Theme Parks and Adventure Attractions
San Diego's Sesame Place Debut
The newly debuted Sesame Place San Diego will feature seven Sesame Street-themed rides, an interactive musical play area and 11 water attractions (including a 500,000-gallon wave pool — one of the largest in Southern California!). The park will also have an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood with everyone's favorite Muppet characters.
There’s a New Exhibit at Legoland, California
The world’s first LEGO® Ferrari “Build and Race” interactive attraction is coming to LEGOLAND® California in the spring of 2022. Featuring a life-size Ferrari F40 model developed by the LEGO® Group, Build and Race features three zones, with each offering riders different obstacles and challenges while trying to clock the fastest time.
SeaWorld San Diego Unveils a New Rollercoaster
In March 2022, SeaWorld San Diego will unveil its highly anticipated dive coaster called Emperor. It’s named after the world’s largest penguin and will mimic this species’ underwater diving ability. Emperor will be the tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster in California as well as the only floorless dive coaster in the state.
Spring Break For the Whole Family, in L.A.
Los Angeles hosts an array of theme park attractions for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy. Universal Studios Hollywood is a classic favorite, inviting kids to explore their favorite films like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and more. At Exposition Park, the Natural History Museum has dozens of educational ecosystems exhibits. Nearby, space enthusiasts can experience the space shuttle Endeavor up close at the California Science Center. Meanwhile, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Admission to the academy for children under 17 is free.
Gilroy Gardens Offers Family-Friendly Thrills
With a family Spring Break getaway to Gilroy, travelers have the opportunity to enjoy an adventure at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Here, thrill ride enthusiasts can encounter 40 rides and attractions nestled among majestic gardens and towering trees. Many of the rides were inspired by the region’s agricultural past such as the Garlic Twirl and the Timber Twister. The park opens for the 2022 Season on March 27.
For the Active Adventurers
Eureka! It’s time for an Ideal Spring Break family trip
In the city of Eureka, the Redwood Sky Walk offers the chance to embark on an adventure in what feels like a whole new world. Navigate through a series of bridges and platforms that rise as high as 100 feet up into the redwoods, allowing visitors to experience the redwoods in a unique way.
Exploring California by Train is Safe and Fun for the Whole Family
Enjoy quality time with the family and explore more of California by train. The Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquins routes each serve different parts of the state, with conveniently located stations to top spring break destinations. Many stations are within walking distance of popular attractions. Down in Southern California, Metrolink, the area’s regional passenger railway service, offers a “Kids Ride Free on Weekends” discount (three children to one paying adult), and a $10 Weekend Day Pass for adults, meaning a family of eight can EXPLORE from Ventura County all the way down to Oceanside and throughout Los Angeles County, into the Inland Empire for just $20 total.
Celebrate Spring with a Family Coastal Adventure at Terranea Resort
Los Angeles' premier oceanfront resort, Terranea Resort has a dedicated Adventure Concierge whose job is to arrange a variety of private family experiences. From the art of falconry, kayaking, surfing, painting by the sea, whale watching, a round of golf at The Links, and more. It’s a Spring Break destination the whole family will enjoy.
Spring Break Means Snow Play at Palisades Tahoe
Kids and adults alike can enjoy getting outside on spring break at Palisades Tahoe which offers 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks for skiers and riders of all ability levels to explore. Palisades Tahoe also offers sightseeing, tubing, outdoor dining, and a scenic Aerial Tram up to High Camp just to enjoy the stunning Sierra views from an observation deck.
Family Fun in Mariposa
Spring is the perfect time to visit Yosemite Mariposa as the California Poppies and Western redbud trees are in full bloom, with the region’s epic waterfalls and cascades are at their fullest. Hike the more than 800 miles of trails, bicycle more than 12 miles of paths, or raft down the Wild and Scenic Merced River. And Mariposa’s main street is straight out of an Old West set with modern amenities like restaurants, shops and tasting rooms for refueling after any outdoor adventure.
Outdoor Opportunities
Head to Lompoc for Flower Filled Fun
Spring break is one of the best times to visit one of the most underrated destinations on the Central Coast, Lompoc, to enjoy uncrowded beaches and blooming Flower Fields at the vibrant “Valley of Flowers.” Visitors can check out the Bloom Tracker for the most up-to-date flower information to plan their trip.
Spring Break at Pebble Beach Resorts
Located on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Resorts is a playground for all ages. Golf enthusiasts (as well as budding players) can sharpen their skills during a family golf lesson at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy or share an afternoon on The Hay, its new nine-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods.
Pick Fresh Berries for a Picnic in Scenic Santa Maria
In Santa Maria Valley from March through June, embark on a U-Pick Blueberries adventure, where travelers can grab a bucket and get their fill of blueberries, strawberries and other seasonal fruit. With this hearty berry haul in tow, head to the 1,778-acre open space area, Los Flores Ranch Park, for a family walk and sweet picnic.
Rockin’ Resorts
Spring Break in Sunny San Diego at Town and Country Resort
Town and Country Resort has been an iconic resort in San Diego’s Mission Valley for more than 60 years, but just recently finished a multi-million dollar revamp. The new sun-drenched pool deck offers a zero-entry family pool, hot tub, children’s pool, and a four-story “Twister” waterslide are the perfect places to play for guests of any age.
Spring Break at Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is located directly across from the 244-year old Mission San Juan Capistrano, making for a fantastic educational opportunity to learn about California history in an interactive setting.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Serving as the ultimate coastal playground, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club invites families to enjoy a Spring getaway along the coast of Dana Point. The Monarch Bay Beach Club hosts a plethora of ocean activities, from surfing to SUP tours. Those who prefer an adventure on land can cruise oceanside along seaside coves on an E-Bike Tour, with e-bikes available for rent right on-site.
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa at Indian Wells
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa offers everything family spring breakers are seeking — from a host of exhilarating outdoor activities to mom’s (or dad’s) getaway at Spa Esmeralda, as well as several championship golf courses nearby. Kids can enjoy the new Entertainment Zone, which features an escape room, virtual reality areas and other interactive, family-centric games. Plus, the swimming pool has its own sandy beach made for crafting sandcastles, poolside.
Educational Escapes
Relive the Gold Rush and Explore El Dorado County
El Dorado County combines the thrill of outdoor adventure with the chance to learn about California history at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where daily tours tell the story of the discovery of gold. At Gold Bug Park, visitors can explore a real mine from the 1850s and as well as explore the panning museum, stamp mill and working blacksmith shop.
Sailing Adventures on San Diego Bay with the Maritime Museum Crew
Enjoy the great outdoors with an educational and entertaining on-the-water activity by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Spring Breakers can choose between a selection of daily 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruises aboard the restored 1914 Pilot boat, or weekend Naval History 75-minute narrated Bay Tours aboard the high-speed Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift boat.
Santa Rosa Spring Travel
In Santa Rosa, make a visit to the Charles M. Schulz Museum to encounter Snoopy and the whole peanuts gang. The Charles M. Schulz Museum features changing galleries of original comic art, a re-creation of Schulz’s studio, a 100-seat theater, a drawing room, and beautiful outdoor gardens with a labyrinth in the shape of Snoopy’s head. Visitors can even ice skate right next door, at Snoopy's home ice.