Winter in Los Angeles, although not as cold as in other places, offers a unique travel experience with its warm sunshine and fresh air. As someone who enjoys escaping the cold and basking in the sun, winter in Los Angeles became my ideal choice. Even during the colder season, you can enjoy the pleasant temperatures, unique Christmas atmosphere, and an abundance of holiday activities. Whether it’s admiring the dazzling Christmas lights or strolling along the beach under the sun, the charm of Los Angeles in winter provides a different kind of warmth and surprise. Today, I’ll continue to share my winter travel experience in Los Angeles, helping you plan a fulfilling and enjoyable holiday.
1. Deciding on the Destination and Timing
Winter in Los Angeles is warm and pleasant, with temperatures usually ranging from 15°C to 20°C, making it the perfect destination for those seeking to escape the cold. Though the winter here is not as harsh as in other areas, the temperature can drop at night, so a light jacket is necessary. Considering the city’s favorable climate during the winter, I decided to visit in January, a time when Los Angeles not only offers warm weather but also has rich Christmas activities and festive events, making it ideal for relaxation and exploration.
During the holiday season, Los Angeles is often adorned with colorful Christmas lights, creating a festive atmosphere that made me look forward to this trip even more. Compared to the bustling crowds in summer, winter in Los Angeles has fewer tourists, allowing me to enjoy each attraction more comfortably.
2. Flight Booking: Balancing Time and Comfort
A direct flight from New York to Los Angeles typically takes about six hours. Considering the high demand for travel during the winter season, I chose a direct flight to avoid the inconvenience and extra time spent on layovers. To ensure I could get a reasonably priced ticket, I used Skyscanner, starting to track flight prices months in advance. With the “Price Alert” feature, I was able to get timely notifications about the lowest prices, ensuring that my flight was both comfortable and affordable.
Although flight prices tend to rise during the holiday season, by flexibly choosing departure and return dates, I managed to reduce the price difference. For example, I chose a return date after Christmas, when flight prices were generally more reasonable.
3. Hotel Booking: Choosing a Comfortable Stay
Accommodation demand in Los Angeles is relatively high during the winter, especially during the holidays. To avoid fully booked hotels or rising prices, I booked my hotel through Booking.com in advance. My accommodation choice was a modern boutique hotel located in downtown Los Angeles, close to several famous attractions, with heating facilities suitable for winter travel.
Upon check-in, the hotel staff warmly introduced me to nearby Christmas markets and festive events and offered suggestions for winter activities in Los Angeles. This thoughtful gesture made me feel very welcomed. From the hotel’s balcony, I could see the lights of downtown Los Angeles, which, especially during the holiday season, made the city sparkle with a warm glow, adding a touch of romance and warmth to my winter trip.
4. Itinerary: Experiencing the Winter Charm of Los Angeles
Los Angeles in winter is tranquil and warm, offering a unique experience different from the summer. I carefully planned my three-day itinerary to make the most of my time in this city.
Day 1: Hollywood in Holiday Spirit
Los Angeles in winter is filled with the spirit of the holidays, especially in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. On the first day, I visited the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and although the temperature was slightly cool, it was still very comfortable to stroll under the sun. The winter Hollywood Walk of Fame is especially charming, as the Christmas lights and decorations add to the festive ambiance.
In the afternoon, I visited the Hollywood Museum, where many classic movie props and historical exhibits were on display. Walking through the museum, I felt as if I had stepped back in time, experiencing the unique charm of Hollywood’s movie culture.
Day 2: Griffith Observatory and Christmas Lights
On the second day, I headed to the Griffith Observatory early in the morning. This is one of the best spots to enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles, especially during the early morning or sunset when the light is soft and the city’s outline appears even more defined. The winter temperature was moderate, slightly chilly, but the open areas at the observatory offered enough space to quietly enjoy the beauty of the city.
In the afternoon, I visited the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where a special winter exhibition was being held. I really enjoyed the modern art displays, each piece leaving me in deep thought. In the evening, I made my way to The Grove, a shopping center in Los Angeles, where the Christmas decorations were incredibly beautiful. Every tree and light seemed to sparkle with the holiday spirit, giving me a warm feeling.
Day 3: Beaches and Winter Sunshine
Los Angeles beaches in winter are quieter and more peaceful compared to the summer crowds. In the morning, I went to Venice Beach. Although the water was a bit cold, I still saw many people walking along the beach or cycling. The winter sunshine on the sand, the fresh air, and the overall atmosphere were incredibly relaxing. In the afternoon, I visited Santa Monica Beach, which has more tranquil walking paths and beautiful ocean views, perfect for a leisurely stroll and unwinding.
In the evening, I had a seafood dinner at a restaurant near Santa Monica. Enjoying the ocean view through the window and the warm restaurant atmosphere made the day’s trip come to a perfect end.
5. Super Practical Winter Travel Tips
1. Plan New Year Activities in Advance
Los Angeles is famous for its New Year events. It’s crucial to book tickets for attractions and activities in advance. Using GetYourGuide, I was able to pre-book tickets for major attractions like Universal Studios, avoiding long queues during the holiday rush. The lights at Los Angeles shopping malls and markets are also very popular, especially at The Grove and Rodeo Drive. I recommend checking the schedules of these activities in advance to make sure you don’t miss the best festive events.
2. Dress in Layers to Adapt to the Temperature Fluctuations
Winter in Los Angeles has moderate temperatures, but there’s a significant difference between day and night temperatures. During the day, you can wear lighter clothes, but a jacket is necessary at night. It’s essential to bring a windproof jacket, especially if you’re heading to places like Griffith Observatory or the beach, where the temperature difference can make you feel cold.
3. Make Restaurant Reservations During the Holidays
During Christmas and New Year, Los Angeles restaurants can get very busy, especially popular ones. I recommend making reservations in advance using platforms like Yelp or OpenTable to ensure you can enjoy meals at your desired restaurants during the holiday season.
4. Take Advantage of Los Angeles’ Winter Outdoors
Winter is the best time to experience outdoor activities in Los Angeles, with warm sunshine and suitable temperatures for biking, hiking, and beach activities. I highly recommend visiting Griffith Observatory and Santa Monica Beach during the winter, where the natural scenery and comfortable climate will provide you with a different experience compared to other seasons.
5. Choose Activities Suitable for Winter
If you encounter rainy days during your winter trip to Los Angeles, make sure to have indoor activities planned. Los Angeles offers many museums and art galleries, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and The Broad Museum, which not only provide shelter from the weather but also offer rich cultural experiences.
6. Fully Enjoy the Nightlife in Los Angeles
Although Los Angeles is famous for its sunny days and attractions, its nightlife is equally captivating. During winter, the warm evenings often invite you to step out of your hotel and explore the city’s nightscape and night activities. During the holiday season, the streets of Los Angeles are filled with Christmas lights, with the Los Angeles Christmas Lights Show being particularly popular. If you enjoy nighttime strolls, the Christmas lights near Beverly Hills will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale, while the night view from Griffith Observatory is just as stunning, offering a full view of Los Angeles.
Night markets in Los Angeles are also a must-visit. Here, you can taste food from all over the world and enjoy the lively market atmosphere. For example, Smorgasburg LA is a popular night market where you can shop and enjoy local snacks, experiencing the authentic Los Angeles vibe.
7. Experience Los Angeles’ Spas and Hot Springs in Winter
Winter is a great time to relax and rejuvenate. Los Angeles has many high-end spas and hot spring centers that offer comfortable massages and therapeutic services, ideal for relieving travel fatigue. I particularly recommend Burke Williams Spa, a famous hot spring spa in Los Angeles. It offers various relaxation treatments that not only ease muscle tension but also allow you to fully unwind. The warm facilities during Los Angeles’ winter make the experience even more comfortable, letting you escape the fatigue and enjoy peaceful moments.
8. Plan Outdoor Skiing or Snowboarding Activities
Although Los Angeles itself doesn’t have skiing resorts, San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear Lake, located about two hours’ drive away, offer excellent winter skiing and snowboarding experiences. These places have beautiful snow landscapes and well-equipped facilities, perfect for those who want to experience skiing. Since skiing is a popular winter activity, make sure to book ski passes and rental equipment in advance. Experiencing the snow-covered mountains and the excitement of skiing will add an adventurous touch to your winter trip.
9. Purchase a Los Angeles Pass for Major Attractions
Los Angeles has many popular attractions and museums, such as the Hollywood Museum,
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Griffith Observatory, and Universal Studios. These attractions usually have higher ticket prices. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, purchasing a Go Los Angeles Card is a very cost-effective choice. This pass includes tickets for multiple attractions, and the price is significantly lower than buying individual tickets for each attraction. It also helps you skip regular queues, improving travel efficiency and avoiding wasted time.
10. Choose the Right Transportation to Avoid Winter Traffic Congestion
Los Angeles’ traffic is a constant concern for travelers, especially during the holiday season when roads can become more congested due to festive activities. I highly recommend using Uber or Lyft instead of driving yourself. This way, you’ll avoid the hassle of finding parking and the congestion during peak hours. If you decide to rent a car, make sure to book parking spots near your hotel. To save time and effort, I used ParkWhiz to book parking spaces in advance, avoiding the frustration of finding parking during peak times.
11. Explore the Charming Small Towns Around Los Angeles
There are many lovely small towns around Los Angeles that are perfect for winter travel. For example, Pasadena, just 1.5 hours’ drive from the city, is full of history and culture, and its Christmas lights display attracts many visitors. Another great choice is Malibu, where the beach remains beautiful and inviting in winter. While the water may be chilly, you can still enjoy walking along the beach and feeling the tranquility and sunshine of winter. Whether it’s breathing in the fresh mountain air or enjoying a sunbath by the sea, these small towns around Los Angeles offer a unique winter experience.
12. Plan for Winter Sale Shopping
Winter is a great time to shop, especially in the fashion capital of Los Angeles. To avoid the crowds at busy malls, I chose to shop early at Outlets, particularly at Citadel Outlets, a popular discount shopping center near Los Angeles. Here, I could find discounted items from many brands, making it a great place to get deals. Additionally, I used Shopback and other cashback platforms to save even more while shopping. Winter shopping not only offers discounts but also allows you to pick up local fashion items as souvenirs.
Winter in Los Angeles provided me with a travel experience unlike any other season. The warm sunshine, brilliant holiday lights, and unique winter activities allowed me to truly feel the charm of this city. From skiing adventures to the cozy Christmas markets, and from peaceful art museums to bustling night markets, each day of exploration made my trip feel so fulfilling. I hope my travel planning tips provide useful insights for your winter trip to Los Angeles. Whether you love culture, art, or outdoor adventure, Los Angeles offers a truly unique travel experience.
