7. Yosemite National Park
With a dusting of powder snow, the glacier-carved Yosemite Valley is transformed into a magical wintertime scene. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features iconic rock formations like Half Dome and El Capitan, which are snowcapped throughout the winter months.
The winter season is one of the best times to visit Yosemite National Park because it is the least crowded time. This quieter season allows tourists to appreciate the peacefulness and beauty of the natural scenery. However, it can be a challenge to get to Yosemite in wintertime if there are road closures due to snow storms.
Yosemite’s historic ski area is accessible from Glacier Point Road. Opened in 1935, Badger Pass Ski Area was the first ski area established in California and is still one of the state’s top ski resorts. Badger Pass Ski Area offers opportunities for downhill (alpine), snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, as well as snow tubing and snowshoeing.
8. Napa Valley
Unwind and pamper yourself in the Napa Valley, home to some of the top resorts in Northern California. This upscale destination ranks high on the list of weekend getaways from San Francisco and also draws visitors from all over the world.
The winter is an ideal time to sample the area’s fine dining and spa treatments. You can also take advantage of lower rates at some of the best hotels in Napa as well as the top resorts that charge notoriously high prices in the busy season.
The Napa Valley is home to some of the country’s best restaurants. Foodies will appreciate the wide range of dining options, from classic French to trendy modern restaurants. For those who can get a reservation and are willing to pay the price, it’s worth dining at The French Laundry in Yountville, which boasts three Michelin stars.
Other renowned restaurants in Yountville include Bouchon, an authentic French bistro, and Bistro Jeanty, a charming restaurant that specializes in home-style French cooking. In the town of Napa, La Toque offers Michelin-starred gastronomic fare, and Brix serves farm-to-table cuisine in a casual dining room or on an outdoor patio (al fresco dining is possible in the winter).
