Places to go for New Years in California are endless. Whether you’re hoping to scream HAPPY NEW YEAR on a beach, at the top of a mountain or from the middle of a lake, California gives you all those opportunities and more. There are so many wonderful places to go for New Years in California.
Plan a New Year’s celebration you will remember at one of these incredible bucket list destinations. Spend it in the snowy valley at Yosemite or camping under the stars at Alabama Hills. What would be more magical than New Years at Disneyland? Or ring it in on a beautiful beach or at the Rose Bowl watching football.
There are a variety of places to spend New Years in California based on your likes and interest. We’ve put together 11 incredible suggestions for New Years in California with ideas of what to do at each destination and what makes it special during New Years. We conclude each suggestion with some accommodation suggestions based on your budget.
Now, let’s get to it! 11 incredible places to go for New Years in California.
Yosemite National Park
It’s not a typical New Year’s Eve destination, but Yosemite National Park is one of the best places to spend the holiday. Although park access is limited to Yosemite Valley, visitors have a surprising number of unique opportunities. Plus, very few people visit in the winter months, making the experience even more special.
One of the most memorable things to do in Yosemite over New Year’s is ice skating in Curry Village. The park sets up a rink in the heart of the valley, complete with fire pits, hot cocoa, and skate rentals. This has been a beloved tradition for nearly 100 years (since 1928)!
Other outdoor activities include skiing or tubing at Badger Pass, and snowshoeing. A lot of famous trails like Half Dome aren’t accessible in winter, but many shorter, easy hikes in Yosemite are — and they’re even more magical under snow. Rent snowshoes at the Badger Pass Nordic Center.
If you’re looking for a more traditional NYE experience, head to The Ahwahnee. This historic hotel hosts a fancy six-course dinner, followed by dancing and a champagne toast at midnight. Note that the event often sells out far in advance.
Most of the park is covered in snow from November-April, but Yosemite Valley is often more mild. Still, expect chilly temperatures in the 30s and 40s during the day, and single-digit overnight lows. Pack a variety of layers and cold-weather gear so you’re prepared for anything.
There’s no doubt Yosemite National Park is one of the best places to go for New Years in California.
Accommodation
- Luxury: The Ahwahnee
- Mid-Tier: Yosemite Valley Lodge
- Budget: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst
Lake Tahoe
If you’re not sure where to celebrate New Year’s in California then you can’t beat Lake Tahoe. After all, this stunning alpine lake is surrounded by the incredible Sierra Nevada Mountains. So, visitors can embrace the tranquility of nature with a visit to Emerald Bay, a ski session at Diamond Peak, and a spin around the outdoor ice rink at Heavenly.
You can also warm up in the hot springs at 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort before snowshoeing on the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail, the Granite Lake & Maggie’s Peak Trail, and the Van Sickle Rim Trail.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more vivacious celebration then base yourself in Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. This way you can dance the night away at Bally’s Lake Tahoe, enjoy live midnight fireworks at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, check out epic concerts at Heavenly, and ride on a holiday Ferris wheel.
You can even head to The Loft Theatre and attend a Magic After Dark show that is presented by an award winning French magician. And if you’re looking for a delicious, super luxurious dining experience then you can’t beat New Year’s Eve dinner at Edgewood Restaurant.
So, no matter what you want to do Lake Tahoe has the perfect activities for you. Just pack plenty of warm clothing since average daily highs in January are 42 F while average daily lows are 25 F during winter in Lake Tahoe.
Accommodations
- Luxury: Edgewater Tahoe Resort
- Mid-Tier: Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe, an IHG Hotel
- Budget: Budget Inn at Heavenly Gondola
Alabama Hills
The Alabama Hills, at the foot of the stunning Sierra Nevada, is one of the fantastic destinations for outdoor lovers and one of the best places to go for New Years in California.
It is also one of the best places to visit in California in December amidst gorgeous snow-capped mountains and cold weather.
The dramatic mountainscapes of the Alabama Hills create the perfect magical atmosphere to welcome the New Year in California with your loved ones.
Camping in the Alabama Hills is one of the popular activities during New Year. Camp in Tuttle Creek Campground to witness splendid views of Mount Whitney and Lone Pine Peaks. It only costs 8 USD per site.
Alternatively, check out Lone Pine Campground. There are 42 camping sites equipped with RV hookups.
Start your new year’s Day with a hike. Stunning snow-covered trails surround the area. Hike the 1.1-mile Mobius Arch Loop Trail.
If you want a challenging hike, try the 10-mile Upper Alabama Hills Trail to Cyclops Skull Arch, also famous for running and mountain biking in this region.
The contrast between the craggy rocks and the snowy Sierra Nevada peaks is a picture-perfect backdrop. You will get tons of pictures to flaunt on your ‘gram.
The weather in the Alabama Hills during New Year’s can be chilly, especially during late evenings and early mornings.
Average daytime temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F, while night can drop dramatically from 20°F to 30°F. I recommend dressing in layers.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: Home with Views and Indoor Pool
- Mid Tier: Historic Dow Hotel
- Budget: Whitney Portal Hotel & Hostel or camping at Tuttle Creek Campground
Huntington Beach
Ring in the New Year at one of the most dynamic and exciting beach towns in California — Huntington Beach. With year-round mild weather, epic surf culture, and a vibrant atmosphere, Huntington Beach offers an unforgettable New Year’s experience.
There are many excellent events to enjoy on New Year’s Eve. Start any new year health goals off with a bang by joining the “Run In The New Year” 5k/10k/half marathon.
At night, visitors can take their pick of parties around downtown. Partygoers will find everything from bar crawls to yacht parties or more posh events at luxury hotels.
For a truly memorable experience, take part in the annual Polar Plunge — a brisk dip into the Pacific Ocean on New Year’s morning.
Winter weather in Huntington Beach is pleasantly mild, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s°F, and lows hovering around the mid-50s. It’s the perfect climate for coastal walks and outdoor exploration.
During the stay, indulge in delectable cuisine at local favorites like Pacific Hideaway and Duke’s Huntington Beach. For a unique experience, consider joining a whale-watching excursion or exploring the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
Huntington Beach is an excellent city to visit during New Year’s Eve for its combination of quaint seaside charm and celebratory spirit, making it a perfect choice for a memorable start to the year. It is certainly an incredible place to go for New Years in California.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: The Pasea Hotel & Spa boasts upscale amenities and breathtaking Pacific views, creating an indulgent escape. Plus, they host a great NYE party!
- Mid-Tier: The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, combines comfort with oceanfront luxury.
- Budget: Best Western Surf City, offering cozy rooms at an affordable price.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a wonderful New Year’s getaway in California.
Located on the scenic Central California Coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very charming village that you can stroll. The streets are lined with unique shops and art galleries. Many of the shops are decorated for the holidays!
Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its many topnotch eateries, so you will definitely want to reserve tables for each night you plan to be in the village. Some restaurants feature special menus and most offer flavorful farm-to-fork dishes. Try Aubergine or Anton & Michel!
Wine lovers will find lots of tasting rooms in the village, and you can also do the short drive to Carmel Valley Village for more tasting rooms.
Be sure to walk (or drive) down to the gorgeous crescent-shaped sandy Carmel Beach. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine and watch the sun set on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day!
Carmel’s location by the sea means that winters are temperate, with daytime highs in the low to mid 60s Fahrenheit and nighttime lows in the low to mid 50s.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: L’Auberge Carmel
- Midrange: Tradewinds Carmel
- Budget: Carmel Resort Inn
Pasadena
Pasadena, California is one of the many cities in Los Angeles County, but one of the best places to go for New Years in California. It has world famous New Year’s festivities including the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl game.
The must see when visiting is the Rose Parade. This iconic parade has been around since 1890 where the route travels 5.5 miles on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. You’ll see floats, marching bands, equestrian units, and more! You can purchase spectator seats for the grandstand, or simply bring camping chairs to set up camp on the parade route. Some people truly do camp out the night before, so plan ahead!
Another fun way to experience the Rose Parade is to attend Floatfest, which is a showcase of the floats in a stationary display.
Football fans, don’t miss the Rose Bowl game, which is a college football matchup that takes place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. One tip is that parking can be a nightmare, so opt to park down the hill in Old Town Pasadena and take the shuttles up to the stadium.
Beyond, New Years festivities, Pasadena is a great base for exploring Los Angeles with direct access to the freeway to take you to attractions like Griffith Observatory and popular Los Angeles Instagram spots like Hollywood Sign viewpoints.
The winter weather is mild with an average high of 68 and low of 46.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: The Langham Huntington
- Mid-tier: Pasadena Hotel and Pool
- Budget: Astro Pasadena Hotel (on Colorado Blvd.)
Disneyland
New Year’s Eve is always a night of magic and new beginnings, so why not spend it at the most well-known place for Magic – Disney California? Disneyland is the ideal location for families to spend New Year’s Eve as there are so many family-friendly activities to enjoy as you countdown to the New Year.
Families will enjoy all of the holiday decorations throughout the park that create the feeling of being in the “best place on earth”. If you are traveling with kids, make sure to bring a stroller to Disney that has a good recline in case not everyone makes it to midnight!
Head to the Sleeping Beauty Castle to enjoy an extravagant firework display that lights up the sky with music and special effects. You will find New Year’s Eve Countdown events at Paradise Gardens Park from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. and in Hollywood Land from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. During the holiday season, you can also enjoy a nightly snowfall that is magical.
Disneyland’s Main Street turns into a lively party with music playing from DJs, confetti, and dancing in the street. Throughout the park, you will find live musical acts and character meet and greets dressed in their best outfits for New Year’s.
If you get hungry, then be sure to check out the variety of New Year’s Eve themed treats throughout the park. They also have special meals at many dining options, but you will need to make reservations in advance.
Lastly, you can enjoy the park for a little bit longer as they extend the hours to allow guests to enjoy the festivities for the whole evening in the park.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: The Westin Anaheim Resort
- Mid-tier: Residence Inn by Marriott
- Budget: Hotel Indigo Anaheim
Mammoth Lakes
If you’re a nature lover, there’s no better place to ring in the New Year, then Mammoth Lakes, a charming ski town with endless outdoor adventures and a sweet fireworks display for the holiday.
If you enjoy being outside, you’ll love spending the last day of the year in Mammoth Lakes, tucked in the eastern Sierras. Head to one of the world-class ski resorts in the area, such as Mammoth Mountain or June Mountain, to take in the spectacular views of the surrounding Sierras.
Afterward, head to the Village Plaza, where you can buy an adult beverage or two and ring in the New Year with other revelers, while fireworks dance in the sky above. In the morning, wake up for sunrise to visit one of the many stunning Mammoth Lakes hot springs, like Wild Willy’s—there’s no better way to start off on the right foot!
The average weather in winter: Average high of 44° and average low of 17°
If you have time during your visit, pop into Distant Brewing, a ski-themed brewery with a patio (with heat lamps!) that offers gorgeous views of the mountains and some delicious beers.
With endless things to do, Mammoth Lakes is one of the best places to go for New Years in California.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: Westin Monache Resort. – From the jaw-dropping views from every room and in-suite massages
- Mid-tier: Sierra Nevada Resort – is the perfect place to cozy up after a day on the slopes, with in-room fireplaces and an outdoor hot tub.
- Budget: Tamarack Lodge & Resort – slightly rustic with stellar views and comfy cabins.
Mendocino City
Accommodations:
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Luxury – Inns of Mendocino
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Mid tier – Surf and Sand Lodge
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Budget – Oceanside Inn and Suites
San Francisco
San Francisco is a fantastic New Year’s destination with its vibrant atmosphere and iconic landmarks. In San Francisco, the New Year’s celebration is as diverse as the city itself, promising an unforgettable start to the year.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square
- Mid-Tier: San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf
- Budget: Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Francisco Fishermans Wharf
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is a great destination for those looking to greet the New Year in an unforgettable way. Located near Twentynine Palms, California – a rustic and festively decorated spot for celebrating New Years – Joshua Tree National Park offers some of the best hiking trails and natural attractions in California.
The park is filled with wild plant life and odd rocky exhibits that come alive at night, under the stars. If the sky is clear, don’t miss stargazing within the park. Winter is a great time to explore the trails and get lost in nature. Due to the cooler temperatures and more pleasant hiking weather, this is the time of year to hit the more strenuous trails.
The average winter weather is usually mild, ranging from a high of 72°F and a low of 43°F. Some years, there can even be an overnight frost, making the desert feel absolutely wintery.
For those seeking an overnight stay, there are plenty of accommodation options available for any budget. Overall, Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent destination to welcome the new year in style with its stunning views and festive atmosphere.
Accommodations:
- Luxury: While there are no true luxury stays near the park, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is an excellent choice for quality and comfort.
- Mid Tier: Sure Stay Plus by Best Western
- Budget: Camping overnight in Joshua Tree National Park. While it will be chilly, if you are traveling on a shoestring it is something to consider.
Have Fun Celebrating New Years in California
I hope this post gave you inspiration on places to go for New Years in California. The options are endless, from warm beaches, snowy mountains, Disney magic, National Parks and more. You are sure to have a wonderful time celebrating New Years in California this year.
Cheers, Happy New Year!
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