30 Must-Do Winter Adventures in California
Yosemite in winter. (Nathan Dumlao)

30 Must-Do Winter Adventures in California

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With nine national parks, the proximity of the mountains to the ocean, and the relative quiet and lack of crowds compared to other times to take in the Golden State's natural beauty, there is a lot to love about California's colder months.

From Sierra summits to seaside scenes, here are just a few of our favorite winter adventures in California.


Joshua Tree National Park(Austin Human)

Desert

The best time to visit the desert in California is hands down in the winter due to fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures.


The Channel Islands.(Jared Murray)

Surf and Sun in SoCal

Escape the cold and bask in the land of eternal summer.


Pear Lake winter hut. (Courtesy of Sequoia Parks Conservancy)

Big Trees

From the Sequoias to the Redwoods, you'll want to stand beneath California's giants.


Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz(Partha Narasimhan)

Central and Northern Coast

The weather may be chillier, but the views are breathtaking.


Mount Shasta in winter.(Philip Calderone)

Alpine Adventures

Craving snow? Head straight for the Sierra and Southern Cascades.

Looking for more California winter adventures? Consider this road trip to see the state covered in a blanket of white.

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