Winter Escape! 7 Nearby Cozy Cabin Getaways

Grab your mittens and scarves, we’ve found the coziest family rentals in Big Bear, Idyllwild, and Mammoth Lakes

In the winter months, families all over the country escape to San Diego to enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps. For those lucky enough to enjoy San Diego weather year-round, it’s the time of year when we crave snuggling up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa, watching the snowfall, and breaking out our fluffy mittens and scarves. A cozy cabin rental, within driving distance, is the answer to our wintertime wanderlust! From chilly days exploring nature or playing in the snow to unplugged evenings with big family fun. Check out these nearby Airbnb rentals in Big Bear, Idyllwild, Lake Arrowhead, Ojai, and Mammoth that are perfect for a getaway this winter.

Blackbird A-Frame with Mountain View—Big Bear Lake, CA

Big Bear is an obvious choice for families that want to escape to the mountains. This A-Frame is perfectly located, tucked away in the trees of Lower Moonridge in Big Bear Lake. It's situated in the heart of it all, making it an ideal location for your winter adventures. It's a two-minute drive to Bear and Summit Mountain and a three-minute walk to the main ski shuttle. It's also so well equipped that you can just spend your time at home snuggled up to the vintage, wood-burning stove or unwinding in the hot-tub.

Sleeps: 7 guests
Price: Starting at $400/night
Online: airbnb.com

Whiskey Creek Cabin—Idyllwild, CA

We wrote about the beauty of Idyllwild in our round-up of best fall weekend escapes and it's just as lovely in the winter. Relax beneath the tall pines and let the kids run wild at the Whiskey Creek Cabin in Idyllwild. This multi-level Airbnb is surrounded by nature and a welcome respite from city life. Cozy nights can be spent around the fire stargazing at the night sky or on the upper deck with a glass of wine while the kids play on the spacious property. Don't forget Fido on this family getaway, The Whisky Creek Cabin is dog friendly.

Sleeps: 4 
Cost: $266/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Far Out A-Frame Cabin—Idyllwild, CA

Sleeping loft for the kids? Check. Deck with hot tub surrounded by nature? Check. Retreat to this cozy A-frame cabin in the San Jacinto mountains that checks all the boxes for a relaxing family getaway. Situated on an acre of land, this mountain cabin has plenty of nature to explore yet is only one mile from the restaurants and shops in the center of town.

Sleeps: 4 
Cost: $326/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Red Door Cabin—Idyllwild-Pine Cone, CA

Enjoy modern touches with the serenity of nature at The Red Door cabin in the wooded community of Pine Cove. Just minutes from the village of Idyllwild, this 3-bedroom cabin is at an elevation of 6,000 feet with 4 acres of forest to discover. After a chilly winter day exploring with the kiddos, soak into the modern free-standing tub in the master bathroom or the sunken jacuzzi on the deck.

Sleeps: 8 
Cost: $301/night
Online: airbnb.com

Bohemian Cabin—Topanga, CA

You're not going to get snow, but you may have a deer sighting! Hidden from the hustle of the city, this bohemian cabin in the Santa Monica Mountains will feel like it's worlds away from the stresses of city life. Spend quiet evenings in the outdoor cedar soaking tub, read a book with the kids in the hammock. or take to one of the onsite or nearby trails for a hike. With plush furnishings and luxurious details, this bohemian cabin will feel like a magical retreat.

Sleeps: 4 
Cost: $605/night
Online: airbnb.com

Caravan Outpost Tiny House—Ojai, CA

Ready for a cozy cabin, but urban dwelling is much more your thing? Check out this comfy bohemian tiny house at Caravan Outpost in Ojai. This unique property has 10 Airstreams and one tiny house available for rent surrounded by lush botanical gardens and stylish chill spaces. Families will love the plentiful assortment of games available and nighttime s'mores around the campfire.

Sleeps: 5
Cost: $237/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Canyon Lodge: Mammoth Lakes

If you have skiers or snowboarders at home, think about a trip to Mammoth Lakes. This condo is just less than a half-mile from Canyon Lodge and a mile from The Village. It is a condo with a cabin feel, equipped with two bedrooms plus a loft, and two and a half bathrooms. The mountain retreat features wooden vaulted ceilings and large forest-facing windows to take in the scenery. The beautiful brick fireplace is perfect for a cozy family game night after a day on the slopes. 

Sleeps: 6
Cost: $105/night
Online: airbnb.com

Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.