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A couple weeks ago I reserved a hotel for two nights in Santa Cruz for this weekend so my 13-year-old son and I could check out the beach and boardwalk. #StayTheFuckHome? [more inside]
posted by Arthur Vandelay around Santa Cruz, CA at 5:07 PM - 13 answers

Hey ya'll, I've told my boss I have to get some required training in California during the first week of March. Training is in Mission Viejo, but I've booked my hotel in Laguna Beach (because fuck yeah sunsets on the beach for six nights). I have some questions. [more inside]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints around Laguna Beach, CA at 7:57 AM - 9 answers

We're heading to southern California this summer, and we're pricing out various attractions and events. We're skipping Disneyland because of the price, and the crowds. LEGO Land is a must, but summer tickets are almost as expensive as Disneyland. Does anyone have suggestions on how to cut that cost? More details below. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief around Los Angeles, CA at 11:45 AM - 13 answers

Planning a weeklong trip to LA to see family and friends, and trying to stay in one place while there, hopefully central to the many places we'll be visiting. Difficulty level: reluctant drivers with young kids in tow. [more inside]
posted by BespokePuppet around Los Angeles, CA at 6:40 PM - 8 answers

I'll be departing SFO. I can't find the answer on official sites. Unofficially, it's $5, payable by cash or debit card. Is that true in 2020?
posted by Homer42 around San Francisco, CA at 10:34 AM - 2 answers

Had a long list the first time we visited but having a hard time coming up with more! [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar around Los Angeles, CA at 5:25 PM - 11 answers

We will be in LA at the end of August with our 8 year old and looking for things to do. We already have 3 days at Disney, a day or so at Griffith park, day at the beach, studio tour and probably brunch at magic castle. What am I missing? Any fairs or festivals end of August?
posted by UMDirector around Los Angeles, CA at 9:03 AM - 6 answers

I guess it's going to snow in Gorman today. Do I need to plan to take an alternate route around the Grapevine? [more inside]
posted by baptismal around Los Angeles, CA at 7:29 AM - 4 answers

I'm trying to take a day trip by car in northern California to get to the mountains tomorrow, on 12/1/19. It looks like the roads are closed to Tahoe and Yosemite and/or winter storms are coming. Where can I go to take a long drive with a beautiful girl? Looking for natural beauty at it's finest. [more inside]
posted by nurgle around California at 9:03 PM - 3 answers

We are a family that only gets to take a trip every couple years (so I have lots of pressure to make it great!). I am planning on taking my family to California in April or June 2020 for 10 days. They've never been and last time I was there I was staying in the back of a '79 Celica. I really want to see the best of California. What would you say we shouldn't miss? [more inside]
posted by beccaj around California at 4:32 PM - 17 answers

My spouse and I are flying to LAX on Wednesday morning. We'll meet up with family that evening in Long Beach, and are free the whole day. It looks like the trip from LAX->Long Beach will take 90 minutes via public transit. While we're making our way south, are there neighborhoods or spots we could visit that are close to public transit (or a quick rideshare from LAX/Long Beach)? [more inside]
posted by rogerroger around Los Angeles, CA at 4:56 PM - 11 answers

Headed to LA for a concert at the Forum & wondering if there is a funky, cool, diverse neighborhood to stay in? Was thinking Koreatown or Downtown but not sure how much of a pain it will be to get to the venue (will not have car, will likely Lyft to the show). [more inside]
posted by tinymojo around Los Angeles, CA at 10:23 AM - 8 answers

So... what should I do when I'm in LA next month? [more inside]
posted by Green With You around Los Angeles, CA at 9:01 AM - 16 answers

We're road-tripping from NorCal to Ventura for a family event next month. Anything fun to do with a 4 year old in Ventura proper? [more inside]
posted by vunder around Ventura, CA at 3:08 PM - 3 answers

My wife and I would like to take a long weekend after a business trip to San Francisco in January. We'll be going Thursday to Monday. We like natural beauty, redwood groves, spas, good food and drinks, and nice hotels. We're willing to splurge. Where should we go?
posted by david1230 around California at 7:35 AM - 14 answers

I am looking for a travel booster seat for my daughter, who is 4 years old and 40" tall, but is still only 35 pounds. Ideally it would be something that could be carried around comfortably for a whole day of walking. (US, California) [more inside]
posted by insoluble uncertainty around California at 6:20 PM - 9 answers

Assuming the normal range of conditions, can you drive from Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake around New Year in a regular city vehicle like a Prius? What's the likelihood you'd need to use chains? What are the chances the conditions will make it unwise or impossible?
posted by caek around Big Bear Lake, CA at 10:57 AM - 10 answers

Please don't take offense to this but I've received a wonderful job offer in LA and completely and utterly hate the city after 2 weeks. I lived in a lot of places and even places I didn't particularly like, I didn't seem to hate it. A lot of people live here and love it, so I'm missing something. Details within. [more inside]
posted by geoff. around Los Angeles, CA at 8:02 PM - 37 answers

I'm going to be taking a lot of jaunts to Palmdale, CA and I'm having trouble finding cool/homey/divey/funky places to hang out and drink or etc. Lancaster would be okay too but closer is better. Thanks in advance for any tips!
posted by ftm around Palmdale, CA at 1:35 PM - 1 answer

I need some fun ideas that are inexpensive, not strenuous in the least, are within a 2 hour drive from Port Hueneme and will be memorable. [more inside]
posted by magnoliasouth around Southern California, CA at 10:35 PM - 2 answers