Best Spring Break 2015 Destinations Near OC For College Students
Located between majestic mountains and the sparkling sea, Orange County is the perfect place to launch a relaxing and fun spring break vacation. Whether camping on the beach, renting a cabin in the mountains or lounging poolside in the sun, visitors to these various vacation destinations will get exactly what they came for - rest and relaxation. Having fun with friends is the key to a successful spring break, and with plenty of exciting activities, dining options and places to shop, spring breakers will return to school feeling and looking their best.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA
(949) 644-3309
www.newportbeachca.gov
Renting a beach house in sunny Newport Beach is one of the best ways to blow off steam during spring break. Waking up to the sound of crashing waves and the sight of sandy shores on your doorstep is the perfect antidote for scholarly stress. Nearby attractions like the Balboa Fun Zone and the Newport Harbor add to the fun. Cut loose and let the sea breeze blow through your hair by renting a yacht with friends or duffy boats to cruise around Newport Bay. In addition to water sports, nearby hiking trails allow spring breakers to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate the soul before heading back to school for midterms.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
20825 Entrada Rd.
Topanga, CA 91301
(805) 370-2300
www.nps.gov
To get fully immersed in nature from the mountains to the sea, the Santa Monica Mountains have everything that any spring breaker could ask for. Canyons, hills and vast ocean views are just a few of the rewarding aspects this network of parks has to offer. Escaping from the light-polluted urban atmosphere gives stargazers an eyeful of stars and unique glimpses of the Milky Way. Entrance to the park is free, though there is a fee for camping at the Circle X Ranch Campground. The fee is well worth it, however, as it gives campers access to miles of trails, mountaintop views, sunny beaches and gorgeous night skies to help refresh the mind during a week away from school.
Mission Beach
San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 350-6205
www.sandiego.org
Beach volleyball, boogie boarding and rollerblading down the boardwalk are just a few of the fun times to be had at Mission Beach this spring break. With beach house rentals, camping, bed and breakfasts and budget-friendly hostels, finding a place to stay is super easy. Kayak and boat rentals are available, in addition to nearby parks and the San Diego Zoo. For a mellow beach camping experience, grabbing a camping spot on Mission Bay is peaceful and perfect for a calm, serene vacation. For food and drinks, the boardwalk is lined with beachside cafes and bars, and the Gaslamp Quarter, just south of Mission Beach, is perfect for getting dressed up for a night on the town.
Related: Best Bars To Get Local Beer In OC
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(800) 424-4232
www.bigbear.com
Renting a cabin at beautiful Big Bear Lake is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a spring break. Waking up to gorgeous lakeside or mountain vistas and crisp clean air is the perfect way to invigorate the mind and body. For a more intimate nature experience, camping is available and guided nature walks occur on a regular basis. A wide selection of restaurants and bars like the Big Bear Mountain Brewery or The Cave satisfy any food or drink desires, while also offering live music and entertainment. Adding excitement is easy by signing up for an adventure tour offering a choice of a zipline, helicopter or Segway tour of the Big Bear area.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(800) 347-7746
www.visitpalmsprings.com
Just an hour and a half from Orange County, sunny Palm Springs is a desert vacation paradise. Whether you stay at a rental home, condo or hotel, longer days and warm weather means more time relaxing with a cool beverage poolside. When the sun does go down, there is still plenty to do like visit Club Copa or try your luck at the Spa Resort Casino. An international list of restaurants including Rio Azul and Pomme Frite will keep you fueled for fun, and shopping at the Uptown Design District will have you looking great when you return to your studies.
