California’s 5 Sunniest Winter Destinations That Are Actually Worth Visiting

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Travelers always find themselves in a pickle this time of year: West Coast vs. East Coast like an old school rap battle.

Florida just announced they shattered tourism records — again.

Those numbers aren’t solely derived from Spring Break shenanigans and summer family vacays — you can’t forget the “snowbirds”.

As such, deciding which side of the country to vacation can be a tough choice. As a Californian myself, I can guarantee one thing — the sun is almost always shining and you’ll find way less crowds than Florida’s top escapes no matter which “Golden State” locale you opt for.

We at Travel Off Path have compiled our own expert list of California’s top winter destinations, but don’t expect the same-o, same-o city every other publication regurgitates.

We promise these 5 sun-drenched winter getaways are ones you’ll actually want to visit:

5) Jacumba Hot Springs: California’s Top Winter Road Trip

Don’t worry — we’ll get to the coast. For now, let’s focus on San Diego’s far eastside virtualy unknown to the usual beachgoers that invade one of the West Coast’s top beach destinations.

Roughly a 70-minute drive along mountainous roadways and notorious “wall” lies an artsy hideaway full of rustic charm, steaming mineral pools, desert murals, and laid-back lodging that feels delightfully off-grid.

This map-dot community is the ultimate place to escape the city grind. You can even stargaze for hours on end many nights without a glimpse of light pollution, so if you time your trip right, maybe you can be among the first to confirm what 3I/ATLAS really is…

My go-to spot is rightfully named Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel — it’s a slice of Santa Fe intertwined with quirky desert vibes — plus, it’s adults-only.

Jacumba stays sunny through winter during daytime,while nighttime brings a sundown chill perfect for an excuse to soak in geothermal waters that gave this remote hideaway its name.

4) Pasadena: LA’s Charming Sibling

Pasadena is a sun-kissed escape with charming streets, mountain backdrops, and a slower, more graceful pace than its famous action-packed neighbor.

Sure, LA will still see its fair share of tourism, but Hollywood’s bright lights are dimmer nowadays with high crime, and maybe higher prices.

East of LA proper is where you’ll find a storied cityscape practically inviting you to explore its architectural gems and blooming gardens even in the middle of winter.

Offering visitors cozier boutique stays than LA’s insanely expensive posh hotels towering over materialistic neighborhoods, Pasadena is the antidote to big-city burnout.

Not to mention, Pasadena has a surprising buzzing comedy scene at the Ice House, where you can actually snag a seat!

If you don’t have New Years plans yet, consider spending the day at the 137th Rose Parade, an always-fun event to cap off the turn of the calendar.

3) Palm Springs: Stunning Nature & Poolside Bliss

Aside from Florida, Palm Springs is one of few places you can you coat in the back of the closet.

It’s true, you can rock a t-shirt exploring such places as Joshue Tree National Park and it’s still pool weather in January, so pack your favorite swimwear too.

With average temps in the 70s, you’d be doing a disservice staying indoors in your luxe hotel room — and there are many here.

With ritzy rooms comes even better pools, like my favorite Palm Springs stay famous for their scenic boat rides and championship-level golf courses — JW Mariott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.

Emphasis on “spa” if you ask me; they have my favorite spa I’ve ever been to. Your stresses will melt away instantly with their guidance, which is justification enough to fly into Palm Springs (PSP) this winter.

2) San Diego: Endless Beach Towns From The Border To O’Side

Hey, you know it was coming. I can’t leave my own city off the list. But unlike other travel publications who tell you to go to the San Diego Zoo, Mission Beach, and La Jolla’s smelly seals, we’re here to urge you beyond the city limits.

San Diego County has what seems like an endless list of beach towns to choose from from well-known Coronado to ever-so-trendy Oceanside.

Right now is one of the best times to visit as the tourist season sits somehwere become “local summer’ and “springtime Arizonian invasion”.

Whether you’re seemingly sitting on the edge of the world at Sunset Cliffs, taking the kiddos to Legoland, or hiking one of many mazes of trails San Diego has to offer, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the sunshine.

Though, word to the wise — us San Diegans love our hoodies after our gorgeous sunsets subside.

1) Avila Beach: California’s Only Beach You Won’t Shiver In Your Skivvies

If there’s one downside to the West Coast, it’s that dispute vibrant shores and year-round sunshine, as gorgeous as the Pacific may be, it’s cold most often.

Well, we know the exception to the rule…

Along California’s unsung Central Coast lies Avila Beach outside of the historic town of San Luis Obispo.

Here you’ll find California’s warmest winter waters. It’s a big question mark how more people don’t know about it.

Mezmerized by SoCal’s laundry list of stunning coastal paradises, most travelers don’t give Central California a fair shake, even though San Luis Obispo (SBP) is reasonably accessible to fly into, or just a 3-hour drive from LA.

While it’s certainly not Punta Cana, Avila’s waters are tolerable for a nice swim ad even better to absorb along a peaceful walk on the boardwalk, where there’s a high chance you’ll spot gray whales migrating.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.