5 Winter Staycations In California

CALIFORNIA, CA — Putting up a new calendar offers the perfect excuse to start planning a fresh slate of vacations and weekend getaways in the new year. Luckily, no matter where you are in California, you don't have to go too far to find something unforgettable.

Whether it is a road trip or a quick flight away, all corners of the Golden State have something to offer, from the deserts and beaches of Southern California to the coastal bluffs and vineyards of Northern California to the snowy wilderness of the Sierra.

Ukiah

On the cozier end of the spectrum, tourism nonprofit Visit California highlights Ukiah's Vichy Springs Resort among its favorite "warm winter escapes." The historic hot springs sit two hours north of San Francisco, and one of the state's oldest resorts of its kind hosts rooms, cottages and mineral baths on a 700-acre private reserve.

Wine Country

A little less crowded than in the summer, a winter sojourn to wine country can also offer a unique winter respite.

Among Visit California's favorite stops of the season is The Lodge at Sonoma, offering guests private outdoor soaking tubs, fireplaces, fine dining, a poolside bar, and, of course, plenty of wine options. In Napa Valley, the Spa at Meadowood in St. Helena comes with rave reviews as the "ultimate winter rejuvenation," and the nearby Brasswood Estate is home to a winery with over 17,000 square feet of wine caves.

Oceanside

In San Diego County, the coastal waters of Oceanside transform into a hotbed for whale watchers as migrating whales make their way through the area from November to April. The aptly named city is also one of the premier locales for seeing wintering birds, and the Buena Vista Audubon offers guided tours.

Visitors should also pencil in a stop at the California Surf Museum, and take a stroll along Harbor Beach, Oceanside Harbor and the Oceanside Pier.

Newport Beach

While the first few months of the year can prove to be rainy, milder winter temps and no shortage of things to do inside and outside can make Newport Beach an inspired choice for a weekend getaway.

On the Pacific Coast Highway, the tourism commission calls the four-star Balboa Bay Resort California's "premiere waterfront warm winter destination," featuring a world-class rare tequila bar and upscale dining with waterfront views.

Newport Landing offers year-round whale-watching tours, and hikers can access several top-rated trails within just a few miles.

Lake Tahoe & Hope Valley

One of the nation's most majestic winter wonderlands, the blog Bon Traveler recently ranked Lake Tahoe as the Golden State's best winter destination. Home to 15 ski resorts, including Heavenly Resort, Palisades Tahoe and Kirkwood Mountain Resort, there is plenty of shredding to be had and stays at The Coachman or the Desolation Hotel offer visitors a cozy South Lake getaway.

About 20 miles south in Alpine County, Hope Valley's snowfields provide a less-crowded playground for show-shoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Calling it a "secret hideaway" in the Sierra, AAA highlights Caples Lake, Sorensen's resort and the nearby Grover Hot Springs State Park, which operates year-round.