2019/03/28
Kate Loweth, Red Tricycle
You don’t have to jet off somewhere warm to make your spring break a memorable one. Spend some time exploring all that California has to offer just a short drive from the Bay Area. We’ve gathered up some of our faves for you—pick one and leave the planning to us!
Savephoto: Kate Loweth
Head South to the Santa Ynez Valley
This midway point on your drive to Los Angeles is the perfect spot for an easy spring break destination. There are wine tasting spots that are perfect for kids to run around and restaurants where everyone can join in a game of cornhole before your meal arrives. OstrichLand is a must-do activity and Solvang is the perfect glimpse of a far-away land.
Read all about Santa Ynez here.
Savephoto: Kate Loweth
Make Your Way Down to Morro Bay
This quiet, seaside town is an easy three-hour drive south from San Jose and miles away from the hustle and bustle of Bay Area life. Book yourself on a whale watch tour or head out to explore the iconic Morro Rock. Fill up on seafood and saltwater taffy before you head home.
For tips on where to stay and how to spend your days in Morro Bay, click here.
Savephoto: Safari West
Kick Back in Wine Country
Wine Country may sound like a parents’ perfect spring break destination but it also has loads to offer families who want to bring the kids along. TrainTown in Sonoma and the Epicenter Sports and Entertainment Complex in Santa Rosa are two kid destinations to put on your list for your next trip to wine country. Sign up for a safari and stay the night at Safari West. Grab some delicious grub at The Fremont Diner in Sonoma or Boon Fly Café in Napa.
For kid-friendly winery options and other must-do activities, read here.
Savephoto: Kate Loweth
Congregate in Concord
This East Bay town is the perfect spot for a Spring Break staycation with gorgeous hiking and loads of family fun around every corner. Spend some time parked by the play structure at The Veranda and then eat your hearts out at Puesto. Todos Santos Plaza is a fun place to run around—there are family-friendly breweries, restaurants and even an arcade in the blocks surrounding the park.
For all our Concord tips, click here.
Savephoto: Jeff Curtes/Squaw Valley
Take Off to Tahoe
This winter has all of the snow lovers jumping for joy as Tahoe is full of fresh powder just a few hours away. Pack up the snow gear and strap on the snow chains and you are ready for a road trip to this winter wonderland. The north shore is full of kid-friendly hotel options like the Timber Creek Lofts at Northstarand the Village at Squaw Valley – both close to restaurants, shops and all the skiing you could want. If the south shore is more your speed, check out the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. Just steps from the Heavenly gondola, it offers free breakfast, an indoor pool for warming up after a day on the slopes and a nightly happy hour with free drinks and snacks.
For more info on what to do and where to stay, click here.
Set Your Sights on Santa Maria
This valley just north of Santa Barbara offers beaches, scenic views and tons for families who want to be active or just relax during spring break. If you visit on April 14, you can enjoy the annual kite festival with food vendors, music and kites of every size and shape. Families especially love exploring the miles and miles of sand dunes in this area of the coast.
Learn more about the Santa Maria Valley here.
Read the rest of the story here.