Spring Break Vacations on the California Coast

f you don't have a lot of money and just want to see some interesting sights as well as have wild (and private)parties, think about the North Coast of California. From San Francisco north you can enjoy the scenery as you drive along the Coast Highway. The small towns are full of little shops where you can buy everything from sea shells to salt water taffy to delight those who didn't get to go along with you. The steep slopes drop from the level of the highway down to the beaches. It's quite a walk, but well worth the effort once you get to the bottom.

Spring Break on the California Coast #1

Just inland from the coast is the world famous "wine country." You can easily spend the whole day seeing the historic and newer vineyards and sampling their liquid refreshments. Some of the vineyards have famous owners and maybe you'll get the chance to meet some of them while you taste their wines. Most vineyards have small gift shops to provide you with everything from postcards, to glasses to bottles of their best year. You can take the tours and learn about the wine making process from growing the grapes to the wooden vats to the bottling.

Spring Break on the California Coast #2

In many places along the Pacific coast, you can find hot air balloon rides, some complete with picnic lunches for the travelers. The view is spectacular, with the green hills and the Coast Range, and the vast blue Pacific Ocean all the way to the horizon.

Spring Break on the California Coast #3

Fort Bragg is a great place to spend a day or two. The picturesque older part of town takes you back to the days of the gold rush and before. At the water's edge is what is known as "Glass Beach." This is a must see for anyone who likes a unique sight. The cliffs above Glass Beach were used as a dump for many years. The broken glass and pottery shattered as it hit the sand below and have been tumbled in the surf for more than a century. When the beach is wet from the high tide, the whole beach looks like a pirates treasure chest, opened up. The red, blue, green and amber scraps of old glass look like jewels. It's an amazing sight to see and one you won't soon forget.

Spring Break on the California Coast #4

Jenner is a beautiful little town. The scenery and buildings are captivating, to say the least. The hot spot from the 60's is still a great place to visit. Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Grateful Dead, and many other top performers of old spent their summers in Jenner, and the memories linger.

Spring Break on the California Coast #5

Further up the coast there are campgrounds, just waiting for you to make yourself at home. The ocean rolls against the shore with a rhythmic sound that will lull you to sleep. Along the shore (if you find just the right spot) you can build bon fires of driftwood and gather around to enjoy the evenings. The setting sun drops into the mighty Pacific Ocean as you watch, while the campfire blazes. There is enough privacy for singing and music (without bothering anyone else) and your party can last long into the night.

Spring Break on the California Coast #6

Our last stop is Fort Ross, the old Russian fort at the edge of the water. Timber Cove Resort is nearby if you aren't into camping. They have plenty of excellent rooms and there are restaurants nearby that serve the finest in fresh seafood. The old fort has been renovated and looks much like it did when the Russians owned it two hundred years ago. The bluffs along the coast are perfect for picnicking and the old fort building has a gift shop and museum that can't be beat.

If you're looking for historic adventure, the North California Coast is calling you. If you're looking for a party that lasts for several days, it's yelling at you. Just be sure you have designated drivers, those coast roads are very dangerous.