The winter months are far from sleepy in California. Snow is falling in the High Sierra and San Bernardino Mountains, the desert is humming with activity, and beach towns are brimming with romance. Savings are in the air too, thanks to great discounts on hotels, romance packages, and California theme parks, where you can feel like you get the rides to yourself this time of year. Start planning your winter getaway with one of these fabulous deals:
20 Percent Off at Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
Ready to act on your 2025 resolution to take more vacations? Start by browsing Visit Huntington Beach’s deals page, including the Thrive in ’25 deal from the Paséa Hotel & Spa. Book your stay by Feb. 16 to save 20 percent on the best available rate plus $25 discounted resort and valet fees and a $25 breakfast credit. Good for stays through Dec. 31, 2025.
Third Night Free at Yosemite, Yosemite
Enjoy Yosemite National Park’s blissful winter season—and a chance at seeing the Firefall phenomenon in February—by staying at either the Ahwahnee Hotel or Yosemite Valley Lodge. Book at least two nights at one of the hotels and get a third night free; good for stays on select dates from Jan. 5–March 15; must book by Jan. 31.
Save Up to 20 Percent at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
January brings the Farmers Insurance Open to this plush resort on the bluffs of La Jolla, overlooking the famed Torrey Pines golf course. The resort is offering a special that bundles in tickets to the golf tournament (Jan. 22–25), or you can come other times of year and save up to 20 percent off your room just by buying a ticket to the San Diego Zoo, home of the new giant pandas. Ongoing.
Up to 20 Percent Off at Westin Desert Willow Villas, Greater Palm Springs
Even though it’s peak season in the desert, there are still deals to be had in Greater Palm Springs, like this special at the Westin Desert Willow Villas (book by April 4, good through June 20) or 25 percent off deal at Hotel Zoso in downtown Palm Springs (good through Jan. 31).
Seafood & Sips Specials, Mendocino
Mendocino honors its local seafood, wine, and beer during the 10-day Seafood & Sips festival (Jan. 25–Feb. 2), held at venues around town. Make a trip out of it by booking one of the festival-related hotel deals, like the Coastal Escape offer at the Heritage House Resort & Spa, which takes 25 percent off a stay of at least three nights and includes a welcome bottle of wine. Or just mention Seafood & Sips when booking at Seagull Inn to get from 10 to 30 percent off your stay. While you’re in the area, enjoy some of the prix fixe deals during Fort Bragg’s Restaurant Week.
30 Percent Off a Quad Pack+, Mammoth Mountain
Pick up a “Quad Pack+” when planning a trip this season to Mammoth Mountain: You get lift tickets for any four days during the 2024–25 season (you don’t have to use them in a row, either) and can then save 30 percent on ticket reloads all season. Bonus: There are no blackout days, and the tickets are also valid at nearby June Mountain. Good through the end of the 2024–25 snow season.
Family Passes, Soda Springs
Bundle a season of snow fun for the whole family at this ski resort in the North Lake Tahoe area. The pass covers your entry to the two ski lifts, the all-ages Tube Town tubing area, and the little-kid-friendly Planet Kids with its tubing carousel, “snow volcanoes,” and a Woodward Start Park that’s a great place for kids to learn skiing and snowboarding. The $689 price covers two adult passes and two child passes, and has no blackout dates for the 2024–2025 season.
Seniors Free at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido
February in San Diego brings a nice freebie just for seniors: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park—the San Diego Zoo’s 1,800-acre sister property in Escondido—welcomes visitors ages 65 and older with free admission all month.
February is also San Diego Museum Month, when anyone can pick up a pass at San Diego public libraries and get half off admission at more than 70 local museums.
Make it a getaway by browsing hotel deals in San Diego. For instance, the Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter offers its own senior discount when you book in advance (ongoing) and the La Jolla Shores Hotel offers an easy third night free for everyone (through May 31).
Romance in the Valley at the Silverado Resort, Napa
Start planning your Valentine’s Day getaway now with this package at Napa Valley’s Silverado Resort. The offer includes an in-room bottle of Mumm Sparkling Rosé, chocolate covered strawberries, and a $50 resort credit. Good for stays from Feb. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. If you swoon over golf instead, book the resort’s Golf Getaway Package that takes 30 percent off your room and green fees (ongoing).
Vineyard Romance Package at Ponte Vineyard Inn, Temecula
Woo your boo at Temecula’s Ponte Vineyard Inn—surrounded by manicured gardens and estate vineyards—with this package that includes six house-made chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of wine, and a $50 Ponte Family Estate gift card. The hotel can even arrange for a bouquet in your room or a horse-drawn carriage ride. Call Guest Services at (951) 587-6688 to customize the deal. Ongoing. If you come in January, ask for the Winter Getaway to receive 20 percent off your room rate, plus a $20 resort credit per guest (good through Jan. 31).
Other hotels and inns in Temecula are embracing Valentine’s season too. At The New Inn, for instance, you can either take 25 percent off your second night on select nights in January, or book the Romance Trio Package in January or February that bundles in three treats: an in-room couples massage, a bottle of bubbly, and rose petal décor for the bed.
During January and February, Domaine Chardonnay offers a “Decadence Valentines Package” that includes bottles of wine, roses, massage oil, and a heart-shaped charcuterie board. At The Vine House Bed & Breakfast, ask for the Romance Add-on ($69) any time of year for the little upgrades of silk rose petals for the room, sparkling wine on ice, a single rose, and a box of Godiva chocolates.
Almond Blossom Cruise Packages, Modesto
Take a road trip to see the colors of almond blossom season in Modesto, where the pink and white hues pop in February and March. Choose from different packages, such as the Almond Joy and Petal to the Medal specials, which bundle in perks such as an audio tour sent to your phone, swag bags, or admission to a bus tour. All deals include the Let’s Go Nuts deal book that lets you save up to 20 percent at shops, restaurants, and farmstands. Keep an eye on the Almond Blossom Cruise website for developing hotel deals at convenient spots like the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto.
$50 Kids’ Admission to Disneyland, Anaheim
The first few months of the year are typically an excellent time to visit Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort, thanks to shorter wait times for rides such as the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This winter deal offers extra incentive: Kids ages 3–9 can get admission for $50 between Jan. 7–March 20, subject to theme park reservation availability. Good for a one-day ticket with admission to one park; add a Hopper or Lightning Lane Multi Pass for extra fees.
Southern California residents, meanwhile, can take advantage of the three-day ticket deal that averages out to $67 per day for ages 3 and up; all days must be used between Jan. 1 and May 15.
The resort is offering sweet deals at its onsite hotels too—up to 25 percent off at Disneyland Hotel; up to 20 percent off at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the condo-style Villas at Disneyland Hotel; or 10 percent off at Pixar Place Hotel. Most deals are good for Sunday through Thursday nights; book by March 7 and stay by March 21.
30 Percent Off and $39 Kids’ Admission at LEGOLAND, Carlsbad
Staying onsite at Carlsbad’s LEGOLAND California adds serious value this time of year. Not only do you get 30 percent off the regular rates, but this hotel deal also offers kids $39 Hopper tickets (which includes admission to the resort’s SEA LIFE Aquarium). Good Jan. 6 though March 14.
Best of Winter Deals, Catalina Island
Catalina Island makes for one of the easiest island getaways around—starting with a deal that combines your ferry ride on the Catalina Express from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point. Hotel options include Hotel Atwater (rates start at $135) and the Forbes four-star Mt. Ada, the former home of the Wrigley family (rates start at $501). The only rule: You must arrive Sunday–Thursday and return Monday–Friday. Good for stays through March 14.
Want to lock in your Valentine’s Day getaway? Book the Romance Package that includes round-trip ferry tickets for two, a room at Hotel Atwater, a box of chocolates, and a bottle of bubbly.
Blissful Beginnings at Lodge at Sonoma
Create a wellness getaway in Sonoma County at this member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. This package, good for a luxury suite with an outdoor tub, bundles in a complimentary Bath Ritual, a $100 food and drink credit at Michael Mina’s Wit & Wisdom, and admission to a guided wellness session at Sonoma Yoga. Good for stays through June 30.
If you want to recharge at a spa-based resort, check the Sonoma County Tourism deals such as the Endless Memories offer at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, which offers up to 20 percent off rates. Book by March 30, stay by May 31.
Want to spend your getaway exploring wineries? Check out more deals on the Sonoma Valley site, like 20 percent off at El Pueblo Inn, which is walking distance from the historic Sonoma Plaza. Call the inn at 800-900-8844 and use the code EARLYBIRD. Good for stays of at least two nights through March 31.
Free Tickets to Lake Shasta Caverns and $50 Gift Cards, Redding
Plan a trip to fully explore Redding and the surrounding Shasta County area with some big savings. Book a two-night stay at participating hotels, then select from a long list of freebies—including tickets to Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark or Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Or choose from a variety of $50 gift cards redeemable at hot spots such as The Park Food Truck Hub and Final Draft Brewing Company. Good through June 30.
3rd Night Free at the Dream Inn, Santa Cruz
Winter in Santa Cruz means king tides—extreme high or low tides that make for great wave-watching—plus year-round fun at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Stay in the heart of town at the oceanfront Dream Inn, which offers specials such as a third-night-free deal (good for most stays through May 31), and the Livin’ the Dream package that offers free parking for two nights plus a $100 dining credit (good on select dates through Nov. 30).
Desert Dreams Package at Mojave Resort, Palm Desert
This adults-only boutique hotel, which started out as the Galla Villa motel in the late 1950s, offers authentic midcentury modern aesthetics; it’s also walking distance from the shopping and dining of El Paseo. This package focuses on relaxing: You get a weighted, lavender-scented eye mask and the makings for a “Sleepy Girl” mocktail each night. The 25-room resort also offers a pool, fire tables, board games, and bikes. Or book the Stay Longer deal that takes 10 percent off your stay of at least three nights. Ongoing.
Monterey Bay Whale-Watching Package, Monterey
Whale-watching season is in full swing along the California coastline and the town of Monterey provides the perfect setting for excursions to see the giant mammals. With this deal from the Monterey Bay Inn, you can bundle your whole getaway into one price: a hotel stay, a three-hour whale-watching excursion, and breakfast in your room. The bayfront boutique hotel is set along Cannery Row and walking distance from both Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Ongoing.
King for a Day Package at the Kimpton Sawyer, Sacramento
Book an MVP-worthy trip to watch the NBA’s Kings play in downtown Sacramento (one of their fans is Jaleel White, who recently took the California Questionnaire). The Kimpton offers that package that includes a room with a view of the Golden 1 Center plus a winning selection of perks: a $50 gift card to Lids + Kings Locker Room, a $100 in-room breakfast credit, complimentary valet parking (worth $40 per night night), and a late check-out. Ongoing, but subject to availability.