Although San Diego is an ideal place to live, sometimes it’s great to treat yourself to a little summer vacation.

One of the great aspects of San Diego lifestyle is our proximity to nearby vacation spots, such as Mexico, Palm Springs and Mammoth Mountain. As the summer weather heats up in San Diego we encourage you to consider a trip to Mammoth where you can cool off in the mountains, relax in resort accommodations, and discover a range of unique and affordable entertainment ideas.

Mammoth Mountain is located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, and has always been a coveted vacation locale for San Diego locals. While winter trips may get pricey due to snowboard rentals and all those layers to stay warm, the summer months in Mammoth will open your senses to a whole new mountain experience. Throughout summer, Mammoth offers a line-up of events ranging from motocross to jazz as well as lodging packages with up to 30% savings. 

Although simply watching the sun set over the snow-capped mountain peaks is an event in and of itself, here are some more ideas for free summer entertainment in Mammoth.

Five Free Summer Activities

Hiking – Hundreds of miles of trails surround Mammoth offering endless hours of scenic locales. One good choice: Minaret Vista Trail, a moderate, three-mile, round-trip hike starting behind the Mammoth Mountain Inn and gradually gaining altitude through a mixed conifer forest. The trail then flattens out to an open, pumice-covered ridge, where hikers are rewarded with a sweeping view of the Minarets, Ritter Range and the river valley below.

Swimming/Relaxing on the Beach – To cool off on a summer day, take a dip in snowmelt-fed Horseshoe Lake, or take the ride to nearby June Lake, 20 miles North of Mammoth.

Visit the Hot Springs – At Hot Creek Geological Site near Mammoth Lakes, boiling hot springs, fumaroles and geysers bubble up to the surface. The geothermal activity pumps warm water into the cold creek. Swimming is officially not advised, although the area has become a hot spot for soakers who brave the warm water anyway. Test the water before stepping in.

Bouldering/Rock Climbing – Climbers rave about the exhilarating options in the area from the challenging, short climbs of the Owens River Gorge to the big walls of Yosemite and towering Sierra peaks.

Fishing – Mammoth is recognized as a world-class destination for anglers of all skill levels, from dangling a worm into a pristine alpine lake to fly casting in a river for an Alpers Trout. Fishing licenses are required for a nominal fee.

Insider Tip: Sam’s Wood Site & the Village at Mammoth are home to the 14th Annual Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza July 31 – August 1 in Mammoth. This outdoor music festival is set under the pines offering unlimited tastings from over 50 microbreweries, BBQ-stylefood, and an eclectic mix of blues performers. Want to go? Indulge in the Ultimate Stay and Blues Package which includes two nights lodging and admission to all events for each adult. Call 800.Mammoth or visit mammothbluesbrewsfest.com to make your reservation.

Discover more Mammoth vacation and entertainment ideas at mammothmountain.com and mammothevents.com.