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We have some time off at the end of April and were wondering what the conditions would be like for our first visit to Sequoia National Park, King's Canyon, and Yosemite? Can we drive to see the things we should see? Will camping in a camper van be OK for two Minnesotans? Anything else you just need to tell us?
posted by advicepig around California at 8:56 AM - 8 answers

Back in 2022 I unexpectedly had a long weekend in Los Angeles and MeFites helped me choose some destinations. And it's happening again! I'll be in L.A. from March 6 to March 9 and could use some recommendations. [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta around Los Angeles, CA at 10:49 AM - 8 answers

Looking for some cool things to do in/around Anaheim, CA this summer. [more inside]
posted by pdb around Anaheim, CA at 10:29 AM - 12 answers

We're planning a trip to Southern California and enjoy hikes. We're not in the best shape of our lives, but could handle 1000 - 1500 foot ascents. We'd like something with a 1 to 5 hour duration, ideally with nice views and not currently on fire. We'll be based initially in Los Angeles, and will venture out for stays north, east, and south from there. We'll have a car, and our span runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, from the ocean to the Arizona border. Do you have any favorites?
posted by Jasper Fnorde around California at 5:45 AM - 8 answers

I am in San Diego with my 14 year old son for a lacrosse tourney. We have until 8pm tomorrow until he needs to be at a scrimmage. We are staying near the Westfield shopping center. What is a great way to spend the day tomorrow? We did the zoo when he was younger so don't need to hit that again. He is down for anything. Food recommendations welcome as well.
posted by jasondigitized around San Diego, CA at 8:45 PM - 5 answers

Looking for recommendations for brief stops not far off the highway that are interesting, unexpected, or just authentically showcase the local vibe for non-Instagrammers. [more inside]
posted by jerome powell buys his sweatbands in bulk only around Willits, CA at 1:23 PM - 9 answers

We're a little late, but we're trying to plan a trip to south Florida next spring for a family of 4. We want to 1) stay directly on a beach and spend most days there 2) take a day trip to the Everglades one day 3) take a day trip (boat tour?) to Biscayne one day 4) minimize driving (with the understanding there may be a lot of driving for those day trips). What areas should we be looking into? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund around San Rafael, CA at 4:01 AM - 5 answers

My dad (84) and my son (20) and I (54) are returning from NZ in a few days. Just realized we have an 11 hr layover in San Francisco. Can we pay for a few hours in an airline lounge that has beds, showers, etc? Is this still a thing?
posted by chr1sb0y around San Francisco, CA at 2:22 PM - 9 answers

This leg is part of our summer adventure and I'm looking for info/recommendations. We don't want to meander too much, and Google Maps routes us through Las Vegas, the Mojave Desert, and Bakersfield, Routes 1I5-58-I5. Anything special worth stopping for? General advice? Alternate routes to suggest that don't lose several hours?
posted by Miko around California at 5:45 AM - 11 answers

I've got a rental EV - a Hyunai. I've never used an EV before. I need to return it tomorrow morning, and need to find a place to charge it quickly I think. (I could charge it overnight at my hotel, but the charger here is broken). How do I find a place to charge it? I'm in Healdsburg, CA, and driving down to San Francisco tomorrow...
posted by ManInSuit around California at 11:59 PM - 11 answers

A friend of mine is going to be attending a multi-day event in Healdsburg, CA. in June. They are trying to figure out the best way to travel from San Francisco airport to Healdsburg, CA for the event, and then to travel from Healdsburg to Berkeley, CA after the event. What's the best (most time efficient and cost effective) way to do this?
posted by eaquestions around California at 8:58 AM - 9 answers

We're planning a very exciting family trip from the UK to the US Pacific Coast in July-August this year. On the agenda is to drive down the PCH/Highway 1 from SF to LA stopping off in Big Sur and San Luis Obispo. But Hwy 1 is currently closed - is it safe to book accommodation now on the presumption it will reopen by August 2024? [more inside]
posted by melisande around California at 8:31 AM - 13 answers

I’m going to be staying in the Eagle Rock area of Los Angeles for a couple weeks in late April/early May, housesitting for an acquaintance. I will have a car, but I’m wondering about other options for getting around. [more inside]
posted by swheatie around Los Angeles, CA at 3:33 PM - 19 answers

We're going to Pasadena for a long weekend, staying in the hotel where my partner's conference is held. The kid and I will mostly be on our own. Where should we eat, and what kind of activities will be low-key and fun? We'll have a car. [more inside]
posted by Lawn Beaver around Pasadena, CA at 9:42 AM - 27 answers

We want to get away to a small, secluded cabin in CA or OR soon. Where is it? [more inside]
posted by Arthur Vandelay around California at 8:46 AM - 9 answers

I'd like recommendations for activities and food in Santa Cruz or places between San Francisco and there. [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 around Santa Cruz County, CA at 9:33 AM - 21 answers

Looking for recommendations on where to stay and work remotely in or around San Diego for a week or two. Actual city isn't important but weather is - I'm attempting to escape the barometric pressure changes at home and hopefully get some migraine relief. [more inside]
posted by cgg around South Gate, CA at 9:21 AM - 7 answers

Spending a few days in LA in early Jan with my 8-year-old. Looking for stuff to do. They like: Minecraft, funny kids graphic novels (Dogman, the Bad Guys, Diary of a Wimpy Kid), dinosaurs, science museums. I like: Karaoke, drinking coffee, being with my kid. We both like - hanging out in diners, walking around a city. We're staying near Santa Monica Pier... Ideas welcome! [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit around Los Angeles, CA at 10:52 AM - 11 answers

Hello, we will be in Palm Springs in January visiting family and will have 5 days with a rental car to go wherever we like. We'll go to Joshua Tree with our family separately so don't need to cover that in the five days. So far I've come up with: [more inside]
posted by Tanya around South Gate, CA at 6:43 AM - 20 answers

My wife is attending a convention this week in Anaheim. She loves Disneyland. I want to make her happy. So I'm going along for the whole trip so we can spend one day in Disneyland. But I need to figure out what to do with the rest of my time there (by myself while wife is at her convention). The hotel is right next to Disneyland. I need geeky or nature-loving activities that can reasonably be reached via Lyft. [more inside]
posted by commander_fancypants around Anaheim, CA at 11:14 PM - 18 answers