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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 - 13 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

We (two 30-year-old humans) have two weeks in the general San Francisco area in November. How can we have an exciting, memorable time without destroying what's left of my bank account? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by spielzebub around San Francisco, CA at 7:40 AM - 12 answers

I'm going to be in LA for a single day and have successfully convinced my family (mom, sister, 12 year old niece) we should spend it downtown rather than at the beach. I used to live there and have some ideas but I would love to know about any other fun things I might not be aware of. [more inside]
posted by something something around Los Angeles, CA at 11:30 AM - 19 answers

My partner and I (couple in our early 40s, no kids) are in Oakland and we're looking to do a day-trip tomorrow (Saturday). We have a car but we'd prefer something pretty close (say, 60-90 min drive max) and that will give us a chance to enjoy the outdoors but probably is not a straight-up hike. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell around Oakland, CA at 2:50 PM - 16 answers

Hi! Just re-located to Los Angeles and very ready to take advantage of all the amazing culture this city has. I'm not on any social media (and don't plan to join), but one way I've typically stayed on top of events is subscribing to newsletters of various museums/theaters/comedy clubs etc and actually reading them and then going to them. [more inside]
posted by namemeansgazelle around Los Angeles, CA at 8:41 AM - 11 answers

We will be landing in San Diego around noon on Monday and have about 4 hours to kill before we can check into our rental house. What should we do? Some complications below the fold. [more inside]
posted by LKWorking around San Diego, CA at 1:07 PM - 14 answers

Flying into Sacramento in 3 weeks and have nothing booked but a rental car. Would like to hit up wine country and see some interesting sites. Any recommendations appreciated. [more inside]
posted by lattiboy around Sacramento, CA at 12:26 PM - 15 answers

Visiting Death Valley during Thanksgiving break -- what's the best place to fly into if we want to minimize the chance of driving in snow? How many days and where should we stay? [more inside]
posted by serelliya around Death Valley, CA at 4:20 PM - 5 answers

What should I eat in San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by chainsofreedom around San Francisco, CA at 6:18 PM - 24 answers

I'll be in SF for work and I want to take advantage of summer's late sunsets to visit a park with great views in between the end of the work day and my dinner plans with a friend. Looking for (1) opinions on the best park to visit given (2) the logistics laid out inside, and (3) help with getting around. [more inside]
posted by CiaoMela around San Francisco, CA at 8:26 AM - 20 answers

I find myself in need of a replacement driver's license and would like to obtain it tomorrow (Tuesday) morning in San Francisco. I have another appointment downtown at 10 am and the DMV opens at 7 am. What time do I need to get to the DMV to safely obtain my license and get to my appointment a half hour away? Is getting there at 6 good enough or overkill? [more inside]
posted by reren around San Francisco, CA at 2:27 PM - 8 answers

Mr. Darling, the two kiddos and I are heading to San Jose in August. We will be staying with family for two nights near Los Gatos and then will relocate to San Jose for two nights. We want to be somewhere walking friendly but we will have a car. Any suggestions?
posted by tafetta, darling! around San Jose, CA at 12:54 PM - 5 answers

I'm trying to find a good place in California to make into our annual vacation spot -- somewhere with rental cabins where kids and adults can explore and walk to fun outdoor activities without everyone having to pile in a car. Please share your best camping or vacation rental experiences if you would! [more inside]
posted by slidell around California at 8:25 AM - 7 answers