It’s a three-day weekend, and that means one extra day to hang out with friends, party or just relax. An extended weekend also means there’s time to explore areas outside of San Diego and even California. Below are some Web sites and phone numbers that will help in planning the perfect and most spontaneous getaway ever. Think of it as a mini Spring Break before the stress of final papers, tests and graduation hits everyone like a ton of bricks.

LAS VEGAS

Sin City is less than five hours away, so why not pack up a suitcase with a cute cocktail dress or sharp suit and head out to the city that never rests. There’s great hotel deals at www.vegas.com, or if you are feeling really cheap, check into the USA hostel (www.usahostels.com) located on the historic Fremont Street. For as low as $15 per night you can hang out with other budget travelers and enjoy a free all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.

HIT THE SLOPES

Winter came late this year, and although the snow was less than par the first half of the season, recent turn of events have helped keep the mountains, both southern and northern, white for a few more weeks.

Check out these respective Web sites to get lift ticket rates, operating hours and driving directions.

?Bear Mountain- www.bearmountain.com

?Snow Summit – www.snowsummit.com

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain lift tickets are interchangeable, allowing snowboarders and skiers to experience both resorts in one day. If a full day on the slopes isn’t enough to satisfy the most energetic snow bunny, check out the parks’ night sessions.

?Mountain High – www.mthigh.com.

Mountain High is also open nights. For reasonably low prices you can show off your skills in the dark. Night sessions start at 5 p.m. and go until the mountain closes at10 p.m.

?Mount Baldy – www.mtbaldy.com

Mt. Baldy’s Web site claims that the mountain is the largest and steepest in Southern California – all the more reason to grab your board and get up to the slopes.

And for those adventurous souls who really want to get out of Southern California for the weekend, Lake Tahoe and its many mountains as well Mammoth Mountain are all up and running.

Check out:

www.mammothmountain.com

www.skilaketahoe.com

NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH

San Diego has something for everyone, and when you live in paradise it’s easy to forget there is a world outside county lines. Make a weekend of it and visit some of these areas that definitely still have that chill Southern Californian vibe. Day trips to Venice Beach, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive or Santa Monica promise quality shopping and great people watching.

?Disneyland – Does the happiest place on earth even need an introduction? You are never too old to ride Big Thunder Railroad or have your picture taken with Mickey Mouse. Discount park tickets are available at the San Diego State box office located in the Aztec Center. Go to www.disney.go.com for more information.

?Magic Mountain – For those seeking bigger thrills, make the drive up to Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif. Discount tickets are available on campus. Go to www.sixflags.com for more information.

NEIGHBORS TO THE SOUTH

Spring is here and so is the weather. SDSU may have had an early break but that doesn’t mean other college students aren’t getting ready to party.

Many energetic co-eds are traveling south of the border for a weekend of drinking, dancing and other forms of fun in the sun. Rosarito, only a quick cab ride from the U.S.-Mexican border and Ensenada, a 70-mile trek, offers young revelers miles of beaches and numerous clubs and bars.

Check out www.enjoyensenada.com or www.rosarito.org for more information on hotels and local attractions.