Spring Break for most students at public schools throughout Marin County takes place the week of April 4 through 8 and their many things to do in California for spring break.
There’s plenty to offer, from beaches to the Pacific coastline and those in the High Sierra mountains!
Here is the list of the best things to do in California for spring break:
SANTA CRUZ AND THE BOARDWALK
The laid-back town of the sea, located about two hours away from Marin, is home to beautiful beaches and the world-renowned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which has been a hit with tourists since 1907.
There’s also the surfing museum inside an abandoned lighthouse. As well as the close-by Roaring Camp Railways, as well as there’s the Mystery Spot, a roadside attraction that defies the physical laws.
Our recommendation for a family-friendly hotel where you can stay in Santa Cruz Dream Inn, the remodeled hotel from the mid-century era located directly on the beach! With breathtaking views, cool retro décor, a fantastic pool, and direct access to Cowell’s Beach, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy an authentic California vacation. Learn about our experience in Santa Cruz.
MONTEREY AND PACIFIC GROVE
To the south of Santa Cruz, on the opposite side of Monterey Bay, Monterey and the adjacent Pacific Grove are worthwhile spring break destinations. Monterey has the breathtaking Monterey Bay Aquarium, historic places from the early days of California beaches, and Cannery Row.
Pacific Grove, Monterey’s most homier neighbor to the south, is a charming town that is far from the hustle in nearby Cannery Row and also has its distinct tourist attractions like an extraordinary natural history museum, an old lighthouse, and a grove that’s where you can see moving Monarch butterflies in the autumn and winter.
In the heart of downtown Monterey, We like our stay at the Portola Hotel. It is conveniently located and offers a convenient position, a lovely nautical vibe, and an enjoyable Portola Pirates kids’ program. The hotel is located in Pacific Grove, and the Butterfly Grove Inn is situated near Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, which is a great option.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary and Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds are great spots where families can spend their time. Please find out more about our travel guides to Monterey or Pacific Grove.
PISMO BEACH AND HEARST CASTLE
Further along, the California Coast is the beach town located in Pismo Beach, where you can stroll along the beach, kayak, and drive an ATV through the dunes of sand. Nearby, San Luis Obispo, with its old-fashioned mission and college town appeal, is worth a trip also.
When you’re there, make your way to the top of Highway 1 to San Simeon to experience a guided excursion to Hearst Castle, William Randolph Heart’s stunning extravagant estate set in the Pacific’s hills. Be aware that Hearst Castle remains closed for urgent road repairs. However, it is scheduled to reopen in May.
We are awestruck by our familial SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel. The hotel is located on the bluffs across the ocean; it has stunning views, large areas including lawns with two pools, fire pits and a BBQ area access to the beach, and Family suites with separate bedrooms for children.
THE GOLD COUNTRY
In California, the Sierra Foothills is famous as the scene of the Gold Rush in the 1800s. However, many of the towns located there have retained their 19th-century charm, and families will have lots to do. From taking a trip on a steam train in Railtown in 1897 to mining to find gold in the historic town of Columbia, there are things to enjoy.
First, of course, we generally go to Sonora, the city. Sonora is in the perfect location, with the proximity of Railtown and Columbia and the adorable town of Murphys, and the nearby caves that you can explore, such as Moaning Caverns.
In Sonora In Sonora, we usually spend our time at The Gunn House Hotel. Its adobe structure dates to 1850, the oldest structure in the town. It’s affordable, well-furnished with antiques, and provides breakfast each morning. It also has a beautiful outdoor pool and patio area.
YOSEMITE AND THE EVERGREEN LODGE
Yosemite National Park isn’t exactly an undiscovered jewel, but it’s worth visiting during the off-season. Its waterfalls flow, and the mountains are covered in snow, and you’ll have the place to yourself in a way. If you have an elementary schooler in your family, purchase an Every Kid Outdoors Pass for admission for free to Yosemite and the federally-owned parks and land.
Just outside the park’s west entry point, Evergreen Lodge is a destination on its own. This rustic getaway has gorgeous cabins, excellent food, a recreation room with a warm fireplace, games for all ages, and plenty of entertainment for kids. The pool will open in April! Please find out about our time in The Evergreen Lodge.
SAFARI WEST
Santa Rosa’s Safari West is close to home, but it feels like a world away! The 400-acre wildlife park located in the Sonoma County hills is home to zebras and giraffes as well as rhinos, water buffalo monkeys, cheetahs birds, and more species of African Antelopes than you knew existed.
Take a ride in an old Dodge Power Wagon to take one of their entertaining and informative tours, and it will feel like you’re in Africa.
Safari West also offers tours. In addition, safari West offers overnight accommodations with the help of luxurious “glamping” tent cabins. They also have Family tents with bunk beds. There’s a restaurant on-site restaurant, The Savannah Grill, too.
It’s an experience that you and your family will never forget. Please find out more about our expertise on Safari West.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
Go to Universal Studios Hollywood to visit Hogsmead and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the Harry Potter books and movies. It’s so precise and convincing that you genuinely feel there!
It’s possible to stroll along the streets and browse through the shops known to Happy Potter fans, like Honeydukes candy shop and Zonko’s Joke Shop. Be sure to visit Ollivander’s wand boutique, where lucky customers will be chosen to be matched to select their ideal wand. Add some fun entertainment, rides, and delicious food, and you’ll have a great family day.
Related Content:
