Good places to spend spring break in Calif.
CALIFORNIA’S JEWELS
Spring break at Saddleback College starts March 13, but with limited funds to travel, students may desire an alternative to staying at home all week.
Studies found that about 34 percent of American adults are not taking the maximum amount of vacation days they earn each year, according to expedia.com.
The U.S. is known to have some of the most grim working hours, but now that spring break is coming, students might benefit from taking advantage of the vacation time.
Researchers found that men who go on vacations have a 30 percent less chance of having heart disease, according to a study by State University of New York at Oswego.
Break does not have to be a week of staying home and watching television for the students who do not have the financial means to travel.
If you cannot afford that trip to the East Coast or the Bahamas, there is still plenty of fun to be had right here in California.
Internationally known metropolitan cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, are jewels of California, providing the richest source of traveling fun.
These huge tourists sites are home to districts which embody sophistication, history, culture and entertainment.
China Town, Little Italy, Haight Street, and the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco define the cultural melting pot in California.
And meanwhile down south, Rodeo Drive, Melrose, Santa Monica, and the Beverly Hills in Los Angeles County define high society, extravagance, and all things beautiful that have come to serve as a symbol of California life.
Instead of just driving past the beaches and into the city, stopping to have a picnic on the beach or just laying out for a chance to relax and to reflect are viable options.
Ghost towns can be found all along Southern California from San Diego County to San Bernardino County, including Eagle Mountain in Riverside County, a former iron mine now filled with rows of abandoned schools and houses.
For students who actually prefer more natural and physical activities, camping along a Californian beach is an alternative, including nearby trails such as Doheny Beach and San Clemente State Beach.
“Camping in Baja is my ideal way to vacation and if the weather was good, I would probably surf while I’m there,” said Nick Hein, 27, art.
If Baja is too far and gas money is low, the local beaches are an easier and closer way to access sunshine and nature.
Local beach cities such as Venice, San Clemente, and Downtown Long Beach attract crowds all year round for their great weather, small shops, lively streets, and unique way of life.
Among these cities, one student recommended a specific hot spot that she says is guaranteed to offer a lot.
“I love walking around on the Santa Monica Pier,” said Micah Diansay, 19, nursing. The pier Diansay mentioned is commonly known for the Ferris wheel and roller-coaster that overlooks the ocean.
“There is usually live music playing and there are great restaurants around,” Diansay said about this tourist attraction.
More local to Saddleback students is Michelle Wilson’s, 21, undeclared, favorite spot to spend her day.
“I love going to any of the beaches around here with friends,” Wilson said. “Going to San Clemente or Laguna Beach, watching people look good, and tanning could make a perfect day.”
She also mentioned that for a great bit to eat she likes “Tutor & Spunky’s in Dana Point, they have amazing sandwiches.”
Whether it’s beaches, city life, or fine dining that Saddleback’s students are craving this spring break, the Golden Coast has it all.