These Towns in Northern California Come Alive in Winter
When you think of California in the wintertime, do images of palm trees come to mind? While it is true that much of the state remains snowless, northern California has its fair share of snowy towns, many of which you will find in the state’s expansive mountain ranges. Winter recreation brings these alpine towns to life, luring thousands of skiers, boarders, and tubers hoping to spend their holidays and weekends on the slopes.
But even the towns without snow take on a magical quality, California temperatures softening to perfect hiking conditions. Coastal towns whose shores draw tons of visitors in the summer invite smaller–but equally spirited–crowds looking to savor views of the Pacific, while other towns flaunt pine groves and waterfall trails that are stunning this time of year. Whether you find yourself surrounded by a blanket of snow or a mild winter breeze, these northern California towns will bewitch you every step of the way.
South Lake Tahoe
High in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, wintertime in South Lake Tahoe means gorgeous views and exhilarating slopes. With three world-class ski resorts in the area (Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe), this alpine town is famous for its winter sports and heavenly views. Speaking of which, Heavenly is the largest of the three resorts and one of the busiest, for good reason.
With 4,800 snowy acres, you can actually ski two states in one day here since part of the slopes overlap into Nevada. Kirkwood, on the other hand, is an awesome ski spot to avoid lines since it is more secluded, offering over 80 skiable trails. It is also a hotspot for daredevils and advanced skiers looking to take on runs like The Wall, a steep ski trail with an epic reputation for thrilling those who dare to take on the challenge. Alternatively, if you are looking for a resort to bring the whole family, Sierra-at-Tahoe prioritizes paths for all levels. With 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, an array of beginner-friendly slopes, and award-winning ski schools, anyone and everyone will have the time of their lives at this South Lake Tahoe gem.
Soda Springs
Home to the longest-running ski resort in the state, Soda Springs is another resort town offering family-friendly slopes and extraordinary alpine views. Established in 1931, the Soda Springs Mountain Resort is one of America’s first ski resorts, so by now, they definitely know how to bring the fun. Escape into pine-covered hills to find the resort hidden deep in the trees. Wintertime averages 400 inches of snow, so the views are stunning all around but especially breathtaking from the highest 7,300-foot peak.
But if you were hoping for smaller bunny hills and gentler slopes, you are in luck. Soda Springs offers a great blend of terrain levels, with 30% advanced, 30% beginner-friendly, and the remaining 40% perfect for intermediate skiers and boarders. Kids 8 and under can also enjoy Planet Kids, a snow playground equipped with tubing, ski hills designed for learning, and a tube carousel ride. Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, Soda Springs has something to make this winter one you cannot forget.
Pacifica
Back at ground level, California’s Pacific Coast may not be a wonderland of snow in the wintertime, but the cooler weather makes this the perfect time to hit up beach towns with other winter tourists while enjoying a less crowded atmosphere. The coastal town of Pacifica, located less than thirty minutes from San Francisco, is one example. Temperatures remain mild year-round, cooling to daily high temperatures of 57°F in the winter, so the weather is incredibly mellow for walks on the beach without the shoulder-to-shoulder summer crowds.
Hit up Pacifica State Beach for a classic sandy stroll before taking a connected path to a hidden treasure just over a hill. Here you will find Rockaway, a smaller beach with a rocky shoreline and views of the dazzling headlands. Sticking with the beaches, another perk of visiting in the wintertime are the whale sightings. Gray whale migrations can also be spotted offshore in February, while humpbacks are often seen journeying in November through December.
Half Moon Bay
About a half hour from Pacifica, Half Moon Bay is another coastal town with mild weather and gorgeous beaches. Temperatures rarely fall below 40°F in the winter, and when they do, that is nothing a warm sweater cannot fix. Like Pacifica, the summer crowds may dwindle, but this darling town still comes alive with visitors during the colder months, many flocking to Half Moon Bay State Beach. Within this stretch of coast you can choose from the selection of smaller beaches, including Half Moon Bay’s most popular, Francis Beach.
If you want a more secluded shore, Mavericks Beach is a lovely (smaller) alternative with massive waves surfers famously take on in the warmer months. Eight minutes from Mavericks, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a special spot for nature lovers and marine enthusiasts. Explore the wondrous tide pool habitats whose tiny marine plants and creatures are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Once you have had your fill of ocean views from eye level, you can also hike the reserve’s Bluff Trail through a pretty cypress grove overlooking the Pacific.
Mount Shasta
With temperatures mellowing during the winter months, many Californians love the season for hiking, and the town of Mount Shasta is one of the prettiest places to savor these winter excursions. Seated in the foothills of a mountain with the same name, Mount Shasta–like other resort towns–welcomes plenty of visitors looking to breathe in that refreshing mountain air in the wintertime. While many come here for its gateway to Mt. Shasta Ski Park, as of right now it is temporarily closed due to lack of sufficient snowfall. However, the snow is projected to pick up some time in January of 2024, and until then, the lighter snowfall is still absolutely enchanting and there are plenty of other alpine areas to explore until the slopes are back in action.
The Spring Hill hike is a popular vista trail close to town, with the reward of jaw-dropping views overlooking the mountains. Depending on when you visit, snowshoeing is a great way to get around on this trail. The McCloud River Falls Trailhead is also less than 30 minutes from town, and the short drive is beyond worthwhile. Meander along the sparkling McCloud River, passing 3 breathtaking waterfalls along the way. Be aware of potential icy paths, and have your camera ready–each waterfall is more beautiful than the last.
Mammoth Lakes
If you cannot wait to hit the slopes, have no fear: the town of Mammoth Lakes is currently open for its world-renowned ski season. One visit to this resort town and its treasured summits will show you why Mammoth Lakes is famous for its winters. The town’s holy grail, Mammoth Mountain, towers at an astounding 11,953 feet, making it the tallest chairlift-accessible ski resort in the state. Ride the gondola to the very top for awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks.
Aside from this, what draws so many here is the abundant snowfall. Averaging over 30 feet during the ski season, Mammoth Mountain has so much snow, their ski season actually lasted all the way into August in 2022 and 2023. Skiers and boarders can choose between any of the 150 trails, while tubing and sledding can be enjoyed in designated areas. If you need a break from the downhill fun, cross country skiing is a lovely way to take in the views at your own pace, or you can hit up the nearby Shady Rest Park for access to 80 miles of snowmobile trails.
Pacific Grove
Without snow, a winter getaway to Pacific Grove may be a bit less traditional, but the town comes alive for a different reason. The season is truly magical in this coastal town because of its visitors: thousands upon thousands of monarch butterflies. From mid-October to mid-March (peaking in November through January) these stunning creatures make the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary their temporary home. Mid-day or afternoon is the best time to see these beauties in flight, and you will also want to keep temperature in mind, since they prefer sunnier days above 55°F.
Stroll the sanctuary’s storybook paths through eucalyptus and pine forests, keeping your eyes peeled for the delicate orange wings gliding overhead. Back in town, learn more about Pacific Grove’s natural environment at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, or experience it firsthand at Asilomar State Beach on the scenic Monterey Peninsula.
Monterey
Just 7 minutes from Pacific Grove, Monterey is another coastal town beloved for its snowless winters. Take in views of the bay from Monterey State Beach where whale watching is extremely popular this time of year. Gray whale sightings peak in January and March, but last well into May. For the best chance of spotting these magnificent marine creatures though, you will want to book a whale watching cruise. Companies like Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching or Discovery Whale Watch depart right from Monterey and guarantee a dazzling experience.
For an indoor marine life encounter with equal thrill, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is also located right in town, housing more than your average fish. Featuring everything from adorable African penguins to majestic sea turtles, this is an experience the whole family will remember for years to come. Outside, you can even find a viewing platform for whale spotting, if you would prefer to skip the cruise and try your luck there.
Final Thoughts
If you are after a more classic winter wonderland, northern California invites you to pack your bags and drive to its towering peaks and alpine towns. From South Lake Tahoe to Mount Shasta, there are endless summits to choose from and endless slopes to ride. But if you are hoping to escape the snow and embrace that quintessential California winter, coastal towns like Half Moon Bay and Monterey are there to welcome you with cozy shores and scenic hiking paths. No matter your choice, warm clothes, a hot drink, and excitement are all you need to make your next trip to northern California your best trip yet.
