Condé Nast TravelerDec 29, 2025
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Mammoth Lakes—California’s Underrated Alpine Escape
Home to California’s tallest lift-served slopes, Mammoth Lakes offers outdoor adventures and alpine charm.
local favorite for a morning pick-me-up
24 things in this story
- Mammoth MountainSighttallest lift-served ski resort in California
- SkadiRestaurantspecializes in house-cured meats and smoked fish
- Empeiria High Sierra HotelHotelnew location for Skadi restaurant
- VulcaniaRestaurantknown for handmade pastas and espresso martinis
- The Lakefront RestaurantRestaurantserene setting with views of Twin Lakes
- Black Velvet CoffeeCafélocal favorite for a morning pick-me-up
- Stellar Brew CaféCafésolid alternative for getting on the slopes
- Café CrêpeCaféserves authentic sweet and savory crêpes
- Outbound MammothHotellodge-inspired stay with cozy rooms and cabins
- Mammoth Brewing CompanyBarpairs mountain views with tasty beer flights
- Night of LightsFestivalmarks the start of ski season in December
- NoodlyRestaurantgo-to for Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese noodle soups
- Gomez’s Mexican RestaurantRestaurantdelivers satisfying plates alongside strong margaritas
- Mountainside Bar & GrillRestaurantrelaxed sit-down experience on the mountain
- The YodlerRestaurantclassic après-ski stop known for oversized pretzel
- Limelight MammothHotelnewest hotel with an elevated experience
- The Westin Monache ResortHotelvalues convenience with spacious suites
- Lake Mary CampgroundPlacealpine setting with access to trails and water
- Woolly’s Adventure SummitSightsledding hills and tubing areas
- Tusks BarRestauranthosts live music and DJ sets
- DistantRestaurantoffers the best beer in town
- Bevi BeneRestaurantBevi Bene offers curated Italian wines by the glass in our wine bar and to go in our retail shop.
- LakanukiRestauranttiki bar that transforms into a dance club
- Side DoorCafé