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Five Reasons To Visit Orange County For Spring Break

laguna beach water palm tree
(credit: Patrick Pelster)

There are a billion reasons, not related to sunshine, to come to Southern California. On your break from school, work or both, stow the jealousy and come pay this beautiful, exciting and sprawling community a visit.

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Huntington Beach (Credit, C. Schmidt)

Huntington Beach
103 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 536-5281
www.huntingtonbeachca.gov

Could you plan a spring break trip to this Southern California paradise that does not involve the beach? You can, sure, but why would you? Huntington Beach may not boast the MTV craziness of your Floridian and Gulf coast destinations, but that's what makes it so much better. Camping, season-long events, surfing competitions, surfing for your own enjoyment and wholesome attractions abound.

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Relaxing at Disneyland Resort (Credit, C. Schmidt)

Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4000
www.disneyland.com

Traveling with family? In pursuit of the kind of spring break you'll remember forever? The Disneyland Resort beckons. Entertainment (the clean kind), excitement, extraordinary memories, an iconic photo op or two and churros await for the witting visitor. The park gets seasonably festive (crowded) in the spring. Though that simply serves to validate the wise and wonderful draw that is the Happiest Place on Earth. Exclusive events, parades and extended hours run from mid-March through April.

Balboa Island Pic
(credit: Balboa Island)

Balboa Island
Balboa Fun Zone
600 E. Bay Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92662
www.balboaisland.com

Do fine dining and fun fit well within your spring break festivities? Take in the splendor that is Balboa Island which has all of the beaches and sunshine you crave in a worthwhile vacation spot. With options for on- and off-water entertainment, including boat rentals, fishing, feasting even a Ferris wheel, this destination is a perfect spot for spring break.

Related: OC's Best Spots For Family Photos

Mission San Juan Capistrano Thinkstock
(credit: Thinkstock)

San Juan Capistrano
32400 Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 493-1171
www.sanjuancapistrano.org

A week off work or away from the classroom can still involve a welcome wealth of culture. Mission San Juan Capistrano, and its blatantly cultured environs, are ideally designed for spring breakers in search of sophisticated satisfaction and cerebral stimulation. Additionally, there are plenty of cantinas for your erstwhile indulgence, thought the area's not dependent upon it. See what it's like to experience a truly and intentionally relaxing vacation and see what history can be like shrouded with bougainvillea and margaritas.

laguna beach
(credit: Erick T. Rodelius)

Laguna Beach
381 Forest Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-9229
www.lagunabeachinfo.com

Spring break typically involves a visit to the beach, although the beach itself doesn't be typical. If you want it to be exceptional, make Laguna Beach your destination. Coupled with the fine weather in Laguna, you will find every conceivable manner of cultural and coastal pursuit here. Surfing and sun bathing, of course, as well as wine tasting, whale watching and art walking are available. Take a stroll, take in a show or just take a break on this beautifully atypical beach.

Related: Best Surfing Lessons For Kids In OC

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Christopher Schmidt is a freelance writer experiencing and espousing the glory that is Orange County. Driven to travel, drawn to sports, spirits and celebrity, Chris' work can be found on
Examiner.com.
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