3 California Winter Weekend Trips: Swim, Ski, Eat, Repeat

Are you looking for the best places in California to visit this winter? You can enjoy the beach, snow or even stay inside to experience our melting pot. These California weekend trips were explored by me, a Californian girl who has traveled the world.

If you have a week to spare, you could do this itinerary in a road trip. As a fellow Californian you could visit a new city every weekend.

You can save this post and read it later. Support this blog by simply pinning it.

Follow my California weekend adventures, bucket list trips and Instagram

This post contains

In the Orange Country or San Bernardino Mountains, you can visit three places in California in the winter (both are only a one- to two-hour drive away).
Find restaurants, hotels, and fun things to do in Huntington Beach, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear.
Pictures of my trip that will help you plan your own.
Plan your California vacation with these resources.
Other Places to Visit in California

California Winter Weekend Trips: Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, in Orange County, California, is the perfect place to get away from the winter, enjoy a Mai Tai and soak up some sun.
HB, once known as “Surf City USA”, now offers a lot more to visitors than just some killer waves.

Huntington Beach is still the chillsurf city that I remember as a native So-Cal resident. The food and nightlife have evolved with rooftop bars and spas. There are also more shopping and culinary options. In the last few decades, over 25 restaurants were built on Huntington Beach’s 10 mile stretch.

The beach, the hot spots, and of course the events are all a part of this place!

Best Restaurants to Eat and Drink in Huntington Beach:

Bluegold Huntington Beach offers fine dining. Enjoy the views of the ocean, the graffiti wine room and seasonal ingredients sourced locally.

Bluegold provided an unforgettable dining experience. The service was exceptional!

Pacific Hideaway offers a Mexican-inspired menu with a modern twist. Get the “Dazed and Confused” cocktail & coconut ceviche.
Try the tempura Shinto Peppers or cocktails at Tanner’s Huntington Beach rooftop lounge.
Enjoy food porn in Duke’s Huntington Beach The coconut mojito will win you over!
Banazi Bowls offers a variety of smoothies that are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Eat Local, Explore — Surf City Nights Street Fair/Farmers Market on Tuesdays

Duke’s Huntington Beach

Play in Huntington Beach — What to do?

When it’s sunny and 64 degrees, don a wetsuit, take a surfing lesson, book a spa treatment, rent a bicycle, or walk along the pier.

Playing tourist in your home state is a great way to make your California winter weekends come alive!

Spa Treatment at Aarna Spa
Surf Lesson Toes On The Nose
Rent your bike from Bike and Surfboard Rentals

Where To Stay // Best Modern Seaside Hotels in Huntington Beach:

Huntington Beach offers a variety of accommodation styles. Choose from a beachfront resort or a funky, modern hotel such as the Shorebreak Kimpton Hotel that is dog-friendly and offers happy hour! The Shorebreak provides a free beer and wine for guests between 5 and 6 PM, and bonfire s’mores throughout the night!

California Winter Weekend Trips: Big Bear

We’re ready to go! Snow can be found at 8,200 feet in the sunny Southern California, with temperatures as high as 60 degrees.

Big Bear, located in the San Bernardino Mountains of California, offers some the best winter sports in California.

Big Bear Mountain Resorts Get a $75-$99 day pass at Snow Summit
Snow tubing at Big Bear Ski Play is only $30-35 — perfect for adults or kids!
You can rent snow gear or clothing at Goldsmith’s Sports
If you are renting equipment, take a picture of it so you don’t confuse it with someone else’s.

What to Eat in Big Bear // The Best Restaurants

Bring your group to Big Bear Brewing Company for a cold beer and burger

Order the bread-crusted ahi for a lakefront meal or a jumbo shrimp pasta. Start with an artichoke-and-melted cheese appetizer at the Pines Lakefront… and enjoy Thursday’s Live Jazz from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Accommodations in Big Bear

We stayed in the Marina Resort, which was “homey”, with a fireplace, a living room, a kitchen, and access to he lake. This is perfect for groups or families looking for a little more space.

California Winter Weekend Trips: Lake Arrowhead

We quickly made our way from Big Bear to Lake Arrowhead, another California gem, in less than an hour.

Lake Arrowhead, a hidden jewel nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains at a mile high, is a hidden treasure. It’s one of the few Southern California locations that offers a four-seasons experience.

Best restaurants in Lake Arrowhead

Who would have thought that an adventure-seeker would be so smitten by a restaurant in California? One of the highlights of my entire road trip was dining at LouEddie’s Pizza & Micro-Brewery.

LouEddie’s Pizza – Get a second pizza to-go. We considered returning to LouEddies for another pizza on the same trip.

Grille at Antler’s Inn, Twin Peaks – A rustic mountain lodge with a fireplace to make you feel the magic. Get the poke nachos.

Bin 189, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa – Beautiful lake views. Try the lite spa brunch or go all out and order the jalepeno syrup pancakes.