After a few no-show years, spring break has made a big comeback in 2022. Whether you’re packing up the kids for a vacation or just dreaming of your own break from the grind, California destinations are enticing travelers with deals, some stretching into summer or even until the end of the year. Think free nights, bottles of wine, pizza for the kids, or passes to local attractions—like a field of spring blooms north of San Diego.
When planning your trip, be sure to go to the visitor’s bureau website of any city or town you’re visiting to check for freebies and discounts. Here are 16 deals that make a 2022 spring break easy, listed south to north.
Spring Break Getaway Package with a $100 daily credit, Indian Wells
Take the whole family to the Renaissance Esmerelda Resort & Spa, a Greater Palm Springs resort with a sand-beach pool, golf, and a spa. The deal includes a large pizza and soft drinks upon arrival, then a sweet $100 in resort credit per night. Good for stays between March 27–April 25.
Buy three LEGOLAND California passes, get one free, Carlsbad
If you go even two times during a year, an annual pass to a theme park pretty much pays for itself. This new deal at the Carlsbad theme park packs in even more value: Buy three Platinum or Elite annual passes, then get the fourth free. Both of these pass levels include admission to the main theme park, LEGOLAND Water Park, and SEA LIFE Aquarium, and adds free parking plus discounts on dining and shopping. (The Elite option ups the ante by having no blackout dates.) Limited time.
Flower Fields Package, Carlsbad
The 119-room Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry by Hilton Collection sits above the 50-acre Flower Fields, blooming with ranunculus flowers this time of year. This package includes your room, two tickets to the Flower Fields, waived parking fees, and a free shuttle to and from the San Diego County fields. Enhance your stay by exploring Carlsbad’s Pedal 2 Petal map, marked with bike rental locations, more hotel deals, and fun places to stop, like bakeries and craft breweries. Good through May 8.
California Dreaming Package, Dana Point
The current package at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort bundles in daily breakfast and valet parking, and this Orange County hotel always offers sweeping views of the ocean. The Dana Point resort sits on a prime hilltop over the coastline, a nice spot to appreciate this town that’s also a Whale Heritage Site. Good through Dec. 31.
Ski now—and all next season too, Big Bear
Make the most of spring skiing at Bear Mountain and Ski Summit: Lock in a pass for next season that can also be used now. The ski resorts around Big Bear Lake have not yet announced closing dates for the 2021/22 season, but it could last through April or even later. Passholder perks include free access to night ski sessions at Snow Summit.
Best of L.A. deal, Los Angeles
The 17-story Omni Los Angeles California Plaza offers a convenient perch on Bunker Hill in Downtown Los Angeles, located near Grand Central Market, The Broad Museum, and Angels Flight Railway. Streamline your trip even more with this deal that includes a $25 credit with Uber, either for rides or Uber eats. Ongoing.
Third night free, Santa Barbara
More than a dozen hotels are offering third-night free deals through April 30 in the American Riviera. Choose from options such as The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, the Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach, and the Cheshire Cat Inn. Planning further ahead? Check out the Stay Savvy deal at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beach Resort, granting a third night free on weeknights (good through July 29).
20 percent off with the Long Weekend, San Luis Obispo
Use promo code ‘3DAYWKND’ and get 20 percent off a three-night stay at Hotel Cerro, located in downtown San Luis Obispo. The 65-room hotel offers a variety of ways to spend your self-made three-day weekend, such as a day spa, rooftop pool, and loaner bikes for exploring the Central Coast town. Good through Dec. 31.
$20 unlimited service to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Visalia
Plan now for your late spring or summer trip to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The 16-passenger Sequoia Shuttle will resume service between Visalia and Sequoia National Park starting May 26, running through September 11. The shuttles stop at several Visalia hotels, an easy launching pad into the big tree–lined national parks, and there are routes inside the parks, too. Each shuttle offers comfy seats, luggage space, and features a video about the Giant Forest. Round-trip tickets are $20 per person and include your park entry fee.
Reach for the Stars family deal, Yosemite–Madera County
Taking the family to Yosemite National Park doesn’t require that everyone love camping. This nice deal from Yosemite-Madera County sets up the kids with a tent and sleeping gear inside your hotel room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite, 15 miles from the national park’s south gate. Or choose the same hotel’s deal that offers a $25 gas card for the parents. Adding to its family-friendly appeal, the hotel has a pool and free breakfast. Ongoing.
The Yosemite-Madera deals page offers plenty of traditional cabin-style lodgings too. Check out the Chase Waterfalls special at the Redwoods in Yosemite, offering 15 percent off plush cabins (book by March 31, stay between April 1 and May 14).
4th night free at AutoCamp Yosemite, Mariposa County
Book a three-night stay, then add a fourth for free, in one of the Premium, Vista, or Summit suites at this AutoCampresort. Good through Oct 31. The Gold Country region that borders the national park has more enticing deals, too, such as $20 off per night at the charming Blackberry Inn in Tuolumne County (good through April 30) and a 15 percent off Spring Special at Tenaya Lodge, good on stays through June (must book by March 31).
Stay & Play Hotel Packages, Concord
Choose from eight freebies that reflect the charms of this East Bay town—from its craft beer scene to its Taco Trail. Book one of the 12 participating hotels through the Visit Concord site (such as the Hilton Concord or the Concord Plaza), send your confirmation number to the folks at Visit Concord, and you’ll get a goodie bag of perks worth about $50. For the Sip & Savor package, for instance, that includes a picnic blanket, a bottle of Contra Costa County wine, corkscrew, and restaurant coupons. Ongoing.
30 percent off: Spring into Wine Country Special, Napa Valley
Make your own spring break at St. Helena’s Wine Country Inn, which features 20 rooms and five cottages with decor inspired by the vineyard scenery. Stay three nights between Sunday and Thursday and get up to 30 percent off, as well as a split of wine upon check-in and daily breakfast delivery (good through April 30). Check out Visit Napa Valley for more offers, like one where California residents can get discounts of up to 25 percent (with ID) at resorts such as the Silverado Resort & Spa. Ongoing.
Third night free, Sonoma County
Score a free night during three-night stays at several Sonoma County hotels, including the Hotel Petaluma (good through April 30), Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (through Oct. 31), and The Sandman in Santa Rosa (through Dec. 31). Before your arrive, pick up another deal—the Sonoma County Tasting Pass, which grants you discounted tastings at local wineries, distilleries, or craft breweries.
Forest-bathing package, Little River
Combine a stay at this Mendocino County lodge with a forest-bathing experience in the adjacent Van Damme State Park. The $395 package includes two one-hour massages, a one-hour private forest-side hot-tub soak, and a two-hour, guided forest-bathing walk, in which you leave all devices behind and take in the sensory experiences of the forest. Back at the inn, visit with the resident llamas and chickens, and choose from rooms with ocean views or fireplaces. Ongoing.
10 percent off at Chalet View Lodge, Portola
This easy discount offers the opportunity to experience this mellow lodge in Plumas County. The rooms, villas, and cabins at this Shasta Cascade resort provide easy access to a fishing pond, pool, and trails. Take a day trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park or stay put to sample the lodge’s onsite taproom, Eureka Peak Brewing Co. Ongoing.