The Best Places To Visit In California in December

December is one of California’s quiet advantages. Crowds thin out, light softens, and the state’s climate opens up options that feel far less comfortable earlier in the year. Desert towns settle into their best season. Coastal cities trade summer haze for crisp mornings and clear skies. Even popular destinations feel more livable, with a slower pace that rewards lingering rather than rushing.

This guide highlights places that truly shine in December – destinations where weather, atmosphere, and seasonal rhythm align. Some are ideal for warm-weather escapes, others for winter scenery without extreme cold. All are well-suited to travelers who are looking for luxury vacation rentals in California as a base, and want to visit places with strong local character.

San Diego

December is quietly one of San Diego’s best months. Days are mild, skies are clear, and the city feels calmer after the summer and fall travel rush. Beach walks replace beach crowds, and outdoor dining remains comfortable well into the evening.

Neighborhoods like La Jolla, North Park, and Point Loma offer distinct personalities, making it easy to shape your trip around coastal views, food, or culture. The ocean stays cool, but the coastline is at its most peaceful.

Things to do

• Walk the coastal trail at Torrey Pines

• Explore Balboa Park’s museums and gardens

• Watch seals and sea lions in La Jolla

• Enjoy waterfront dining without long waits

• Take a harbor cruise at sunset

Travel tips

• Pack light layers for cooler evenings

• Beaches are best for walking, not swimming

• Weekdays feel especially relaxed

• Coastal neighborhoods run cooler than inland areas

Where to stay near San Diego

Wander offers luxury vacation rentals in San Diego with amenities to suit all needs, from entertainment spaces to relaxing pools:

• Wander San Diego Nova – This luxurious coastal retreat offers an exceptional blend of comfort, style, and high-end amenities. Outdoors, guests can enjoy a private heated pool, an elevated ocean-view hot tub, and a cooking area.

• Wander San Diego Still – This rental features unparalleled ocean views and an array of amenities designed for ultimate relaxation and sophisticated entertaining.

• Wander San Diego Glow – A stylish getaway in La Jolla offering stunning white-water ocean views, a new outdoor hot tub, and multiple inviting patios, including a BBQ area and courtyard for entertaining.

Twentynine Palms

Twentynine Palms sits at a higher elevation than Joshua Tree village, which gives it cooler nights and expansive views across the desert. December brings clear days, comfortable hiking weather, and some of the darkest night skies of the year.

The town offers easy access to quieter entrances of Joshua Tree National Park, making it ideal for travelers who want space and stillness without sacrificing proximity to the park’s landscapes.

Things to do

• Enter Joshua Tree through the north gate

• Hike less-traveled desert trails

• Stargaze from your property after dark

• Visit local galleries and small cafés

• Watch sunrise across open desert

Travel tips

• Nights get cold – bring warm layers

• Grocery options are limited late

• Morning light is best for photography

• Distances between services are wide

Expert tip on visiting Twentynine Palms in the winter

For a quieter park experience, plan hikes near the Oasis of Mara or the park’s northern sections. These areas see fewer visitors in December and offer a softer, more intimate desert landscape.

Where to stay near Twentynine Palms

• Wander Joshua Tree Zenith – Guests choosing this unbeatable luxury rental can cook in a fully appointed chef’s kitchen while taking in stunning mountain views. This modern desert retreat has everything you need for a memorable stay.

• Wander Joshua Tree Sundance – A luxurious desert retreat offering an escape in the heart of the stunning Mojave landscape. Indulge in the breathtaking desert views from virtually every vantage point, perfectly complemented by the soothing warmth of the outdoor hot tub under a canopy of stars.

• Wander Joshua Tree Cove – Desert serenity meets modern comfort. The spacious outdoor area is designed for gathering and relaxation, featuring a sparkling pool, rejuvenating hot tub, fire pit perfect for stargazing nights, and a large dining table.

Hollywood

Hollywood in December feels more livable than at any other time of year. Cooler temperatures make walking comfortable, traffic eases slightly, and the hills surrounding the neighborhood turn green after early winter rains.

Beyond the landmarks, Hollywood works well as a base for exploring Griffith Park, Los Feliz, and the eastern edges of the Santa Monica Mountains. The cultural calendar stays full, but without peak-season congestion.

Things to do

• Hike to Griffith Observatory on a clear morning

• Catch a film screening or live show

• Explore Franklin Village cafés

• Walk Hollywood Forever Cemetery grounds

• Drive scenic canyon roads nearby

Travel tips

• Early mornings are best for hiking

• Evenings can cool quickly

• Parking varies block by block

• Weekdays are noticeably quieter

Where to stay near Hollywood

• Wander Hollywood Beach – A luxurious waterfront retreat offering breathtaking canal views and exceptional outdoor living. The home features a spacious seating and dining area, BBQ space for entertaining, a relaxing hot tub, a cozy fire pit, and an inviting outdoor pool complete with basketball hoops for fun in the water.

• Wander Hollywood Beach Modern – This luxury getaway provides an unparalleled escape in a prime location. Step into sophisticated comfort with breathtaking canal views visible from various points within the home. Unwind in the sparkling outdoor pool or rejuvenate in the soothing hot tub after a day of exploring.

• Wander Hollywood Beach Villa – A stunning waterfront escape in the exclusive South Lake neighborhood of Hollywood Beach. Set on a 100’ lot with direct ocean access, this villa was crafted for luxury living with seamless indoor-outdoor design, a Florense chef’s kitchen, Miele appliances, and exquisite finishes by Sagewood Construction.

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa offers a relaxed take on Northern California in winter. December brings cool days, misty mornings, and a slower pace that suits travelers who enjoy food, scenery, and time indoors as much as out.

The surrounding countryside turns lush, and tasting rooms and restaurants feel more personal during this season. It’s a good choice for travelers who prefer understated charm over high-energy itineraries.

Things to do

• Visit local wineries without crowds

• Explore downtown’s cafés and shops

• Walk nearby regional parks after rain

• Enjoy long, unhurried dinners

• Browse local markets and bakeries

Travel tips

• Expect cool, damp mornings

• Reservations are still helpful on weekends

• Bring waterproof layers

• Sunset comes early in winter

Where to stay near Santa Rosa

• Wander Sonoma Hills – A luxurious mountain retreat offering unparalleled views and an exceptional escape in the heart of Sonoma. Wake to breathtaking forest and mountain vistas from the comfort of your private sanctuary, complete with a cozy fireplace perfect for those crisp evenings.

• Wander Sonoma Estate – A haven nestled in the heart of Sonoma, guests can indulge in the ultimate relaxation with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or unwind in the soothing hot tub after a day exploring the picturesque vineyards.

• Wander Sonoma Mountain – Indulge in the ultimate movie night experience with a state-of-the-art movie projector, perfect for enjoying films under the stars or in the cozy ambiance of the home. 

Malibu

Malibu shifts dramatically in winter. Summer traffic fades, beaches open up, and the coastline feels expansive rather than busy. December brings crisp air and dramatic light, especially after winter storms clear the sky.

It’s a month for long coastal walks, quiet dinners, and staying close to your surroundings rather than hopping between attractions.

Things to do

• Walk Point Dume’s coastal trails

• Visit beaches at low tide

• Drive the coast after a winter storm

• Enjoy ocean-view meals without waits

• Explore nearby canyon roads

Travel tips

• Ocean temperatures are cold

• Storm days bring powerful scenery

• Coastal mornings can be chilly

• Weekdays feel especially calm

Where to stay near Malibu

Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Malibu are perfect for enjoying wintery days on the California coast:

• Wander Malibu Tides – A beachfront estate offering unparalleled ocean views and direct access to the Pacific. Imagine waking to the sound of crashing waves and the breathtaking vista from your private balcony, complete with a cozy fireplace for those cooler evenings.

•  Wander Malibu Lookout – Perched above the Pacific, this rental offers breathtaking panoramic mountain views. Relax in the private hot tub under the stars, refresh in the outdoor shower, or unwind by the fire pit and built-in BBQ area.

• Wander Malibu Dunes – Enjoy the sight of the endless Pacific from your private sanctuary. This exclusive property boasts a luxurious guest house, providing ample space for relaxation and privacy.

Temecula

December in Temecula is cool, clear, and unhurried. Vineyards settle into winter, tasting rooms slow down, and the landscape takes on a softer tone. It’s an easy destination for couples or small groups looking for space and simplicity.

Outdoor fire pits, scenic drives, and relaxed winery visits define the experience this time of year.

Things to do

• Visit wineries without peak-season crowds

• Explore Old Town Temecula

• Take vineyard walks in cool weather

• Enjoy outdoor dining with heaters

• Book spa treatments or wellness experiences

Travel tips

• Evenings get cold quickly

• Some vineyards reduce winter hours

• Late mornings are ideal for tastings

• Reservations still help on weekends

Where to stay near Temecula

• Wander Temecula Estate – This luxury retreat is perfect for indulging in the private, resort-style outdoor pool. Take a dip in the pool when sea temperatures turn cold in winter.

• Wander Temecula Ranch – Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and experience the ultimate level of relaxation with the outdoor pool and rejuvenating hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

• Wander Temecula Village – This vacation rental is ideal for those seeking a memorable escape. Wake up to breathtaking desert views, then spend your days relaxing by the sparkling outdoor pool.

Plan the perfect California getaway in December with Wander

The best places to visit in California in December are often the ones that feel slightly overlooked the rest of the year. Cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and a calmer rhythm allow destinations to show a more authentic side – whether that’s desert towns at their most comfortable or coastal cities at their most relaxed.

Choosing where to visit comes down to mood: warmth and open skies, ocean air and long walks, or quiet days in wine country.

December rewards travelers who value space, timing, and a well-chosen base – and California delivers all three with ease.