Spring Break is just a few days away, but don’t fret if you’re staying on campus – here are five nearby activities to check out, spanning from gaming to getting outdoors! This list goes from closest to furthest distance from Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) while maintaining a student-friendly budget no matter the activity.
Sanctuary Rock Climbing and Fitness (1760 Fremont Blvd D2, Seaside, CA 93955)
Coming in at the shortest distance from campus, Sanctuary Rock Climbing and Fitness is just an eight-minute drive from CSUMB. Originally opened in 1996 and facing some challenges with location and Covid closures, the Sanctuary Rock Climbing and Fitness center is happy to be reopened with the nickname “Sanctuary 3.0.” With over 10,000 square feet of space for various activities like aerial arts, yoga, a cliff wall, a weight room, a tread wall, an LED moon board and more, it’s definitely worth checking out with a pal this spring break. Be sure to bring your student ID for a discount, and check out their website for up-to-date info on discount days and freebies for plus ones!
Recycled Records (604 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940)
Located 13 minutes from campus in the Lighthouse district of downtown Monterey, Recycled Records is your one stop shop for new pressings, used vinyls, CDs and DVDs. Owned by two Monterey locals, this historic shop has been around since 1975. So if you’re an avid collector or just hoping to score some nostalgic tunes for a good price, this may be a place to check out over break.
2 Player Arcade Shop (398 Foam St. Suite A., Monterey, CA, 93940)
Also located 13 minutes away, the 2 Player Arcade Shop is a perfect haven for any gamer or group of gamers to hang out and play games from throughout the decades. With gaming options spanning from retro arcade games to tabletop air hockey and ping pong, board games or a lounge where you can choose a console to hop on and play with some friends, this could be a great gaming getaway to get out of the dorm room boredom. Specializing in repairs and refurbishing of old or broken consoles, this is also a great place to check out if you are in need of repairs and want a fun place to hang out while it’s being fixed.
Point Lobos Reservation (Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923)
For our outdoor lovers looking for a chance to get into some of the beauty around campus, Point Lobos Reservation is a stunning and versatile location to explore. Described as “the crown jewel of the California State Park System,” it’s only a 20-minute drive from campus. Offering a number of hikes and even a scuba location, this could be an amazing spot for any marine biology majors or newly scuba-certified students to venture to this break!
Big Sur Land Trust (509 Hartnell Street, Monterey, CA 93940)
Rounding out the list with the furthest destination, the Big Sur Land Trust, is a 45-minute drive from campus, but worth the trek. With a mission statement “to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, [and give] access to outdoor experiences for all,” Big Sur Land Trust is a must-see for anyone calling Monterey their home. Offering three different hiking trails, Marks Ranch, Mitteldorf Preserve and Glen Deven Ranch, this location could easily fill up a few days’ worth of your break with nature exploration. For more information on safety, hours and waivers, check out the website.