Best spring break getaway for families? This California ‘rugged gem’ made the top 10
Searching for a spring vacation destination that isn’t crowded?
A California town was named one of the best alternative spring break escapes, according to Mixbook.
The photo book website recently released its list of the top 10 peaceful spring break destinations for families in 2025 — and Cambria landed the No. 3 spot.
The Central Coast community is “the kind of spot where you can sit on a bluff, watch the waves roll in, and feel like the rest of the world’s a million miles away — no crowds, no chaos, just the good stuff,” Mixbook said in a Feb. 27 article.
Cambria was the only Golden State destination to land a spot on the site’s list.
Why is Cambria among best peaceful spots for family vacations?
Cambria, a scenic San Luis Obispo County town of just over 6,000 people, nabbed third place on Mixbook’s list due to its stunning coastal views, family-friendly attitude and easy access to nature, the website said.
The photo book site called the seaside town “a little rugged gem tucked along California’s Central Coast” where visitors have a chance to immerse themselves “in the raw beauty” of the landscape.
Mixbook said the town is a place where families can find peace as well as ample opportunities to explore activities in the vicinity.
“Families love wandering the boardwalk, hunting for smooth stones or taking a short drive to Hearst Castle (in San Simeon), where you can gawk at opulence carved into the hills,” Mixbook said. “The vibe is laid-back but alive, with cozy cafes and trails that wind through forests of Monterey pines.”
It’s not the first time Cambria has earned attention as a top vacation spot.
Smithsonian magazine named the cozy coastal hamlet one of the best small towns to visit in 2022, and TemporaryDumpster.com ranked Cambria among the most Instagrammable towns in the United States in 2024.
Where are top 10 destinations for spring break travel?
Here are the top 10 destinations for families looking for a quiet spring break haven in the United States, according to Mixbook:
Sanibel Island, Florida
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Cambria
North Padre Island, Texas
Laughlin, Nevada
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Avery Island & Cajun Country, Louisiana
Wickenburg, Arizona
Dauphin Island, Alabama
Grand Isle, Louisiana
How did Mixbook come up with its rankings?
Mixbook came up with its list by surveying more than 3,000 people about their spring break habits and expectations.
The site asked respondents about their favorite spring break spots for families, their biggest frustrations during trips and what they prioritize when traveling with children.
“Quiet coastal towns led the pack, with 30% of those surveyed favoring these over the better-known, busier vacation spots,” followed by national parks and nature reserves, Mixbook said in a news release.
