Now that midterms have come to an end and college students are looking to put anything school related to the side and just have fun, it only seems appropriate to list off a few fun things they can do this spring break.

The best part about living in Southern California is the miles upon miles of beach that we’re so lucky to see. Maybe it is a twenty minute drive, but at least it is close enough.

As the week of relaxation approaches, college students try to put together a plan for how to spend their break. Whether it is spending every day at the beach, working, or attending a vacation they planned months in advance with their closest friends or family, spring break is a recess from all the craziness the semester brings students and it reminds them to live their lives as well.

For some students, working seems to be the biggest option of their spring break. Amy Delaplane, 20-year-old child development major, says she will be working for most of her break, while still trying to have fun.

“I recommend going to the beach,” said Delaplane. “I like Balboa Island a lot, also check out Huntington Beach.”

Although students may have to work, some are able to balance work and a social life. For Delaplane, she plans to go to Disneyland.

• Disneyland is a place where magic happens. The perfect tourist attraction, if you love everything Disney, then it is the place for you. They have Downtown Disney, fun rides, food galore, fireworks, and you can even get a park hopper and check out California Adventure, just to name a few fun things.

• Newport Beach and Balboa Island. Here you can take the ferry across to explore both sides of the island. There are also many shops, a ferris wheel, kayak and paddle board rentals, and many restaurants.

According to California State University Northridge student Morgan DiLallo, 22-year-old art and photography major, Newport is a great place to watch the surfers and to enjoy the clean water at the beach.

DiLallo gave some insight on other fun places to check out as well.

“Long Beach Aquarium is a fun place to go on the weekend to interact with the sea animals and then walk around the harbor afterwards,” said DiLallo. “Paradise Cove is a great place to go get lunch and then take your drink to lounge on the beach.”

Speaking of beaches, Santa Monica is a great place to check out as well. According to DiLallo, it is perfect for shopping and going to the pier to ride the ferris wheel or get Dippin’ Dots to take on your walk down the pier.

There is also Venice Beach, which is perfect for entertainment. DiLallo recommends going to the Venice canals for a change in scenery.

Other beaches that college students can check out are:

• El Matador
• Pismo Beach
• Santa Barbara
• Point Dume
• Surf Rider

Students can grab their friends and enjoy a fun day just soaking up the sun. For Morgan Davidson, 20-year-old, child psychology major at Moorpark College, El Matador is one of her favorites

“I like the beaches that are a little more hidden,” said Davidson. “That’s why I like El Matador. That’s still a really nice one.”

Some students are taking their spring break out of the state and country. For Samir Rivera-Hawita, 21-year-old pre-med major, he is going to be traveling to Louisiana and China to visit family.

Rivera-Hawita said that if you want to do something you should just go and do it.

“What matters most is that you’re having fun,” said Rivera-Hawita. “Whatever comes to mind. I like the free-schedule approach.”

Even though spring break allows students to do something fun, the one thing they all seem to be excited about is sleeping in and being able to see people they haven’t seen in a long time, according to Rivera-Hawita.

“I think students should do whatever appeals to them,” said DiLallo. “Some people work so hard going to school full time and work that they just want to relax and do nothing at home, which is great. Then there are the ambitious people who’ll actually go to Cabo or Cancun on their break which is also fantastic!”

So if you are planning to work to earn a little cash, explore the local beaches, or take a trip, there is something for every college student out there. Just be sure to not work so hard that you forget to have fun.

For more fun places to explore over spring break, check out http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-spring-break-2015-destinations-near-los-angeles-for-college-students/

Enjoy your break!