3. San Diego
As California’s southernmost city, San Diego enjoys balmy weather year-round. The mild winters bring plenty of sunshine and temperate days, with average highs around 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is not warm enough for sunbathing but is ideal for walks along the beach.
Thanks to the sprinkling of wintertime rain, the gardens of San Diego look ravishing during the months of December through February. The 1,200-acre Balboa Park wows visitors with its lovely gardens, hiking trails, and cultural attractions including 17 museums.
Not to be missed is the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, a National Historic Landmark that dates back to 1777. The mission grounds incorporate a tranquil garden that is lovely during the wintertime.
4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe invites visitors to step into a winter wonderland as soon as snow begins to fall in November or December. Blankets of powder crown the mountain peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe, with its expanse of deep blue waters glistening under the cool winter sunshine.
Although the Lake Tahoe area gets plenty of snowfall, the climate is relatively mild for an alpine environment. Daily high temperatures from December through February are in the low 40 degrees Fahrenheit. With around 300 days of sunshine a year, Lake Tahoe’s winter season offers the chance for many gorgeous bright days.
The top attractions in Lake Tahoe during wintertime include downhill skiing. The Lake Tahoe area has many top ski resorts. Among the most famous world-class resorts are Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, and Northstar California.
