San Diego, Marina del Rey and Newport Beach are filled with attractions that please everyone from couples, families and groups of friends during spring break. Ideal for those that enjoy getting outdoors and the balmy spring weather for which Southern California is known, here are a few of our favorite spring break activities:
…In San Diego ~
1.) There is no better time for whale watching…so everyone interested in outdoor San Diego adventures needs to check out a day on the water. Come aboard a Hornblower Whale Watching Cruise as more than 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round-trip journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California, where the females give birth to their calves. With 70 miles of coastline directly in the migration path, San Diego is an ideal destination to see this impressive parade of gentle giants.
2.) For an easy hike, take a leisurely stroll overlooking the beach at Torrey Pines State Reserve with a 5.6 mile trail through hills and seashore. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within San Diego city limits and remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast! Because of the efforts and foresight of the residents in this area, 2,000 acres of land remain as they were before San Diego was developed — including the maritime chaparral, the rare Torrey pine, miles of unspoiled beaches and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds.
3.) Sticking to the outdoors, The San Diego Safari Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals, representing more than 300 species. Its’ renowned botanical collection features 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the park’s 1,800 acres have been set-aside as protected native species habitat. The Safari Park is a perfect place for family and friends to spend the day. There are also ziplining and safari tours available as well.
4.) Perhaps one of the most popular and timeless attractions in San Diego is the iconic, 100-acre zoo, which is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies as well as a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants.
5.) If you’re a water enthusiast, check out the Carlsbad Lagoon, a paradise of watersports activities with uncrowded water and private areas for operation. Activities include kayaking, jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, boating, canoeing and aqua cycles are sure to make your spring break a boat load of fun.
6.) Located in Mission Beach, Belmont Park is a popular spot for tourists. It offers amusement park rides and attractions that will keep the fun going from sunup to sundown. To round out the day, enjoy carnival games, food and arcade.
7.) No one should forget about celebrating life on the San Diego Bay with a luxurious Hornblower Champagne Brunch Cruise. Passengers will enjoy free-flowing bubbles, a classic American breakfast and cruising past famous sites, a great way to relax during spring break. Along the spectacular shores of San Diego, sail through the crystal blue waters of the bay and pass the Coronado Bay Bridge. Admire the intricate monumental structures while you listen to commentary about the history and culture of the area from a local guide.
…and some of our favorite things in other Southern California destinations ~
1.) For just $1 (yes, one dollar), visitors can enjoy the sights of Marina del Rey from the comfort of a classic yacht. The cruise features a 45-minute narrated tour by one of Hornblower’s well-informed captains with captivating information about local landmarks and the destination’s 50-year history. Additionally, passengers will see marine animals. Stay tuned for updates on cruise dates.
2.) For the artistically-inclined, visit Los Angeles’ new contemporary museum, The Broad, which is home to a 2000-piece art collection featuring the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art world-wide.
3.) Celebrate John Wayne’s birthday aboard his former vessel, “Wild Goose,” accompanied by Madame Tussad’s famous wax figure of the iconic star. The Newport Beach cruise offers a choice of brunch, dinner or cocktails. In support of “The Duke’s” John Wayne Cancer Foundation, snap a shot of yourself with the prop and use #ShowYourGrit to help raise awareness and donations to help find a cure for cancer.
4.) Check out Random International’s Rain Room, an immersive environment of perpetually falling water that pauses whenever a human body is detected. This Los Angeles installation offers visitors an opportunity to experience what is seemingly impossible, the ability to control rain as well as an opportunity for sensory reflection.
5.) Welcome Spring as Los Angeles’ Festival of Colors brings the traditional Indian custom of Holi where revelers douse each other in colorful powder as a way of bringing in the season.
6.) Give your senses a fill of Japanese culture at Monterey Park’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Revelers will enjoy traditional Japanese dancing, the beats of the Taiko drums, the mastery of martial arts, traditional tea ceremony, games for the kids and cultural displays as well as local crafts and cuisine.
7.) For those interested in recent history, The 1990’s at MOCA exhibit in Los Angeles features a collection of large-scale installations that convey a complicated interface between the public and the museum with works that examine the nexus of race, gender and sexuality.
8.) Get decked out for Easter and enjoy sipping Champagne while watching breathtaking seaside views and feasting on Easter brunch aboard Hornblower Cruises & Events in Newport Beach. In addition to the Easter Bunny, passengers will also enjoy a bounty of fare and live entertainment.