Staycations are the new vacations

It’s time to rediscover the beauty of Southern California

Anna Valaik / A&C Editor / The USD Vista

For many, planning a spring break trip can be more stressful than it is exciting. Vacations are pricey nowadays, and no college student wants to see their bank account go down $500 in the blink of an eye. On top of that, many may not be ready to travel yet, especially if the trip involves flying. For those struggling to plan the “perfect” spring break 2022, think about turning your vacation into a staycation. Besides, there are worse places to be stuck in than San Diego.

Staycations are wildly underestimated for a plethora of reasons. 

First of all, there’s no unnecessary pressure or need to go anywhere: everything is on your own terms, which takes away the stress of normal vacations. Day trips, short excursions, and activities around different neighborhoods are available at a moment’s notice. There’s no need to plan in advance. Instead, you can just take pleasure in being a tourist in your own city. 

With a fresh perspective and a positive attitude, regular spots can feel new again. Also, San Diego doesn’t lack in activities, restaurants, and sightseeing. Made up of countless areas, each with their own unique feel, this beautiful city should get the recognition it deserves. So, there’s no better time than spring break, a week off with zero responsibilities and countless hours to explore, to truly see Southern California for what it is — heaven on earth. 

Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument lies at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, and the views from this look out spot are truly unmatched. 

The area offers a gorgeous view of the harbor and the city skyline, especially on a clear, sunny day, which will likely be plentiful during spring break. 

The national park includes green spaces, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and various remembrances of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s legacy, whom this place is named after. He was the first European to set foot on what later became the West Coast of the United States. 

Although Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach and Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach both receive the attention they deserve, Cabrillo National Monument should be next on the list for a sunset picnic. 

The monument is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Day passes depend on the group size, but one vehicle entering the park will cost $20.

Camping – Joshua Tree or Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Not far from San Diego, both around a two-hour drive away, are two wonderful places — Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — to go camping for a few days. Even if camping may not sound all that glamorous or relaxing, these parks and their one-of-a-kind environments make up for it. 

Joshua Tree, located quite close to Palm Springs, is known for its rugged rock formations and expansive desert landscapes. It has around 100 miles of hiking trails and more than 8,000 climbing routes, so it’s perfect for those who enjoy taking in nature while exercising. However, Joshua Tree is quite the excursion from San Diego, so definitely plan ahead. USD senior Kate Moriarty, who has visited the park, recommends taking advantage of the hikes and landscapes outside the camping grounds. She also suggested  spending around two to three days in the park in order to experience it to the fullest.

Similar to Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a beautiful destination to camp at. As the largest state park in California, it boasts twelve wilderness areas, all with gorgeous plant life and views. Being only an hour and a half away from San Diego, it’s not difficult to spend a weekend in this otherworldly place. 

Prices vary depending on party size and length of stay. For example, a weekly entrance pass costs $30 at Joshua Tree; this fee admits all passengers in a single vehicle. At Anza-Borrego, access to the campgrounds will be around $35 per night, which is a bit pricier. 

Both locations recommend reserving spots in the campgrounds in advance to ensure there’s little to no issues when visitors arrive. 

Los Angeles

Take a drive southeast to Los Angeles (LA), which has quite literally everything. From celebrities, countless sight-seeing opportunities, delicious food, the beach, and various neighborhoods to explore, someone could spend a week in LA and not even scratch the surface of uncovering what this city has to offer, which is a blessing in disguise. It only means there’s always something new and exciting to see or do. 

For example, for those who want to take in the entire city, hike Runyon Canyon. Located in West Hollywood, this popular hike boasts incredible views of the ocean, city skyline, and gorgeous homes nestled within the hills. If people-watching sounds more exciting, go check out the Venice Beach boardwalk. Let’s just say it’s more exciting than the Mission Beach boardwalk, which is saying a lot. LA also has incredible art museums; LACMA and the Getty could be explored and enjoyed for hours. 

Delicious coffee can be found at Go Get Em Tiger, Alfred Coffee, and Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen. Casual food spots include Joan’s on Third, Daughter’s Deli, Salt’s Cure, and Malibu Farm. Save room for dessert, too, because Donut Friend makes extraordinary donuts in a wide range of flavors. 

Just a short drive up the coast, LA can fulfill every wish on someone’s spring break wishlist. Think of it as a big and oftentimes boujee version of San Diego. 

Temecula – Wine Tasting

For those over 21 and looking for a boozy brunch that doesn’t involve Duck Dive or Crushed in Pacific Beach, venture up to Temecula for a day of wine tasting. Little do many people know that Temecula is a mini Napa Valley, boasting over 40 wineries. Wineries vary in price, so there’s something for everyone. Also, most are open daily; this is to the advantage of those visiting during spring break because you can beat the weekend crowds if need be. 

Wineries are not only about enjoying beverages, but also about getting outside, appreciating scenery, and eating delicious food with close friends. Some highly ranked wineries include Callaway Vineyard & Winery and Vindemia Vineyard & Winery. Find a group and head inland toward Temecula because it will without a doubt be a good time; however, make sure to have a designated driver or a responsible mode of transportation.

San Diego County

USD students didn’t choose San Diego as their home for nothing; everyone knows this is arguably one of the best cities in the United States, but let spring break serve as a reminder as to why. It’s easy to find the go-to spots around and frequent those exclusively, but there’s more to this place than just Pacific Beach or La Jolla. 

For example, North Park feels like the hipster-mecca; it has endless vintage shops, book stores, and coffee shops. Encinitas is a quiet surf town, perfect for a lazy Saturday; it’s easy to just pack a beach bag and enjoy the coast for hours there. Mission Hills is a hidden gem right by school; even though it’s a bit more residential, it’s a lovely place to walk around and take in the beautiful homes. 

All this is to say that some extravagant vacation isn’t necessary for a relaxing, worthwhile Spring Break 2022, which is an entire week free from responsibilities.