I finally just went to Santa Cruz a month ago. We also went to Capitola, rode a train somewhere through the woods, etc. Of course we had to stop at the Mystery Spot. It was all fun and I'd visit again, but I wouldn't want to live there.
Last week (long weekend) we went to some of the gold rush towns southeast of Stockton. Murphy's, Angel's Camp, and so on. We went ziplining and took a cave tour at this place. Worthwhile if you're in the area:
http://caverntours.com/moaning-caver...oaning-cavern/
Then Monday evening we randomly went to Dorrington and found a cool little burger shack, and the entire area was covered in snow. As someone who has lived in Florida for decades, it's pretty cool to randomly be driving along through green forests then literally out of nowhere in minutes you find this place covered in snow.
I'm starting to develop "favorite" places in Oakland for food, with the help of my long time resident female companion.
One is Ole's in Alameda. Classic breakfast fare in a non hipster, non pretentious diner.
Ole's Waffle Shop - 434 Photos - Diners - 1507 Park St - Alameda, CA - Reviews - Menu - Yelp
We go to Sidebar a lot (Lake Merritt,) Lake Chalet, and Barlago. Feels like I'm missing a couple of things I go to more regularly than others. Typically I like trying new stuff.
Back to that list posted a long time ago, been to a lot of these places now.
The Big Eat Oakland: 50 Things to Taste Before You Die | 7x7
Shan Dong: Been there about three times. Always good. The home made noodles are killer.
Pican: Took a date there about a month ago. Don't remember what she or I ate. I recall both of us liking it. Kinda trendy for my taste, overpriced, even though I like that on occasion.
Boot and Shoe Service: I guess I could lump this in with restaurants I go to semi-frequently. Great pizzas, other entrees are small and shit and you'll feel ripped off. The pizzas are small but are plenty well portioned for one and will fill you up.
Fenton's Creamery: Fuck this place in its ass. It was in some Disney movie so people go there. It's not at all above average as far as ice cream goes and you pay a boatload.
Flora: See also Pican. They have good food, but you pay a lot for the trendy ambiance.
Grand Lake Kitchen: Good breakfast. Wait times to get in for breakfast / brunch can be asinine.
Chop Bar: Consistently good. Been here a few times. Think I've got a burger every time but once. Maybe I got a steak once.
Camino: It's good. See also: Trendy places with nice ambiance. Small amounts of food for too much.
Kronnerburger: A date once took me here and I've been back a couple times since. Good burgers.
Zachary's Pizza: Been once if not twice. It's really fucking good. And super filling.
Wood Tavern: This place is good. Also expensive, and can be hard to get into as people make reservations a week in advance sometimes it seems like. I don't mind paying so much here.
Cafe Colluci: It's Ethiopian food. It's good, but it's like every other Ethiopian place I've tried.
Pizziaolo: Good pizza, good ambiance. You also pay for it (see a trend in Oakland?) Same people own Boot and Shoe, so they know pizza well.
All this shit and I have way more to try still. I spend way too much money on food on a weekly basis.