Spring Break is next week, but being on a college budget, jet setting down to Key West is out of the question. Just because you can’t afford a lavish spring break doesn’t mean you couldn’t make the most of it.
You hyped yourself up on caffeine and pulled all-nighters for those midterms, now it’s time to play. You deserve it. Here’s how to make memories and work on your town without breaking the bank.
Living in the Central Valley, we’re so lucky to be able to shoot to anywhere in the state in less than six hours. So grab a couple friends and car that gets decent mileage per gallon, and pick a location. Once decided, ideally you’ll have a friend or family member’s couch to surf on. If not, inexpensive hotels are easy to find, and the more friends you bring, the cheaper it is, if you all decide to squeeze in.
San Diego:
If you’re craving an exotic getaway and steamy beaches without having to dig up that hideous passport photo, head down to San Diego. At the southern tip of California, the weather is always perfect and the vibe is low-key.
Of course, the beach is the cheapest way to have a relaxing day in any town on the coast. Pack a lunch, your sunscreen and a volleyball and head over to Mission Beach. You’ll be able to soak in the rays and enjoy some shirtless eye candy, all at no charge.
Visit downtown San Diego’s Seaport Village for hours of free entertainment while leisurely strolling and window shopping. Enjoy a laid-back day of hanging out in the grass and watching the many passing yachts and ships on picturesque San Diego Bay, or take in the sights from one of the many bay-view eateries.
If you’re over 21, head to the Gaslamp Quarter. This historical 16 block must-see is clad with some of the best restaurants, bars and clubs in Southern California.
Los Angeles:
If you’re looking for a shorter drive, and dying to show off your inner celebrity in your Trina Turk bikini, set your phone navigation to L.A. Immense yourself in the epitome of California hot-spots, and with Los Angeles’s huge vicinity, there is something for everyone.
For the movie buffs and celebrity junkies, check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, two of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The walk is completely free and you’ll rake up enough cheesy pictures to last a life time. Craving actual celebrities as opposed to their cemented prints, head to Robertson Blvd. The strip is lined with overpriced restaurants and trendy shops. Even on a show day you’ll at least spot an overly Botoxed ‘Real Housewife.’
If the cool, grungy vibe is more your scene, you should consider taking advantage of the live music and bike rentals at Venice Beach. The hippie atmosphere is so relaxing; you almost don’t feel like you’re in L.A.
The Santa Monica Pier is a must when in L.A. The touristy attraction has a captivating old Hollywood feel and the sunset over it at night is a must-see. The pier has a variety of promotions and discounts depending on the day you go.
San Francisco/Bay Area:
If Northern California is more your cup of tea, San Francisco’s rich history and foggy mornings are not to be missed. With something for everyone, this brilliant city can be taken in on as little at a bus fare.
Crissy Field is a hot spot for San Francisco’s younger crowd. The grassy spread between the San Francisco Marina and the Golden Gate Bridge is the perfect spot to play Frisbee, enjoy a picnic or just lounge with your favorite book.
If you want to get your fitness on, rent a bike and tough it over the Golden Gate bridge into Sausalito. You can leave the bike there and catch the ferry back for breath-taking views of the city.
If you really want to experience San Francisco in all of its 1960s glory, Haight Ashbury is the place to be, with its cool beat coffee shops, and killer thrift stores. This legendary neighborhood is a must see and a great change up from sun burning that pasty skin in Pismo.
Yosemite:
Looking for something a bit closer and remote, head over to the beautiful National Park. It’s practically in our backyard, so take in the waterfalls, valleys and cliffs, that people travel hundreds of miles to see.
If you haven’t already done so, Half Dome should be one of the first things on your list. You can hike the back side of the famous rock and peak for unreal views and the top. Half-Dome night hikes are also available for the more adventurous.