Spring break in Southern California doesn’t have to mean long lines or last-minute flights. Within a few hours of Los Angeles, you can walk beside elephants in a brand-new African savanna, pick flowers across 50 acres of blooms, volunteer for a cocktail in Big Bear, or build a “Themecation” around cowboy boots or movies.
1. Walk Beside Elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park spans 1,800 acres and is home to more than 3,100 animals representing 340+ species. And it’s expanding. Denny Sanford Elephant Valley is the largest project in the park’s history and it opens on March 5, 2026.
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This immersive expansion places guests inside a sweeping African savanna surrounded by elephants on multiple sides. More than 300 African plants including rare and endangered species shape the landscape. A highlight is Mkutano House , a two-story safari-style restaurant overlooking massive watering holes where you can watch elephants interact and learn about their social structure and the Park’s conservation efforts.
2. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Each spring, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch draw thousands of visitors for the iconic ranunculus bloom. Open March 1 through May 10 , the Ranch also offers wellness events like yoga and sound baths, sunset wine tastings, craft workshops, live music and family-friendly activities.
Visitors Can:
- Take a narrated tractor wagon ride
- Explore seasonal mazes and activity zones
- Choose from hundreds of activities
- Participate in simple craft and hands-on stations
Cost:
- Adults: $27
- Seniors/Military: $25
- Children (3–10): $17
- Under 3: Free
- Tractor ride: $8 adult / $4 child
- Butterfly encounter: $8 adult / $4 child
- Parking: Free
- Season passes and package pricing available
3. Big Bear Is Giving Away Lift Tickets and Cocktails
Spring break in Big Bear Lake comes with two special deals: free lift tickets and a complimentary cocktail.
Ski in the morning. Volunteer for two hours. Toast at sunset.
Climate & Cocktails / Mocktails
On March 21, 2026, Care for Big Bear hosts Climate & Cocktails, a short social volunteer event designed for college-age travelers and young adults who want to do something meaningful without giving up their whole day. Volunteers spend just two hours helping clean up trails, shoreline areas, parks, and neighborhoods. It’s a great way to plug in locally and the commitment is simple:
1:00–3:00 p.m. → Help clean trails, shoreline areas, parks, and neighborhoods.
3:30–5:00 p.m. → Enjoy one complimentary cocktail or mocktail at a participating restaurant.
Details to know:
- Waiver required
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
- Valid ID required for alcoholic beverages
- One beverage per volunteer
March to the Mountains: Free Lift Tickets
Late-season snow typically comes with lighter crowds and a more relaxed pace. Add a lift-ticket promotion like this one, and voila, you have a budget-friendly ski weekend within driving distance. Here’s how it works:
Book a qualifying two-night stay through BigBear.com
Book by: February 18–March 15, 2026
Stay between: March 16–April 17, 2026
You’ll receive:
- $250–$599 stay → 1 lift ticket
- $600+ stay → 2 lift tickets
Tickets are valid through April 19, 2026 and must be picked up at the Big Bear Lake Visitors Center during the check-in window.
4. Meet a Mermaid
March Is Mermaid Month at Ventura Harbor Village. The Villagebecomes a waterfront celebration of themed food, shopping, and interactive fun for the 11th year. Costumes are encouraged: mermaids, mermen, pirates, and sea creatures welcome.
All month, families can enjoy:
- Mermaid scavenger hunts
- Ocean-inspired meals and sweet treats
- Boutique shopping for mermaid apparel, dolls, jewelry, and accessories
- Waterfront dining with harbor views
Special Event Days: March 7 & March 21 (1–4 PM)
On Saturday, March 7 and Saturday, March 21 , the harbor adds extras like pirate play zones, chalk art, live ice sculpting, take-home mermaid bracelet workshops and live programming including:
- Mermaid meet-and-greets
- Mermaid Dance Party with DJ Darla
- Bubble performances
- Face painting and glitter bars
- Slime labs, sensory bins, and crafts
5. Coastal Cowboy Themecation, Costa Mesa
Grab some cowboy boots and plan a themecation for spring break. Costa Mesa has all of the components with Western-inspired experiences mixed with laid-back SoCal style.
Start with line dancing and Hog-Wild Fries at Westwood Coast , create custom leather pieces at Saltwater Leather Co. , grab coffee at Salty Horse , shop for boots, vintage clothing and overalls at LAnders Supply House and wrap with cocktails at Cowboys and Poodles.
6. Garden Classes at Centennial Farm, Costa Mesa
Located at the OC Fairgrounds, Centennial Farm offers approachable spring workshops on:
- Compost bin building
- Citrus tree care
- Tomato growing
- Food preservation
- Body care creation
- Hydroponics (April)
It’s hands-on, educational and fun for families and young adults.
7. LEGOLAND California: LEGO Galaxy
LEGOLAND California opens LEGO Galaxy, a new space-themed area that includes a 40mph roller coaster, rides, a toddler play zone, and interactive building.
- Galacticoaster (first new coaster in 20 years, 40 mph)
- Junior Astronaut Training Zone
- Interactive rides
- Designed for kids 36” and up
8. Torrance Movie Trail
More than 200 films and TV shows including Scarface, 90210 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer filmed in Torrance. The self-guided movie trail makes for a flexible Hollywood-style sightseeing day without Hollywood crowds.
9. Disneyland Food & Wine Festival
California residents can grab a 3-Day Park Hopper for $249. Pair it with the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 6–April 27) for a college-friendly spring break option.
10. San Diego Cultural Events
56th Annual Chicano Park Day
April 25, 2026 — Free event celebrating Latino art, music, lowrider culture and community.
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
April 24–26, 2026 — Luxury automobiles showcased along the La Jolla coast.
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