California’s 5 sunniest winter destinations that are definitely worth a visit

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Travelers are always in trouble this time of year: West Coast versus East Coast, like an old-fashioned rap battle.

Florida Just Announced They Broke Tourism Records – again.

These numbers are not just derived from spring break and family vacations during spring break; you can’t forget the ‘snowbirds’.

As such, deciding which side of the country to holiday on can be a difficult choice. As a Californian, I can guarantee one thing: the sun will be there almost always radiant and you’ll find far fewer crowds than Florida’s best escapes, no matter which ‘Golden State’ location you choose.

We at Travel Off Path have compiled our own expert list of the best winter destinations in California, but don’t expect the same city as every other publication.

We promise you’ll love these 5 sun-drenched winter vacations Actually want to visit:

5) Jacumba Hot Springs: The Best Winter Road Trip in California

Don’t worry, we’ll reach the coast. For now, let’s focus on the far east side of San Diego, virtually unknown to the usual beachgoers who crowd into one of the West Coast’s best beach destinations.

About a 70-minute drive along mountainous roads and the infamous ‘wall’ lies an artsy retreat full of rustic charm, steamy mineral pools, desert murals and casual accommodations that feel wonderfully off-grid.

This map-dot community is the ultimate place to escape the city grind. In fact, many nights you can stargaze for hours without a glimpse of light pollution, so if you plan your trip right you might be one of the first to confirm what 3I/ATLAS really and truly…

My go-to spot is rightly called Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel – it’s a slice of Santa Fe intertwined with quirky desert vibes – and it is for adults only.

Jacumba remains sunny during the day in winter, while nighttime brings the chill at sunset, perfect as an excuse to enjoy the geothermal waters that gave this secluded hideaway its name.

4) Pasadena: LA’s charming sibling

Pasadena is a sun-drenched haven with charming streets, mountainous backdrops and a slower, more graceful pace than its famous, action-packed neighbor.

Sure, LA will still see its fair share of tourism, but the bright lights of Hollywood are dimmer these days, with high crime and perhaps higher prices.

East of LA you’ll find a legendary cityscape that almost invites you to explore its architectural gems and blooming gardens even in the dead of winter.

Offering visitors cozier boutique stays than LA’s outrageously expensive, chic hotels that tower above materialistic neighborhoods, Pasadena is the antidote to big-city burnout.

Not to mention, Pasadena has a surprising, vibrant comedy scene in the Ice housewhere you can actually get a seat!

If you don’t have any New Year’s plans yet, consider spending the day in the 137th Rose Paradean always fun event to conclude the calendar change.

3) Palm Springs: breathtaking nature and poolside bliss

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

It’s true, you can wear a T-shirt when you’re exploring places like Joshue Tree National Park and it’s still pool weather in January, so pack your favorite swimwear, too.

With average temperatures in the 70s, you’d be doing a disservice to staying indoors in your luxury hotel room — and there are a lot of them here.

With fancy rooms come even better pools, like my favorite Palm Springs, famous for its 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 stress will instantly melt away with their guidance, which is justification enough to fly to Palm Springs (PSP) this winter.

2) San Diego: endless beach towns from the border to O’Side

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

San Diego County has a seemingly endless list of beach towns to choose from, from the well-known Coronado to the ever-so-trendy Oceanside.

Right now, this is one of the best times to visit, as the tourist season has somehow become a “local summer” and an “Aryan invasion in the spring.”

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

But tell the wise: We San Diegans love our hoodies after our beautiful sunsets are gone.

1) Avila Beach: California’s only beach where you won’t shiver in your skivvies

If there is one downside to the west coast, it is the lively coast and year-round sunshine. As beautiful as the Pacific Ocean may be, it is usually cold.

Well, we know the exception to the rule…

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

Here you will find California’s warmest winter waters. The more people who don’t know about it is a big question mark.

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

While it’s certainly not Punta Cana, Avila’s waters are tolerable for a nice swim and even better to absorb with a gentle stroll along the boardwalk, where there’s a good chance you’ll see gray whales migrating.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.