The Spring semester is almost over and the best vacation months of the year are just around the corner. In just a few more weeks you can throw those books alongside your ever-growing collection of dated textbooks and enjoy the hot rays of the summer sun.
If you were too stressed over finals week to prepare a summer bucket list, here are a few ideas.
1. The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned place to take family and friends. With just under 100 acres of land and over 800 species and subspecies of animals there is plenty to see and explore. Monkey Trails is one of the 16 exhibits at San Diego, which showcases monkeys and other animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa. Also be sure to check out the Polar Bear Plunge, which houses over 30 species representing the arctic.
2. Hiking Half Dome is a dream of many that few ever check off their bucket list. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great character builder to beginner and novice hikers alike. Permits are required to hike Half Dome, so apply quickly before they run out. This year 300 hikers will be permitted to hike the Half Dome Trail each day.
The preseason lottery has passed, but there are still daily lotteries available to take advantage of. To apply for a permit go to www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
3. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is home to 24 acres of entertainment including theme park rides, great food and an occasional flash mob. Founded in 1907, the Boardwalk is the oldest surviving amusement park and one of the few seaside parks on the west coast of the United States. The Boardwalk holds 35 rides, three roller coasters and one water ride.
Old-fashioned carnival games and snack booths can be found throughout the park if the fear of heights pushes you away from the park rides. If you wish to just catch some sun, there is plenty of coastline to lay out your towel and relax with a good book.
4. Mountain Biking at Mammoth Lake is an activity that is a must for all mountain biking enthusiasts. The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park offers over 80 miles of scenic cross-country single track and heart thumping downhills. Season Passes are available for $229 for those of you who wish to make multiple trips this summer. For those of you who wish to go once it is $47 a day for adults and $22 for ages 12 and under.
5. If Central Valley summer temperatures are too much to bare and frequent trips to Yosemite have left you more frustrated than satisfied with a national park, try the Redwood National and State Park (RNSP) in Humboldt County. The average temperature of RNSP is 68 degrees during the months of June, July and August.
This forest is comprised of three State Parks from the 1920s and one National Park, which was established in 1968. These four parks protects 45 percent of all remaining coast redwood old-growth forests, totaling just under 39,000 acres. These tree species are the tallest and one of the most massive on earth and are quite the site to see. The parks also preserve 37 miles of pristine Northern California Coastline.
Whether you enjoy the population density of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk or the tranquility of the peaceful giant Redwood trees, take these next few months to get out and enjoy the beauty and perks of California and all it has to offer before the Fall semester.