(credit: Hotel Del Coronado)

Spring break is not just for college students anymore. Anyone in need of a mental reset ought to take part. To uncover the top five local staycations within three hours of Orange County, expert travel agent Nancy Decker of Travel Store in Irvine gives her advice. Sharing more than 35 years of travel planning expertise, Decker knows best when it comes to making an escape.

(credit: Hotel Del Coronado)

Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with a family, Decker recommends San Diego as the place with “something for everyone.” She suggests staying at the historic Hotel del Coronado to capture the city’s best beaches and hospitality. For an experience at sea without leaving the harbor, visit one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers – the USS Midway museum. Just three miles from Coronado Island, find the city’s largest selection of dining and nightlife at the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

(credit: Miramonte Resort And Spa)

Miramonte Resort And Spa
45000 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA 92210
(760) 341-2200
www.miramonteresort.com

Dive deep into desert heat and find some of the best spas and pool lounges in SoCal. Decker recommends The Well at Miramonte Resort, a mountainside retreat that also happens to be the No. 1 Resort Spa in North America according to Condé Nast Traveler. Bask in therapeutic muds and wine extracts while inspiring an even deeper state of relaxation through wellness classes. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to an elevation of 8,516 ft. and dine in the clouds at Peaks Restaurant.

Related: Best Luxury Spring Break Getaway St. Regis Monarch Beach

Decker is “in love” with Shutters for its seaside comfort and plush rooms. Known as a “home away from home” for many celebrities, Shutters On The Beach revels in the calm yet playful spirit of Santa Monica. Conveniently located near the Santa Monica pier, Shutters is just a beach cruise away from the artistic culture of Venice Beach and the renaissance of Rose Avenue. Connect with your inner explorer and find some of the country’s best museums in its backyard: The Getty, Natural History Museum and LACMA.

(credit: ojairesort.com)

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
905 Country Club Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1111
www.ojairesort.com

“If you’re really into spas and want to relax, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a must-do,” says Decker. Try the Shangri-La Package and spoil yourself with three separate spa treatments, a classic lavender or seasonal manicure and pedicure and lunch at Café Verde. From yoga, golfing, tennis, hiking, children’s activities, specialty classes, this is “a resort for everyone.” Stroll the streets of downtown – discover art galleries, wine tasting and farm-to-table eateries.

No need to drive far in order to receive all the blissful benefits of a staycation. One of the jewels of coastal Orange County – Montage Resort in Laguna Beach – provides the perfect dose of beachside awe. Nearby, find Crystal Cove State Park and get lost in more than 2,400 acres of undeveloped woodland, popular for hiking and horseback riding. Spark your childlike wonder and head to Disneyland, less than 30 minutes away.

Related: Best Beach Staycation: Sunset Cove Villas In Laguna Beach

Jessica Blotter has 10 years experience in the advertising industry and is founder of Publicly Loved - at the heart of brands, causes and events. As an author of two regional travel blogs with CBS Local and Examiner.com, she has produced more than 30 published articles covering regional getaway destinations and charitable events. Follow her onTwitter @publiclyloved.