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Best Spring Break 2015 Destinations Near Los Angeles For Families

mission beach san diego 610
(credit: Shutterstock)

As the third largest state by area and nearly 160,000+ square miles of land, California has the widest array of spring break destinations you can imagine. For fun in the sun, head south of Los Angeles, but, if you're looking for some fun in the snow as the winter season draws to a close, head north of Los Angeles. Whichever direction you decide, these spring break destinations will be sure to deliver family fun and memories you'll treasure for years to come.

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(credit: Liz Laing)

San Diego
750 B St., Suite 1500
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232.3101
www.sandiego.org

As one of the top tourist destinations in Southern California, San Diego offers an array of attractions catering to adults and children alike all within a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Among some of the most family-friendly attractions at this spring break destination are the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND, in addition to great weather, dozens of beaches, good hiking spots and tons of dining options. Get discounted tickets to all three parks when you stay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, a luxurious paradise with oceanfront accommodations where you can enjoy all sorts of fun activities like water sports, beach yoga and even surfing lessons without ever leaving the resort. For the more cost-efficient places to stay, consider any one of the handful of hostels in San Diego.

catalina beach
(credit: Thinkstock)

Catalina Island
150 Metropole Ave. 
Avalon, CA 90704
(877) 778-8322
www.visitcatalinaisland.com

Catalina Island may only be 20 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, but its remote location makes it feel like you're worlds away from home. The only way to get there is by ferry, helicopter or private boat. Once there, families can explore the wilderness together through hiking and ziplining or go on a boating adventure in search of dolphins. You can also enjoy other outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, snorkeling and much more. There's even a nine-hole and 18-hole golf course for dads and an island spa for moms. Accommodation options include hotels, tent cabins and traditional camping.

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(credit: Joseph Plotz/Wikipedia Commons)

Big Sur
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2100
www.bigsurcalifornia.org

Located within a five- to six-hour drive north of Los Angeles, Big Sur boasts stunning views of the pacific along its rocky coastline and rolling terrain. Go on a family adventure of hiking, kayaking and camping in the great outdoors. Get a family photo when you visit the iconic Bixby Bridge, said to be one of the world's tallest concrete bridges in the world. For a one-of-a-kind "glamping" experience, consider staying in a yurt at the Treebones Resort with your choice of ocean or mountain views. For a more down-to-earth spring break, stay at any one of the campsites in Big Sur.

Related: Best Local Spring Break Getaways Near LA

Yosemite Valley (Photo Credit: Randy Yagi)
(credit: Randy Yagi)

Mono County
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(800) 845-7922
www.monocounty.org

For an adventurous spring break vacation, consider a family road trip through Mono County where you'll find a paradise of recreational activities just 315 miles from Los Angeles, or about a 5.5-hour drive, in the Eastern Sierra. Catch the last bit of snow as winter season draws to a close with affordable lift tickets at the nearby Mammoth and June Mountains. Experience an outdoor adventure of fishing, hiking, horseback riding and kayaking at Mono Lake or camping at Yosemite National Park. Get lost in the sights driving along the scenic route of US Highway 395 where you can explore the historical ghost town of Bodie, the famous Crawley Lake and the Travertine Hot Springs of Bridgeport. As for accommodations, you'll have your choice of sleeping under the stars at one of 80 campgrounds and RV parks throughout Mono County, staying at a local motel or basking in luxury at somewhere like the The Double Eagle Resort and Spa.

Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
(credit: Thinkstock)

Lake Tahoe
3066 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 541-5255
www.visitinglaketahoe.com

Within a seven-hour drive of Los Angeles where California meets Nevada, you also have the picturesque setting of Lake Tahoe as an ideal spring break destination for your family. The lake itself is surrounded by dense forest and offers up a little something for everyone from water sports and hiking to mountain biking, horseback riding and more. In early spring , you can even catch the tail end of the snow season with skiing and snowboarding at one of largest ski slopes in the country. With tons of attractions to keep you busy all day and night, no one in your family should have a reason to be bored. Hit up North Lake Tahoe for a relaxing spring break or South Lake Tahoe for a more lively spring break. Visit the website for great deals on your choice of recreational activities and your choice of accommodations.

Related: Best Spring Break Activities for Kids in Los Angeles

Niki Payne is a freelance writer covering all things Entertainment in Los Angeles. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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