Top 10 California Spring Break Destinations for 2026

California spring break destinations offer everything you could want in one trip: sun, sand, outdoor adventure, and big-city energy. Whether you’re planning a relaxed beach escape, a road trip through national parks, or a city-focused break with plenty to do, California makes it easy to mix and match experiences.

From the Pacific coastline to desert landscapes and forested parks, the state delivers variety without long travel times.

San Diego is a favorite spring break destination thanks to its warm weather and easygoing coastal vibe. Palm Springs works well if you’re after pool days and a more polished atmosphere, while Joshua Tree National Park is ideal for travelers who prefer spring hiking and wide-open landscapes. 

For classic family-friendly fun, Disneyland is an easy add, especially if you’re already planning time in Los Angeles, where beaches, neighborhoods, museums, and food scenes keep things interesting.

If you’re drawn to the coast, Monterey and Santa Cruz offer a slower pace with ocean views, coastal walks, and surf culture. Huntington Beach remains a go-to for surfers and long beach days, while Laguna Beach stands out for its artsy feel and scenic cliffs. 

For something completely different, Redwood National Park delivers cool spring air, quiet trails, and some of the most impressive forests in the country.

This post on California spring break destinations is a collaboration with other travel bloggers, sharing first-hand tips and experiences from across the state. No matter which stop you choose—or how you combine them—California gives you plenty of ways to shape a spring break that actually fits your travel style.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps support my blog and lets me share real, first-hand travel tips. Learn more

Tips for planning your California spring break 2026

Prepare for California weather

California in spring is ideal for anyone looking to escape the winter chill. With mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and various climates, it’s one of the best times to visit the Golden State. Whether you’re headed to the beach or the mountains, you can expect comfortable, pleasant weather that makes exploring easy and enjoyable.

In Southern California, spring means warm days with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-60s to the low 70s. Cities like San Diego enjoy plenty of sunshine, while the coastal breeze keeps things from getting too hot.

Further inland, places like Palm Springs start to warm up during spring, with temperatures often reaching the mid-80s. While it’s hot, the dry air and low humidity make it pleasant—ideal for city exploration or the lounging by a pool.

Book flights, hotels, and tours before

Some of the best spring break destinations in California can get quite crowded and busy, similar to popular spots in Mexico but unlike some quieter areas in Texas. Planning ahead is crucial to secure the best deals on accommodations, tours, and flights. In California, particularly along the coastline, prices tend to surge if you book at the last minute due to increased demand.

When traveling to California or anywhere else in the U.S., tools like Skyscanner is excellent for finding affordable flights from your city.

For stylish and boutique hotels, condos, apartments, or villas, I recommend using Vrbo or Booking.com. Booking early ensures you get the accommodation you want without facing inflated prices or limited options as the trip date approaches.

I prefer to organize everything well in advance, spreading expenses over several months. If you’re interested in exploring your chosen destination’s cultural and historical aspects, platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide offer a range of walking and food tours, boat rides, adventure activities, and skip-the-line tickets for museums and attractions.

WelcomePickups is my go-to for airport pickups because of its reliable service and professional drivers. If I need a rental car to explore nearby towns, I turn to DiscoverCars, which offers a wide selection of vehicles.

Be smart when packing for your California spring break

Packing for California can be a breeze if you know what to expect. The state’s diverse climates and landscapes mean you’ll want to be prepared for everything from coastal coolness to inland warmth. Packing smart is essential to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Backpack or suitcase: Whether you go for a backpack or a suitcase is entirely up to your travel style. I personally love my Osprey Farpoint backpack because it’s so comfortable and easy to carry (check it on the official website or on Amazon).

But if suitcases are more your thing, you might want to check out this Samsonite, which comes in a variety of sizes and sets, or another option that also offers different sizes to suit your needs.

Layered outfits: California’s spring weather can vary, especially between morning and evening. Pack lightweight tops, colorful dresses, or skirts for sunny days, and layer them with sweaters/cardigans or light jackets for cooler mornings and nights.

Jeans and shorts: Jeans are perfect for city outings and cooler coastal days, while shorts are ideal for warmer inland areas like Palm Springs or hiking trips.

Swimwear: Whether you’re lounging on the beach or enjoying a pool day, swimwear is a must. Don’t forget the cover-up and wet bags.

Footwear: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring urban areas and hiking boots or sturdy sneakers for outdoor adventures. I love my Teva walking shoes for city wanderings. Pack sandals or flip-flops for beach days.

Rain jacket or umbrella: While California is known for its sunshine, spring showers can occur, especially in Northern California. A lightweight compact rain jacket or an umbrella will keep you dry.

Sun Protection: The California sun can be intense even in spring, so pack sunglasses, a fedora hat, and sunscreen to protect against UV rays.

Beach towel: Bringing your beach towel can make your trip more comfortable and convenient. I prefer a Turkish pestemal because it’s versatile, lightweight, and dries quickly. They are perfect for lounging on the beach and can also be used as a wrap or even a picnic blanket if needed.

Packing cubes: Packing cubes have been a game-changer for me in staying organized. They help me separate clothing into different categories, making it easier to find what I need without rummaging through my entire bag. This is what I have at the moment.

External charger: An external charger or power bank is essential to keep your devices charged throughout your trip, especially if you plan to capture the beautiful California landscapes and your vacation memories. My recent charger is Anker MagGo.

Reusable water bottle: My Stojo collapsible water bottle is eco-friendly and incredibly convenient. When empty, it collapses into a small size, making it easy to carry in your bag. Additionally, having a Stojo collapsible coffee cup for my iced coffees or juices is a great way to reduce waste while enjoying my favorite beverages on the go.

Daypack: A daypack is perfect for carrying essentials during day trips or city explorations. It’s useful for holding items like water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, and any souvenirs you pick up. I’ve used the Driibe City Backpack for over two years, and it’s still in excellent condition. Read my detailed review.

Most popular California spring break destinations

Disneyland

A very popular destination for your spring break in California is Disneyland! It is the most magical place on earth, and perfect for families, couples, or even college kids. Located about 40 minutes south of Los Angeles (LAX) and 15 minutes from John Wayne (SNA) airports, it is very easy to reach.

The weather in March and April is fantastic! Temperatures are in the upper 60°Fs to mid-70°Fs during these months. Perfect for being outside, enjoying all the rides! 

The Disneyland Resort has two parks: Disneyland and California Adventure.  Both offer fun rides, great food, parades, and fantastic shows. At Disneyland, expect the classic rides like Peter Pan, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain, while California Adventure has Marvel, Soarin, and Toy Story. 

The firework show and World of Color shows are amazing and offered most nights.  One thing that is awesome about Disneyland is that it is always updating and adding new rides, stores, and food options.  

There are many hotels and resorts around Disneyland.  You can stay in the Disney-owned hotels like the Grand California or the Disneyland Hotel, or you can stay right across the street at a Marriott or an original 1955 historic hotel.  They are all about the same distance from the parks.  

Disneyland can get a little crowded during Spring Break, so your best bet is to purchase the Lightning Lane and reserve your rides ahead of time.  Having a plan is essential during this time of year! You will want to get to the park early and head to one of the most popular rides first. 

If you get there early, you can typically ride 3-4 rides without waiting very long in line before everyone else gets in the park! 

Recommended by MagicandCoasters

San Diego

San Diego has everything necessary for the perfect spring break in California. It is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with daytime temperatures in the high 60s or low 70s.

One of the popular Southern California spring break destinations, San Diego, has something for everyone! The city has diverse neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from restaurants to scenery. San Diego food tours are a great way to learn about the different areas and sample the local eateries.

You’ll find La Jolla, the jewel on the northern coast. With an upscale coastal village with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding cliffs, this town lives up to its name. Take the coastal walk here, and you’re guaranteed to see sea lions in their natural habitat.

A bit further south, Mission Bay is like a big playground for kayaking, windsurfing, volleyball, and biking enthusiasts. The nearby amusement park makes it an extra fun place for families.

Inland, you can’t miss Balboa Park, home to one of the most famous zoos in the country. But there is so much more—museums, botanical gardens, restaurants, and an international village.

Downtown is home to the largest Little Italy in the U.S. The area is steeped in history, and there is no shortage of authentic Italian food. If it’s nightlife you’re after, the Gaslamp District adjacent to Little Italy is the spot to be.

Recommended by Chef Denise 

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is an ideal sunshine-filled spring break destination in California. This popular resort city is located among breathtaking desert landscapes and is perfect for all kinds of travelers. It offers a mix of upscale relaxation and adventure in one stunning location.

Take a day to relax in a natural hot spring. Play a round of golf at one of more than 100 golf courses in greater Palm Springs – many designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Tour art museums and galleries. Shop at chic boutiques.

For impressive views of the Coachella Valley, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up 8,000 feet to Mount San Jacinto State Park. Another perk is the town’s proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, a nature lover’s paradise and an easy drive from Palm Springs.

When your adventures are done for the day, enjoy a meal at one of Palm Springs’ charming restaurants with a beautiful outdoor patio.

Getting to Palm Springs is easy. You can conveniently fly into Palm Springs International Airport or make the 2.5-hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego.

And since spring is a great time to visit (temperatures can soar in the summer), book your spring break vacation far ahead!

Recommended by Scenic and Savvy

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, with its ocean views and attractions, is an excellent choice for California spring break destinations for families and couples.

It’s 95 miles north of Los Angeles, making it a popular choice for road trips and weekend getaways. You can rent a car or take the Amtrak train along the famous PCH to access this Southern California gem.

Known for its Spanish roots, the city’s red-tiled Mediterranean roofs and rolling Santa Ynez hills create a romantic atmosphere, further influenced by the nearby wineries and historic downtown.

If you’re traveling with a significant other, relax by the beach or pool at a 5-star or boutique hotel. Popular beaches include Butterfly Beach, East Beach, and Leadbetter Beach.

For nightly entertainment, stroll downtown Santa Barbara to sample Mexican cuisine or enjoy a drink at a brewery or wine bar. Nature lovers will enjoy the trails and hot springs in the nearby canyon, offering an easy escape from the bustling city life.

If you’re traveling with your family, take them to the Santa Barbara Zoo, one of the world’s most beautiful zoos located on lush grounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Popular animals include giraffes, wallabies, lions, and California condors. It’s a small, intimate zoo you can tour in about two hours.

Alternatively, take your kids to the Old Mission in Santa Barbara for a history lesson. It was built in 1786 by Franciscan Friars and is open daily to visitors. They will also enjoy the downtown area, with several restaurants and ice cream.

Recommended by Travel & Couture

Monterey

Monterey is one of the fantastic California spring break destinations located on the northern coast, around 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. It features excellent seafood restaurants, marine life-watching opportunities, and miles of rugged coastline.

In Monterey, you can visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, go on a whale-watching tour, and stroll around Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. The city has a long history in the fishing industry and is dotted with fantastic seafood restaurants.

From the south end of Monterey’s peninsula, you can begin the scenic 17-mile drive through the gated community of Pebble Beach. This scenic drive along the coast passes mansions, golf courses, and beautiful vistas like the famous Lone Cypress Tree.

Flying into the San Jose airport and renting a car to get to Monterey is the best option, as this airport is only an hour’s drive from the city and typically has the best flight deals.

The best area to stay in Monterey is around Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll be within walking distance of the aquarium, shops, restaurants, and marina, where you can spot seals and sea lions! Other places worth checking out within an hour’s drive are the charming beach town of Carmel, Point Lobos Marine Reserve, and Big Sur’s iconic Bixby Bridge. 

Recommended by Layla’s Lens

Huntington Beach

Orange County is a great place to visit any time of year, but the coastal town of Huntington Beach is the perfect spring break destination as temperatures begin to rise (it can still be chilly, though), rainfall averages are relatively low, crowds aren’t as bad as summer, and the winds are typically pretty favorable for surfing.

Huntington Beach isn’t always the easiest place to learn to surf, but it is one of the most incredible places to surf, as this little beach town is known as Surf City USA. There are plenty of options for surfing lessons if you’re a beginner, and a wetsuit will be necessary during this time of year (and honestly, any time of year here in the Pacific).

Outside of actually surfing, Huntington Beach has a cool surf vibe with lots of shops and California-surf-type food (tacos, burritos, burgers, etc.). There is also a nice boardwalk along the beach where you can ride cruisers, walk, or skate, and there are plenty of other beach activities like volleyball, kites, or even the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum.

Huntington Beach is one of the closest coastal towns to the John Wayne Airport, so you don’t have to bother with the busy and crazy LAX airport. Hotel prices should also be more reasonable during the spring than during the busy summer.

Recommended by Adventure Evermore

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a seaside spring break destination in California, perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. Surrounded by a greenbelt with countless hiking trails, this town offers a nice mix of beauty and charm.

Laguna’s coastline is among the most stunning in California, with its sandy beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffside viewpoints. World-class restaurants, unique boutiques, and renowned art galleries complement the picturesque village vibe.

Getting to Laguna Beach is easy—take Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for breathtaking ocean views or arrive via scenic Laguna Canyon Road (CA-133), which winds through rolling hills before delivering you directly to the center of town.

Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty to do. Explore the tide pools at Main Beach, take a stroll through the village, enjoy a sunset picnic at Crescent Bay, or arrange for a bonfire and smores at Aliso Beach.

Art fans will love the town’s many galleries, while foodies can indulge in various cuisines, from casual beachside cafes to fine dining.

Book early for an unforgettable California spring break, especially if you’re considering Laguna’s beachfront accommodations. Parking can be limited, so plan to arrive early or use the city’s trolley service. 

Recommended by Laguna Liz

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the ultimate California spring break destination. Whether you love beaches, theme parks, sports, or Instagram-worthy sightseeing, The City of Angels has it all.

The main downside is transportation. Getting from one place to another by public transport can take time, especially if you want to visit several attractions in one day. It’s doable, but not always convenient. If you have the option to use a car, that is definitely the better choice.

The beaches are one of Los Angeles’ biggest strengths. Santa Monica Beach is perfect if you want to learn how to surf. Santa Monica Pier offers arcades, rides, and plenty of food options. And Venice Beach is fantastic for its skate park, street performers, and basketball courts.

But Los Angeles offers far more than beaches alone. Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain are classics! The city is also full of cinemas, bowling alleys, concert halls, street food spots, escape rooms, and much more.

Outdoor lovers can also go hiking or biking. Popular routes include the Griffith Observatory Trails, the Hollywood Sign hike, and Runyon Canyon.

Looking for a quick coffee break? Visit one of the cat cafés in Los Angeles, where every dollar you spend helps support stray cats. You might even leave with an unexpected souvenir: a rescue cat of your own.

Recommended by Traveling Cats

Santa Cruz

A great destination for spring break in California is Santa Cruz, easily reached by car or by plane, with San Jose (SJC) being the closest airport.

With a variety of fun things to see and do and price points that fit budgets both large and small, Santa Cruz has something for everyone to enjoy! 

No trip to Santa Cruz is complete without a visit to the boardwalk. Enjoy some fair-esque rides, games, and snacks, and take in the beautiful views of the beaches and ocean below. 

While on your trip, make sure to visit nearby Capitola as well. This quaint little town is known for its brightly colored buildings and for being the oldest beach resort on the West Coast. Lay on the beach, stroll through the town, and be sure to visit the popular Polar Bear Ice Cream shop for a sweet treat. 

New Brighton State Beach, with its beautiful views, sandy shores, and camping areas, is another great place to add to your itinerary, especially for budget trips! Remember to book well in advance, as this is a popular choice.

Additionally, don’t miss this trip to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park for a hike, bike ride, or drive through densely forested paths, with views of bridges, streams, and waterfalls. It may just be a highlight of your trip. 

Recommended by Adventures of Chels

Redwood National Park

One of the most amazing national parks in the USA is Redwood National Park, located in the northern ⅓ part of California. There are three state parks and one national park that comprise four areas, which contain giant 2000-year-old trees over 300 feet tall! 

The weather is perfect year-round, but spring break is one of the best times to go because crowds are significantly lower than in the summer months. 

The Redwood trees are very spread out.  You will want to stop at one of the five visitor centers to get directions.  The most popular groves are Stout Grove, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Tall Tree Grove. 

This area has plenty of great hiking trails, and walking among these trees is something else. You don’t really grasp their scale until you’re right there, walking your way between them and looking straight up.

Another really cool thing to do is to drive through a tree! In Klamath, you can pay 10 USD and get the best shot of your car driving through a tree! 

You might not know this, but Redwood National Park features beautiful coastlines and lighthouses.  Northern California is so gorgeous! 

If you are looking for a place to stay, renting an RV and camping in this area is a great option. 

Recommended by Planningaway