With spring break approaching, many students and faculty alike are planning trips out of town or already thinking of fun things to do. Here are a few great destination hot spots, local and out-of-town.

1. Huntington Beach

There are many things to do in Huntington Beach for all ages. It is more than just sand and waves. At night, this popular beach destination flourishes with lively bars, entertainment and family fun.

For those who are 21 and over, some hip places to eat and listen to and dance to music are Baja Sharkeez and Hurricane’s Bar and Grill. The Black Bull Chop House is great place to eat for all ages and at night, turns into a nightclub featuring a mechanical bull.

For a more relaxing beach experience, there is Brix Brews, which carries a wide variety of beers and wine in an upscale environment and Fred’s Mexican Cafe, which has a great patio with a view of the ocean.

If you are looking for a more family-friendly atmosphere in Huntington Beach, there is the newly-built downtown area of Bella Terra, which features a movie theater, laser tag, an arcade, mini bowling as well as a comedy club.

    2. Gaslamp, San Diego

For those looking to get out of town, but not trying to drive hours or pay for expensive flights, look no further than San Diego’s Gaslamp District.

There you will find relaxing beaches and fun places to visit. There are many restaurants, bars and clubs all within walking distance of each other. Some popular nightlife destinations are Altitude Sky Lounge, OMNIA Nightclub and Art Hookah Lounge.

If the night scene is not for you, there are plenty other things to do. There in Gaslamp is Petco Park, the baseball field for the San Diego Padres, Coronado Beach and Balboa Park, which have been proclaimed to be the largest cultural institutions in the United States, according to the San Diego Tourism Authority.

Balboa Park features fifteen different museums dedicated to technology, anthropology, aviation, natural science and can be free to the public for up to five museums a day.

So whether spring break consists of traveling with friends for a night out on the town or a family friendly trip, San Diego is the travel destination for everyone.

     3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Sin City is one of the most well-known spring break destinations, popular for the mainstream DJ’s, pool parties, street entertainment, eateries and shopping outlets. There is something for everyone on every type of budget in Las Vegas.

Most college students are not looking to spend too much money and for that, there is Downtown Vegas, otherwise known as Old Town Las Vegas. There you will find fun attractions and food at reasonable prices. A fun thing to do while in Old Town Las Vegas is the SlotZilla Las Vegas Zip Line.

For those looking to hang poolside, some great spring break party destinations are The Rehab located at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, XS and Tryst at the Wynn Hotel, Moorea Beach Club at the Mandalay Bay Resort, Marquee Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan and Drais located at the Cromwell Boutique Hotel.

Las Vegas has something for every type of traveler, with plenty of great food destinations and tourist attractions such as concerts, magic shows, clubs and sightseeing.

Spring Break is a great opportunity to go out and explore with the free time away from classes. Whether it is a travel break or simply hanging with friends at a nearby hot spot.