14 Cozy Winter Cabins in California
The shortened days of winter invite a spirit of tranquility unique to the season. It’s a time to slow down, snuggle up, and retreat. From foggy shores to pine-scented forests to snow-capped mountains and serene ranchlands, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite California cabins and cottages for a cozy winter getaway.
Black Bear Lodge
In South Lake Tahoe, four spacious cabins are nestled in the pines behind the main lodge. The cabins’ buttery smooth linens, river rock fireplaces, and a well-curated mix of modern and rustic-chic furnishings create a sublime environment from which to watch the snowfall through large windows framed with icicles. An outdoor Jacuzzi is just steps away, sheltered beneath a gazebo trimmed with string lights.
Carmel Cottage Inn
Five historic cottages are nestled just a block from Carmel Beach and within an easy stroll of downtown. The cottages have been lovingly restored. They feature inviting living rooms with toasty brick fireplaces and overstuffed couches, beds draped with beautiful quilts, charming kitchens with retro touches, and outdoor patios. One of the cottages, Log Haven, is one of the oldest homes in Carmel.
Cottage Inn at Lake Tahoe
Beneath towering pines, enchanting 1938 cabins line Lake Tahoe’s quiet western shore with access to a private beach. The rustic exteriors belie the warm interiors, which feature gas fireplaces, luxurious bedding, exposed wood beams, honey-hued pine walls, and whimsical décor. Enjoy mulled wine and hors d’oeuvres by the fire at happy hour in the main lodge. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away.
The Cottages of Napa Valley
Enjoy your own private cottage in wine country. Nestled along cobbled pathways under mature trees, these eight, free-standing vintage cottages have been beautifully renovated with luxurious creature comforts such as heated tile floors, gas fireplaces, and soaking tubs. Each also has its own wood-burning chiminea on a private patio for roasting s’mores.
Highlands Ranch Resort
Along the edge of a bucolic meadow, seven cottages stand against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks. Each is outfitted with large windows overlooking the snowy meadow and upscale touches like oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, gas fireplaces, heated tile floors, and private outdoor Jacuzzi tubs. Ten minutes away, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers 150 miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails.
Mar Vista Farm + Cottages
Just across Highway 1 from the ocean, Mar Vista Farm + Cottages is a working small farm along the “secret coast” of Mendocino County. Ten bright and airy vintage cottages scattered around the property offer cozy fireplaces and full kitchens. Guests enjoy farm-fresh eggs delivered to the cottages each day, use of the edible gardens, an enchanted redwood trail, and private access to a secluded beach.
Nick’s Cove
Imbued with nostalgic charm, Nick’s Cove is a collection of meticulously restored bungalows overlooking the placid waters and moody winter skies of Tomales Bay. Handsome antiques, lofty beds, heated bathroom floors, vintage soaking tubs, and wood-burning fire stoves comfort the soul, while soft strains of jazz music drift over from the onsite oyster bar.
Alisal Ranch
Situated on 10,500 acres of undulating ranchland in the Santa Ynez Mountains near Santa Barbara, a collection of luxury cottages exudes Old West charm with a nod to refined living. The spacious cottages feature plush furnishings, wood-burning fireplaces, and Native American-inspired tapestries. Gourmet dining, horseback riding, golf, and fishing round out the all-inclusive experience.
The Brambles at The Madrones
In the Anderson Valley, The Brambles is a whimsical Victorian-meets-industrial steampunk-inspired hideaway nestled deep in the redwoods. Imaginatively crafted, each of the five guest cabins offer a one-of-a-kind retreat with kitchenettes and cozy creature comforts. Unique features of the 12-acre property include platform decks built atop the stumps of old-growth redwoods and an unusual redwood burl that resembles an elephant’s head.
Cottages at Little River Cove
Located on the Mendocino Coast, 11 private, stand-alone cottages are situated perfectly for admiring ocean views. With full kitchens and thoughtful amenities, the cottages are designed for enjoying the tranquil pace of winter. A stone patio with a fire pit and Adirondack seating face the horizon for front-row sunset viewing. The cabins are pet-friendly.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern
In Santa Ynez Valley wine country, meticulously restored cottages are nestled among acres of old-growth palm trees and historic outposts. The cottages feature original architectural details, hardwood floors, period furnishings with modern complements, and cozy fireplaces. The luxury resort property is a historic landmark that once served as a stagecoach stop and a clandestine hangout through Prohibition.
Inn at Schoolhouse Creek
A charming cluster of historic cottages offers secluded comfort with ocean views along the rugged Mendocino Coast. Cottages are pet-friendly and feature kitchenettes and inviting living spaces with gas fireplaces perfect for snuggling up on cool winter nights. The Water Tower Cottage served as a lookout tower for the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II.
Little River Inn
On a bluff overlooking the Mendocino Coast, four stand-alone cottages are tucked away from the main property. The spacious cottages are infused with bright natural light and open to private decks with jetted hot tubs and stunning ocean views. A private trail from the property leads to Van Damme State Beach and 10 miles of hiking trails.
San Ysidro Ranch
Secluded on 550 acres in fashionable Montecito, 38 bungalow-style cottages have been attracting sophisticated travelers since 1893. The chic cottages are elegantly appointed with antique furnishings and artwork and feature stone fireplaces, radiant-heated floors, plush bedding, oversized sunken spa tubs, and private outdoor spaces. The stately Kennedy cottage is named for John and Jackie who honeymooned here.