado Desert and covers over 600,000 acres that feature rugged terrain, many species of plants and animals, hot springs, and miles of hiking trails.
One of the many reasons you should visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in January is because it boasts some of the best weather for adventuring through the desert. You can experience average highs in the mid to upper 60s°F to lows in the mid 40s°F with about one rainy day. This makes visiting Anza Borrego perfect for conquering the best hiking trails, camping, exploring, and stargazing.
Anza-Borrego makes for a great day trip from San Diego, California, but it’s also perfect for a 2-to-3-day weekend getaway! Due to the rocky and desert terrain throughout the park, it’s best to have a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Even though you can explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on a tour from San Diego, it’s best to have your own car to take your time and see all the best spots!
The best area to stay in when visiting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is San Diego, which is only an hour and a half to a two-hour drive. There are hotels, resorts, and campgrounds around the park, too! The top places to stay in and around the State Park are La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa for luxury accommodation, Borrego Valley Inn for a mid-budget hotel, and Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort for a casual lodging experience.
Two great campgrounds to stay at in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are Tamarisk Grove Campground and Anza-Borrego State Park Campground. Please remember that visiting this beautiful park costs $10 per vehicle daily.
The best things to do in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are to go hiking on one of the many trails like Borrego Palm Canyon, which leads to the third-largest palm oasis in California; visit the epic wind caves, stargaze at night and see the Galleta Meadows Sculptures.
Disneyland
By Tina of Hey Mickey Travel
If you have visited California before, then you are probably familiar with the magic that is Disneyland, but you may not know that it has a unique celebration that takes place every January. As winter transitions to spring, the Lunar New Year celebration takes over! Thus, Disneyland is one of the best places to visit in California in January.
This year, the celebration will ring in the Year of the Dragon with festivities in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. With fun décor, unique cultural performances, and immersive experiences, Disneyland pays homage to the diverse Asian
cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Guests can join Mulan and Friends for the Lunar New Year Procession filled with colorful floats, traditional costumes, and music. Also, be sure to savor various delicious Asian cuisine with a Disney twist. My personal favorites are pepperoni pizza bao buns and spicy pork noodles!
Special entertainment, including traditional dance, music, and acrobatic performances, are available throughout the parks for guests to enjoy. And no trip to Disneyland is complete without seeing Mickey and Minnie. Find them decked out in their Lunar New Year attire for the season!
If you have decided to make the Lunar New Year celebration at Disneyland a part of your January plans, your best option is to stay right at a Disneyland Resort hotel. This keeps you in the heart of the magic, gives you additional park time only available to resort guests, and will
keep you within a short walk to both Disneyland parks!
When you arrive, plan on spending two days to take in all that this magic celebration has to offer. And the best part is the Lunar New Year celebration can be enjoyed as a part of your regular Disneyland Park ticket purchase. This means you can partake in some of the traditional Disneyland attractions as well as the Lunar New Year celebration all at one price. It is a heartwarming way to ring in the new year while embracing the rich cultural heritage of the holiday.
The Best Places to Visit in California in January
California has so many amazing places to visit in January. Other amazing places to visit include Joshua Tree National Park, Laguna Beach, and Sacramento, or check out some of the best wine regions California has to offer, like Paso Robles. Also, make sure to see all of the fun winter activities Los Angeles has to offer.
