Top Spots for Family Spring Breaks
Vacation in Carlsbad or San Mateo County, California
Avoid the crowds at Disneyland! Instead, have some fun on the beach while vacationing at one of these family-friendly California locales during spring break.
Loads of families descend upon Disneyland during the school vacations that traditionally take place in March throughout the United States. But if you haven't made your plans yet, consider these two alternatives to spending your family spring break with the Big Mouse.
These California destinations have loads to do for travelers of all ages on a spring break family vacation, namely plenty of oceanfront for frolicking in the Pacific Ocean. Plus, there are no Mickey Mouse ears in sight!
On the north shore of San Diego County, Carlsbad is 35 miles from the city of San Diego. The oceanside town offers loads to do for all family members. Golfers should check out the new Crossings at Carlsbad municipal golf course. With its scenic location just a mile from the Pacific Ocean, views from the greens are spectacular.
Spa-goers have a handful of options for body treatments at local day spas. Or book your family vacation at a spa resort. The upscale and luxurious La Costa Resort & Spa is surprisingly family friendly. Its newly opened Splash Landing, a pool and play complex, has certainly made a splash with water-loving kids. The Family Pool has a sandy beach entry, and the Waterslide Pool has three fun chutes.
Another family-friendly resort is the Grand Palisades Resort & Hotel, which has great views of fields of flowers blooming in the springtime. Or consider the brand new Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, now taking reservations for stays after March 15, 2008. Its on-site spa will offer all sorts of pampering services, and the outdoor heated pool is open year round. Both of these resorts are within walking distance of Legoland, perhaps Carlsbad's biggest attraction for families.
Legoland theme park is ideal for kids ages 2 to 10, although babies can crawl around a toddler-themed area and teens may enjoy admiring all of the amazing intricate sculptures made out of millions of Legos that are displayed throughout the park. But it's preschoolers and young school-age children who get the most out of the interactive rides, such as drive-your-own cars, planes, helicopters and boats. Even grown-ups chuckle at the live shows, and the food is not your typical theme-park fare. Enjoy Philly cheese steaks, stir-fried veggies and rice, or a giant salad bar at the Funtown Market. Kids can also build with Legos and tour a simulated Lego factory.
The area between San Francisco and San Jose (and home to San Francisco International Airport--easy access!) offers families a ton of activities on two sides of a peninsula. On the "coastside," you can witness thousands of elephant seals converging on Ano Nuevo State Reserve to mate and breed. A March spring break falls within the breeding season (December 15 to March 31), and families can take guided walks with knowledgeable docents throughout the ecological reserve.
For still more marine-life viewing, the California Gray Whale heads to Alaska from Mexico typically in March, and these giant animals can be seen from shore in San Mateo County. Or take a whale-watching tour to get up close and personal with the mammoth creatures; consider Huli Cat or Huck Finn. Active families might like to kayak among seals, birds and other marine life in the protected harbor or the open Pacific near Half Moon Bay; rent gear or go on an guided paddle with the Half Moon Bay Kayak Company.
Intriguing museums abound in San Mateo County. Aircraft aficionados shouldn't miss the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. Here, hands-on displays and multi-media presentations teach young and old alike about the history of aviation from the early 1800s. But perhaps the most irreverent San Mateo County museum is the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia, a collection over 500 Pez candy dispensers. Learn about the history of the quirky candy with examples of extremely rare and collectible Pez products.
For more ideas on family spring break destinations, check out these articles on Family-Friendly Palm Springs, California; Denver, Colorado; Beaver Creek, Colorado; and Mazatlan, Mexico. Have fun planning your spring break family vacation!
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