25 Drivable Spring Break trips from the Bay Area

Spring break is around the corner. Do you have anything planned? If not, check out the list below for 25 destinations that are easily drivable from the Bay Area. Many are also great in the warmer months so there is no harm in getting ahead of planning for then!

Bay Area Counties

1. The Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel (Berkeley) – nestled in the Berkeley hills, this iconic property has been a California landmark for over a century. With beautiful guest rooms with Bay views, heated pools and a luxury spa, the whole family can enjoy their time. Keep a lookout for their seasonal “in the hills” events. At the moment, they have a Glice rink with alfresco dining.
2. The Lodge at Presidio (San Francisco) – if you want to visit San Francisco but feel like you’re away from the city center, The Lodge at the Presidio is a great choice. Not only is it the closest hotel to the Golden Gate Bridge but it is also next door the Walt Disney Family Museum. To fill your time, visit Golden Gate Park (home of the California Academy of Sciences) and the trails at Lands End.
3. Cavallo Point (Sausalito) – a luxury property nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and next to the Bay Area Discovery Museum. With both historic and contemporary lodging, you can find a good fit for your group. Plus they have a spa and a wide array of activities from curated experiences to strolling around the waterfront. You can also easily explore the redwood trees in nearby Muir Woods.
4. Flamingo Hotel (Santa Rosa) – check out this mid-century property on 10 acres in the North Bay featuring a year round heated pool and an on-site scavenger hunt for kids. For those with older kids, consider booking a bioluminescence tour on Tomales Bay (about a 45 minute drive from the hotel).
5. Great Wolf Lodge (Manteca) – sometimes you just need some carefree fun and Manteca’s Great Wolf Lodge is great for that. It is close enough to the Bay Area that even one night can be worthwhile. Stay in fun, themed rooms (some with bunk beds), splash around in the huge, indoor water park.
6. Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square (San Francisco) – for those who want more of the comforts of home on vacation, this property boasts one, two and three bedroom residences right next to the famous Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. You will be close to the Cable Car, Pier 39 and even the ferry to Angel Island (which makes a fabulous day trip).
7. Wildhaven (Healdsburg) – if you have wanted to try glamping, this is a great spot as Wildhaven takes care of all the details and you just need to show up and relax. They have several tent arrangements, including one that sleeps up 6. You can spend your days exploring the Russian River and spend your nights around the campfire.
8. CordeValle (San Martin) – heading to the South Bay now to a more rural property tucked away in the quiet countryside. With several options for accommodation, on-site dining, heated outdoor pool and, for those age 21+, easy access to Clos La Chance Winery, you can easily spend a few days here relaxing.

Monterey & Central Coast

1. Sanctuary Beach Resort (Marina) – as your heading down to Monterey, you drive through a city called Marina. And most people don’t stop. But, if you do, you’ll discover something unique – a beachfront property! While there are many oceanfront properties in this area, having sandy dunes at your doorstep is unique. Featuring bungalows (some with ocean views), you can be on the sand in no time at all. With ample fire pits and s’mores kits available at reception, you can have cozy evenings at the coast. There is an on-site restaurant, a spa and a swimming pool, too.
2. Monterey Plaza Hotel (Monterey) – while Monterey has many hotel options, this property is a favorite because of its central location and ease of walking to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf and Dennis the Menace Park. They are also home to Vista Blue Spa with features a oceanview terrace.
3. Ventana Big Sur (Big Sur) – Big Sur is synonymous with luxury, adults-only properties but Ventana Big Sur actually offers a family-friendly glamping experience. The tents sleep two people and kids cannot occupy a tent alone. You can also bring your pup (fee applied) and they will provide a dog bed, water bowl and treats.
4. The Cliffs Hotel & Spa (Pismo Beach) – Quite possibly the perfect distance away from the Bay (it is far enough to relax a bit but not too far that you’re in the car all day), Pismo Beach is a seaside town full of family fun. The Cliffs is a standout property near beautiful Shell Beach. It has easy access to hiking trails, parks and even Hearst Castle (currently closed) a short distance away.
5. Hotel Cheval (Paso Robles) – a small, luxury hotel in downtown Paso Robles that caught my eye when I read they had a s’mores butler and a candy bar. While Paso is known for its wine scene, there are actually family-friendly wineries in town such as Sculpterra Winery. Nearby Atascadero has the Charles Paddock Zoo and getting out to the coast is relatively easy for a day trip.
6. Hearst Hacienda Lodge (Jolon) – Quite possibly the most unique accommodation on this list is Hearst Hacienda Lodge in Jolon which is a small city in Monterey County and home to Fort Hunter Liggett (a US Army Base). The historic ranch home of William Randolph Hearst was designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan. You will feel transported back in time with the hacienda style building. While there is not much to do on base for civilians, you can come and go as you please. There are nearby hiking trails that are known for super blooms in springtime. You can also check our Lake Nacimiento or even day trip down to Paso!

Northern & Eastern California

1. B Bryan Preserve(Point Arena) – nestled in this coastal town is a truly unique place full of African wildlife, including some friendly giraffes! While they do day visits, you can also book one of four cabins on the property and stay overnight. Point Arena is a sleepy town but you have easy access up to Mendocino and Glass Beach in Fort Bragg.
   
   

   B Bryan Preserve in Point Arena

2. Mendocino Grove (Mendocino) – a great family spot for glamping with easy access to Big River (with canoe rentals available), hiking, walking through the charming downtown of Mendocino and enjoying the on-site amenities like bocce ball and yoga classes (weekends).
3. Outside Inn (Nevada City) – a quaint spot in the Sierras offers affordable, family-fun with their themed rooms and a 5 minute walk to charming downtown Nevada City. Learn about California’s Gold Rush, visit Empire Mine State Park and enjoy numerous hiking trails in the area. They also have camping grounds nearby with opportunities for glamping, tent camping and RV hookups.
4. Railroad Park Resort (Dunsmuir) – have you ever wanted to stay in a train caboose? Now you can at Dunsmuir’s Railroad Park Resort. While it is a hefty drive to almost the top of California, the unique experience is worthwhile. The resort itself has a swimming pool and restaurant and, nearby, you can visit Lake Siskiyou, do an easy hike to a waterfall at Hedge Creek Falls and even make it to well-known Burney Falls.
5. Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite (Groveland) – this resort was made for families and is also conveniently located minutes from one of Yosemite’s entrances. Between the huge pool, kid-friendly spa, onsite activities and so much more, you’ll never need to leave. But, you’ll want to since Yosemite is an absolute gem. More tips here for planning a fun, family weekend in Yosemite.

Southern California

1. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage) – the greater Palm Springs area is fantastic to explore and this Omni property has its own mini water park in lieu of a basic swimming pool. Kids and adults can enjoy water slides, a lazy river and splash pad plus a beach entry pool with sand! Joshua Tree National Park is easy to do as a day trip as well as other local attractions like an oasis hike and a botanical garden.
   
   

   Joshua Tree National Park

2. The Oasis at Death Valley (Death Valley) – spring is a great time to visit Death Valley National Park before the triple digit temps start. This property boasts various accommodation types with a swimming pool, spa, playground and more. They also offer unique ways to see the area including renting a Jeep or going horseback riding.
3. The Vinland Hotel & Lounge (Solvang) – if you have not yet been to Solvang, add it to your list immediately! This Danish-inspired town boasts delicious food, parks, shopping and even has Ostrichland USA in the neighboring town of Buellton. To be front and center and in a position to walk most places, book a room at The Vinland Hotel.
4. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara (Santa Barbara) – if luxury is your cup of tea, this Ritz property is absolutely stunning. It features 2 miles of natural beach, infinity edge pools, golf, spa and more.
5. Loews Coronado Bay Resort (San Diego) – for that infectious beach vibe, head down to Coronado and check out the Loews property. You’ll be beachfront and also be able to access the many family-friendly spots that San Diego has to offer.
6. Desert Camping in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Southern California) – for something a bit more unique, check out the desert camping experience offered by California Overland. They offer a package with a 3-hour daytime excursion through the park, telescope viewing at night with an astronomer, all camping gear (already set-up for you), gourmet dinner, s’mores & breakfast the next day. Book a public tour or gather a group and book a private one.

What is at the top of your list for family spring break fun?