In some parts of California, winter is a blissfully quiet time, good for romantic walks on the beach and wine tasting. And in other regions, things are just heating up, whether it’s golf and spa time in Palm Springs or winter sports in the High Sierra and San Bernardino Mountains. January, too, also brings high season for foodies, thanks to the many offers and delights of California Restaurant Month all over the state. Check out these deals that make a winter getaway extra-affordable, too:
Palm Springs: 20 percent off rooms, spa credits and more
While it’s high season in the desert there are still bargains to be had, especially for stays through through New Year’s. Take, for instance, the 20 percent off deal at Westin Mission Hills Vistas (good through Jan. 31), or the Ultimate Relaxation deal at the JW Marriott Palm Springs, which gets you a $100 spa credit for each day of your stay, no matter how many days you stay (good through Dec. 31).
Visit Newport Beach: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Discounts
December literally sparkles in this Orange County town thanks to its legendary boat parade of holiday lights. One of the best ways to see it is on a boat itself, and when you book your ride on the Visit Newport beach site, you can get sets for $20 each (down from $32), which adds up nicely for any group. Good through Dec. 31.
See Monterey: Up to 25 Percent Off Hotels
Booking early is key to savings at Monterey area inns and hotels—you can save at least 10 percent and up to 25 percent by booking ahead —often 21 to 30 days, but sometimes for only 7 days ahead at nice perches such as Portola Hotel & Spa or the romantic Centrella Inn, which dates to 1889. Some deals good through Dec. 31, others are evergreen offers.
Huntington Beach: Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel Holiday Deal
Want to celebrate the holidays on your own terms? This surf-themed hotel near the sand in Huntington Beach is offering the Outlaw the In-Laws package that start starts at $189 a night and includes a welcome bottle of wine (most regular rates start at over $200). Stays also include use of beach cruisers and beach chairs, along with a nightly s’mores around the hotel’s fire pit. Good for stays through Jan. 13.
Mendocino: Crab Feast Specials
Come to the North Coast town for its Crab & Wine Festival and Winter Feast (January 18–27) and take advantage of offers from locals inns and B&Bs, like up to 20 percent off at Testa Ranch (a working winery), Stanford Inn Eco-Resort, and the Cottages at Little River Cove.
Sonoma Valley: 30 Percent Off at Sonoma Fairmont Mission Inn
Winter provides some seriously good deals at this mainstay resort in Sonoma Wine Country. Stay three nights and save 30 percent off rates—which brings starting rates to a very affordable $230 a night. Good for stays from Dec. 1–Jan. 31.
San Diego: Up to 30 percent off at Paradise Point Resort & Spa
The beloved Hawaiian-style resort on San Diego’s Mission Bay makes a fabulous base for a San Diego vacation: it’s close to beaches, SeaWorld San Diego, Belmont Park, and downtown. Book now and lock in the “Fall in Love with Fall” rates of up to 30 percent off—and here, fall stays last until the end of March. You just need to book your stay by Jan. 31.
Yosemite–Madera County: Cabin and Ski Deals
Stay near the south entrance of Yosemite and you have nice access to the re-opened Mariposa Grove of massive redwoods. Make the most of it with a winter deal from Visit Yosemite-Madera County, like the Cozy Cabin Package 2.0, which offers 20 percent Off (or 3rd Night Free) at one of the log cabins at The Redwoods of Yosemite (offer good through Feb. 7). Or, play in the snow, with Stay 2 Ski Free Special, which gets you free life tickets to the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area when you stay at the Ahwahnee Hotel or Yosemite Valley Lodge (good for select dates through March 28).
Anaheim: Save Up to 25 % at Disneyland Hotels
The quiet post-holiday period is an excellent time to explore the Happiest Place on Earth, and the resort is offering nice deals at all three on-site hotels—up to 20 percent off standard rooms at the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian, and up to 25 percent off premium rooms, or 10% off any room at Paradise Pier. Deals are good most Sundays through Thursday nights from Jan. 6 until April 11. Must book by March 16, and stay by April 12.
Yosemite National Park: Up to 40% off at Yosemite Lodges
An ethereal calm settles over much of Yosemite National Park during winter—a good excuse to go stay at one of the lodges. Travel Yosemite is offering big discounts, too—like winter Rates that start at $84 a night for Half Dome Village, or the Stay More Save More Deal, which offers up to 40 percent off the Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Valley Lodge (or 10 percent off two nights, 20 percent off 3 nights etc.) Good for select dates through April 15.
Mammoth Mountain: Lift Plus Lodging Deal, or $400 Resort Credit
Ski season is in full swing at Mammoth, where a Lift+Lodging package starts at $166 per person and includes lift tickets for two-night-minimum stays booked at a Mammoth Lodging Collection property (good for stays through May 27). Or, book four nights and get a $400 resort credit for playing in the snow, dining, or shopping at the resort (good from Jan. 6–April 21). The Mammoth Mountain page also has an airfare deals page for flights into the local airport.
Napa Valley: Cabernet Season Deals
Winter means Cabernet Sauvignon season in Napa Valley and there are multiple ways to celebrate. Pick up the $60 Winter in the Wineries Passport and you can enjoy free tastings at 17 wineries in Calistoga (a $400 value). Or, go for hotel deals like the Cabernet-infused package at Auberge du Soleil, 25 percent off at Silverado Resort & Spa, or a $200 resort credit at Carneros Resort. The Visit Napa Valley special offers page also includes lots of tips on great deals for California Restaurant Month. Most Cabernet-related deals are good through March 31, and some April 30.
Oxnard: Half Off Channel Islands Kayaking Trip
The Central Coast town of Oxnard is the prime launching pad for the Channel Islands National Park and now is a good time to lock in rates for spring and summer—like an early bird rate ($125 instead of $250) for a guided kayaking tours to scenic Anacapa Island from Blue Ocean Kayaking. Must book by May 1, 2019.
Buena Park: Discounts at Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studio and More
The tourist board for the Orange County town has lots of ongoing deals for local attractions such as Knott’s Berry Farm ($48 admission, instead of $82), but also discounts on nearby SoCal attractions such as Universal Studios Hollywood ($99 instead of $129) and the OUE Skyspace Observation Deck ($22 instead of $40).
Tahoe South: 40 Percent Off or 4th Night Free at Heavenly
A nice place to look for ski-resort deals is on regional sites like Tahoe South—like its 40 Percent Off or the 4th Night Free deal on the 1-and 2-bedroom suites at Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly. The family-friendly resort is a short walk from the Heavenly Ski Gondola, Heavenly Village and Lake Tahoe itself. Good for stays through April 26.
