FollowSpring break is a great time to shake off the cold and get yourself somewhere warm before summer arrives. It also happens to be the best time to get out and enjoy winter weather that is still enveloping some areas of the world, especially if you do not live in an area that receives a lot of snow or have had the time to enjoy it. There are a few places in the world where you can enjoy the best of both worlds and go from mountain to beach in the span of a day. Some of these destinations are snow covered, offering the chance to ski, while others aren’t but can still be enjoyed with hiking and other adventure sports.
These are 5 mountain to beach spring break destinations that would make a great choice for a spring break getaway.
5 Mountain to Beach Spring Break Destinations
Mount Shasta to San Francisco
San Francisco is an unconventional spring break destination, but it is beautiful at this time of year and while the city is always crowded, it won’t be flooded with college students and families. Mount Shasta, in the Cascade Mountains, makes the perfect mountain retreat near San Francisco because of its dramatic peak, all around views and the many accommodations and services make it easy to plan. Depending on the year and weather you can ice climb, hike and do some wildlife viewing. A six hour drive can have you on the sandy beaches of San Francisco, where surfing and hikes along the dunes are the best ways to enjoy this part of the coast.
Mauna Kea to Hilo
The summit of Mauna Kea is often covered in snow, and it makes for great skiing, something most don’t realize you can do in Hawaii. The best part is, Mauna Kea is a do it yourself ski destination, because it is not always snow covered, so there are no ski lifts, cordoned off resort areas or crowds. Several outfitters make it easy to grab all your gear, drive up to the summit and get some great skiing in on an island volcano. To get to the beach, head down the summit in any direction for public, private and hidden beaches where you can swim, snorkel or surf.
The Pitons to Soufriere, Saint Lucia
The entire island of Saint Lucia makes a fantastic spring break destination, but the southern part of the island offers the most dramatic views and the chance to explore high and low. The beaches in and around Soufriere are some of the most exclusive and private, with many only being accessible by hired boat. The Pitons are a World Heritage site and offer many opportunities to explore the beautiful fauna and wildlife that inhabit them. A 2 hour summit hike can be completed year round and offers what might become your favorite view of the world.
Apennine Mountains to Genoa
For a super refined spring break vacation, head to the Italian Riviera and the Apennine Mountains. Why explore just one mountain town when you have an entire range to choose from, and once you’ve had your fill of cozy ski resorts and breezy lift rides to viewing platforms, head down to Genoa. This often overlooked city in Italy is the perfect place to enjoy the beach without hordes of tourists. Here you are more likely to meet the locals and watch as fisherman bring in fresh catch for dinner.
Baja California
There are several mountain ranges that run across the length of Baja California, some of them joining, and altogether known as the Peninsular Ranges. This far south, the mountains of Baja California are particularly arid, making it a great place to search for petrified wood and fossils. A huge area of Baja is protected as parkland, and the beaches nearest these areas are pristine and best explored with a seasoned guide to take you into hidden coves, sea caves and to visit sea lion nesting areas.
