Best Family Getaways For Spring Near Orange County
(credit: Aracely Worley)
With theme parks, mountains and beaches to enjoy, Orange County is the perfect place to bring the family this spring break. Whether you want to rent a beach house and lounge in the sun or go hiking in the mountains, this spring break can be the most active and invigorating vacation ever. If theme parks are your thing, Disneyland offers two great parks to explore, and Legoland is just an hour away. With something to enjoy for all members of the family, Orange County is the go-to destination this spring break.
Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 644-3309
www.newportbeachca.gov
Renting a beach house in beautiful Newport Beach puts the sand and the sun just a few steps from your home away from home this spring break. Boogie boards, surfboards, bikes and more are all available and affordable, and kayaking up the Back Bay is a great way to spend the morning before lounging on the beach. The nearby Balboa Fun Zone offers an entertaining amusement park right next to Newport Harbor, with a Ferris wheel that offers a great view of the harbor and surrounding area. In addition to all the fun to be had, Newport Beach is home to some of best places to eat in Orange County, including the Crab Cooker, Billy's at the Beach and Picante Martin's.
Legoland California Resort
1 Legoland Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 918-5346
www.california.legoland.com
Just about an hour south of Orange County, the Legoland Resort has everything needed for the best spring break ever. For convenience, the Legoland Hotel and the nearby Sheraton Carlsbad make it possible to rest right next to all the building block action. Once the park opens, countless attractions are waiting to be explored, such as the Lego Chima Water Park and the Sea Life Aquarium, not to mention the various rides, mazes and play areas within the park. There is diverse dining within Legoland, and for multi-day visitors, the nearby Stone Brewery serves up delicious dinners in a family-friendly environment.
Big Bear Lake
630 Bartlett Road
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-7000
www.bigbear.com
For a breath of fresh air this spring break, Big Bear Lake provides a place for families to get close to nature and have some fun. A variety of tour packages make it possible to explore the forest on a Segway or get a bird's-eye view of the area in an exciting helicopter ride. Zipline tours provide fast-paced action and an elevated perspective of Big Bear. In addition to these guided tours, families can participate in many self-paced activities like fishing, hiking and biking. Zoos, museums and nature centers also offer a way to spend time together and learn more about the local area.
Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 90802
(714) 781-4636
www.disneyland.disney.go.com
With two theme parks and the adjacent Downtown Disney District, the Disneyland Resort makes it easy to have one of the most memorable spring break vacations ever. There's something for everyone at Disneyland, with a range of rides and spectacular shows throughout the day and into the evening to keep the little ones and the grown-up kids happy. Special vacation packages and tickets are available, making access to both the Disneyland Park and the California Adventure Park easy over multiple days. For added convenience and luxury, the Grand Californian Resort, the Disneyland Hotel and the Paradise Pier Hotel are all located within walking distance from the parks and have their own unique style.
Catalina Island
1 Green Pleasure Pier
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-1520
www.catalinachamber.com
Spring break is a time to relax, and there's no better place to do it near Orange County than on Catalina Island. After a short ferry ride from the mainland, visitors will find themselves on an island paradise, complete with beaches to lounge on and hills to explore. Scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking and helicopter tours are just a few of the many possible activities to take advantage of during the day, and when the sun goes down, there is live music, a movie theater and plenty of dining options to explore. For a tropical spring break experience close to home, Catalina Island is the only choice.
