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
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.
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…