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Looking Ahead: Local Spring Break Destinations To Keep on Your Radar

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal State Chico chapter.

As we approach finals and start getting ready for break, all we yearn for is relaxation and distraction from the workload we will eventually be coming back to. As the semester moves along, we count down the days until our next big break, planning our activities, outfits, and destinations to hit. 

While you’re relaxing this break, take a look into the future – it’s never too early to plan!

It may sound far, but is only a few short months away, creeping up on us and ready to give us a breath of fresh air from the congestion of school and an overbearing workload. Spring break: a break full of fun, warmth, laughter and joy, spent with those close. 

Here are a few destinations, close in proximity to Chico, that may offer a spring break that you’ll never forget:

Lake Tahoe

About a two and a half hour drive from Chico, this beautiful place consists of a variety of year-round activities. This destination offers beautiful hiking and running trails as well as places to lay out and tan. If you are 21+, Lake Tahoe contains many clubs, bars and casinos as well. They are scattered throughout the towns offering its visitors an array of nighttime activities as the daytime ones come to an end.

Yosemite National Park

About a four drive from Chico, Yosemite National Park offers its visitors with beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views. If you’re interested in immersing yourself in nature during your spring break, Yosemite has many backpacking trails and campsites to pitch a tent and enjoy the surrounding nature. If camping isn’t your scene, Yosemite also offers cabins that visitors can reserve as well. While the night life in Yosemite may not be as lively, just a short drive outside the park has many small towns that aren’t as sleepy one may think!

Reno!

Just a three hour drive away from Chico lives a mini Las Vegas. Reno, Nevada is a great place to hang out and get that Las Vegas feel without the hassle of traveling to Vegas and maneuvering through the large crowds of people. Reno also offers many outdoor activities such as hiking and biking trails with beautiful views. 

San Diego

While San Diego may be at the other end of California, it’s a breathtaking city with so much to offer. However, it is a bit farther to travel, as it is about a ten hour drive or an hour and a half flight. Within San Diego County, there are multiple towns with so many fun bars, clubs and stores to visit if you are 21+. The beaches are breathtaking and relaxing, offering a much different landscape than Chico. San Diego also has many hiking trails as well, both in the mountains and on the beach. Each town within San Diego County has their own unique charm, guaranteed to bring light to your spring break trip. 

San Francisco!

Just a three hour drive away lives a city with so much personality. The night life, depending on which part of the town you visit, is filled with fun and excitement. If you are 21+, each bar and club available for you to visit has its own unique style. The views in the city are amazing no matter where you go and the shopping offers so many unique places that you are guaranteed to find a great treasure (or more!). 

Big Sur!

Just about a 5 hour drive away lies Big Sur, one of the most breathtaking places in California with panoramic views of the ocean and beautiful mountain ranges. Big Sur offers beautiful campsites on the ocean where you and your friends can spend the evening having a campfire on the beach and waking up to the sound of ocean waves. This place has so many hiking and biking trails to offer to get active while on break as well

With being in California, we have many areas surrounding us that are easily accessible by car. If you are looking for a more local place to visit this spring break, I hope these suggestions helped. Remember – it’s never too soon to plan a trip of a lifetime!

Taylor Wagner

Cal State Chico '24

Taylor is currently a fourth year student at Chico State expecting to graduate in Spring 2024. She is an English education major with a double minor in creative writing and secondary language, she is also working towards her editing and publishing certificate as well. Taylor has been on the dean's list for five semesters at Chico and is also a current member of the greek organization Sigma Kappa. Taylor has many passions including the environment and writing! In her free time you will catch her hanging out with friends, making food, sitting down to read a book or working out. She loves staying active and meeting new people. Taylor is originally from Encinitas, California, a city in San Diego county. After college she hopes to become a high school English teacher. Yet, to begin that journey she wants to move back to her home base and get her teaching credential, then to a larger city shortly after to get her Masters.