Spring break isn’t just for party-minded college students. For those of us drawn to the scientific world, it’s a great opportunity to recharge AND feed our intellectual curiosity. Whether you’re an engineer who appreciates architectural marvels or a scientist who loves exploring natural phenomena, these destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
Silicon Valley Tech Tour – California, USA
Visit the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, drive by the iconic headquarters of Google, Apple, and Meta, and explore the innovation districts. The Bay Area also offers stunning hiking opportunities and world-class cuisine for when you need a break from technology.
Must Visit: The Tech Interactive in San Jose offers hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technologies including robotics, bioengineering, and materials science demonstrations.
CERN – Geneva, Switzerland
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) offers tours of the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. Spring in Switzerland also means comfortable temperatures for exploring Geneva’s beautiful lake and mountain landscapes.
Science Fact: The World Wide Web was invented at CERN by Tim Berners-Lee, making this destination significant for both physics and computer science enthusiasts.
The National Parks Engineering Marvels – Southwestern USA
Visit the engineering wonders of the American Southwest including Hoover Dam near Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Combine these with the natural wonders of Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks for a trip that merges human achievement with geological marvels spanning millions of years.
Engineering Highlight: Hoover Dam’s concrete would build a highway from New York to San Francisco, and its hydroelectric generators produce enough power for 1.3 million people.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park – New Jersey, USA
Visit the laboratory complex where Edison and his team developed everything from the phonograph to the motion picture camera. With over 400,000 artifacts, it’s a treasure trove for anyone interested in invention and innovation. The surrounding area offers charming towns and easy access to New York City.
Innovation Connection: Edison’s approach to collaborative invention created the model for modern corporate research and development that companies like Apple Rubber continue to follow today.
The Materials Science Pilgrimage – Pennsylvania, USA
Visit the birthplace of modern materials science at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Tour the Carnegie Science Center and the Steel Industry Heritage sites. The city’s renaissance from industrial powerhouse to technology hub mirrors the evolution many engineers experience in their careers.
Rubber Connection: For Apple Rubber employees especially, the polymer science departments at these universities have contributed significantly to advancements in elastomer technology that inform our product development.
The perfect spring break combines relaxation with intellectual stimulation. These destinations offer both, allowing you to return to work refreshed and inspired. Whether you’re designing custom o-rings at Apple Rubber or working on the next breakthrough in your field, taking time to explore how others have solved complex problems can spark new approaches to your own challenges.