Spring break is just around the corner, and the Bay Area offers many activities for students to experience with friends and family without traveling far.
Golden Gate Park
A great place to explore during spring break is Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The park spans more than 1,017 acres and is a fantastic place to relax with friends and family while enjoying the scenery and various activities.
Golden Gate Park is filled with vibrant gardens, lakes and pathways. Spring is a prime time to visit because of the blooming gardens. For example, in the Japanese Tea Garden, visitors can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom and visit the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States.
Also located in Golden Gate Park is the San Francisco Botanical Garden Spring, which showcases 8,000 rare and vibrant plants from all over the world. Spring break is the peak time to visit to see the different types of flowers in full bloom.
“I remember the gardens and the whole scenery was really pretty when I went,” junior Varsha Kethineni said. “I would definitely recommend going there.”
Another option is the Conservatory of Flowers, which is the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America and is known for its rare florals.
There are plenty of other ways to make the most out of a day trip to Golden Gate Park. For those interested in STEM, the California Academy of Sciences is perfect. The museum offers fascinating exhibits such as the Steinhart Aquarium and Osher Rain forest.
Visitors can learn about different types of plants and animals and see them up close. It’s home to thousands of species and offers engaging hands-on activities to teach its guests about wildlife.
Golden Gate Park is an ideal place to go for spring break, thanks to its beautiful gardens, captivating museums and peaceful environment.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful seaside views with numerous ways to fill the time.
Located along San Francisco’s Embarcadero near Pier 39, visitors can watch sea lions, take one of the bay cruises to see all the sights, or visit the Aquarium of the Bay and other museums. The diverse range of activities ensures that every type of visitor will have an unforgettable experience.
One of the most popular museums is the Exploratorium, which has many different exhibits for anyone’s interests. Even those who have visited in the past, the exhibits change regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Another guest favorite is the Aquarium of the Bay, which is home to more than 20,000 marine animals from the San Francisco Bay and neighboring rivers. On top of the intuitive exhibits, there are numerous popular fish and crab restaurants, fresh from the bay.
“Last time I went, I went to the aquarium, and just walked around the piers,” senior Sienna Helmer said. “It was a lot of fun and relaxing.”
Part of its vibrant atmosphere comes from the variety of cultural and historical experiences. While walking across the boardwalk, visitors will see street performers, unique local shops and engaging exhibits that allow them to immerse themselves in various cultures and the history of San Francisco. Fisherman’s Wharf is an exciting place that blends art, history and entertainment.
Students looking for a way to create unforgettable memories, Fisherman’s Wharf will provide stunning bay views and exciting attractions that are true representations of the spirit of San Francisco.
Local Zoos
The Oakland and San Francisco zoos have so many activities to offer, including incredible views, exciting exhibits and so many different species of animals and wildlife. This is a great place for animal and nature enthusiasts who are looking for a break from the stress of school.
The Oakland Zoo is known for its impressive collection of animals. It’s home to more than 850 native and exotic animals, including mountain lions, alligators, snakes, and jaguars.
There are so many opportunities to see these animals up close, including the California Trail, which teaches visitors about the conservation of wildlife by showing how humans have an impact on California’s ecology. The trail highlights the balance between plants, animals and people in the state’s native wildlife habitats.
“I would definitely go back to the Oakland Zoo,” junior Liv Alvey said. “The best part was how much we learned about Oakland.”
Beyond just seeing animals, the Oakland and San Francisco zoos offers amazing views and exciting experiences.
Another relaxing spot at the Oakland Zoo is the Landing Cafe, where visitors get a view of the Bay Area. To get to the cafe, visitors take a gondola across the whole zoo, which shows you more breathtaking views of the city.
For people who feel adventurous, there are fun rides like roller coasters and carousels, as well as a train taking you around most of the zoo. After a long day, there are plenty of picnic areas and shops where you can relax and enjoy the weather.
Located on the west side of San Francisco, San Francisco Zoo and Gardens provides a great chance to learn about wildlife conservation. San Francisco zoo discloses multi-species habitats to repurpose historic buildings.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
For those students who love roller coasters and adventure, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo is a perfect way to spend a day during spring break.
The amusement park combines thrill rides and entertainment in one place, so there’s never a dull moment. Students who love screaming their heads off or just enjoy a relaxing day with friends and family will find something to do at Discovery Kingdom.
“I like to go with friends and family,” sophomore London Berry said. “We go on all the water rides first then look around the shops and ride the biggest roller coasters.”
For thrill-seekers, there are rides like Medusa and Superman. These give riders an adrenaline rush, with their high speeds and massive loops. Another famously fast ride with many twists and drops is The Joker.
These rides are great for those feeling daring, but of course there are plenty of other rides that are more mild, including Ark, Monkey Business and Thrilla Gorilla. While more relaxing, these rides are still fun and entertaining.
Something that sets Discovery Kingdom apart from many other amusement parks is their wildlife exhibits. If visitors want a break from going on rides, they can check out lions, cheetahs, penguins, otters, and so much more. Visitors get to see these animals up close and interact with them. For an extra fee, visitors can feed the giraffes and get to meet the animals closer than other visitors. These animal exhibits add a unique touch to the park by giving visitors a chance to connect with nature.
Santana Row
Santana Row is an lively destination in San Jose with many different shops and a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for a day out with family or friends. There are so many options to choose from for food, shopping and entertainment.
Santana Row is always decorated for the season, and local artists come to showcase their work. It’s a great place to get away from the stress of school, allowing people to enjoy the spring weather and scenery.
“I really want to go back because shopping there was so much fun for me and my friends,” senior Kshiti Krishna Yerur said.
Even though it’s mostly known for stores and restaurants, Santana Row is also a place full of street performers, live music, and art installations. There’s always something to discover and enjoy. This creates an engaging and welcoming environment for visitors of all types.
Santana Row encourages people to relax and broaden their horizons. There’s always something for everyone, whether you just want to shop, discover local art, or enjoy live entertainment.
For those students who want to take advantage of their spring break, these places offer something for everyone. No matter what your ideal spring break is, there’s definitely something for you in the Bay Area.
From experiencing wildlife to shopping or just spending time with friends and family, there are so many ways to make this spring break memorable.
