Spring Break is right around the corner, from 18 April to 22 April. It will be nice to finally get some time to relax, since the last break was back in December. Everyone has their preferences for where to spend this week off of school, but there are some places that have more to offer than others.

A very popular place that Riponites tend to spend their week off is Santa Cruz, and it’s no wonder why. The temperatures this year are a bit all over the place, but Santa Cruz always has weather suited for swimsuits and shorts. The beaches are huge, and there are tons of things to do on them, from boogie boarding to surf lessons. If you go out deep enough, you can rent a jet ski and spend your time cruising the waters of the Pacific Ocean. That’s not even considering the main attraction at Santa Cruz: the Boardwalk. There are rides, events, shoppes, and more all right by the water. 

North of Ripon, another place to frequent this upcoming week is Monterey. It’s a big jump from the heat of Santa Cruz, but it’s a different type of fun. The most famous part of Monterey and, arguably, the reason people go, is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Most people living in Ripon have already been to the aquarium, but there are always new things to see. It’s also a lot different to go when you are a teenager than when you go as a small child. The world-famous aquarium on Cannery Row is “a window to the world’s oceans” (Monterey Bay Inn) and features over 200 marine life exhibits. You could spend hours on end there and never get bored.

Certainly the most popular suggestion on this list lies in Anaheim, California. You guessed it: Disneyland. While Disneyland may seem like the cliche destination for any Californian, spring break is actually a great time to go. The thing that makes most people hesitate when planning a trip to Disneyland is the lines. However, Disneyland’s most popular time frames are during the summertime, Halloween, and Christmas, respectively. Most schools have different spring breaks, so there aren’t going to be a bunch of highschool students crowding into the Disneyland gates come 18 April. It will be quieter than usual, allowing anyone who goes to have a calmer trip than expected.