Spring Breakers: SMC students prepare for vacation
Spring break conjures images of wild partying, sexed up activities and intoxicated festivities. But some students would rather enjoy their days off relaxing and visiting the sites of Los Angeles. SoCal students don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a plane ticket and hotel to enjoy sunny weather and beautiful beaches. We have it all right here. With some friends and a car you can have the most exciting spring break without even leaving the state.
SMC student, Leo Kawai, is looking forward to a week filled with joy as he plans to go to Oceanside, California, with his friends. Instead of taking care of drunk friends and dealing with police men on call for noise complaints, which was a standard for spring break in Seattle, he found a condominium with 7 bedrooms just in front of the ocean.
Since he recently found a passion for surfing, he is really looking forward to vacation. He plans to spend some time by the beach, cook good food and grab a beer at night after day out under the the sun catching waves with his friends.
He already found 8 people to tag along with him but to make it even more affordable he wants to gather more people so that everybody could stay there at cheaper price.
SMC student Yukari Yuhara is planning on doing some traveling but she's also going to spend some time in Los Angeles. Due to a hectic schedule in school, it's been hard for her to find time to go check out the University of Southern California, where she plans ro transfer in the future. She's also going to pamper herself with some beauty treatments as she goes to get her hair and nails done.
Yuhara does not only have exciting and fun plans, she is also going to dedicate some of her time to studying for her math exam, which she is taking right after the spring break. "SMC has spring break in the middle of the semester, so I have to worry about my upcoming assignments or exams," she said.
For students who wish to do something fun and different on spring break, but don't want to spend a fortune on a vacation, here are 7 things to do in Southern California that won't leave you with an empty wallet.
1. Disneyland
Going to Disneyland is another thing Kawai put on his "to do list" for the week off. ‘’I love Disneyland and I want to visit there every season if possible,” he said. “You know what, Disneyland looks different every season.”
2. San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is located inside Balboa Park and features more than 4,000 animals including some of the rarest animals in the world. You will see anything from giant pandas to koalas and polar bears.
3. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is located approximately 26 miles off the coast of Southern California. Except perfect snorkeling and scuba-diving conditions, Catalina also features hiking trails, bike-riding paths, zip lining and golf courses.
4. Six Flags
If you are a fan of coasters this is the place for you. The rides will spin you in every direction possible and with over 100 different attractions you can be sure to find something you would like here.
5. El Matador Beach
El Matador Beach is located north of Malibu and is famous for its cliffs and massive rocks. Grab a blanket, pack some snacks and head down to El Matador to enjoy the amazing view and romantic atmosphere.
6. Bonfire at Dockweiler beach
This is one of few close beaches that allows you to make a bonfire on the beach. As L.A. typically gets colder at night this is a perfect way to warm up while having a good time with good friends.
7. Malibu creek
If you like hiking and want to try something different you should go check out Malibu Creek. Hiking the creek is slightly unusual since its path goes through dramatic rocks with some spectacular scenery at any time of the year.
Whether you want to go beaching, hiking, clubbing, whale watching or shopping, Southern California has thousands of things to offer, and not everything will cost you a fortune.