Spring Break.
Spring break is one of the most anticipated breaks of the year. Midterms have just come to a end and it’s the last break we students have before summer.

The weather is perfect this time of year in Southern California; everyday brings a beautiful blue sky and every night delivers the most radiant sunsets. Our skin is sun kissed, our hair is lighter, and we are ready to put our books in the corner and get outside.

Of course there are plenty of places to venture to in our backyard of Southern California; but if you have more of the travel bug, here are some suggestions for you.

Below are some of the best spring break ideas I’ve found that won’t break the bank. Are you going somewhere not listed below? Share your spring break plans with us with a photo or a post on
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Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is the second most visited U.S. National Park in the world according to National Geographic. It is home to the largest canyons on earth and some of the most breathtaking views of the sky and landscape. March – May and September – November are the best times to visit the Grand Canyon. In March during spring break, you’ll miss the large crowds that come in the summer and the temperature is a very comfortable mid 60’s – perfect for hiking.

There are tons of activities to do in the Grand Canyon and the surrounding area including hiking, running, rafting, helicopter tours and site seeing. There are a number of busses that will bring you to various lookout points along the south rim of the park once you have entered the Grand Canyon as well.

There are several accommodations inside the park including the Bright Angel Lodge, you can get a two people room for $80 and the hotel complex is located at the base of the Bright Angel Trail that leads up to the canyon. The Bright Angel trail is the #1 recommended hike in the Grand Canyon by Sunset Magazine, followed by South Kaibab Trail and Rim Trail.

San Diego

San Diego offers sand, surf, night life, hikes, and plenty of outdoor adventures. It’s only 87 miles from Orange and is an awesome place to get away from campus, but not too far away.

One of the best beaches in San Diego is Coronado Beach; it’s less crowded than the popular Mission Beach and offers just as much warm water and sun. If you’re interested in experiencing the lifestyle of San Diego, Balboa Park is definitely a day trip you should make. Balboa Park is a hub of culture in the heart of the city. It’s home to the San Diego Zoo, and has plenty of empty space for picnics, bike rides, and walks along the beautiful landscape.

Honolulu, Hawaii

I haven’t found an excuse to not go to Hawaii; currently prices are around $600 for a round trip to the island of Maui and Oahu.

Honolulu, has an abundance of things to do for those if you’re the outdoorsy type. There’s hikes, biking options, surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, helicopter tours, the list goes on and on. Hawaii is a tropical paradise for everyone. Waikiki is a great location if you want tons of options for things to do; Waikiki beach is an incredibly long, stunningly beautiful beach within walking distance from plenty of hotel options, eateries, and night life. Waikiki beach is filled with water sports, crystal clear blue water, and plenty of turtles to watch and play with. Diamond Head is near by. The iconic post volcanic ridge that offers beautiful scenery and an awesome place for a an outdoor adventure and a nice hike between 1.5 and 2 hours long.

Mexico

There are endless locations in Mexico that would be perfect for spring break. The country offers different highlights and locations to stay depending on what type of trip you’re craving. Cabo and Playa del Carmen are known for their night life and party scene, Puerto Vallarta and Zihuataneji offer a beach resort vibe, and Guadalajara and Mexico City offers urban adventure.

Mexico City
– beaches are fun, yes totally – but so is exploring another country’s culture. Mexico City is often known as a flowing synthesis of modern and ancient worlds. There is a ton of history in (and in the greater area of) the city that dates back to the time of the Ancient Mayans inhabitance. Mexico City had a strong reputation of crime, but according the the SF Gate — is “one of the most tourist friendly cities in the world.” They have an incredible amount of museums, lively food spots, and a huge metro system which makes traveling around the city and greater area easy.

San Francisco

San Francisco was named one of the Top 50 most beautiful cities in the world. Not only is it known for being outstandingly lovely with a beautiful bay that surrounds three sides of the city. The city boasts an incredible outdoor network, night life, culture, and endless places to explore. San Francisco Port sends ferries to the eclectic East Bay, beautiful Marin County, and a historical tour of the since closed Alcatraz prison. From Marin you can take ferries to varies islands within the San Francisco Bay including Angel Island which is known for its beautiful hiking, biking and walking paths and camp grounds.

Within San Francisco itself, you can travel to so many different subcultures depending on where you are in the city. While it may seem small – the city offers so much more events, food stops, and outdoor landscapes then some larger cities. Some of the best spots to visit in San Francisco are Chrissy Field, downtown/ Financial District, and the Mission District.

We hope that these spring break ideas helped you in your hunt to find the perfect way to spend your much anticipated break, or inspired some ideas of your own!