5 Hidden Places To Visit in California In Winters You Won’t Believe Exist

When we talk about California, the first picture that comes to our mind is of sunny beaches and Hollywood glitz, right? But what if we tell you that this Golden State gets transformed into a winter wonderland filled with hidden places to visit in California that will leave you in awe! So, this year, why don't you trade the predictable touristy destinations for these amazing places for something unbelievable? Imagine wandering through the snow-dusted landscapes of bizarre rock formations near the Sierra Nevada or strolling through a Danish village that looks like a Christmas postcard come to life. 

From the ancient giants of Big Basin Redwoods to the serene vibe of Ojai and the romantic escape to Cambria, an adventure is calling you. So, if you are ready, let’s check out more about these best places to visit in California so that you can plan your winter holiday more efficiently. 

Top Places to Visit in California To Explore Best-Kept Secrets

Here are the following places to visit in California that are less explored for a relaxing gateway: 

1. Madera County

One of the best hidden places to visit in California in winter to skip the usual tourist traps is Madera County. Located on the southern getaway to Yosemite National Park, the destination offers an adventurous and crowd-free side of California that most of you have not seen. The thing that makes this place so special is that it is located on the crossroads of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the San Joaquin Valley. Its proximity to Yosemite National Park gives you an opportunity to explore the iconic national park, which transforms into a snow wonderland. Moreover, Highway 41 remains accessible in winter, leading you to cozy towns like Oakhurst, Bass Lake and Fish Camp. 

• Places to visit: Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake, Madera Wine Trail, Coarsegold Historic Village, Chowchilla and Sierra Vista Scenic Bay

• Things To Do: Hiking, Snowshoeing and Wildlife viewing of migratory birds like bold eagles, hawks, etc. 

• How To Reach: Traveling to Madera County in winter is simple. All you have to do is fly to the nearby airports like Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is approximately 50 minutes away from the airport. Moreover, you can also book flights to California with Experian Airfare for major cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, then it is just a 3 hours and 58 minutes car drive.  

Pro Tip: If you are planning to drive all the way to Madera County, then plan your drive along Highway 41 before sunset, where you can witness the Sierra foothills glow with winter light.  

2. Alabama Hills 

The Alabama Hills are located just outside the desert town of Lone Pine in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada. In winter, it stands out as one of the mind-blowing hidden places to see in California, famous for its sculpted granite formations and sprawling arches with snow-capped mountains of Mount Whitney offering dramatic views of the winter backdrop. However, you will find heavy snowfall with daytime temperatures ranging from 4°C to 14°C, dropping to freezing at times. But, the best part is that this is the best time for outdoor activities, landscape photography and night of stargazing. So, what are you waiting for? Book your cheap flights to California and explore this classic filming location of over 400 movies, like Iron Man, where they have represented Afghanistan. 

• Places to visit: Arch hunting like Mobius Arch, Lathe Arch, Heart Arch, Eye of Alabama Hills Arch, Boot Arch, Cyclopes Arch, and many more. 

• Things To Do: Photography to capture the Milky Way, hiking on various trails like Mobius Arch Loop Trail, mountain biking, camping and many other off-roading activities. 

• How to Reach: You can fly to major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, as the Alabama Hills are just 3 hours and 14 minutes away from Los Angeles and 6 hours and 43 minutes from San Francisco. 

Pro Tip: Download all maps and mark beforehand the arch trails or GPS coordinates, as cell service is limited in the hills. And if you want to click Instagram-worthy pictures when Mount Whitney glows in pink over the granite, then visit during the sunrise. Thank us later! 

3. Convict Lake 

Tucked away in the Eastern Sierra, just minutes away from the main highway, lies one of the breathtaking and easily accessible places to visit in California - Convict Lake. The best part about this lake is that it is open and accessible even during the winter months, as well as offering a dreamy landscape with snow-dusted peaks of Mount Morrison and Laurel Mountain in the backdrop. So, if you are looking for a secluded place in California that feels unreal and magical, then Convict Lake is a hidden place in plain sight.  The best part is that the road to the Lake is maintained year-round, which makes it one of the remote and luxurious destinations in winter. 

• Things To Do: Hiking the Convict Lake Loop, which is a 2.5-mile trail circling the lake; photography; snowshoeing, where there is enough snow; winter fishing; and many other things to do. 

• How to Reach: The best way to reach Convict Lake is by car from US Highway 396. You have to take a turn west onto Convict Lake Road, which is just 15 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes. 

Pro Tip: Hike the loop trail clockwise. And always check CalTrans for the latest road conditions before you travel. The roads are icy, so make sure you have 4WD/AWD or chains for 2WD vehicles. 

4. Cambria 

Forget the sun-drenched beaches of California and visit one of the most magical places to visit in California - the village of Cambria. It is nestled between pine forests and the dramatic Pacific, which comes alive in the winters with romantic charm. Imagine spending time amidst misty mornings or deserted beaches, browsing through cozy art galleries and ending your day under millions of holiday twinkling lights. It is the perfect place to spend a peaceful and relaxing time with your partner without any tourist rush in the summer. This is also the most enchanting time to experience world-renowned Christmas markets and wildlife migrations of the Cambria. 

• Places To Explore: Cambria Christmas Market from November 28 to December 31 every year. But make sure to book your flights to California in advance for a relaxing experience. Witness grey whales on the shores of Moonstone Beach. You can also stroll Moonstone Beach and Fiscalini Ranch Reserve and explore the local Cambria village. 

• How To Reach: Cambria is located directly on the very scenic Highway 1, so you can drive directly from Los Angeles, which is just 3 hours and 52 minutes away, and from San Francisco, which is approx 3 hours away. So, book your flight tickets to California from Experian Airfare and experience the best road trip of your life. 

5. Solvang 

Do you want to explore the European winter wonderland vibes without leaving the States? Then, don't worry when we are here! Plan your winter holiday to Solvang, which is one of the hidden places to visit in California. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is a Danish village that gets transformed into a dreamy Christmas postcard during the winter. The whole village has half-timbered architecture, traditional windmills and streets with twinkling fairy lights. 

So, this is the perfect place to skip the typical California vibes and experience the festive atmosphere - Solvang is the place. Locally, the festive spirit is known as hygge, and the annual festival of Julefest is a month-long Christmas festival. Do you know Solvang is also known as one of the “Most Christmassy towns in America? 

• Things To Do: Experience Solvang Julefest, which runs from November 28 to January 2026; Tree Lighting Ceremony & Julefest Parade, Candlelit Tours and Maker’s Market. No trip to Solvang is complete without indulging in the Danish treats like aebleskiver. Another stop is the famous Solvang Restaurant for delicious Danish pastries. Visit museums like Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. 

• How to Reach: There are 2 ways to reach Solvang - By Car and By Air/Train. If you are planning to self-drive, then it is just a 42-minute drive from Santa Barbara, 2 hours from Los Angeles and 4 hours and 42 minutes from San Francisco. If you are flying from a different state, then the nearest airport is Santa Barbara International Airport. So, get your cheap flights to California now and explore this hidden festive paradise this winter.  

Conclusion

As the holiday season is around the corner, we hope that our list of 5 hidden places to visit in California will help you plan a memorable trip with your loved ones. So, all you have to do is book your flights to California with Experian Airfare now and witness those magical landscapes in real life. Happy holidays! 

Also Read: Things To Do In Maldives

FAQs

Q- Is California worth visiting in winter?

Yes, California in winter offers fewer crowds, stunning landscapes and vibrant Christmas markets like Solvang village. Moreover, it is off-season for most of the destinations, which makes it a great time to find cheap flights to California with Experian Airfare for a more affordable vacation. 

Q- What are the best places to visit in California for couples?

If you are looking for a romantic escape with your partner, then you can consider visiting Convict Lake, Cambria Bridge and Solvang for its festive Julefest. 

Q- What is the best time to book flight tickets to California in winter?

For the best deals on the winter flights to California, you should book your tickets generally 1 to 3 months in advance. Moreover, if you are flexible with your travel dates, it gives you a window to get cheaper fares.