Go with the flow on a hike to Lewis Falls, a 50-foot tumbler in the San Gabriel Mountains (pictured). The new socks from your stocking will come in handy as a spare pair on this 1-mile (round-trip) trek that tosses in an adventurous creek crossing—possibly spelling wet feet! Rather soak in some heat? Remington Hot Springs is a series of natural mineral soaking tubs adjacent to the rollicking Kern River in the southern Sierra. Reached via a .25-mile path, volunteers built these cement pools ranging from a two-person tub running at 105 degrees, to a lukewarm tub large enough to fit Santa and his eight reindeer. And for those who want to warm up the easy way, a sea-side hike along rugged coastline leads to a balmy respite overlooking the Pacific: The Bluff Top Trail on the Palos Verdes Peninsula runs right up to Nelson's bistro patio where a fire pit and a stone fireplace pair cozily with seasonal microbrews and superb scenery. Toast to toe-warmers!

Cheers,
–Weekend Sherpa