11 Best Places for Spring Break in California

Today I want to bring you my guide to the best places for spring break in California. If you're wondering where to travel over the school vacation, the Golden State has no shortage of great places to go. From spring skiing to sunny beaches, college student favorites, and kid-friendly destinations, there are plenty of fun spots here. Read on for my top picks. I've included a map of all the destinations as well.

Best Places for Spring Break in California

Having grown up in California, I have a lot of experience with spring break destinations in this part of the US. From family trips in Lake Tahoe to collegiate getaways in San Francisco and Southern California, I've done a lot of the most popular vacations.

Which is how I know there's something for everyone here. From spring sunshine in San Diego to exciting adventures in California's national parks, the Golden State offers locals and visitors a variety of places to travel for spring break.

Whether you're a family with school-age children, a group of college kids looking for a fun party destination, or something else entirely, there's a place for every type of traveler in California in spring.

Tips for Spring Break Travel in California

Before choosing where to go for spring break in California, keep in mind that some areas can be particularly crowded over the school vacation dates. This is especially true when it comes to places like beaches, ski resorts, cities, theme parks, and other destinations that are popular with families and college students in spring.

In light of that, it's a good idea to book things like accommodation as early as you can. You'll usually find lower rates and have a wider selection of properties to choose from. You can see options and book a place to stay here.

The same goes for popular visitor attractions. If you're planning to go somewhere like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, or Legoland California Resort, booking tickets and making reservations early can ensure you get to visit when you want to.

1. Palm Springs

Palm Springs is my top pick when it comes to the best places for spring break in California. This desert area is a great spring travel destination, partly because of the warm weather and partly because there’s a lot going on at this time of year.

If you're here at the beginning of the season, you can go to the BNP Paribas Open in Coachella Valley. Taking place in early March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, this annual tournament is the largest combined ATP Tour and WTA Tour two-week event in the world.

If you're in the desert in April, you can go to the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Coachella is one of the most famous events of its kind in the world, and it attracts top performers and chart-topping artists every year.

Spring is also a great time to visit places like HyTides Water Park at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa or Splashtopia at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage. They're fun family destinations that will keep both adults and kids cool on hot days.

Palm Springs also has great restaurants, famous architecture tours, renowned golf courses, the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, and other highlights. Spring is an ideal time to enjoy them, as summers in the desert get extremely hot.

If this sounds like your kind of vacation, you can book accommodation in Palm Springs here. My top pick for a place to stay in this part of California is The Saguaro. Surrounded by mountains in Coachella Valley, this hip boutique hotel is a colorful spot to vacation in the desert. You can book a room here.

2. San Diego

San Diego is another of my favorite places for spring break in California. With warm weather, great beaches, and lots of fun attractions and nightlife, it's an ideal destination for all types of visitors.

If you're traveling with children, San Diego is the perfect choice for a family vacation. From Del Mar to La Jolla and beyond, there are world-class stretches of sand for sunbathing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. This is one of the best places to visit in California in spring for families.

There are great attractions to visit, too. The San Diego Zoo is world famous, Balboa Park is beautiful, and Legoland is nearby in Carlsbad. You and your family can also tour the USS Midway, take a a harbor cruise, go whale watching (depending when you're in town), and eat amazing Mexican food while you're visiting.

If you're a college student, you can have fun paragliding in Torrey Pines at sunset, going on a bar crawl in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, partying in Pacific Beach, or shopping in Del Mar.

Depending on your timing, you can also visit the famous Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Visitors can stroll through 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus blooms from March to May each year. It's a popular place for nature lovers and social media influencers alike.

If that all appeals, you can book a place to stay in San Diego here. My favorite hotel is the Andaz. This lifestyle boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter is not only in a central location close to the famous Balboa Theatre, but it also has a rooftop pool and great guest rooms. When I stayed, I loved the decor and atmosphere. You can book a room here.

3. Lake Tahoe

Next on my list of the best places for spring break in California is Lake Tahoe. My family had a place here when I was growing up, and it's still one of my favorite destinations for spring skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

This part of the state is popular for skiing and snowboarding in years when there's plenty of snow throughout the winter. From Northstar to Palisades, Heavenly, and beyond, there are lots of great places to get on the slopes in Tahoe in spring. If you're traveling with kids, there are plenty of ski schools, too.

Whether you're an experienced skier or snowboarder, or a beginner looking to learn, there are plenty of resorts you can choose from. If you're willing to travel a bit farther, Kirkwood is one of my favorite places to ski (and it's great for families). Just keep in mind that spring break can be a busy time on the slopes in Tahoe in years when the snowpack is good.

If you want to do a few other things while you're in Tahoe, you can also plan winter activities like snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing. Tahoe is home to one of the largest concentrations of cross-country ski areas in North America, and it's a fun thing to learn while you're here.

Beyond the snow, Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer visitors over spring break. From the restaurants and shops in Heavenly Village and Truckee to the fun apres ski scene in Tahoe City, there's something for every type of traveler. My itinerary for 4 days in Lake Tahoe can give you more ideas.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, you can book accommodation in Tahoe here. My favorite place to stay in winter is The Village at Palisades Tahoe Hotel. It's in a great location if you want to ski or snowboard at the resort, and the village itself has boutiques, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. You can book a room here.

4. Mammoth Lakes

If you're in Southern California, Mammoth Lakes is another of the best spring break destinations in the Golden State. Mammoth is known for offering a range of fun outdoor activities. In years when there's good snow, you can go skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and all kinds of other adventure sports.

You can also visit the stunning mountain lakes in and around Mammoth. From Mono Lake to the bodies of water along the June Lake Loop, they show off the eastern Sierra Nevada's natural beauty in all its splendor.

Even if the snow isn't great, there's plenty to do in Mammoth over spring break. In drier years, famous ghost towns like Bodie are accessible by road from Mammoth Lakes. They're great places to get into California's Gold Rush history and see what life was like in this part of the state in the olden days.

If this sounds like a fun spring break escape to you, you can fly or drive to Mammoth from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. The drive takes around 5 hours, depending where you start from and what traffic conditions are like. If you fly to Mammoth, the trip takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Through late April, Advanced Airlines offers flights from Hawthorne-LA (HHR) to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). Flights are on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There's a free shuttle from LAX to Hawthorne if you're flying into LAX first (just make sure to reserve in advance).

If Mammoth sounds like your kind of vacation, you can book a hotel in Mammoth Lakes here. I've stayed at The Village Lodge at Mammoth, and I love that it's situated right in the heart of the area. The rooms are nice, too. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

5. Disneyland

Next on my list of fun California spring break destinations is Disneyland. The Magic Kingdom shines year-round, and spring break can be a good time to visit because you'll have more days to spend at the park and temperatures are lower than in the hot summer months.

The theme park steps things up during the spring, too. There's seasonal entertainment, special events, and more.

From the annual Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival to Easter activities like the family-friendly Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt, there's a lot to get excited about at this time of year.

And that's to say nothing of Star Wars: Season of the Force, Dapper Day, Pixar Fest, and Disneyland After Dark events. There are seasonal shows and performances on during the spring as well.

If your spring break happens to fall on the earlier side in March, you'll have a higher likelihood of fewer crowds, too. That said, spring break is a popular time of year here, so make sure to brace yourself for a busy time.

When it comes to accommodation, you can see a range of options and book here. My top pick for a place to stay at Disneyland is Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This beautiful property has exclusive access to Downtown Disney, California Adventure, and other areas. You can book a room here.

6. San Francisco

San Francisco is another of the best places for spring break in California. The City by the Bay is a great destination in spring, not least because the weather can be drier than in winter and sunnier and warmer than in summer.

There's a lot you can do in San Francisco at this time of year. The city's parks and gardens come into bloom in spring, and everything from the colorful tulips in the Queen Wilhelmina Garden to the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is worth seeing.

There are also festivals and events going on in San Francisco in spring. From the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown to the St Patrick's Day parade, Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade, Giants games, Cinco de Mayo, and the famous Bay to Breakers road race, you're spoiled for choice.

Even if you miss the events, San Francisco is a great spring break trip. The tourist crowds can be less intense in popular areas like Fisherman's Wharf, and it's often easier to get tickets for sell-out attractions like Alcatraz. Depending how long you have, my 4-day itinerary for San Francisco and my itinerary for 5 days in San Francisco can help.

You can also take a day trip while you're visiting if you want to. From Yosemite National Park to Sausalito, Napa, and Muir Woods, there are plenty of great day trips from San Francisco to choose from.

If this sounds like your kind of vacation destination, you can book a place to stay in San Francisco here. There are lots of good options, from classic hotels to apartments with views. I always like staying at Hotel Triton. It's in an ideal location by Union Square and I love the decor. You can book a room here.

7. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the best destinations for spring break in Southern California. With warm weather, amazing beaches, great restaurants, and plenty of attractions, LA has lots to entertain visitors.

There's no shortage of things going on over spring break in LA for college students. From the beaches in Malibu and Santa Monica to the nightlife in Venice and the Arts District, there's plenty to get excited about. And that's to say nothing of the rooftop bars, clubs, hotel pools, and hip shops and restaurants in Downtown LA.

There's a lot here for families, too. From Griffith Observatory to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, the fun rides at Universal Studios, and biking along The Strand, there's loads for kids and adults to enjoy.

If you want to get outdoors, LA is a great place for hiking. From Portuguese Bend Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes to Griffith Park and San Vicente Mountain Park on Mulholland Drive, there are lots of good places to stretch your legs. These trails are great in spring, as the weather can be cooler than in the hot summer months.

Beyond the outdoors, LA has cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, museums like The Getty and The Broad, and shopping streets like Abbot Kinney in Venice and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. If you want more ideas, check out my Los Angeles itineraries.

If this sounds like a fun vacation to you, you can book a place to stay in LA here. I love staying at the STILE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. This boutique hotel is famous for its central location, restaurant, performing arts venue, and rooftop bar. It has a hipster vibe, too. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.

8. Yosemite National Park

Next on my list of the best places to go in California for spring break is Yosemite National Park. One of the most famous places in the Golden State, Yosemite is known for its natural beauty. Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, so you'll have no problem visiting them at any point in spring.

There's a lot you can do during spring break in Yosemite, too. Most of the park remains snowy through May, but some hikes from the valley, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy are snow-free by April, and most are snow-free by mid-May. If it's really cold, you can head indoors to places like The Ansel Adams Gallery to see some of the most famous photos of Yosemite.

Yosemite's waterfalls are at their best in May, so if your spring break is late you'll be able to see them at their fullest. From Yosemite Falls to Bridalveil Fall, you can spot some of the most famous from the valley floor. My Yosemite itinerary for 4 days can give you more ideas.

Additionally, the Mariposa Grove Road usually opens by sometime in April. Even if it doesn't, you can hike the Washburn Trail, a two-mile route with 500 feet of elevation gain, to get to the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Just make sure to wear appropriate footwear, as there can be snow and ice on the trail.

There’s skiing when the snow is good, too. Badger Pass is the oldest downhill ski area in California. I learned how to ski here when I was a child, and it’s a fun place for everything from snowboarding to snowshoeing, tubing, and cross-country skiing.

When it comes to accommodation in Yosemite, you can see options and book a place to stay here. My top pick is The Ahwahnee. Built in 1927 and designed to highlight the natural surroundings, this landmark hotel is known for its heritage interiors and stunning Arts and Crafts architecture. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

9. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is another of my top picks for places to go in California for spring break. This otherworldly part of the state is magical, and there's no shortage of options for getting outdoors and into nature here.

There are lots of benefits to visiting Joshua Tree National Park over spring break. First, the weather is milder at this time of year than in the hot summer months. Mornings and evenings are warmer than they are in the winter, too.

Second, there's no shortage of things to do and see in Joshua Tree over spring break. Hiking is one of the most popular activities here, and there's a range of trails and paths to choose from. They include the Lost Palms Oasis Trail, the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail, and Ryan Mountain.

Families and college kids alike can do activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, and guided tours while you're here, too. They're great spring activities, not to mention unique ways to discover the best of Joshua Tree.

Just make sure to book them in advance, as it can get crowded here over spring break. This is one of the most popular times to visit Joshua Tree, so you'll want to plan ahead.

If this sounds like your kind of vacation, you can book accommodation here. My top pick for a place to stay is Sacred Sands. This hotel has amazing views, and it's right near the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

10. Monterey County & Santa Cruz County

Monterey County and Santa Cruz County are two more of the best places for spring break in California. I came here all the time when I was growing up, and I still love this part of the Central Coast. It's great in spring because there are fewer crowds than in the busy summer months (and the weather can be less foggy).

My favorite places to visit in this part of the Golden State are Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Capitola, and Santa Cruz. If you have a week, you can see them all in one trip.

Monterey is renowned for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's the perfect place for kids of all ages to learn about marine ecosystems and get up close to everything from sea otters to jellyfish.

You can also cycle by the bay or along 17 Mile Drive, kayak, explore Old Fisherman's Wharf, shop and dine on Cannery Row, or go whale watching (depending when you visit).

Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the cutest towns in California. From the beaches to the boutiques, thatched-roof cottages, and restaurants, there’s a lot to like about this place. There's wine tasting in Carmel Valley and beautiful scenery at Point Lobos, too.

Big Sur is known for its spectacular coastline, from bolder-studded beaches to redwood trees and hiking trails. It's great if you love nature and the outdoors. My Big Sur itinerary can give you more ideas for things to do in the area.

Capitola and Santa Cruz are famous for their beaches, too. Santa Cruz is a surfer's paradise, and Capitola is known for its colorful waterfront and fun shops and restaurants. Families with kids love Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a fun amusement park on the Pacific Ocean.

If this sounds like your kind of vacation, you can book a place to stay here. I enjoy staying at Tradewinds Carmel. The rooms have featured in Architectural Digest, and the property is surround by a garden and fountains. I love the decor and design-led elements, too. You can book a room here.

11. Orange County

Orange County is another of the best places to go for spring break in California. Given its warm weather and abundance of beaches, this part of Southern California is popular with college students and families alike.

There's no shortage of places you can go for spring break in Orange County. Popular destinations include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Corona del Mar State Beach Park, but there are plenty of others.

If you choose Laguna Beach, you can explore the tide pools, have a picnic at Treasure Island Park, snorkel at Divers Cove, visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, or watch the sunset from Crescent Bay Park.

If you don't want to spend your whole time at the beach, there are plenty of other things to do here. Theme parks like Adventure City in Anaheim are great for families with young children (as is the aforementioned Disneyland).

Knott's Berry Farm is a fun place for families, too. The annual Boysenberry Festival takes place for over a month around the time of many schools' spring breaks, so you can time your visit to coincide with it if you want to. It features boysenberry-themed foods, drinks, activities, and live entertainment.

If that sounds like your kind of spring break, you can book a place to stay here. There are plenty of options to choose from, including hotels, beachfront apartments, and more. My top pick is The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. With a Tuscan vibe, this place overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features beautiful villas and bungalows. You can book a room here.

Map of California Spring Break Destinations

Best Places to Go for Spring Break in California

I hope you've enjoyed this guide to the best places to go for spring break in California, and that it's inspired you to head out and explore more of the Golden State. There are lots of exciting places to discover over the school vacation, and this time of year is a great one to be here. Happy travels!

Find this helpful? Buy me a coffee!

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn't affect the way you shop, and it's a great way to support the California Wayfaring blog.

Pin it!