It may not snow in San Diego, but when the weather gets chilly you can find nearby snow tubing and sledding hills, some with magic carpets and gondolas to ride up to the top. Read on for an unforgettably fun day in the snow for your beachside babes.
LessSlide into fun at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at the top of Snow Summit in Big Bear. The whole family young and old alike will love whizzing down the snowy hills on high-speed tubes. Ride the magic carpet up to the top before sliding down one of three 300-ft tubing lanes. Ride again and again during your 1.5 hour time slot.
Your little snow angels will squeal with delight at Yeti's Snow Play. Here you'll find tubing, sledding and snow play... as well as a friendly Yeti who's willing to pose for pics. The snow play area is open only for kids 36” tall and under, while those over 36” tall can go sledding, tubing and ride the gondola up to the top! Kids between 32”-36” can snow tube with a paid parent on a separate tube.
You’ll be able to cool down on top of this mountain about an hour due east of San Diego. Watch for weather updates from the Laguna Mountain Lodge Facebook page. When you head up, there are plenty of turn off spots, but it does get crowded. Along with your boots and mittens, you’ll want to bring some snacks, a full tank of gas and some snow chains. Good to Know: You need an Adventure Pass to access the forest.
You’ll have to wait for just the right time, but every year a good Northern storm can drop snow in Julian. Watch the weather reports, then drive up right after it snows. Your crew can sled on the small snow hills and then warm up with some hot apple pie in town. Remember, the snow melts quickly around Julian.
Worth the drive! Whether you take the day or a weekend trip you’ll be glad you drove (about two hours) up to Idyllwild. You’ll find a cute mountain town where you can take a winter hike, sled or just walk the town after a fresh snow. There are plenty of cute shops to look at and places to eat too.
Find the magic of snow on Palomar Mountain just North of San Diego. Bundle up to make snowmen and snow-angels or toboggan down a snow hill. Dress warmly and you may want to pack an insulated thermos of hot water and cocoa packets to enjoy on the way home. Good to Know: Fill-up your tank before you go (no gas stations on the mountain); bring snacks and snow chains too.