California is one state in the U.S. with the most varied landscapes and most innovative things to do. From parks, hikes, beaches, and events to museums and ski slopes, California just about has it all.

There are two types of Winter people: Those who escape the cold as soon as possible for something warmer and those who prefer to venture into the powdery snow and then spend their days curled up by the fire.

No matter the preference, this is a varied list of the coolest (and hottest) trips to take in California this winter.

Related: These Are The Most Unique Small Towns To Visit In California

10
For The Winter Warmer: Carmel

Carmel, a picturesque enclave on the California coast, is a place where warm breezes, endless days on pristine beaches, and leisurely cocktail hours are cherished year-round. It exemplifies the best of California living. Whether strolling along the stunning coastline or savoring the vibrant cultural scene, Carmel is an amazing trip to take in California this winter.

Things to do in Carmel

• Carmel River State Beach
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• China Cove

9
Warm The Pallette With Wine Tasting At Russian River Valley

Who doesn’t love some mulled wine or a deep red merlot to sip as the gray weather sets in over winter? Wine tasting at Russian River is a favorite among Californians who want to taste the region’s best vineyards and catch up over slow evenings with the river as a backdrop.

8
Skate At The Red Lake Near Kirkwood

This one is for the traveler who loves a winter trip in California where they can feel as though they’re in a completely different country, perhaps at Apres Ski or the Alps. Californians can skate at the Red Lake near Kirkwood to live out a true ‘old money’ experience over the winter that also feels like California’s winter wonderland.

• Red Lake location: California 96120, USA
• The best time to visit the Red Lake to ski: November through February.

7
Trundle Through Sequoia National Park

With trees that look as though they’re about to touch the sky, an assortment of American wildlife, and hiking trails that take walkers on a trip through seasons and varied environments, it’s no wonder Californians enjoy flocking to Sequoia over the winter time. Travelers can also discover the remains of the largest known Sequoia trees.

Best trails to do in Sequoia:

• Big Trees Trail
• Crescent Meadow Loop Trail
• Congress Trail
• Tokopah Falls Trail
• Hazelwood Nature Trail
• Alta Peak Trail
• High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow

Related: National Park Magic: 10 October Vacations For Nature Lovers In California

6
Snowboard At Soda Springs

Soda Springs is a great place to learn how to snowboard or hit the slopes like a professional. Not only is it a ski paradise, but Soda Springs offers a wonderful winter atmosphere that gives off Game of Thrones vibes (without the gore).

Things to do at Soda Springs:

• Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
• Woodward Tahoe
• Donner Memorial State Park
• Historic Summit Tunnel

5
Get Cozy In A Log Cabin At Mammoth Lakes

This place offers a full-on “The Holiday” vibe that’ll have visitors believing they are on vacation with Cameron Diaz herself. Mammoth Lakes is littered with quaint log cabins that overlook the lake’s prowess and keep out the winter chill in California. The only thing to worry about is when the next hot chocolate should be made.

Things to do at Mammoth Lakes:

• Hot Springs
• Snow Shoe
• Convict Lake
• Snow cat tour at Sunset or Under the Full Moon
• Hot Creek Geological Site
• Snowmobile

4
Aquarium Of The Pacific In Long Beach

On chilly and unpleasant days when outdoor skating isn’t everyone’s preference, you might opt for a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Delight in a day captivated by mesmerizing marine life. This is one of the most amazing trips to take in winter in California.

Things to see:

• Sea otters, sharks, sea jellies, frogs and more.
• Tropical, Northern, and Southern California Galleries.
• The Shoreline Village.

3
Fire Falls In Yosemite

Some say that the fire falls in Brave were inspired by Yosemite’s fire falls, and the film does a pretty good job of representing it. The falls are just one of the multiple things to do in Yosemite, but they’re definitely worth making the trip for. Seeing the water fall down the mountain like molten lava is quite the spectacle.

• Best place to view the fire falls: The El Capitan Picnic Area is one of the most popular destinations for Yosemite fire fall viewers.

2
Roast Marshmallows At Lake Tahoe

There’s nothing more comforting than spending chilly evenings alongside a fire, roasting marshmallows, and making Nutella smore’s with the great Lake Tahoe as a background. Better yet, a trip to Lake Tahoe can be an affordable destination if planned correctly.

Things to do at Lake Tahoe:

• Brewery hopping
• Hike To Vikingsholm Castle On Emerald Bay
• Hit Up The Casino
• Aerial tram at Squaw

1
Skies So Blue… In Malibu

Some people aren’t built for the cold. But they are built for spending the winters baking in the California sun. What better place to vacation than Miley Cyrus’ much-loved destination, Malibu (so much so she wrote a song about it).

Things to do in Malibu in winter:

• Point Dume State Beach and Preserve
• Visit Adamson House
• Explore Escondido Falls
• Enjoy the glamor of the Getty Villa

Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In California In The Fall

From warm days to cold nights and everything in between, California has a chaotic winter climate that is bound to suit everyone’s needs, depending on where they venture. Slopes or slops? That is the question.