Fun Places For Spring Break In California
With spring break around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to create my own California Spring Break Guide. I did some research and decided on the top places to go based on various criteria. No matter what your plans are this break, these California spring break ideas will help get you started. If you’re looking for some fun places to go on your spring break, check out this article. You will gain a few good places to spend your time wisely.
Traveling to California for Spring Break can be expensive and time consuming. As there are multiple locations in California that are close to the beach, it is hard to decide what vacation spot would be best for your Spring Break trip.
For hundreds of years, California has lain at the crossroads of various cultures. From Spanish-American colonial, to American settlement and growth, California was the stepping stone for many people seeking a new life. This tradition remains prevalent today, as California’s amazing geographical location allows it to maintain a firm hold on modern minds while beckoning the young and adventurous with its sunny shores, vibrant culture and mountain fresh air. For spring break 2017, there is no better state to visit than California. As college students finish their final exams and the temperature rises, it’s time to pack your bags for spring break. A lot of students are choosing to visit California this year because we have so many cool things to do here, like skiing in Tahoe, soaking up the sun on Huntington Beach, and hiking in Yosemite.
Fun Places For Spring Break In California
Several years ago, my family resolved to travel more of our home state of California. We realized we were jetting around all over the country and the world while missing out on amazing destinations right in our backyard. In fact, these were the very same destinations that many other people jetted from all over the world to see! We’ve been roadtripping the state on school breaks and weekends ever since. As a result, we’ve discovered a lot of destinations in the Golden State to recommend to other families.
So with spring break planning season in full swing, I wanted to recommend a few of our favorites! Spring break is an exceptionally good time to visit many destinations in California because the hotter areas of the state aren’t quite so hot yet. Plus, if you prefer the cold, the Sierras still have plenty of snow in March and April.
Editor’s Note for 2022: California travel is back in a major way this year but be sure to check for remaining travel restrictions and closures before you go. Although California’s state and county-level mask mandates have been lifted, a some businesses may require proof of vaccination or still have mask mandates in place. Note as well that if you are looking for more cautious travel alternatives, a number of the destinations on this list have lots to do outdoors so there’s something for everyone in the Golden State!
Here are my top 10 recommendations for the best destinations in California for spring break travel.
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Top Spring Break Destinations in California
1. Palm Springs
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Palm Springs is a dream California destination during spring break. It’s warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and the pool but not yet blazing with desert heat. We traveled there for our family’s 2016 spring break and found so much for family travelers – from the Palm Springs Aerial Tram to the Living Desert Museum to a day trip excursion to Joshua Tree National Park. And if you like golf, there is plenty of that too.
Related: Guide to Palm Springs with Kids
The family-friendly luxe resorts are plentiful in and around Palm Springs and surrounding towns like Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indian Springs. Consider the Omni Rancho Las Palmas or the Waldorf Astoria’s La Quinta Resort & Club for great pools and kid-friendly amenities.
2. Monterey & Santa Cruz
Within a short drive of the San Francisco Bay Area are two nearby destinations with a lot to offer families during spring break. You can hit both Monterey and Santa Cruz from a single home base.
Santa Cruz‘s laid back beach vibe and world famous Beach Boardwalk provide lots of family fun, but you can also enjoy non-beach activities too. My kids love nearby Roaring Camp Railroads for a ride aboard a real narrow gauge railway through the redwoods. The Mystery Spot is also good clean family fun.