Beyond the slopes

Even blanketed in snow, the Golden State shines. While there are plenty of places to fly down the slopes, California has even more magical snow-covered destinations and unique winter experiences with no chairlift or snowboards involved. When you’re looking for a winter adventure for everyone, look no further than California.

Snowy adventures and winter recreation

Trade your lift ticket for snowshoes, skates or a sled. These snowy escapades prove there’s more than one way to enjoy California winter.

Jonesville Snowmobile Park

Located in Lassen National Forest, the Jonesville Snowmobile Park invites guests to explore beautiful Butte County on over 60 miles of groomed trails and three loops. Spectacular lake views and mountain lookouts await adventurers. 

Winter wonderland in Yosemite

In Yosemite, strap on your snowshoes for a guided trek, or join Yosemite Conservancy naturalists to track wildlife by day and stargaze by night. Spend the day cross-country skiing at Badger Pass, one of the few ski areas inside a national park or stay warm on a heated, guided bus tour taking in stunning views of El Capitan and Half Dome from panoramic windows. 

Wild winter tubing

Enjoy a day of laugh-inducing, family-friendly tubing at Leland Snowplay in Tuolumne County. The 12-acre winter wonderland pairs a natural alpine setting with groomed snow. Lift-served hills mean less time trudging uphill and more time sliding down. Runs for older kids and adults keep the thrills coming, while a dedicated kiddie hill gives the littlest snow lovers a place of their own.

Wintertime in Truckee

Truckee is known for its Tahoe skiing, but winter fun isn’t confined to the slopes. Strap on your skates and glide across the ice at Truckee River Regional Park, slide down the tubing hills at Boreal or Sugar Bowl or enjoy the solitude of fly fishing on peaceful stretches of the Truckee River. 

Limelight Mammoth

Located in Mammoth, Limelight Mammoth is the ideal base for High Sierra winter adventures. Opened last winter, the hotel sits at 8,000 feet above sea level next to the Village Gondola, putting guests in the heart of a snow-covered landscape ripe for discovery. Explore the backcountry by snowshoe or snowmobile, enjoy tubing and a mountain coaster at Woolly’s Adventure Summit or ride the scenic gondola even higher for 360-degree mountain views. At night, sit by the fire and roast s’mores or gaze at the stars.

Winter magic and seasonal experiences

Outdoor adventures aren’t the only thing that makes California winters magical. Across the state, holiday light displays, festive markets, and cozy seasonal traditions help make a winter vacation a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Sequoia by snowshoe 

Experience the majestic Yosemite giants on snowshoes during a private or small group tour through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Tours range from a few hours to full-day adventures. Guides share the stories behind the region’s natural history and ecology. 

Indoor ice skating

Channel your inner Alysa Liu at Tuolumne County’s only real ice rink. The covered Long Barn Lodge Ice Rink provides a weather-protected space to slide, glide and twirl across the ice. All-day admission and skate rentals are available. 

Winter Lights

Art lights up winter nights in Santa Rosa at the 5th annual Northern Lights Winter Lights Art Walk from Nov. 19, 2026 to Jan. 18, 2027. The self-guided tour takes visitors along paths and through tunnels and whimsical scenes illuminated with sculptures created by local and international artists and Santa Rosa Junior College art students. Travelers in the city on Black Friday won’t want to miss the Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration in Courthouse Square.

Holiday Lights Parade

Kick off the holiday season Dec. 5, 2026, with Morgan Hill’s annual Holiday Lights Parade. The festive parade features floats, local sports teams and clubs and an appearance by Santa Claus. The route ends with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. A Holiday Makers Market runs throughout the event to help elves find their perfect holiday gifts. 

Tinker Bell’s Neverland Adventure

For kids, and all the kids that never really grew up, Tinker Bell’s Neverland Adventures welcomes you to the spectacular illuminated Neverland Trail at South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes. During the holiday season, join Wendy, Peter Pan, and Tinker Bell as you explore the London skyline, traverse light tunnels, enter the Lost Boys’ secret hideout and navigate Crocodile Creek.

Swiss Winter Village

Santa Monica transforms its iconic pier into little Switzerland at the Swiss Winter Village this holiday season. Created by the organizers behind Switzerland’s best Christmas markets, the winter village features 60 chalets showcasing Swiss culture, craftsmanship and seasonal delicacies. Fuel up with fondue and raclette and take a spin around the outdoor ice rink.

Winter magic in Irvine

The holiday season officially kicks off at Illuminate Irvine on Dec. 5, 2026, at Great Park. Enjoy festive activities, entertainment and the city’s tree lighting spectacle. From early November through Dec. 30th, Wild Rivers Waterpark hosts The Dream Glow Festival featuring more than a thousand handcrafted lanterns, themed light worlds and entertainment. For a classic winter activity, enjoy the outdoor ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center.

Festive family fun

In Buena Park, treat the kids to a holiday adventure at Knott’s Merry Farm, a winter wonderland of fun filled with thousands of lights, miles of garland, holiday-themed shows, seasonal eats and a Christmas craft village. At the Pirate Dinner Adventure, a swashbuckling show where pirates capture Santa Claus pairs with a holiday meal. 

Lightscape

Celebrate the holidays at Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden. The mile-long illuminated trail features over 20 artistic installations to discover. For even more seasonal fun, the Swiss Winter Village at Liberty Station brings European holiday charm to San Diego. Each spot offers visitors a chance to immerse in a magical world of light and sound. 

No lift ticket? No problem! Winter in California is packed with other outdoor adventures, seasonal celebrations and cozy traditions that make it easy to enjoy the Golden State sans skis.