The late winter and early spring months are typically a savvy time to enjoy a variety of areas around California: You’ll find snowy mountains, quiet beaches, buzzing deserts, and mellow wineries all across the Golden State. The low-key ambience also makes this time of a year a prime time for deals from hotels, theme parks, and other attractions. That’s especially the case in 2025, in the wake of the Los Angeles County wildfires, as towns all over Southern California and the entire state are ready to welcome back visitors to help support the local communities.
Browse the great special offers below to plan an extra-special trip for Valentine’s, Presidents Day Weekend, or an early Spring Break. Some deals are also good through spring or even the end of the year. Before you book, check out the tourism board website of your vacation destination to see the latest discounts on hotels, wineries, and activities.
Here are 20-plus ways to enhance an early spring trip to the Golden State.
Free and discounted admission for first responders, Universal Studios Hollywood
As a form of thanks to the people who worked tirelessly during the wildfires, the Los Angeles theme park is offering free admission to first responders—including all active U.S. firefighters, National Guard members, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and more—and a 50 percent discount for up to three of their guests. Just show a valid government-issued photo ID and a valid employee ID card at the front gate entrance on the same day of your visit. Good through April 10.
Free lift tickets for first responders at Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear Mountain
Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear Mountain are saluting the brave men and women from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico who helped in the recent L.A. wildfires. The offer includes free lift tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for active firefighters, police officers, and EMTs; just present your badge and valid government-issued ID at any Mammoth Mountain or Big Bear Mountain ticket window. Good through May 21, 2025.
Other folks can enjoy plenty of deals at the two ski resorts this season too. Big Bear’s offers include the Free Birthday Ticket and combo dinner-and-night-sessions; Mammoth specials include a fourth night free at select lodgings and 30 percent off a Quad pack (four lift tickets to be used throughout the season).
National Plan for Vacation Day at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
National Plan for Vacation Day was Jan. 28, but you can celebrate it well into February at this Palm Springs area resort and spa. When you book a stay of at least three nights between February and May, you’ll receive a $250 resort credit. Book by Feb. 11.
Plan ahead for more trips too—spring and the upcoming summer brings lots of hotel deals in Greater Palm Springs.
20 percent off at Venice V Hotel, Venice Beach
Stay in the heart of Venice Beach at this oceanfront hotel set in a cool 1915 building. Take 20 percent off stays as short as two nights (good through Feb. 14) or come a little later for an extended Valentine’s Day and take 15 percent off either ocean view or ocean front lodgings and get a free bottle of bubbly too (good Feb. 12–23).
20 Percent off at The Proper, Los Angeles
Experience Downtown L.A.—exploring museums like The Broad or catching a show or game at the nearby Kia Forum—from this plush boutique hotel. At this location of The Proper, as well as its sister property in Santa Monica, you can now get 20 percent off a two-night stay; with each stay, the hotel will also make a donation to organizations including the California Fire Foundation and World Central Kitchen. Must book by Feb. 14.
Winter Winnings at Pechanga Resort, Temecula
Come to this plush Temecula Valley resort and casino during the week for a serious deal: Rates start at just $129 (30 percent off) when you stay at least two nights and includes both a $50 credit to be used at the casino plus a $50 dining credit. Good through Feb. 27. Or stay later and get 20 percent off when you book at least 30 days ahead. For more stays, check out these Temecula Valley hotel deals.
Winter Refresh Getaway at Hotel San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo
Take 25 percent off your rate at this boutique hotel in San Luis Obispo and add some relaxation with a $50 daily spa credit as well as a $25 daily dining credit at either of its two restaurants, including a Michelin-recognized steakhouse. Good through March 1.
30 percent off and $39 kids’ admission at LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad
Staying onsite at Carlsbad’s LEGOLAND California adds serious value this time of year. Not only do you get 30 percent off the regular rates, but this hotel deal also offers kids $39 Hopper tickets (which includes admission to the theme park plus resort’s SEA LIFE Aquarium). Good though March 14.
Best of Winter Deals, Catalina Island
Save up to 35 percent on a getaway to Catalina Island with this deal that partners with the Catalina Express ferry and several hotels on the island. The packages at the Aurora Hotel and the Banning House, for instance, include two round-trip ferry tickets on the Catalina Express, two mid-week nights in a standard room, plus continental breakfast. Valid for arrivals Sunday–Thursday and departures Monday–Friday. Dates vary, but most deals are good through at least March 14.
$50 kids’ admission to Disneyland, Anaheim
This is an ideal time of year to visit Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort, thanks to generally shorter wait times. Plus, right now kids ages 3–9 can get a one-day, one-park ticket for $50 through March 20, subject to theme park reservation availability.
Southern California residents, meanwhile, can make the most of a three-day ticket deal that averages out to $67 per day for ages 3 and up; all days must be used by May 15.
The resort has excellent deals at its onsite hotels too: up to 25 percent off at Disneyland Hotel; up to 20 percent off at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the condo-style Villas at Disneyland Hotel; and 10 percent off at Pixar Place Hotel (most deals apply to stays between Sunday through Thursday). Book by March 7 and stay by March 21.
The Anaheim resort is also extending a special thanks to eligible California firefighters and Los Angeles–based law enforcement personnel and EMTs who helped with the wildfires. The Heroes Ticket—a complimentary ticket for the first responder and one guest—will be valid on Mondays through Thursdays from May 5–Aug. 7; more details on booking the tickets will be available in April.
$39 tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita
Make the most of the quiet season for theme parks with this deal from Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita: Buy four or more one-day tickets for $39 each, a 65 percent savings compared to the gate. Must buy by Feb. 13, but you can use them by March 23. Make it a weekend by staying at any of the Santa Clarita hotels that are a super-short drive away.
Third night free at AutoCamp, Various locations
Choose among outdoor bliss in Sonoma County, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, or Sequoia with this deal from the AutoCamp resorts—and be among the first to enjoy the new Sequoia location that debuts March 6. Stay at least three or four nights (depending on the season) to get one night free with the “One Night On Us” deal. Ongoing.
$15 wine tastings, Sonoma Valley
Make the most of this sleepy season in wine country: The Sonoma Sips deal offers $15 tastings at 16 participating wineries such as Gloria Ferrer, Talisman, and Gundlach Bundschu. Most don’t require reservations—just tell them you’re there for the Sonoma Sip package. Good from Feb. 15–March 15. Hang out for a few days using one of the hotel deals from the Sonoma Valley website, such as 20 percent off at Sonoma’s El Pueblo Inn.
Feast on the Foothills at the Holbrooke Hotel, Grass Valley
Stay at this 1862 hotel brimming with history in Grass Valley: Book online for an easy 12 percent off, or take advantage of this culinary special that includes a daily $50 dining credit at the Iron Door, the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant that used to be a brothel and speakeasy many years ago. Good for stays of at least least two nights through March 31.
Up to 50 percent off at Carneros Resort, Napa
Stay in a cottage and treat yourself to a spa day at this Napa Valley resort with its own wine-tasting room and the onsite restaurant Farm. Use code ESCAPE to access rates that are discounted up to 50 percent per night. Good for stays through March 31.
Save up to 30 percent at Hotel Healdsburg, Healdsburg
Wine is only part of the experience at this hotel in Sonoma County’s Healdsburg—they also offer outings for olive oil and mushroom foraging. Choose the Stay Longer Deal to save more based on how long you stay (30 percent for four nights or more) or consider the Romantic Retreat (20 percent off plus two spa treatments and a $50 dining credit) or the Winter Bliss Package (15 percent off plus a bottle of wine and up to $100 resort credit). Available through March 31.
20 percent off at The Darling Hotel, Visalia
The Central Valley town of Visalia—with its walkable downtown, murals, and a microbreweries—makes an excellent home base for exploring Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Downtown’s Darling Hotel—housed in a restored 1935 building—offers a nice spot to recharge, thanks to its pool and rooftop bar. This deal takes 20 percent off the rate and adds a few mimosas plus a luxurious 4 p.m. checkout. Good though March 31.
Full Moon, Half Price, San Francisco Peninsula
Enjoy some moon-gazing at The Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp, located on the San Francisco Peninsula, which offers an ongoing deal for both the full moon and new moon: Take half off the rates to enjoy the views of the skies from your safari tent or cabin. Dates for 2025 include Feb. 12, Feb. 27, March 13, March 30, April 13, and April 27.
Pixie Tangerine Month deals, Ojai
Start planning now for peak season in the Ventura County town of Ojai: April is harvest time for the super-sweet pixie tangerine, produced by 40 local growers. Enjoy fresh fruit and pixie-themed cuisine and merch around town, and book a hotel stay for easier access; for instance, you can get a third night free at the 220-acre Ojai Valley Inn. Good through April 30.
Third night free deals, Santa Barbara
You have plenty of options with this offer from Visit Santa Barbara: Choose from about 20 hotels and resorts in Santa Barbara—ranging from a family-friendly Best Western Plus to the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Bacara—where you can score a free third night. Blackout dates vary by property; some deals are good through February while others are good through May, June, or even the end of 2025.
30 percent off lodging and lift tickets, Palisades Tahoe
Bask in ski season at Palisades Tahoe. Book a stay in the ski resort’s slopeside lodging and get up to 30 percent off your bundled stay with lift tickets (good Sunday–Friday; get 20 percent on Saturday). Use the code STAYSLOPESIDE. Excludes some holidays; good through May 31.
50th anniversary specials at Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort, Calistoga
This 60-room, family-owned resort and spa in Calistoga is observing its 50th anniversary this year and invites spa lovers to celebrate with them. Be one of the first 50 to book its Golden Package and you’ll get a discount on a spa treatment as well as gold-dusted chocolates from nearby Earth & Sky, OSEA Golden Glow samples, and luxurious gold eye masks. Or visit during June to join the resort’s Golden Anniversary Party with vendor pop-ups and spa samplings.
20 percent off the Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Choose from a variety of Pasadena hotel deals, such as this indulgent experience at the town’s grand dame resort. You’ll get 20 percent off in a plush suite or Executive Room—lodgings that add extra value thanks to their access to the Langham Club lounge with its five rounds of complimentary food and drink each day. Good for stays through June 30.
Free night at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills
Some hotel packages in Beverly Hills add on seriously extravagant perks, like the use of a luxury BMW. With this deal, you get to enjoy extra time in Beverly Hills—a fourth night free—at the Four Seasons hotel that made a cameo in Pretty Woman; good through Dec. 27. Or, stay at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, where the Life is Suite package includes $95 daily credit for breakfast, $100 daily to spend elsewhere in the hotel, and the time-is-money perk of an early check-in (noon) and late checkout (3 p.m.). Good through April 2026.
20 percent off at the Pierside Hotel, Santa Monica
Play in the beach town of Santa Monica at this boutique hotel just steps from both the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. The offer takes up to 20 percent off stays of two nights or more and includes four hours of free beach gear rentals from the hotel’s Board Shop. Ongoing.
Golf for free at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
After hosting the Farmers Insurance Open in January, the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla will host Tiger Woods' Genesis Invitational PGA golf tournament (February 13–16). See the tournament or just come stay at the neighboring Lodge at Torrey Pines to play the A-list course yourself. When you book a stay of at least four nights, you get a free round of golf on the course. Fill the rest of your stay with downtime in the resort’s fantastic spa, or hike and enjoy the sweeping views from the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Ongoing.
Wine cave tour at the Little River Inn, Mendocino County
Bundle a charming hotel stay with a wine cave tour with this package from the Little River Inn along the Mendocino Coast. Stay on a weekend and enjoy a guided wine cave tour at Twomey in Anderson Valley (ongoing). Or, choose one of the hotel’s other specials, like the romance package or one where you can bring your pup.
You Belong in the Zoo Package, San Diego
Giant pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao arrived at the San Diego Zoo in 2024—now that they have settled in, it’s a great time to go say hi. This deal includes a three-night stay at The Dana on Mission Bay, as well as two free adult tickets to the San Diego Zoo. The waterfront hotel on Mission Bay also has easy access to water sports. Ongoing.
30 percent off at 1 Hotel West Hollywood, West Hollywood
This sustainability-minded boutique hotel—featuring indigenous greenery, reclaimed materials, and its own spa—offers a prime spot for exploring West Hollywood. This deal makes it easy: Get up to 30 percent off rates, a waived resort fee, and free parking. Check out Visit West Hollywood’s hotels page for more deals, like 20 percent off at either the Pendry West Hollywood or the Andaz West Hollywood. Ongoing.
Pancakes & Parking at Jamaica Bay Inn, Marina del Rey
Feel like a local staying at this Hilton-affiliated boutique hotel that is a short walk from Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey; the hotel also rents out bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards. This package will make you feel at home, throwing in free parking (usually $32/day) and a daily $50 credit for breakfast at the hotel. Ongoing.
$50 gift cards with hotel stays, Redding
The town of Redding offers a convenient launching pad for Shasta Cascade adventures, and the Choose Redding site makes it easy to plan your trip. Book a two-night stay at a participating hotel, then peruse a long list of freebies, including a $50 gift card for The Park—Food Truck Hub, e-bike rentals, or entry to the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Ongoing.
SF Heights & Sights Package at the Kimpton Alton, San Francisco
Set up a family trip to San Francisco that bundles in some classic sights plus a convenient base along Fisherman’s Wharf. The package includes a room with two queen-sized beds, four tickets to the nearby SkyStar Ferris Wheel, and four tickets for cable cars. The boutique hotel is walking distance from Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square and offers complimentary access to kickboard scooters and baby gear during your stay. Ongoing.
Cycle the Hammond Coastal Trail, Humboldt County
The 5.5-mile Hammond Coastal Trail stretches from Arcata to Clam Beach in Humboldt County, and offers rugged coastal views as well as sights such as a 1942 steel truss bridge. Stay at the local Holiday Inn Express, just a quarter-mile from the trail, and the hotel will set you up for an easy cycling getaway: The $139 starting rate includes loaners of three-speed cruiser bikes, helmets, and water bottles for each person. Offer is good exclusively through the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau. Ongoing.