Spring Break is a peak time of year for family holidays, and the Golden State has plenty to offer. Keep in mind, though, that Northern California has cooler temperatures.
(Generally, "spring break" for families in the US and Canada means a ten-day school-break in March or April; dates vary in different areas. College age spring break is a very different thing.)
1. Kids Fly Free to Disneyland
Photo courtesy of Alaska Airlines.
This great deal has repeated for years, and lasts for months - including spring break months. Basically, with this deal at Alaska Airlines, one child flies free per one accompanying adult-- note that a "child" is age 2 to 11-- to a number of Southern California airports. (Always check for updates about deals.)
2. Spring Break in San Diego
Like Disneyland, San Diego's in Southern California, so temperature should be lovely during spring break. About.com's Guide for California Travel has a San Diego getaway planner that includes highlights for families such as the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.Of course seeing animals in their natural habitat is even better, and San Diego offers a great opportunity, if your spring break is early: the season for Whalewatching in San Diego runs from December to March, and in March, whale mothers are traveling north with their babies.
Families will also like The New Children's Museum; trolley tours; and Balboa Park, with 13 attractions.
3. LEGOLAND California
Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND California.
A great idea for spring break with younger schoolkids: LEGOLAND California -- south of Anaheim/Disneyland, and north of San Diego-- has 128 acres, and much of what's in it is made of LEGO blocks. Designed for ages two to twelve, LEGOLAND has a coaster, "dark ride", and other rides, mini-lands such as Ancient Egypt (all made out of Lego, of course), and many more attractions.
4. Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
This upscale ranch resort is a 10,000-acre working dude ranch is in the Santa Ynez Valley, 2 hours north of LA, 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, and near the quaint Danish town of Solvang. Activities include fly-fishing, kayaking, sailing on the lake, archery, golf, 50 miles of riding trails, a ropes course, kids program, hiking, biking. Bonus points for no tv's in rooms.5. San Francisco
San Francisco has lots of fun sightseeing for families. Remember, though, this isn't southern California: don't expect hot weather during spring break!6. Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is a popular tourist spot just south of San Francisco: home to a major aquarium, Cannery Row (made famous in John Steinbeck's novel) and Fisherman's Wharf; nearby you'll probably see sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters. Great spot to try sea-kayaking! The spring break months of March and April are whale-watching months as well.7. Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Ritz Carlton is a luxury brand that welcomes families with features such as Ritz Kids clubs. This resort just 40 minutes from San Francisco and from the affluent Silicon Valley burbs of Palo Alto and Menlo Park, but a world away, with miles of unspoiled scenic coast.8. Spring Break Skiing: Mammoth Mountain
Photo courtesy of Mammoth Mountain.
Mammoth Mountain is, well, mammoth: over 11,000 feet high at the summit. Mammoth is a great destination for spring skiing: it's known as a top spot for late season snow, and sometimes stays open right through June. Look for "Kids Ski Free" pricing. Mammoth Mountain is 300 miles north of Los Angeles, and 264 miles east of San Francisco.
