From Surf to Slopes: Achieving Adventure in Southern California

Are you a snow-seeker who loves to board and ski on the powdery slopes? Or do you prefer a different kind of board, one that lets you coast through the water and soak up the refreshing sun and spray?

Southern California is one of the very few places where you don’t have to choose between the two vacations—in fact, you don’t even need more than a day to make the most of the surf and the slopes.

Take a look below as we explore the one-of-a-kind ways to get the best of both worlds on your California getaway.

From Big Bear…

Let’s start off with the classic winter attraction—skiing, snowboarding or sightseeing at the snowy vistas of Big Bear. This beloved destination packs a punch in the recreation department, offering the whole crew a chance to hone their skills in a fluffy new medium. Terrain parks help beginners and pros alike enjoy the simple, timeless thrill of moving through the snow. And after all—if you like boarding or skiing on the water, it only makes sense that you might enjoy this winter spin on the sport, too!

… to Lake Perris

About an hour-and-a-half drive southwest from Big Bear, you’ll find Lake Perris: a local reservoir prized for its beauty and recreational opportunities for anglers, boarders, and everyone in between. Nestled in a valley, Lake Perris—especially in wintertime—offers a somewhat quieter alternative to traditional seasonal thrills. (But don’t be mistaken—just like in summer, it’s a spot worth visiting!) You can take a brisk hike around the lake, and enjoy the natural flora that you’ll find along the way: cacti, black sage, chaparral plants and more. Oddball animals like roadrunners, and even the occasional bald eagle, are known to make appearances. On the water, wakeboarding and other sports are easy to enjoy thanks to the expansive surface area.

Going fishing? Anglers will find largemouth bass, black crappie, carp and crayfish. (Head to Alessandro Island on the east end for some particularly great bass fishing!)

… to Lake Elsinore

Another quick jog southwest will bring you to Lake Elsinore, a long, rich blue lake whose beauty is compounded by the picturesque Santa Ana Mountains that surround it. Towed water sports reign supreme here—enjoy tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing to your heart’s content.

… to Long Beach

Ready to hit the open water? While the drive from Big Bear to Long Beach is the lengthiest, it’s also incredibly rewarding. From the water-loving city of Long Beach, you can launch and cruise up the coast to enjoy simple skyline views—or consider a trip offshore! Seal Beach is a must-see destination for animal enthusiasts, while Long Beach also provides passage to Catalina Island—a destination in its own right, where you’ll find cozy, tucked-away beaches and stretches of room on the water perfect for boarding the day away.

Cold weather? Warm weather? No need to decide. Get them both and enjoy the ride in Southern California, where all that separates a day in the waves from a day on the slopes is some time on the highway (and, of course, a change of clothes!).