The 8 Best Places To Visit In California in January

January in California has its own rhythm. Coastal towns feel quieter, the desert settles into its most comfortable temperatures, and the Sierra Nevada turns into a true winter playground.

We’ve found the best places to visit in California in January, shaped by real seasonal patterns and the experiences travelers seek this time of year. Expect quieter coastlines, crisp hiking weather, and deep snow — plus those clear winter days that make the state feel refreshed.

You’ll also see where Wander’s luxury vacation homes in California fit naturally into the season, from dramatic Big Sur viewpoints to desert retreats in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, and slopeside access in Lake Tahoe.

1. Big Sur

Big Sur in January feels almost contemplative. Winter storms bring dramatic ocean swells, and the air carries that unmistakable coastal freshness that only appears in the colder months.

Highway 1 is quieter, making the viewpoints around Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point more enjoyable. Trails at Andrew Molera and Garrapata often have ideal hiking temperatures in the 50s and 60s, along with the season’s clear post-rain horizons.

For travelers who appreciate moody, cinematic coastlines, this is the moment.

Things to do

• Watch winter swells crash below Point Lobos’ Cypress Grove Trail.

• Hike the Ridge Trail in Andrew Molera for wide-open ocean views.

• Warm up with a meal at Big Sur Bakery after a morning outdoors.

• Visit Pfeiffer Beach to see the seasonal light beam through Keyhole Arch.

Travel tips

• Check for temporary Highway 1 closures after storms; detours are common but manageable.

• Trails get muddy — good boots make a difference.

• Sunrise light is particularly crisp in January; plan scenic stops early to capture it.

Where to Stay Near Big Sur

• Wander Big Sur Coast – A mountainside retreat for up to 12 guests with sweeping Pacific views. Enjoy quiet mornings on the terrace, redwood hikes right outside your doorstep, and evenings unwinding beside the firepit as the coastline glows at sunset.

2. Palm Springs

Palm Springs is built for winter. Days usually sit in the 70s, which means pool time, al fresco dinners, and long desert walks without the heat that dominates much of the year. January also marks the start of event season, from gallery openings in the Uptown Design District to early Coachella Valley hikes filled with fresh greenery from winter rains.

Things to do

• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for snow-dusted views from Mount San Jacinto.

• Wander the art galleries along North Palm Canyon Drive.

• Explore Tahquitz Canyon’s waterfall trail after seasonal rain.

• Take a self-guided architectural tour of classic mid-century modern homes.

Travel tips

• Mornings can be cool — layers help when moving between sun and shade.

• Book the tramway early on holiday weekends; it fills quickly this month.

• Desert blooms begin appearing after winter rains — keep an eye out on local trails.

Expert Tips on January Vacations in Palm Springs

If you plan to visit both Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon in one day, I find it’s better to start with Indian Canyons early.

The morning light in Palm Canyon is gorgeous, and parking is noticeably easier. Then, I’d head to Tahquitz Canyon in the afternoon when the sun warms the rocks along the trail.

Where to Stay Near Palm Springs

• Wander Five Palms – A private desert estate framed by the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains, with space for large groups to spread out. Enjoy a 25-yard lap pool, oversized jacuzzi, tennis and pickleball, bocce, and a home fitness center.

• Wander Palm Springs Buena Vista – A 5-bedroom, stylish Old Las Palmas retreat combining classic ranch architecture with mid-century design. Guests can walk to Uptown and Downtown Palm Springs, then return to a southwest-facing backyard with a pool, hot tub, and fire pit overlooking the mountains.

• Wander Palm Springs Haven – A bright, modern desert escape for up to 6 guests with wide mountain views and generous outdoor living. The pool, hot tub, and open-air dining areas set the tone for long, sun-filled days, while the interiors are designed for easy, comfortable downtime.

3. Lake Tahoe

Tahoe enters its prime in January: reliable snowfall, clear skies between storms, and long ski days across the basin. Even non-skiers will appreciate the winter atmosphere — quiet beaches, hot drinks with lake views, and crisp walks along the East Shore Trail.

Conditions vary year to year, but January typically strikes the right balance between fresh snow and midwinter energy.

Things to do

• Ski at Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, or Heavenly.

• Snowshoe around Emerald Bay for winter views that few visitors see.

• Grab a lakeside lunch in Kings Beach or Incline Village.

• Ice skate at Northstar Village after dusk.

Travel tips

• Chain requirements along I-80 and 50 are common; check road status before you leave.

• Restaurants near the ski resorts fill quickly on weekends — late lunches are easier.

• Lakeside trails freeze overnight, but microspikes help.

Where to Stay Near Lake Tahoe

• Wander Tahoe Ridge – A 10-bedroom retreat for up to 20 guests, featuring an indoor pool and sauna, a movie theater, and a full game room. The outdoor deck features a fireplace, BBQ, and hot tub, while the main living area combines modern design with a grand stone hearth, creating a classic alpine ambience.

• Wander Tahoe Meadow – This 14-bedroom estate sleeps 32 and is built for large gatherings, with an indoor pool and sauna, multiple hot tubs, fire pits, and a theater room. The open living space offers sweeping views of Mt. Tallac, while private suites and a gourmet kitchen keep the experience comfortable and elevated.

• Wander Tahoe Haven – Centered around a striking indoor pool wrapped in cedar and rock. This 9-bedroom mountain escape accommodates 22 guests and has a sauna, large hot tub, outdoor lounges with fireplaces, and a custom chef’s kitchen. A game room and theater complete the home’s mix of relaxation and entertainment.

4. Joshua Tree

January brings the park’s most comfortable weather: crisp mornings, cool afternoons, and golden sunsets over the boulder fields. The iconic Joshua trees photograph beautifully this time of year thanks to the winter light that softens the desert landscape.

Crowds are lighter than spring but still lively — a sweet spot for visitors who want breathing room without total solitude.

Things to do

• Walk the Hidden Valley Trail for classic rock formations.

• Watch the sunset from Keys View on a clear winter day.

• Bouldering sessions at Intersection Rock for beginners and intermediates.

• Explore the Cholla Cactus Garden in early morning light.

Travel tips

• Nights get cold fast; temperatures swing dramatically after sunset.

• Parking at the West Entrance is easiest before 9 a.m.

• Winter winds can be strong — secure hats and loose gear.

Expert Tips for Vacations to Joshua Tree in January

I’ve learned that Joshua Tree rewards travelers who pivot with the light. The boulder formations around Hidden Valley and Cap Rock are at their most sculptural right after sunrise. You can actually watch the shadows crawl across the monzogranite as the sun lifts. I always start there before the parking lots fill, then shift gradually eastward as the day warms.

By midafternoon, the Cholla Cactus Garden becomes something entirely different: the spines catch the low winter sun and glow almost electrically. Most visitors move on too quickly, but if you linger until about 30 minutes before sunset, the entire garden turns amber. It’s one of the park’s most stunning seasonal moments, and it only happens in winter.

Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree

• Wander High Desert Haven – A Scandinavian-inspired retreat for 5 guests, set on 2.5 acres with wide desert and mountain views. This 2-bedroom home features a hot tub, cowboy pool, fire pits, and a peaceful deck for stargazing. Floor-to-ceiling windows, natural materials, and a modern fireplace create a calm, design-driven base just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.

• Wander High Desert Sunstill – A 3-bedroom desert escape for 8 guests, anchored by an outdoor pool, hot tub, and expansive mountain vistas. Evenings revolve around the fire pit and open sky, making it an easy place to unwind and enjoy the quiet of the high desert.

• Wander Joshua Tree Azure – A 10-acre modern hideaway for 8 guests with a pool, built-in spa, pickleball and bocce courts, and a rooftop deck for stargazing. Inside, a chef’s kitchen and projector setup elevate downtime, while outdoor fire pits and lounge areas create a relaxed, resort-like feel.

5. Santa Barbara

January brings a softer version of Santa Barbara: fewer visitors, comfortable 60-degree days, and the clearest ocean views of the year. It’s an excellent month for wine tasting in the Funk Zone, hiking Inspiration Point, or beach walks from Butterfly Beach to Hammond’s Trail.

Seasonal gray whales begin their southbound migration in January, creating reliable sightings from Shoreline Park.

Things to do

• Hike Inspiration Point on a clear morning.

• Explore the Funk Zone’s tasting rooms and breweries.

• Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden after winter rains.

• Watch for whales from Arroyo Burro or Shoreline Park.

Travel tips

• Book coastal restaurants midweek to avoid weekend surges.

• Early sunsets make beachfront dinners the best at 4–5 p.m.

Where to Stay Near Santa Barbara

• Wander Montecito Estate – A 7-bedroom George Washington Smith residence for 12 guests. The grounds feature a pool and spa, a private theater, a wine cellar with a tasting room, and a billiards lounge. With a guest house, two cottages, and sports courts for tennis, pickleball, and bocce, it’s a refined retreat designed for leisurely days in the Santa Barbara sun.

6. San Diego

San Diego’s mild winter is a reliable escape for travelers seeking warmth. You’ll find beaches that are quiet but still pleasant for long walks, tide pools at their seasonal best in La Jolla, and perfect hiking temperatures across Torrey Pines.

January also tends to deliver some of the clearest ocean water of the year, ideal for kayaking or coastal photography.

Things to do

• Explore La Jolla’s tide pools at low tide.

• Hike the Broken Hill Trail at Torrey Pines.

• Walk Balboa Park’s gardens in cool morning light.

• Visit Liberty Public Market for lunch and local shopping.

Travel tips

• Low tides shift daily — tide pool planning makes a big difference.

• Ocean breezes keep evenings cool; bring an extra layer.

• Parking at Torrey Pines is easier after 2 p.m.

Where to Stay Near San Diego

• Wander San Diego Canopy - A modern 4-bedroom home for 6 guests with mountain views, a pool, hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge. A bright, open layout and easy outdoor living make it a relaxed base for San Diego adventures.

• Wander San Diego Aura - This 7-bedroom coastal retreat for 14 guests features ocean views, a pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a putting green. Outdoor fireplaces and a gym add to its resort-style feel along the San Diego shoreline.

• Wander San Diego Coast - A 3-bedroom oceanfront stay for 6 guests with sunrise views, an outdoor dining area, and a fire pit for evenings by the water. A simple, scenic home base steps from the Pacific.

7. Sonoma Valley

January is Sonoma’s quiet season — tasting rooms are calm, restaurants have space, and the hills turn a soft green after winter rain. You’ll find cool days ideal for winery hopping, along with warm fireplaces and long lunches in Glen Ellen or Healdsburg.

It’s also the month when winemakers have more time to chat, making tastings more personal than in peak months.

Things to do

• Wine tasting along Westside Road and Dry Creek Valley.

• Walk Sonoma Plaza’s historic district with a warm drink in hand.

• Dine at local favorites like The Girl & The Fig.

• Explore Jack London State Historic Park’s mossy winter trails.

Travel tips

• Mud can linger on trails; waterproof footwear helps.

• Some wineries pause outdoor service in winter — call ahead.

• Afternoon tastings tend to be livelier; mornings are peaceful.

Where to Stay Near Sonoma Valley

• Wander Sonoma Valley – A 3-bedroom wine country retreat for 8 guests with floor-to-ceiling views, a pool, multiple balconies, and a fire pit for evenings outside. A private gym and indoor fireplace make it an easy, elegant base in Sonoma.

8. June Lake

June Lake offers a quieter, more intimate winter scene than the busier Eastern Sierra hubs. January usually brings dependable snowfall across the basin, giving the mountains a crisp, alpine feel while keeping the village itself relaxed.

Skiers appreciate the easy access to Mammoth Mountain — just a 30-minute drive — while those staying local can enjoy the uncrowded June Mountain slopes, often favored by families for its mellow runs and sweeping lake views from the summit.

Things to do

• Ski June Mountain for laid-back terrain and big views.

• Drive to Mammoth Mountain for advanced runs and long groomers.

• Walk the June Lake Loop for winter photography.

• Warm up with coffee or pastries at a village bakery.

• Visit the nearby Hot Creek Geologic Site when roads are open.

Travel tips

• Roads between June Lake and Mammoth can be icy in the morning; driving is often smoother by midday.

• Parking at June Mountain remains manageable, even on weekends, compared to larger resorts.

• Dress in layers: Eastern Sierra temperatures swing sharply from sun to shade.

Expert Tips for Visiting June Lake in January

Locals will tell you that June Mountain skis best when you treat the morning like a progression. Start by taking J7 to the summit as early as conditions allow — the upper mountain often catches the day’s first softening snow, especially after a cold night.

By 11 a.m., the lower groomers settle into a fast, consistent rhythm. That’s usually the moment I head toward Mammoth for a second session: the timing lines up with when the backside bowls begin to soften, and the winds typically stabilize.

Where to Stay Near June Lake

• Wander June Lake – A 3-bedroom retreat for 6 guests with forest and mountain views, a hot tub for après-ski evenings, and a modern chef’s kitchen. A cozy fireplace and quiet alpine setting make it an easy base for exploring the Eastern Sierra in winter.

Plan a January Vacation in California with Wander

January reshapes California in subtle but memorable ways: quieter coastlines, clearer skies, and space to slow down. The right destination depends on what you’re craving — desert warmth, winter snow, dramatic surf, or wine country calm.

Wherever you land, the season adds its own texture to the experience, making familiar places feel new again. Wander’s collection of luxury vacation homes across California offers a spacious, design-forward base that elevates every part of the trip.