Since California is surrounded by beautiful cities, mountains and beaches, any one of these locations can be a prime destination for spring break. Depending on your interest, here are five destinations that range from soaking up the sun, floating down the river to hiking through a desert.
Kern River Valley
For those who are looking for a relaxed getaway with some activity, head over to Kern River Valley, the options are endless and there is something for everyone to do. Take a drive to the southern end of California’s central valley and arrive to five recreational lakes, where you can enjoy boating, water skiing or just laying out and basking in the sun. Along with the lake, Kern River Valley is a gateway to the Giant Sequoia National Monument and is home to some of the best fishing, along with the opportunity to try out world-class water rafting. The Lower Kern River happens to be one of the more popular spots for groups that are looking to camp out, relax or party all night.
Pismo Beach
Your vacation destination can be a combination of the beach and adventure at Pismo Beach, which is located mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You have the option to stay in a hotel or camp out on the beach, and visitors can keep active with anything from horseback riding to riding ATV’s on Pismo Beach Sand Dunes. Oceano Dunes State Recreation Area is the last remaining coastal sand dunes open to off-road vehicles, formerly known as Pismo Beach. The area has 1,500 acres of beach and sand dune riding, allowing thousands of off-road vehicle enthusiasts to enjoy the beach dunes. It is an all motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle and dune buggy use area. Camping is allowed on the beach south of Post 2 and in the open dune area.
Mammoth Mountain
If you want to go snowboarding or skiing, at Mammoth Mountain, you will have the opportunity to do just that. This year, Mammoth has received so much snow that some of the resorts will possibly be open into May. April happens to be one of the best months of the season, not just because of the 20 plus snow base, but because they still get great powder days in April. Be ready to get your lift tickets to explore the slopes and trails, make reservations at Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort or the Village at Mammoth. If you’re going in a big group, look for a condo or home to rent; the more people you have, the easier it is to divide the cost.
San Diego
If the outdoors just isn’t for you and you were hoping to jet off to Cancun, Miami or just across the border to Tijuana, then perhaps San Diego will fill that void. San Diego has parties galore, you can relax by day on the beach or poolside and at night you can explore the Gaslamp District in downtown, Little Italy and Old Town San Diego. On top of having a variety of nightlife options, San Diego has diverse recreational activities. Swimmers and sun lovers are drawn to the excellent surf conditions and soft sand beaches, like La Jolla Shores and Cove. Also, visit the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park or Sea World. Not only is there an array of activities, but a diverse cultural world of cuisine and arts, including live music and incredible food.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is the active adventurer’s dream. There is about 800,000 acres of wilderness, offering a wide opportunity for visitors to explore. There are two deserts and three eco-regions. There are nine campgrounds and backcountry camping is permitted. For more experienced backpackers, the park has ten mountains greater than 5,000 feet in elevation. For the moderate hiker, there’s the parks five-palm oases, and trails that lead you to an old gold mine. Other activities range from mountain biking to rock climbing enthusiasts.
