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Quaint mountain towns near San Diego County to visit this holiday season

Posted at 3:12 PM, Nov 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-19 18:41:29-05

(KGTV) -- The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming at times.

Luckily, San Diego is located a short drive away from lots of cozy little towns for anyone needing an escape.

From the smell of pie in Julian to the snow-capped mountains of Idyllwild, the towns offer a quiet shift from day-to-day stress.

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  • Check out a list of towns perfect for a winter getaway below:

Julian

This mountain getaway is located just an hour east of San Diego. Known for its famous apple pies, there’s more to do than just eat. The small town offers boating, fishing, hiking, tours, carriage rides, gold mines and yes, apple pie. If you’re looking for a more leisurely experience, grab some hot cocoa and take a stroll around the quaint town.

Mount Laguna

Mount Laguna gets the most snowfall in San Diego County. Throughout the community, there are large areas for sledding and cross-country skiing, according to Laguna Mountain Lodge. If you want a quiet getaway to enjoy the cold winter weather, stay at the lodge itself. Click here for more information.

Idyllwild

Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains and located about two hours from San Diego is the town of Idyllwild. The town is set among tall pines and cedars. According to the town’s website, locally-owned shops and restaurants are all you’ll find in the town. While you’re there, enjoy hiking or the view of snow-capped mountains.

Big Bear Lake

Take a trip to Big Bear Lake and escape into a town filled with tons of activities, including snowboarding, skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The area gets a ton of snow, making it a winter wonderland when the weather cools.

Mammoth Lakes

If you’re looking for a winter escape, look no farther than Mammoth Lakes. Here, you’ll find skiing, snowboarding, and other family-friendly activities like ice skating, tubing and sledding. For an experience unlike any other, you can even take a tour in a snowcat!

Check out the map below to see where the towns listed above are located: