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Living on my own for the first time, in a new state. How do I make the best of it? [more inside]
posted by morning_television on Dec 30, 2018 - 14 answers

Starting mid-August I am riding my bike from Portland to SF via the coast. I'd love any mefite insights to this trip. I have The Book. I have my gear. I plan on mostly camping. Aiming for 50-60 miles/day. I also have questions. [more inside]
posted by mandymanwasregistered on Jul 21, 2016 - 14 answers

What would you see in California if you were starting out in LA and had a car and 7 days to travel, only caveat being that you need to be in San Diego on the morning of the 8th day? We're going to LA for a family wedding in August. Taking an extra week afterwards to travel around and see as much of California as possible. However, we have to prioritize as we only have 7 days. Flying out from San Diego on the 8th day. We will have a rental car and we're interested in seeing as much as possible, as it will be my first time in California. Driving a lot is not a problem; we love roadtrips, and both of us drive so we can take turns. Please help us plan an itinerary! [more inside]
posted by spicytunaroll on May 19, 2016 - 19 answers

We're planning a last-minute road trip down to the northern California coast for Spring Break (next week), leaving from Portland this weekend. Looking for cool stuff to do with 2 active girls, ages 3 and 7. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky on Mar 17, 2016 - 7 answers

A friend and I are cycling the California coast, going south from Crescent City to LA starting today. Based on the amount of time we have, we will need to bus a few sections, maybe 200-250 miles or so. Cyclists who have done this route - which sections are missable? Which ones should we NOT miss? What bus/train options do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by danceswithlight on Aug 8, 2015 - 3 answers

I have a free day in San Jose, CA tomorrow. Where should I go? Especially interested in redwoods and the coast. [more inside]
posted by lunasol on Jun 22, 2013 - 10 answers

My 40th birthday present to myself is to run away for several days by myself to indulge in restful solitude, nature walks, spa treatments and room service. I live in Oregon and am considering the coast, but could also be talked into Washington/California, or places other than the beach. Price is no object, but would prefer it to be within driving distance of Portland. Requirements and preferences within... [more inside]
posted by lilnublet on Feb 18, 2013 - 7 answers

Five of us from San Francisco and Los Angeles like to meet in the middle along the coast once a year and car-camp for a long weekend. The past few years we've had a blast at Limekiln State Park campground, but it's under new management now and they won't allow us to reserve a specific ('our') campsite. In case we can't get one of the spots we want there, we'd like some backups to make reservations with somewhere between the southern end of Monterey Bay and San Luis Obispo—any suggestions? Hang on, let me tell you what we liked about Limekiln. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Jan 24, 2013 - 10 answers

I'm heading up to the northern California coast over Labor Day - will I need to book accommodation ahead of time? (Also, what shouldn't I miss along the way?) [more inside]
posted by The Shiny Thing on Jul 30, 2010 - 15 answers

Car camping on the California coast with sciatica? Help us find things to do that won't exacerbate the pain. [more inside]
posted by palacewalls on Jul 6, 2010 - 8 answers

Help me troubleshoot and enhance my roadtrip / move to Eugene, Oregon. I will soon depart Lawrence, KS for adventures that will eventually leave me in Eugene to begin graduate studies with UO. I'm going to outline the planned itinerary in the hopes that the hive mind can suggest areas to visit at our planned stops, beautiful or interesting routes to take between them, and interesting pit stops to make. Also, warnings of potential trouble spots or situations will be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
posted by Derive the Hamiltonian of... on Jul 21, 2008 - 13 answers

Where should the lady and I stay on our (one-night) honeymoon on the Central Coast? [more inside]
posted by YoungAmerican on Mar 24, 2008 - 26 answers

Have I got the right budget for my LA->SF drive? What are the hotels / motels really like? Are there any "bargain" towns or price blackspots? [more inside]
posted by wackybrit on Aug 15, 2007 - 13 answers

California stereotypes: What do East Coasters really think about Californians? [more inside]
posted by slimslowslider on Jul 27, 2005 - 45 answers