1. Palm Springs
The spectacular setting features swaying palm trees against a dramatic backdrop of the soaring San Jacinto Mountains. Bright cerulean skies and daytime winter temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit make Palm Springs the perfect vacation spot during the months of December, January, and February. Thanks to the desert climate, the sun shines nearly every day of the year (the average is 350 days of sunshine).
2. Mammoth Lakes
If you love spectacular mountain scenery and downhill skiing, definitely add Mammoth Lakes to your list of places to visit in the winter. Rated high on the list of off-the-beaten-path destinations in California, the Mammoth Lakes area dazzles visitors with its dramatic High Sierra landscapes.