Land Adventures
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a nature lover or simply looking for a new way to explore the state, California's land adventures deliver experiences as varied as the terrain itself. Lace up your boots, hop on a bike or strap into a snowboard and get ready for a Spring Break like no other.
Winter Meets Spring
In Siskiyou County, you can go from winter to spring during the same vacation. Start your trip carving late-season turns at Mt. Shasta Ski Park or exploring the area’s volcanic terrain on a snowmobile tour. The following day, shed your winter gear while mountain biking or hiking the region’s many trails.
Redwood Awe
Explore the magnificent USAL Redwood Forest and the scenery along the rugged Mendocino coast on an ATV tour with the Redwood Forest Foundation. You’ll hear the stories of the region and experience jaw-dropping beauty on the day-long adventure.
Rock-n-Roll
If you’ve ever wanted to rock climb, it’s hard to find a more epic place to learn than Yosemite. Newbies can get the basics of climbing and mountaineering from The Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service, the only authorized climbing guides in the park, while experienced climbers can learn new skills.
Hike & Bike Central Coast Style
In Monterey, families can explore the historic Cannery Row on a guided e-bike ride, making it easy for all ages to enjoy the coastal scenery. The eight-mile adventure also takes guests to Fisherman’s Wharf, Doc Rickett’s Lab, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Lover’s Point. In the afternoon, swap the bikes for boots and enjoy hiking the redwood-dotted trails of Garland Ranch Regional Park.
Death Valley Days
With mild temperatures and wildflowers galore, spring is the ideal time for adventures in Death Valley. Travelers can use The Oasis at Death Valley as a base for guided outdoor excursions, from off-road Jeep tours to a sunset horseback ride. Bikers will enjoy exploring scenic routes like West Side Road, while hikers can set off for famous sites like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Ubehebe Crater, Natural Bridge and Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America).
Coastal & Water Experiences
You don't have to choose between the mountains and the sea when California offers both in spades. Dive in, paddle out or simply let the current carry you to your ideal aquatic adventure.
Run the Gold Country Rapids
Tumbling from the High Sierras, the Tuolumne River serves up 18 miles of high-octane fun. Travelers can tackle one of the state’s best whitewater spots with 15 challenging rapids like Ram’s Head, Clavey Falls and Gray’s Grindstone on a guided raft trip with Sierra Mac or The Oars.
On the Water in Lodi
Why should oceanside cities have all the aquatic fun? In Lodi, guests can unplug on the water with a serene or invigorating kayak or paddleboard adventure. Grab a board or a boat and enjoy the calm waters of Lodi Lake, or head to the Mokelumne River for an experience surrounded by lush vegetation, birds and wildlife.
Island Vibes
Surrounded by water, Catalina Island is a water lover’s paradise. Go under the sea with snorkeling, scuba diving or a submarine tour, or stay above the surface with jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding or parasailing.
Beach Time
With seven miles of coastline, Laguna Beach doesn’t lack for water adventures. Families can enjoy exploring the tidal pools and crystal-clear coves while kayaking or paddleboarding in Crystal Cove State Park. Adventure seekers can try to hang ten with a surf lesson, while whale watching excursions round out the coastal experience.
High-flyin’ Fun
If terra firma feels a bit dull, California is ready to punch your ticket skyward. From ziplining through redwoods to free-falling over the Pacific, these adventures deliver a rush at every altitude.
Tree Top Soaring
Imagine soaring through the majestic Redwoods. That’s exactly what you’ll get on the Sonoma Zipline Adventures Tree Top Tour in Santa Rosa. Thrill seekers adore that it’s the fastest, tallest and longest course in the area, boasting seven zips, two sky bridges and a rappel, with speeds reaching 40 mph. Alternatively, the Forest Flight Zipline Tour suspends brave souls 200 feet above the ground before propelling them across seven zips, sky bridges and a stomach-dropping rappel descent.
Adventure Course
Test your wits, agility and skill in Buellton on the Highline Adventures two-level adventure course featuring over 80 challenging elements. If you finish and are still in search of a rush, their zipline course includes both the fastest and longest in the state.
Up in the Air
This spring break, families can experience open-air flight in Camarillo. Known as Southern California’s Ultralight Capital, Skyrider Ultralights offers discovery lessons and light sport aircraft experiences, allowing visitors to soar above Ventura County’s beautiful coastline, hills and farmland. For added excitement, helicopter and historic warbird rides provide a unique chance to explore aviation history.
Trike Thrills
Imagine floating low and slow over Temecula’s stunning wine country in an open cockpit paramotor trike. Cruising at 30 mph, guests can see, smell and feel the region. True daredevils can take the controls under the expert guidance of the pilot. Powered by a 100-horsepower engine, the trike has no weight limit and ample leg room for adventure seekers of all sizes.
Free Falling
For spring breakers looking for the ultimate rush, it’s hard to beat a heart-pounding freefall and sweeping ocean views. That’s exactly what you’ll get at GoJump Oceanside in San Diego County, the only coastal skydiving experience in Southern California. The tandem jump features a 15-minute coastal flight, a 50-second freefall and a five-minute scenic canopy ride.
California doesn't do spring break halfway. With world-class adventures on every trail, wave and thermal, the only challenge is deciding which thrill to choose first. Pack your gear, bring your sense of adventure and let the Golden State show you what spring breaks are all about.