Sun, sand and surf.
For many students, spring break has always meant one thing: a trip to the beach. But there are more options than fighting for a spot on the sand while watching tequila-chugging contests.
"It's important to remember that there are so many cities that have so much to offer," says Christi Day, a spokeswoman for STA Travel. "You want to ask yourself, 'Where have I not been?'"
For those who would rather avoid the overcrowded beaches and "Girls Gone Wild" movie producers this spring break, SPM has three alternatives for how to spend your nine days of freedom.
Drink and learn
If boozing is high on your list of priorities this spring break, taking a wine tour may be your perfect option. Many vineyards in Northern California allow patrons to walk the vines, meet the winemakers and taste straight from the barrels.
Family studies senior Victoria Thames took a road trip in December to Napa Valley with her boyfriend for a wine tour. The couple got maps and information about the vineyards from the hotel concierge where they stayed, and Thames says that everyone in Napa was welcoming. "The people there were very nice," Thames says, "and they want to get you drunk."
If traveling between vineyards sounds like too much work, try visiting a restaurant in Napa that offers wine tasting. Wineries of Napa Valley (1285 Napa Town Center; napavintages.com) has flights of wine from various vineyards around Napa Valley. "You have the advantage of multiple wineries in one location, rather than having to travel between many locations," owner David Topper says.
To break up the drive to Napa, Thames recommends stopping in Monterey Bay, located just south of Napa. Check out the giant stingrays and otters at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (886 Cannery Row; mbayaq.org) or stay in one of the many hotels located just off the coast.
Encinitas: San Diego's mellow cousin
"[Encinitas] is without a doubt the best place in the world I've ever been," says Todd Newkirk, a journalism sophomore and Encinitas, Calif. native. "It's close to San Diego [and] close to L.A. ... but it still has that small-town feel."
The costal town, located about 30 minutes north of San Diego, has a "surfer's mentality" and moves at a slower pace than the rest of the world, undeclared freshman Brennan Perry says. "It's the perfect place if you just want to relax."
Encinitas is speckled with quirky boutiques and locally-owned restaurants along its main drag, D Street. For breakfast, Newkirk recommends Beach City Burrito (102 Aberdeen Drive; 760-633-4852) in nearby town Cardiff by the Sea for its "huge breakfast burritos" and seafood burritos. For lunch, locals visit Raul's Mexican Food (490 South Coast Highway 101; 760-436-8589), a small shop located just two blocks from the beach.
From there, young locals and visitors can be found at D Street Beach, which has a better scene for students than Moonlight, a nearby family beach, Newkirk says.
Moonlight has its own perks: The beach has three volleyball courts located about 50 feet from the ocean, says Perry, a member of the ASU Volleyball team.
Build a bonfire on Moonlight beach for a relaxing evening or visit nearby downtown San Diego for the clubs and hookah bars.
Hot Springs: Mother Nature's Jacuzzi
Bubbly hot water, circling steam and crisp mountain air surround hot springs visitors and help to create the relaxing atmosphere that comes with taking a dip. Hot springs are produced when heated groundwater emerges from the core of the earth.
"They're like a natural Jacuzzi," geology sophomore Ravi DeFilippo says. DeFilippo has visited several hot springs throughout New Mexico.
For a nearby retreat, DeFilippo recommends Ten Thousand Waves Hot Springs (3451 Hyde Park Road; tenthousandwaves.com), four miles outside of Santa Fe, N.M. Guests are greeted with robes and sandals to wear on the lighted paths that circle the pools and can choose to relax in private or public pools.
Exhibitionists, this may be your place: every pool is clothing-optional, although some require bathing suits in the evening. Whether you choose to bare it or stay clothed, DeFilippo says the whole experience is enjoyable. "It's really relaxing and very nature-y," he says.
Visitors to Ten Thousand Waves can stay on site for as little as $99 a night. DeFilippo recommends lodging in nearby Santa Fe, a "little artsy town" with adobe architecture and small boutiques. While there, check out the world's largest collection of Georgia O'Keeffe's work at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum (217 Johnson St.; okeeffemsueum.org).
Reach the reporter at: nicole.m.stewart@asu.edu.
