Nothing brings out the feeling of wanderlust in us quite like spring. We can’t say for sure whether that’s because the days are getting longer and warmer or if it’s the fact that the kids have school vacation coming up, so the time to plan a trip is now. Either way, spring has sprung, and we’re here for it. And we’re also here for you with a list of some of our favorite spring travel locations.
We have suggestions for hitting up the desert when the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is still reasonable, as well as some excellent mountain spots to make the most of spring skiing. If your idea of the perfect vacation involves not leaving your amenities-heavy resort or looks more like living life as a local, keep reading for some perfect options. If you prefer your vacations with a side of active adventures, there’s plenty below to scratch that itch, too. And if distance makes a difference, we’ve got you covered with choices that include heading down to Mexico or staying closer to home — and we mean, like, really close to home. As is, you don’t actually have to leave the city for a good time. That’s the beauty of living in San Diego after all! So, get ready to celebrate spring with whatever kind of trip sounds best for you. We’re here to help figure out the planning, so all you’ve got to do is pack your bags.
Cross Border Xpress
Making a trip to Mexico has never been easier thanks to Cross Border Xpress, a pedestrian bridge that provides fast, seamless, and convenient access to Tijuana’s International Airport. You simply check-in from San Diego, then walk over the bridge to Mexican customs to catch your flight—totally skipping the time and stress that comes with a traditional border crossing process. And since the Tijuana airport has the most connections of any airport in Mexico, you can use Cross Border Xpress for trips anywhere from Cancun to Mexico City.
La Quinta Resort & Club
Everything you need for the ultimate desert getaway you’ll find at La Quinta Resort & Club. Unwind with a flight of wine and massage at a world-class spa, play a round of golf at a PGA West course, or relax at one of its 42(!!) different pools, either by wading in the water or lounging in a private cabana. The resort, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, features three on-site restaurants, serving everything from contemporary American to authentic Mexican cuisine, and there’s stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains all around.
Death Valley Natural History Association
Yes, DeathValley is busy in springtime, but crowds are there for good reason: This is the only time you can see the park’s wildflowers in full bloom. Spring is also the perfect season to hit the trails by foot or on a mountain bike before the weather gets too hot. But if you happen to visit on a particularly warm day, you can take a scenic (and air conditioned) drive to Dante’s View for spectacular panoramic views of desert landscapes, mountains, and salt flats.
Mammoth Lakes Mountain Club
If the start of spring reminds you that, as San Diegans, we never really get to experience winter, why not sneak away to the mountains for the weekend-or even a week? At Mammoth Lakes Mountain Club, the town’s newest private ski and social club, Ikon passes and private parking access make it easy to maximize time on the slopes, while a refined private lounge and an all-day bar offer the perfect haven for ski-tired muscles.
Drift Hotels
We love all four of Drift Hotels’ locations for their boutique feel and emphasis on authentic travel experiences, but we’re particularly keen on the Palm Springs spot this time of year. The hotel’s style is fully California cool meets mid-century modern minimalism, which is exactly what we want for our desert vacation. The complimentary beach cruisers make exploring downtown fun and convenient, but the expansive pool complete with cocktails, cabanas, and priceless views sort of makes us never want to leave the property. Grab a bite at Maleza or try some of their rare mezcal and tequila selection.
Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center
If the sunny weather has you feeling ready to dance, head east for the Magical Mystery Campout, a Beatles tribute fair at De Anza Springs Resort hosted by Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center. On April 4–5, spend your days hiking desert trails and making s’mores, then rock out under the stars to 20 different Beatles tribute bands for a weekend that feels equal parts festival and camping trip.
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Studio S
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
Vi at La Jolla Village – Senior Living in the Heart of Everything
At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Growing up, Laika Nur, MD, Scripps Clinic sports medicine specialist, loved watching beach volleyball when the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour came to her hometown of Chicago. A talented volleyball player herself, she remembers sitting in the stands all day, and once, even got a couple autographs. Years later, Dr. Nur was attending a professional event focused on women’s sports, and the discussion turned to a new professional women’s volleyball league. The general manager and coaching staff for San Diego’s team, the Mojo, happened to be in attendance, and Dr. Nur took the opportunity to ask them if they needed a team doctor. Flash forward to the Mojo’s inaugural 2024 season, when Dr. Nur officially became the team physician. Click here to read more about Dr. Nur and how she incorporates lessons she learned on the court into her practice.
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Your feet and ankles probably aren’t something you give much thought to—until something goes wrong. Orthopedic surgeons at Scripps Clinic are on the leading edge of foot and ankle reconstruction, treating patients with sports injuries, deformities, traumatic injuries and other conditions. That includes repairing torn Achilles tendons with a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks the incision site to less than a centimeter, and performing advanced ankle replacement on some patients with ankle arthritis. Read more about Scripps’ innovations in foot and ankle care here.
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Mai Vue was just 34 weeks pregnant when she delivered her baby. Her pregnancy had been complicated, and she’d had a recent second trimester pregnancy loss, which led to her receiving specialized care from Sean Daneshmand, MD, a Scripps Clinic perinatologist who oversees high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Daneshmand and his team took care of Mai during her pregnancy, through the birth of her healthy baby girl and beyond. Mai was part of a program Scripps launched to provide support to new moms in the weeks and months after delivery. The postpartum program, known as Scripps Health’s Fourth Trimester Continuum of Care, provides care for women with high-risk pregnancies to optimize their health after childbirth and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies. Click here to learn more.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
It’s estimated that one in five people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. When you factor in living in a sun-soaked city like San Diego and the outdoorsy lifestyle that comes with it, that figure can jump to as high as one in three, which makes early detection and intervention all the more important. Dermatologists at Bighorn Mohs and Dermatology Center are using innovative imaging methods and advanced surgical techniques to diagnose and treat skin cancer. For certain cancers in sensitive spots, like the face, dermatologists perform Mohs surgery, removing skin tissue layer by layer until reaching healthy, cancer-free tissue. They also use a process called immunohistochemistry to view tissue samples taken during Mohs surgery in far greater detail than previous methods. Read more about how Scripps is advancing skin cancer care here.
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When endurance athlete Isaac Sanchez learned he had cancer, he felt blindsided. He was healthy, surfed often and was training for an Ironman triathlon. But he had to put that on hold to undergo treatment. His physicians at Scripps Cancer Center developed a plan to treat the cancer in his tonsil and lymph nodes that included six-and-a-half weeks of near-daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy. He also worked with a Scripps Cancer Center dietitian to enhance his nutrition to promote strength and healing. Today, Isaac’s back to doing what he loves. Read more of his story here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
