From left to right: The Parker Palm Springs, the San Diego coast, Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery, and skiing Mammoth mountain. Photos courtesy of Parker Palm Springs, Everyday California, Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery, and Mammoth Mountain.
Best places to visit in California: A seasonal guide
Hemispheres StaffMarch 4, 2024
California tends to evoke the idea of endless summer. In actuality, it’s a state for all seasons, with plenty of spring, fall and winter fun also available across its 150,000-plus square miles. Here are our favorite places to visit in California for each season. And don’t worry, we didn’t forget summer.
Spring: Greater Palm Springs
Contributed by Derrik J. Lang
From over-the-top festivals to eye-popping wildflowers, the Coachella Valley blossoms in springtime
Things to do
Spring marks a vital moment for gathering in California’s nine-city desert oasis. Signature annual events range from the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (taking place this year on the weekends of April 12–14 and 19–21) and its country music counterpart, Stagecoach (April 26–28). For sports fans, there's the electrifying BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament (March 3–17). And the Palm Desert Food & Wine extravaganza (March 21–24) brings all the foodies.
Spring is also the best time to get away from the crowds and take in the area’s majestic beauty. It's the season for spectacular wildflower blooms. A hike through Murray Canyon or Andreas Canyon is a prime opportunity to spot splashes of desert dandelions, lupine and verbena. Both are located within Indian Canyons, the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. If you’d rather be chauffeured to the blooms, book a ride with Red Jeep Tours by Desert Adventures to have a guide point out flora near the San Andreas Fault.
What to eat and drink
Take advantage of Greater Palm Springs’ flawless weather by dining alfresco. Standout options include Azúcar, a poolside eatery with killer margaritas, modern fare with Latin flourishes and Frida Kahlo–inspired decor on the grounds of the La Serena Villas hotel. Or reserve a table on the dog-friendly patio at Boozehounds. It boasts prime mountain views, craft cocktails and delectable, international shareables. We recommend you get the Parmesan truffle fries, Sichuan-style chilled shrimp and Mexican-Japanese street corn. There’s even a menu for your canine companion.
Need a quicker bite between your outdoor excursions? Gabino’s Creperie serves sumptuous savory crepes from a pretty pink window near Tahquitz Canyon. And at the no-frills Arriola’s Tortilleria in Indio, the Arriola family has been making tortillas for decades. Get the mouthwatering chile Colorado tamales, nachos and burritos. Be sure to grab a bag of perfectly crunchy chips to take home.
Where to stay
Step past the breeze-block facade and into the Jonathan Adler–designed interior of Parker Palm Springs. It feels like tumbling down a rabbit hole into a jaw-droppingly stylish wonderland. If the hallway carpet seems familiar, there’s a reason: It’s the hexagonal pattern from The Shining. This 13-acre, Mid-Century Modern hideaway boasts a trio of pools, clay tennis courts, a croquet lawn and a 900-pound bronze banana sculpture on the lawn. Embrace your inner Marilyn Monroe or Frank Sinatra by dressing up to dine. The recently reopened Mister Parker’s is a glamorous spot where the candles melt into butter for your bread.
Summer: San Diego
Contributed by Justin Goldman
With is pristine beaches, perfect weather and laid-back spirit, San Diego is California’s—and maybe the world’s—best summertime destination
Things to do
San Diego is blessed with a wide variety of beaches, but the best area for nature lovers is La Jolla. Four different marine micro-habitats collide here. On a kayaking and snorkeling tour with Everyday California, you might see dolphins, sea lions, Garibaldi fish, pelicans, sea turtles, and whales. You’ll also be able to explore the sea caves carved into the sandstone coast. The beauty of the Pacific is always present around here. Even at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, you might find your eyes straying from the collection to the ocean views outside. Film geeks will love stopping by the Hotel del Coronado. It's where Marilyn Monroe filmed parts of Some Like It Hot. Then do some shopping or grabbing a bite at one of the historic resort’s many restaurants. Opportunities abound for family-centric activities, too. There's rides at the 99-year-old Belmont Park amusement park or a Padres game at Petco Park. We’ve heard something about a nice zoo around here, too…
What to eat and drink
Start the day at Morning Glory. Little Italy’s “pink palace” hosts a rager of a brunch party, fusing cuisines from all around the world. Expect breakfast fried rice, chilaquiles, Turkish eggs, Georgian khachapuri, dim sum, soufflé pancakes and more. All are served on a very lively roof deck. For a casual meal later on, stop by Wonderland Ocean Pub, which offers views of lovably grungy Ocean Beach along with a menu of bar bites and seafood. Try the steamed mussels in green curry coconut sauce. If you want to go big, make a reservation at Marisi. The gorgeous Italian spot in La Jolla might be the best restaurant to open in the area in the last few years. Everything on the menu is sublime, from Wagyu beef carpaccio and Flintstones-esque marrow bones to handmade gnocchi with black truffle and rack of lamb cooked over an open fire.
San Diego is a mecca for craft beer, so whatever you eat, you’ll probably want to wash it down with some local suds. Favorites include AleSmith Brewing Company, which houses the official Tony Gwynn Museum at its Miramar tasting room. There's also Barrio Logan’s Border X Brewing, a Latino-owned spot that earned a James Beard Award nomination in 2020.
Where to stay
To maximize the Endless Summer vibes, stay at the La Jolla Shores Hotel. The beachfront property will have you waking up to the sound of the waves before watching the surfers from your balcony. Lounge by the pool, rent an e-bike to explore La Jolla and dine on coastal food at the two on-property restaurants. Finish your day by taking in the sunset from an ocean-facing Adirondack chair. Summer here really is endless, isn’t it?
Fall: Napa and Sonoma
Contributed by Justin Goldman
Whether you’re taking in views of red and gold vines or stomping on freshly harvested grapes, Wine Country is the place to be in autumn
Things to do
Wine Country is scenic all year round, but Napa and Sonoma are at their most brilliant in autumn. That's when the leaves on the grapevines change color. Panoramic views are available from a number of hiking trails. The Sonoma Overlook Trail and Bothe-Napa Valley State Park are renowned for their vistas. Or get a bird’s-eye perspective from a hot-air balloon with Balloons Above the Valley.
Fall also means harvest, the busiest time of the year in the vineyards. If you want to lend a hand—or a foot—a number of wineries throw crush parties. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair in Santa Rosa even holds an annual World Championship Grape Stomp. Tired after all that stomping? Treat yourself at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. Relax in a cedar enzyme bath before gazing at the blazing red leaves of the Japanese maples in the tea garden.
What to eat and drink
You’re going to do some tasting while you enjoy all that scenery. From Chappellet Winery’s vantage point high on Pritchard Hill, you can look down over golden vines at Lake Hennessey. Then step into a pyramidal space to try some of the world’s best cabernet sauvignon. Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery, meanwhile, is located on a historic 375-acre estate near downtown Sonoma. Take in the fall colors on a hike or a horseback ride. Then taste the wines, which include a syrah grown on the first privately owned vineyard in Sonoma County.
Seasonal fare is a way of life here. Among the places that exemplify this ethos is St. Helena’s The Charter Oak. The live-fire restaurant is run by Christopher and Martina Kostow, who grow their own produce. The duo also recently took over management of Ciccio, a charming Italian place in Yountville. A long-time favorite for elegant yet casual French-inspired fare is The Girl & the Fig. Located just off Sonoma Plaza, the restaurant offers perfectly executed standards, such as the duck confit. There's also a three-course Plats du Jour menu that changes each week.
Where to stay
Meadowood Napa Valley continues to operate on a smaller scale after being damaged by a wildfire in 2020. It will still make any guest feel like a pampered wood elf. The suites have treehouse vibes. The spa massages remain glorious, and the food is delicious. Explore the property on three miles of trails. Use the provided field guide to help you identify wildlife. Then take a class with sommelier and wine writer Kelli A. White at The Wine Center at Meadowood. You are in Wine Country, after all…
Winter: Mammoth Lakes
Contributed by Derrik J. Lang
When the temperature drops, the Eastern Sierras transform into a spellbinding haven for snowy adventures
Things to do
For skiers and snowboarders, Mammoth Mountain offers 175 named trails that traverse more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. The new, state-of-the-art Canyon Express chair-lift now provides more efficient access from Canyon Lodge. Or venture behind the mountain to experience the stillness of the beautiful Mammoth Lakes Basin area. Rent Nordic ski equipment at the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center.
You don’t need to be on skis to partake in this winter wonderland, thanks to the new LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes. The town’s first Olympic-size indoor rink is open for daily public skating as well as pickup hockey. Kids will also love Woolly’s Adventure Summit. The family-friendly recreational area has received several upgrades in recent years. There's even a new Mountain Coaster, to go with its popular groomed Tube Park.
What to eat and drink
Start the day with java and an oversized doughnut at Mammoth Coffee Roasting Co. After shredding down the mountain, warm up with Italian comfort food at Vulcania. Sibling Top Chef alums and winter sports fanatics Bryan and Michael Voltaggio opened the restaurant in The Village at Mammoth last year. For a hit of nostalgia, try the Voltaggi-O’s, their elevated rendition of an infamous canned staple of American childhood.
Post-ski options abound as well. Mammoth Brewing Co. makes everything from classic kölsch and pilsner to hazy IPA and peanut butter stout. Oenophiles, meanwhile, will be drawn to the chic Bevi Bene. Owners Jolynn Khamky and Alec Clowes specialize in approachable Italian vino. There's also The Shed, an itty-bitty wine bar with overflowing charcuterie boards.
Where to stay
Be among the first guests to spend the night in one of the recently constructed stand-alone cabins and villas at Outbound Mammoth. It's the first California outpost of the new boutique adventure brand, which debuted in 2023. It has also added a heated pool and hot tub area to help ease any post-ski aches. A more intoxicating way to mellow out is to book a tasting session with Chip Ermish. The property’s gregarious sommelier captivates with hard-to-source wines and juicy descriptions of his celebrity clients’ collections.