Top 12 Best Places To Visit In California In December

California transforms into a winter wonderland in December, offering diverse experiences from sun-soaked beaches to snow-capped mountains. Discover the best places to visit in California in December as we guide you through twelve extraordinary destinations that showcase the Golden State's winter magic.

Whether you're seeking the coastal charm of San Francisco, the desert warmth of Palm Springs, or the artistic allure of Carmel, December reveals California's most captivating side. From Big Sur's dramatic coastlines to Yosemite's snow-dusted valleys, each destination offers unique winter experiences that will leave you spellbound.

Get ready to explore a state where December means endless possibilities and unforgettable memories.

1. San Francisco: Fog-Kissed Winter Romance

December in San Francisco feels like stepping into a romantic European film. The city's famous fog dances with crisp winter air, creating an atmosphere I've never experienced anywhere else. You've probably imagined walking across the Golden Gate Bridge countless times—December mornings offer the clearest views, when tourist crowds thin and locals reclaim their city.

I recommend the early morning walk from Crissy Field to the bridge around 7 AM. The fog often lifts by 9 AM, revealing Alcatraz Island floating like a mysterious fortress in the bay. Union Square transforms into a holiday wonderland, but skip the expensive ice rink and head to Ghirardelli Square for hot chocolate that costs half the price.

The city's neighborhoods reveal their authentic character in December. Mission District's murals gain deeper meaning under winter's soft light, while Chinatown's lanterns glow warmer against December's evening chill.

2. San Diego: Endless Summer in Winter

San Diego defies December logic. While the rest of America bundles in winter coats, you'll find yourself in shorts and sandals, questioning everything you thought you knew about December weather. Average temperatures hover around 65°F, making it the perfect escape from winter blues.

Balboa Park becomes magical in December, with fewer crowds allowing intimate encounters with world-class museums. The San Diego Zoo's animals are more active in cooler December temperatures—I've watched polar bears playfully swimming while wearing a t-shirt, a surreal experience that perfectly captures San Diego's winter charm.

La Jolla Cove offers December's best seal watching. The babies born earlier in the year are now playful juveniles, creating an underwater ballet visible from the cliffs above. Sunset Cliffs provides the most spectacular December sunsets, painted across Pacific horizons with winter's unique atmospheric clarity.

3. Monterey: Coastal Drama Intensified

December unleashes Monterey's wild coastal beauty. Storm systems rolling in from the Pacific create dramatic wave action against Monterey's rocky shores, transforming the usually serene coastline into nature's theater. You've probably seen Monterey Aquarium photos, but December visits reveal a different world.

The famous 17-Mile Drive becomes even more spectacular in December. Fewer tour buses mean you can actually stop at Seal Point and Bird Rock without fighting crowds. Local tip: purchase your 17-Mile Drive pass at Safeway for $10.25 instead of paying $11 at the gate.

Monterey's December magic lies in its storms. I remember standing at Point Pinos Lighthouse during a December storm, watching 20-foot waves crash against rocks while sea otters floated peacefully in the calmer areas nearby. December whale watching offers the best gray whale sightings as they migrate south to Baja California.

4. Palm Springs: Desert Winter Paradise

Palm Springs in December feels like discovering a secret that Hollywood stars have known for decades. Desert temperatures drop to perfect 70°F days and 45°F nights—ideal for hiking, poolside lounging, and outdoor dining without summer's brutal heat.

The desert landscape reveals its subtle beauty in December's softer light. Joshua Tree National Park, just an hour away, becomes accessible for serious hiking. I recommend the Hidden Valley trail at sunrise—December mornings offer the clearest air and most dramatic lighting across the Mojave Desert.

Palm Springs' mid-century modern architecture gains deeper appreciation in December's golden light. The Kaufmann House and other architectural gems seem to glow against the San Jacinto Mountains' dramatic backdrop. Cable car rides to Mount San Jacinto State Park offer snow views from 8,516 feet—a stark contrast to the desert floor below.

5. Los Angeles: Glitter Without the Glare

December strips away Los Angeles' summer haze, revealing the city's true personality. You've probably heard about LA's traffic and smog, but December's clearer skies and cooler temperatures transform the metropolitan experience entirely.

Hollywood Boulevard becomes actually walkable in December. The famous Walk of Fame stretches for miles, but December's 68°F average temperature makes the entire journey pleasant. Skip the expensive tourist restaurants and eat at Grand Central Market—authentic food at local prices, with parking for $2 after 5 PM validation.

December reveals LA's beach culture without summer's intensity. Santa Monica Pier's amusement rides operate year-round, but December crowds are manageable. I've watched surfers at Manhattan Beach on December mornings, riding waves in full wetsuits while I walked the sand in a light jacket—quintessentially California.

Venice Beach showcases its artistic soul more clearly in December when tourist crowds thin. The murals, street performers, and local characters create authentic Los Angeles experiences without summer's overwhelming energy.

6. Napa Valley: Harvest Reflection

December in Napa Valley offers wine country's most contemplative season. Harvest celebration winds down, leaving behind a landscape of golden vineyard rows and intimate tasting experiences. You've probably imagined Napa during harvest chaos—December reveals the valley's peaceful soul.

Wineries become genuinely welcoming in December. Tastings feel like conversations rather than rushed transactions. I recommend Chateau Montelena for their December barrel tastings—you'll sample wines that won't be released for years, a privilege rarely offered during busy seasons.

December weather creates perfect wine tasting conditions. Cool mornings and afternoon sunshine, with temperatures rarely exceeding 60°F, mean you can taste wines without palate fatigue. Many wineries offer special December events—Holiday Wine and Food Pairings that cost significantly less than harvest season experiences.

The Napa Valley Wine Train becomes especially magical in December, decorated for holidays while winding through dormant vineyards that reveal the valley's natural beauty without summer's green density.

7. Big Sur: Nature's Cathedral in Winter

Big Sur in December becomes a spiritual experience. Pacific storms create dramatic wave action against towering cliffs, while redwood forests glisten with winter moisture. Highway 1 requires careful navigation, but December's fewer tourists mean you can actually stop at overlooks and absorb the magnitude of this natural cathedral.

I remember standing at McWay Falls during a December rain—the 80-foot waterfall seemed more powerful, crashing onto the beach while storm clouds created dramatic lighting across the Pacific. December's storms make Big Sur's waterfalls more spectacular than any other season.

Nepenthe Restaurant offers December's best value—spectacular views with reasonable prices when tourist demand drops. The outdoor deck remains open most December days, providing panoramic Pacific views while enjoying locally sourced cuisine.

Big Sur's December magic requires patience and flexibility. Highway 1 can close during storms, but when accessible, offers the most dramatic coastal scenery in North America.

8. Santa Barbara: Mediterranean December

Santa Barbara channels Mediterranean charm year-round, but December perfects the illusion. Red-tile roofs and white stucco buildings gain deeper character under December's softer light, while average temperatures of 65°F make outdoor exploration comfortable throughout the day.

State Street becomes a pedestrian paradise in December. The usual college crowd thins, allowing appreciation of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and authentic local businesses. I recommend early evening walks when holiday lights illuminate the courthouse tower and create magical reflections in shop windows.

Santa Barbara's beaches reveal their true character in December. Butterfly Beach and East Beach offer peaceful walking without summer's crowds, while Stearns Wharf provides excellent Pacific views and local seafood at reasonable prices—fish and chips for $12 versus $18 during peak season.

The Santa Barbara Mission, established in 1786, becomes more contemplative in December. Fewer tour groups mean you can actually absorb the historical significance and architectural beauty of this “Queen of the Missions.”

9. Carmel: Fairy Tale December

Carmel-by-the-Sea seems designed for December visiting. Cottage architecture and cobblestone streets create European charm, while December's misty mornings add mysterious beauty to this artistic enclave. You've probably seen photos of Carmel's fairy-tale houses—December's atmospheric conditions make every street corner Instagram-worthy.

The Carmel Mission Basilica reveals its spiritual power more clearly in December's quieter atmosphere. Founded in 1771, this historical site offers contemplative experiences when tourist buses aren't idling outside.

Carmel Beach becomes almost private in December. The white sand beach extends for miles, with dramatic rock formations and Monterey cypress trees creating natural sculpture gardens. I've walked this beach on December mornings and encountered more dogs than people—a peaceful contrast to summer's crowded conditions.

Ocean Avenue's galleries and boutiques offer December browsing without summer's overwhelming crowds. Many local artists offer special December exhibitions, providing authentic cultural experiences at reasonable prices.

10. Death Valley: Desert Solitude Perfected

Death Valley in December offers the most extreme landscape accessible in North America. Summer temperatures make exploration dangerous, but December's 65°F days and 35°F nights create perfect conditions for experiencing America's most dramatic desert.

Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level, becomes approachable in December. Standing at the lowest point in North America while snow caps surrounding mountains creates perspective impossible to experience elsewhere. I recommend sunrise visits when light illuminates the salt flats' geometric patterns with otherworldly beauty.

Zabriskie Point provides December's most spectacular sunrise views. The golden and purple badlands stretch for miles, creating Martian landscapes that few humans ever witness. Artist's Palette offers an easier drive with equally stunning geological formations painted in natural minerals.

December night skies in Death Valley rank among the world's darkest, offering astronomical experiences impossible in light-polluted areas. The Milky Way appears with clarity that makes you question everything you thought you knew about the universe.

11. Joshua Tree: Alien Landscape Accessible

Joshua Tree National Park transforms from summer survival challenge to December paradise. Desert temperatures drop to perfect hiking conditions while Joshua trees create alien sculptures against deep blue winter skies.

The park's two distinct desert ecosystems—Mojave and Colorado—reveal their unique characteristics in December's clear air. Cholla Cactus Garden becomes safely explorable when temperatures allow extended hiking, while Skull Rock offers climbing opportunities impossible during summer's heat.

I recommend camping in December if you've never experienced true desert silence. Jumbo Rocks Campground offers sites for $15 per night, with night skies so dark that city visitors often can't sleep due to overwhelming starlight.

Keys View provides panoramic vistas across the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and Salton Sea—geological drama visible for 100 miles on December's clear days.

12. Yosemite Valley: Winter's Majestic Crown

Yosemite Valley in December offers nature's most dramatic seasonal transformation. Half Dome and El Capitan wear snow crowns while valley floors remain accessible, creating contrasts impossible during any other season.

December's fewer visitors mean you can actually experience Yosemite's spiritual power without summer's overwhelming crowds. Tunnel View provides the classic Yosemite Valley photograph—El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall framed together—but December adds snow drama that enhances this iconic vista.

Yosemite Falls may have reduced flow in December, but the surrounding cliffs gain winter beauty that compensates for water volume. I remember standing at Swinging Bridge during a December snowfall, watching snowflakes drift past towering granite walls while deer grazed peacefully in Ahwahnee Meadow.

The Ahwahnee Hotel offers December luxury at reduced rates—staying in this National Historic Landmark provides Yosemite experiences that summer's booked-solid conditions make impossible.

December in California reveals the Golden State's most compelling secrets. These twelve destinations showcase why California in December offers unmatched diversity and beauty.

Pack your bags with layers—you'll need them for Joshua Tree's desert nights and Yosemite's snow-touched peaks. Bring comfortable walking shoes for San Francisco's hills and Santa Barbara's cobblestones.

Book accommodations early for popular destinations like Napa Valley and Big Sur, but expect better availability and prices than peak seasons.

California in December doesn't just offer great travel—it provides life-changing experiences that remind you why this state captures hearts and imagination worldwide. Your December California adventure awaits, promising memories that will warm you through any winter ahead.