One of the benefits to attending college in Southern California is you don’t have to go far to have a traditionally “wild” spring break. It’s true, some people might choose to fly to Hawaii or Mexico for warmer waters, but other students opt to just take a short walk to the nearest beach bar. With numerous bars and music venues right in our neighborhood, the coastal area is probably one of the best places to enjoy a week off school. Here’s some fun things to do at the beach, while taking a break from school work. Rock Star Beer Festival
Those 21 and over can enjoy unlimited samples of 50 craft beers from regional and national breweries while raising money for charity on March 10 at Humphreys by the Bay (2241 Shelter Island Drive). VIP gets you in an hour early to sample 10 limited-release selections. There will also be live music from Offspring Tribute, DJs and Pop Punk Mayhem. Beach gear delivery
Family owned and operated, K-Dubs Beach Rentals is a beach gear delivery service that offers a unique deal to the beach communities and out-of-town guests by supplying surfboards, beach cruisers, sunshades, coolers and more directly to you on the beach and picks everything up when you’re done. Just order what you need at kdubsbeachrentals.com and wait. Chase the happy hour Beach House Grill features outdoor tiki bars, fire pits, cabanas and tropical palms and a “chase the sunset happy hour,” because the deals end when the sun goes down. This outdoor bar and grill, located next to the iconic Belmont Park (3125 Ocean Front Walk), opens at noon from Fridays to Sundays and is the perfect place to soak up some sun and spirits. Mario Kart tournament
It’s perhaps the best idea any bar has ever come up with. If you grew up in the ’90s, or ever owned a Nintendo 360 (which is every college student), you have every business to attend this event at Sandbar on March 12. In addition to the drink specials, the sports bar and grill (718 Ventura Place) will reward the first-place winner with a $150 gift card, second gets $75 card and third $50. Live ’80s tunes
If you’re looking for a place to chomp on nachos and sip strawberry margaritas while listening to great music, 710 Beach Club (710 Garnet Ave.) is the place to be. Said to have the “wildest late-night happy hour in PB,” this bar and grill also provides the ’80s tunes of Manic Fanatic, the reggae sounds of Ranking Joe and other live band line-ups from 9 a.m. till 2 a.m. March 9-10. Line dancing
During the weeks of March 6 and 13, the bar and concert venue Moonshine Beach (1165 Garnet Ave.) will offer line dancing lessons and $5 drinks on Fridays, Saturdays and taco Tuesdays. The lessons last from 7 to 10 p.m. and then DJs and dancing until close. Hookah lounging Chandeliers hanging from ceilings dressed in scarlet fabric and vintage sofas already set a relaxing mood in the Shangri-La Hookah Lounge (1140 Garnet Ave). Coupled with a pineapple bowl and happy hour drink specials, it’s the perfect setting to kick up your heels and take a breather from the beach. Bar games
A multi-level entertainment complex with five indoor/outdoor bars, 38 TVs and Baja-inspired food fresh, Mavericks’ daily beach party pays homage to California’s infectious beach and surf culture. With a dog-friendly patio, and outdoor games like Jenga and corn hole, plus live music, this beach club (860 Garnet Ave.) offers the full, happy-go-lucky spring break experience. Old school The Beachcomber (2901 Mission Blvd.) has been around since the ’40s and offers weekly events for those “old souls,” such as Bingo Mondays, Trivia Tuesdays and Waikiki Wednesdays where everyone dresses in their best grass skirts for the party. The Mission Beach pub also has Live Music Sundays with a dance floor in the middle of the watering hole where guests can cut loose. Sports gear bargains
From surfboards to snow gear, Play it Again Sports (1401 Garnet Ave.) buys and sells used bikes, skates, soccer balls, beach game equipment and more. No need to bring volleyball equipment to Pacific Beach, just buy an affordable set here. They even have inexpensive fitness equipment for those who want to wake up early for a morning beach work-out.
