January
Golfers will love teeing off the new year, soaking up the sun, and improving their game at the PGA WEST in Palm Springs. Make good on your New Year’s resolution to learn or improve your swing by learning from the best of the best. With a just-finished multi-million-dollar renovation of three of its premier courses and a chance to see the pros compete at the annual American Express Golf Tournament, you’ll feel like you hit a hole-in-one with your vacation.
February
After Dry January, craft brew aficionados prepare to celebrate FeBREWary in Santa Rosa. Throughout the month, visitors can get their FeBREWary passport stamped when they enjoy a lager, IPA or stout at local breweries like Russian River Brewing Company, CUVER Belgian Brewers and more. The more places you visit, the better chance you have of winning an Olympic-style medal.
March
Spring has sprung in Modesto in March with its annual Almond Blossom Cruise. Get behind the wheel and drive through 120,000 acres of pink and white flowers. Along the way, stop at iconic attractions like Knights Ferry Bridge, the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi, Oakdale, the Cowboy Capital of the World, and Sciabica Olive Oil, the oldest olive producer in the U.S. Make sure to enjoy an almond blossom milkshake while you're on the route!
In March, the whales also come out to play in Dana Point, named the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World and the first Whale Heritage Site in the country. From March 7-9, 2025, the city plays host to the 54th annual Festival of Whales, celebrating the migration of the California Gray Whale.
April
If you don’t get a chance to see the whales, head north to San Francisco and enjoy watching the sea lions on Pier 39. One of the best ways to enjoy these sea mammals is by dining at seaside restaurants like Crab House, Fog Harbor Fish House, Pier Market, Eagle Cafe and Wipeout Bar & Grill.
Even further north, winter and spring collide in April in Siskiyou County, meaning you can ski iconic Mount Shasta one day and enjoy a mountain bike adventure in the valley the next. At night, the region’s dark skies make for incredible stargazing.
May
For travelers who like charming, homey small towns, nothing beats Ukiah when the dogwood trees blossom. The town is filled with these beautiful trees thanks to resident Bob Sandelin. In the 1950s, he began planting the dogwood tree in his yard, and soon started giving cuttings to others in town, which led to the legacy of the “Bobwoods,” as they’re called in Ukiah.
Further south, jump on your bike or e-bike and enjoy National Bike Month in Sacramento. With more than 32 miles of paved trails along American River Parkway, enjoying the mild weather and exploring the area on two wheels is easy.
June
Summer in sunny California is many vacationer’s dream, and there’s no better place to soak up the rays than Santa Monica. Book a beach butler at Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals for a VIP Day on the beach, celebrate California beach culture at the annual Pier 360 Festival June 28-29, 2025, or enjoy Pride Week at the vibrant SaMo Pride events.
July
As the opening bell sounds at the iconic Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego, prepare to pony up for a thrilling time. America’s only seaside track readies for another season of glamour, excitement and thrilling horse racing. Grab your wildest hat and best summer styles and make a bet on fun this summer.
August
For a high-flyin time, celebrate National Aviation Day in Camarillo during its annual Wings Over Camarillo Air Show, taking off on Aug. 18 and 19, 2025. You’ll have the chance to view historic aircraft and watch high-stakes aerial stunts that will wow. And if they inspire your inner daredevil, CAF SoCal and Orbic Helicopters will take participants on bucket list rides during the event. Throughout the month, aviation lovers can also take a gorgeous flight over the Pacific Ocean with Skyrider Ultralights.
September
In the fall, foodies flock to Irvine for an array of immersive culinary experiences. At Tanaka Farms guided tours and hands-on workshops give visitors a glimpse into the cornucopia of crops grown in the Golden State. Farm + Food Lab in Great Park offers interactive sessions on composting and urban gardening. Festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Fiesta Latina give visitors a chance to sample the flavors of Orange County.
Back up north, get ready for fall with the ultimate West Coast leaf peeping in North Lake Tahoe. The burst of oranges, reds and yellows provides the perfect backdrop for hiking, mountain biking and enjoying the town’s Oktoberfest activities. Autumn is also ideal for a glass-bottom kayak tour on the lake or adventuring on the Via Ferrata.
October
Raise a glass in October and explore over 250 wineries in Paso Robles during harvest. Watch the grape picking while enjoying a tasting at a winery or make plans to attend exclusive events like the Annual Harvest Dinner at MICHELIN Guide JUSTIN Winery or the Grape Harvest Retreat at CASS Winery. If you’re traveling with kids, enjoy the family-friendly side of SLO at U-pick farms, apple orchards like Jack Creek Farms, or find the perfect pumpkin at Avila Valley Barn.
Less than an hour from Paso Robles, Pismo Beach serves up sunny skies and mild temperatures all month long. There’s no excuse not to get out and explore with a hike, bike ride or hang ten with perfect swells powered by fall’s offshore winds.
November
Autumn stretches into mid-November in Big Bear, affording leaf peepers the chance to enjoy the changing maples, aspens and oaks well into the season. Soak up the kaleidoscope of colors by hiking or biking on Towne Trails, Woodland Trail or Alpine Pedal Path. The Village itself is a fairy tale brought to life with the changing colors, outdoor dining and quaint shops.
December
Visiting Tuolumne County in December is like walking into a Hallmark holiday movie. Small Gold Country towns lay on the charm with their decorations, events and activities. Known as Christmas Town, Sonora turns on the season’s greetings with its downtown Christmas parade, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s House, the Best Tree and Best Window Contests, the Red Church Christmas Bazaar and Hometown Crafters Holiday Craft Fair, Christmas Tree Lane, the Holly Jolly Wagon and more. Kids will want to punch their ticket for the Polar Express at Railtown 1897 and lace up their skates at rinks around the county.