Would you look at that! It’s already our next three-day break: Veterans Day weekend! Veterans Day offers students a rest amid the pre-Thanksgiving push. We recommend you take this opportunity to get the heck out of Berkeley. Unfortunately, unlike last year, the University of Southern California game is not conveniently on Veterans Day weekend, nor is it an away game, so you do not have the opportunity to go hang out with friends in Los Angeles. This frees you up to explore this wonderfully curated list of potential trips to take — hopefully you have a friend with a car.

Have a cozy beach day at Kehoe Beach in Point Reyes.

This rustic beach is worth the drive. It’s quiet and features rugged cliffs and an infinite coastline. There is a bit of a walk from the trailhead to the beach, so pack comfortable shoes. Keep your eyes peeled for tide pools and sea anemones. If you’re feeling in the mood to treat yourself, stop at Palace Market for its super rich, super yummy buffalo milk soft serve or head across the street to Point Reyes Books to grab a book or three. 

Go to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

Enjoy a warm tea on a foggy day at the Japanese Tea Garden. Not only is the Japanese Tea Garden the oldest Japanese garden in the United States, but it also features koi ponds and a 105-story pagoda. Get lost on the winding paths, and take a picture on the Drum Bridge. Admission is $9, and make sure to go early because it closes 5:45 p.m.

Go last minute to a music festival.

Veterans Day weekend is a hotbed of Southern California music festivals, so if you’re feeling crazy and have some spare money in the bank then take your pick! There is Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, featuring Tyler, the Creator, Solange and BROCKHAMPTON. The other big music festival this weekend is Tropicalia in Pomona, Calif., which features Kali Uchis, Still Woozy and Omar Apollo.

Go to Monterey Bay Aquarium.

A classic road trip destination is Monterey Bay Aquarium. Situated just two hours south of Berkeley, there is no funk the otters at the aquarium cannot pull you out of. Get inspired by nature and the wacky sea creatures featured in the aquarium. Hit the Splash Zone to get your hands wet and touch some starfish.

We hope that this list inspires you to explore somewhere new this Veterans Day weekend!