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I thought June 16- 19th would be a good time to take a solo road trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park to avoid crowds and do some hiking. It's a 4 hour drive for me to get there and I don't want to do all that driving and end up not really being able to do much. I don't own snowshoes or chains, nor do I want to. [more inside]
posted by firemonkey around Shasta County, CA at 2:40 PM - 8 answers

I'm from LA. Because I really don't want to dox myself more than I already have, let's say I was born and bred on the west side, and when the area code split happened my home phone was 310, but very close to the 213 border. We'll be staying in my childhood home. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone around Los Angeles, CA at 3:51 PM - 19 answers

I’m flying into LA for work on Sunday and staying for the week, driving around downtown. I don’t understand the weather going on in LA right now. Should I still go? What should I do to prepare for the trip? [more inside]
posted by inevitability around Los Angeles, CA at 8:07 PM - 5 answers

AirBnB/VRBO seem to have cluttered up wine country estate listings and many older standbys have closed down. What are some good winery estates with onsite lodging? Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by JaneTheGood around San Francisco, CA at 10:32 AM - 5 answers

I'm from the Bay Area and grew up going to San Francisco, so I'm familiar with some things, but there are tons of other things I haven't explored. I have the whole weekday to myself this week, and I've never done a solo trip to SF before. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by yueliang around San Francisco, CA at 1:30 PM - 9 answers

For a weekend in San Diego in early March what should we expect for weather THIS year? Asking for hunches from SoCal resident types instead of relying on averages from Google. [more inside]
posted by ojocaliente around San Diego, CA at 8:52 AM - 8 answers

Quick overnight trip from Oakland with cycling - how do I do this. [more inside]
posted by fieldtrip around San Francisco, CA at 9:40 PM - 13 answers

What mobile provider is best for a short-term stay in and around Stanford, California? [more inside]
posted by vernondalhart around California at 1:57 PM - 10 answers

I’m planning a family trip to San Diego in April, just after Easter. We want to see the zoo and Legoland. Looking for tips and advice on hotels, transportation, and tickets. (Family is two adults and a 7-year-old traveling from Austin.) [more inside]
posted by erloteiel around San Diego, CA at 12:10 PM - 10 answers

I'm wondering about feedback on a list of places to visit around Los Angeles (included on the more inside). Is there anything you would give a strong thumbs up to or say to skip, since we won't be able to do all of it? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp around Los Angeles, CA at 3:56 PM - 23 answers

I want to visit some giant sequoias but I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I want to go at a time of year when air quality is decent, when it's not too hot but not too cold, but it's also not terribly crowded and difficult to find accommodations. These might not all be possible at the same time. I really want to see General Sherman, but other giant tree goals are flexible. [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi around California at 8:50 AM - 14 answers

I'm staying at Stanford University for a few days next week - I will be at a loose end while my wife is at a conference. I'm planning to go into SF as well while I'm there. I have been to SF before but not since the late 90s. Looking for some recommendations to see - more details inside. [more inside]
posted by crocomancer around San Francisco, CA at 9:37 AM - 13 answers

I often have to visit San Francisco for errands. After completing the errand I used to enjoy having a nice meal, but because of reasons I can only do that at places that have actual-dactual patios, not the "tables on the sidewalk" setup, preferably with heaters. Suitable places are really hard for me to find though and last time I was there I just had to slink home hungry because I couldn't find a single place to eat. Could you suggest some places I could try? [more inside]
posted by bleep around San Francisco, CA at 12:08 PM - 11 answers

I have 4 hours to kill before my flight home in LA tomorrow Saturday. Staying at the airport. Would like to go somewhere and do a thing before being trapped on the plane for 6 hours. Dont want to go more than a 30 minute drive away. Any suggestions?
posted by edbles around Los Angeles, CA at 6:58 AM - 15 answers

Traveling for the first time in 2 1/2 years, and heading to the Bay Area for the first time in 3 1/2 years. I'll have most of a weekend solo to sightsee, relax, and be pampered. Since it's been so long since I've been, what are the things that are on your can't miss list? [more inside]
posted by hijinx around San Francisco, CA at 7:13 AM - 12 answers

I usually plan my vacations further in advance than this, but an opportunity came up to stay with family out in California -- flight arrives in California on 9/1 and departs 9/6. What should I do with my limited holiday weekend time there? [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta around Los Angeles, CA at 6:51 PM - 7 answers

(LA Filter) Angelenos: I'm gonna need to get from the Valley to LAX at around 2:30am on a weekday. What's my best option? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa around Los Angeles, CA at 8:34 AM - 20 answers

Next week (8/15-8/19) I will be traveling along the northern California coast, and I am looking for two things, between Mendocino and Eureka: 1. The best antique shop, specifically for someone who is in the process of remodeling their Victorian home. 2. The best vintage shop, specifically for someone (11yo girl) who is obsessed with "old timey" clothes. Yelp reviews are all over the place, so I would appreciate personal suggestions. Thanks!
posted by sacrifix around Humboldt County, CA at 11:31 AM - 1 answer

What are your favorite old-school donuts in the Valley? Specifically in Sherman Oaks / Van Nuys / NoHo? I'm not looking for cereal-crusted monstrosities I have to eat with a fork, just basic glazed donuts, maple bars, and fritters. Thanks!
posted by uncleozzy around Los Angeles, CA at 11:24 AM - 13 answers

A newly out trans relative of mine will be in the Bay Area on vacation and he is looking for activities that he can connect with as a trans person. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Toddles around San Francisco, CA at 8:38 AM - 8 answers