I'm about to head off on a trip to California later this week; specifically the cities of LA and SF.

I was wondering if any locals here might have any suggestions or recommendations on things to see/do while I'm there?

I've been to both cities before, so I'm not really looking to do the touristy thing again. I'm more looking to relax, meet some new people, and just have a good time.

Any recommendations? If it helps, I'm 25, male, from NYC. In LA, I'll be staying in the LAX area but I'll have a car. In SF, I'll be car-less and staying in Pacific Heights.

Thanks for any help!

-Peter

RE: LA. If I were you, I'd not stay in the LAX area-- it's way out of the way vis-à-vis any places on the scene (except for that sleazy adult entertainment joint on Century). Santa Monica, West Hollywood (especially the Sunset Strip area), Beverly Hills, Hermosa Beach, Huntington Beach-- anywhere but the LAX area, frankly. But you won't have much choice at this late time.

During the day, you can hang out down in Hermosa Beach (cool places around the Strand) or Venice Beach or Santa Monica, or head over to Melrose for some people-watching. And so on and so forth. Evenings? There are cool places all over town. Why not check out the LA Weekly's website? That would be an excellent start (including a rundown of LA-area clubs):

www.laweekly.com

I mean, LA and SF aren't rural backwaters-- they both have lots and lots of things to do and see. However, note that LA area clubs stop serving liquor before 2 AM. You'll have to search for after-hours joints, if that's your thing.

Good luck to you!

I agree with rjw...if you are 25, I think you'll really enjoy Hermosa Beach. On weekends, it's full of twenty somethings ready to party.

And it really is a nice part of town.

Stay away from tall financial buildings.

Homeland Security tells us that Al Quaeda are sneaking over the Mexican border, then heading for New York.

Yeah, right.

The Mission in general is excellent for bar hopping and meeting people. The Lone Palm on 22nd Street at Guerrero is one place where I've always hung out with friends, new and old. The scene runs from bohemic to super chic. Anybody fits in. Some other great Mission bars are Little Baobob on 19th Street, Beauty Bar right around the corner on Mission, one of my verrrrry favorites, the Hush Hush on 14th at Guerrero, Dalva on 16th Street, The Casanova on Valencia. And there are three times as many of these cool little bars that I don't even frequent but will prove just as fun and exciting. This is also the neighborhood where you will find the biggest, most bestest burritos, especially at Taqueria Cancun and El Farolito on Mission and Pancho Villa on 16th Street. There is also a great place for falafel on 16th, it's name escapes me but you'll know it when you see it.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is across the street from SFMOMA and has a great show going right now called Beautiful Losers about artists that are mainstream but relevent to our time, including skateboarding ephemera. Barry McGee, J-M Basquiat, Shepard Fairey, etc... The big show at SFMOMA right now is Pop art from local collections. From there go to 111 Minna for drinks and more art.

For events pick up an SF Weekly and/or an SF Bay Guardian (free everywhere).

Do check out the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral atop Nob Hill: http://www.gracecathedral.org/labyrinth/

Try to get your hands on a copy of Dr. Weirde's Guide to Mysterious San Francisco, which is tough to do, but highly, highly worth it even if you never make it to any of the sites.

The North Beach Jazz Fest starts this weekend with lots of free performances in Washington Square.

See a movie at the Red Vic, eat at Citrus Club, go music shopping at Amoeba. All in the Upper Haight.

I'll try to think of some more!

Oh, previous post was with regards to San Francisco, in case that isn't clear. I really don't think there's such a thing as a Weird Guide to L.A!

Another vote for Hermosa Beach. Laid-back and fun, without the LA "attitude". Lots of friendly 20-somethings.