The moment my family of four arrived at our Italian-inspired villa at The Resort at Pelican Hill along the coast in Newport Beach, California, it was clear: The pace of life is slower here. It was obvious from the outset that we wouldn’t have to lift a finger and that whatever we needed was within reach. Modeled after Venetian architecture and mirroring the Italian countryside, the resort’s property feels like a step back in time and offers an easy place to slow down. Strolling through the grounds, I felt like I was in a small village, with terracotta roofs and rustic yet luxurious buildings surrounded by olive trees and blue sky. Our family came to do nothing in particular, exactly the point of a break from school and work, and we took it seriously. 

If you’re looking for a spring break escape from the Northwest, Southern California should be on your radar. It’s an easy flight from Seattle to the many airports surrounding Los Angeles, and for outdoor-loving Pacific Northwesterners, there is plenty to do. From our gorgeous patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it’s a short drive from Pelican Hill to Crystal Cove State Park. This protected beach is home to 46 rustic cottages built in the 1930s, many of which have become vacation rentals for those looking to spend time on the sand. 

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach makes it easy to settle in, slow down, and let the day unfold.

Photo courtesy of The Resort at Pelican Hill

Golf is a big deal in this warm climate, and playing 18 holes at Pelican Hill Golf Club was a welcome change from the wet winter courses around Seattle. I especially enjoyed the second hole, a par 3, where I could wave to my family as they watched from the villa—and I happened to have my best shot of the day. While I was out golfing, my wife and kids spent time at the pool. The Coliseum Pool at the resort is the world’s largest circular pool, featuring 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles. It was a little chilly for my wife and me, but our kids didn’t mind, especially since they’re used to pools in the Northwest. 

As much as we wanted to stay at Pelican Hill, we had plans to explore more of the outdoors nearby, which brought us to Joshua Tree National Park, where we spent a few nights camping. With its endless boulders in incredible shapes and sizes, along with its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua trees, the park feels like another planet. One of the draws is the hundreds of rock-climbing routes. We had taken our 4- and 5-year-olds to a climbing gym before, but this was their first time on real rock, which felt both thrilling and a little intimidating. 

First time on real rock in Joshua Tree National Park.

Photo by David Gladish

At night, the stars in Joshua Tree—designated as an International Dark Sky Park—really pop. I had lugged a basic telescope from Seattle, which felt like a cool idea at the time, but I had trouble focusing it (turns out practicing beforehand would have been smart). Still, I spent the first night lying on our picnic table, marveling at the heavens. My kids were too exhausted to stay up long, but they caught a glimpse before falling into a deep sleep. 

Drying out in the sun feels especially good after a Seattle winter.

Photo by Peter Thomas / Unsplash

For many Seattle-area schools, spring break is right around the corner. I always find it refreshing to get out of the rain and into the sun this time of year. Many families heading to California will go to Disneyland, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But for my buck, I’d like to spend time doing something a little different. From The Resort at Pelican Hill to Joshua Tree National Park, our trip to SoCal felt memorable for its contrast. We moved from a luxurious resort to sleeping under the starts at a campsite, surrounded by natural splendor. Seeing the joy on my son’s face in the pool when something in his brain clicked and he made his first unassisted swimming strokes, was priceless. These are the moments that make getting away from home and traveling somewhere new worthwhile.