As you click the button submitting your final English essay in March, colorful Canvas confetti pops across the computer screen. The clock strikes 3 p.m. a gracious second later, and a celebratory sigh erupts from the mouths of students and teachers alike. School’s out for…spring.
The relief of spring break can be a much-needed rest from the endless grind of the high school schedule. But as you sink yet again into the couch for two weeks and resume Season 6 of “Grey’s Anatomy,” consider the potential in this rare period of independent time.
Spring break, in a sense, can be an opportunity to remember youth, freedom and childhood creativity in an overscheduled world. This two-week oasis can signify a new adventure in your life rather than yet another day in the Seattle operating room. Below, you’ll find a choose-your-own-adventure compilation with bucket list ideas for all of the best varieties of spring breakers — splash right into the deep end.
Discover the coast
The devastation of the January wildfires, which disrupted the home lives of hundreds of thousands of residents, left lasting changes on the physical landscape of sunny Los Angeles. Some may be mourning the classic blue skies and salty sea spray of weekdays in Santa Monica or Malibu, as ocean shores are now deeply contaminated. Our craving for the waves presents an opportunity to explore beaches outside of the warning zone. On a little road trip south, you can explore Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, while a sunny coastal drive up north will take you all the way to Santa Barbara.
Post-wildfire Volunteering
A second, more active way to fill your days is the hundreds of volunteer opportunities across the city to aid in fire relief efforts. For animal lovers, LA Animal Services offers opportunities to work with animals and maintain their shelter. For foodies, World Central Kitchen offers daytime volunteer shifts to interact with impacted community members while passing out thousands of hot meals.
The Artistic Revival
If you feel as though art has been neglected and suppressed, not only in your own life but in society in general, spring break is the perfect way to release your creative spirit and reconnect with inner beauty. I will most definitely be exploring a few new literary genres, from the dystopian “Frankenstein” to the feminist memoir “Girlhood.” Music enthusiasts could supplement this exploration with a dive into new musical artists; asking Alexa to “play me anything” could land you in an unexpected obsession with romantic Spanish flamenco songs — I speak from experience here. This spark may encourage you to try a new skill, from pottery to salsa dancing. Do not be afraid to spontaneously run to Michaels for paint bottles, set up an easel and Bob Ross your way through a lazy Saturday.
Getting Social (with real human beings)
Whether you’re desperate to see your schoolmates or reconnect with an old friend from the past, spring break is a great time to reschedule forgotten plans. Instead of going to your usual spot for lunch, the hopefully sunny skies call for a picnic, complete with Italian sandwiches and fresh berries. If you’re feeling physical, create a group of pickleball enthusiasts to play at a community court for a few hours, topped off with fresh iced drinks. For the ambitious sports lovers, host a watch party for your favorite football rivalry, racing team or tennis match and design themed food and drinks.
In exploring my neighborhood last spring break, I spent my days trying to revive the concept of “third spaces.” When did spending a fortune at the mall become the only hangout option? Simply taking a walk through your neighborhood offers hundreds of possibilities to meet new people, whether at the quiet library, a lively park, a local coffee shop or the gym. Ask around to find events such as museum exhibits, live music at restaurants and farmers’ markets.
Fitness and wellness package
For the fitness enthusiast or anyone interested in feeling their best, spring break is a golden time for a two-week reset. This does not necessarily mean a new gym routine — movement comes in many forms. Whether urban or suburban, force your neighborhood to be walkable by seeing how far your feet will take you, European-style. Discover a new physical hobby, from sunny bike rides to pickleball with friends to impromptu dance parties. Once the sweat is dry, treat yourself to a face mask and meal prep your favorite restaurant dishes for the rest of the week. Finishing the night out with a calming meditation, you’ve created the perfect spring day.
But what if my break is booked?
Many of us have jam-packed spring break plans, but you can intentionally seek moments of peace amidst your college grand tour or rushed family vacation. Sit down and begin writing a memoir of your life. Have a genuine conversation with a stranger while volunteering. Set up a side hustle to begin earning money. Whatever disrupts the monotony of these cold winter school months will become your path for the break ahead.
