Hey fellow Arizonians! Staying local this year? Feeling the vibe of a broke college student? (I feel) No need to fret! With these ideas below, you can find one which works for you! No need to skip out on the fun this spring break! Everyone deserves a relaxing, fun and memorable spring break especially after the stress and anxiety which comes with midterms and grades. Here are some tried and guaranteed to please, mini-vacay ideas for your ultimate staying-local spring break 2018! Grab your car keys (or get a friend who has a car, offer to pay for gas) and a jamming playlist, the fun is just about to begin!
1. Gilbert, Arizona
So many fun things to do here! Perfect for day trip with less than an hour from Phoenix! Cool places to go to here:
-The Soda Shop- Make your own sodas and even floats! Cheap and fun!
-Golfland Sunsplash- Fun waterpark! Great for these upcoming warmer days!
-Discover Park- Great park for a walk and a picnic! Pretty water views!
2. Ikea
Two locations: Tempe and Glendale Back home, I would consider this a mini-vacation. Great food (one word: meatballs)! Walk around and pretend you are decorating your brand-new apartment. Looking for plants? Ikea has man options from succulents to mini trees. These make great dorm accessories and can create a better air quality for your room.
3. Fossil Creek, Camp Verde
Fossil Creek is a popular favorite around here! With beautiful waterfalls and hikes, it makes a perfect vacation spot and even better spring break spot! Go for the day or even the weekend with your friends! Only 6 bucks to get in! Bring your swimsuits for this fun spring break excursion! Swimming holes here have been known to be outstanding.
4. Castles n Coasters
Going to Castles n Coasters always is a fun time. Perfect for a day! Grab a couple friends and go on rides including: bumper cars, desert storm (pictured) roller coaster and even golf! Fun for everyone! Only 15 minutes from GCU!
5. Malls
Arizona has the best malls, (not biased at all, I swear) with Scottsdale Fashion Square and Biltmore Fashion Park located less than 45 minutes from campus, with hundreds of stores between them, you have many options including these favorites: -Sprinkles Cupcakes- basically a vending machine for cupcakes! -Creamistry- ice cream made using nitrogen! -Harkins movie theatre, Johnny Rockets (cheap and good food), Disney Store and more!
6. Hikes
Another day vacation idea! Get your workout and vacay in one! Go in the morning for a gorgeous sunrise ‘gram or in the evening for a beautiful sunset one! Honorable mentions: -Camelback mountain -Whitetank mountain
7. Vegas
Only 4 hours away! Go see the fountain show in front of the Bellagio, grab some donuts at the best donut voted donuts in all of Nevada at PinkBox Donuts! Walk down the strip at night, visit the famous Pawn Stars Pawn Shop and see the church where Rachel and Ross got married.
8. Treehouse Airbnb
Located in Sedona. Rent a treehouse with some friends! Split the costs! For more info visit the site: http://www.foresthousesresort.com/index.php/rates-information
9. The Grand Canyon
Perfect day trip or even weekend trip! Pass is $30 for a week access. Hike and enjoy the amazing sights! Dress warmly! It can become chilly especially once the sun sets. Drive time: less than 4 hours from Phoenix.