The semester is halfway over at California State University, Stanislaus, and spring break is right around the corner.  It’s time to put away that video game you’ve been playing during lecture and get outside.  Being conveniently located in the Central Valley, there isn’t much you can’t do within a three hour drive.
Go explore the outdoors
If hiking is the love of your life, Yosemite Village is only about two and a half hours away and has plenty to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. Yosemite has more than 800 miles of trails of both paved thoroughfares where you are never out of reach of a restaurant and remote paths that allow quality time with nature.
Yosemite is also home to the tallest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls. This waterfall cascades a total of 2,425 feet before plunging into the granite rocks below.
Catch some rays at the beach
After a stressful week of midterms and papers, sometimes the best medication is to listen to the sounds of the ocean and feel the sand between your toes. Half Moon Bay, located just under two hours away, offers a wide variety of public and private attractions.
After reading a book at the beach, take a stroll through the historic downtown, home to numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants and other businesses.  Local beaches and parks can be accessed by pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians.
Go fishing
Stanislaus and Tuolumne County have multiple fishing holes and campgrounds to enjoy during spring break. Turlock Lake is a great place to go fishing close to home, but to get away from it all, try New Melones Reservoir between Jamestown and Angels Camp off Highway 108.
Another popular lake is Don Pedro Reservoir, near Moccasin off Highway 49. Though both of these lakes are only an hour away, they are far enough to feel like a full vacation rather than a quick trip.
Mountain biking
For an intense workout, try mountain biking at Glory Hole trail near Angels Camp.  At one and a half hours away, you could go tear up the terrain with your friends and still be home in time for dinner.
There are only 20 miles of rideable terrain at Glory Hole, but the challenges of riding the single-path switchbacks down the side of a cliff test even the most advanced riders. For a closer and more convenient ride, try the Dry Creek Trail near downtown Modesto. This paved pathway is popular with many people walking, running, skating and biking. The trail is about four and a half miles long and is great for pets accompanied and young’uns.
Go skydiving
You can experience the world’s highest tandem jump at 18,000 feet while overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay in Marina for $259. This freefall gives you 90 seconds to think about how to pull the string of your parachute. At two and a half hours away, you won’t even have to get a hotel for this adventure, unless you pass out during the jump.
With so much to do so close to home, there’s no excuse for being a couch potato this spring break. So set your Xbox controller aside and get going!