What we’re about
Are you New to Los Angeles? Or, have you been here your whole life and still wants to explore? This the meetup for you! Join Explore LA Like We Don't Live Here and make new friends at the various events!
All are welcome! Single or married. Boys or girls. Creative type or corporate exec. Just be curious on all the events happening in the City of Angels and be ready to explore and meet new friends!
If you would like to host meetup exploring LA, please share with Anna! :)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Galapagos Islands Exploration--Untouched nature in all its splendor. Small GroupLos Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA
It's a Meetup . . . in the Galápagos!!
This Meetup Event is for the nature lovers, for the curious explorers and the adventurers who want to experience nature in all its splendor & diversity.
The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. It's a place where lizards swim, birds walk, and humans — for once — don't take center stage. In 1835 a 26-year-old Charles Darwin introduced the Galápagos Islands to the world with his theory of evolution.
As amazing as you think the Galápagos Islands would be, they exceed all expectations of our group in 2023! That sea lion above in our group photo is not a prop! It was very real, ready to play and pose for a picture. You can see sea lions, giant lizards and many other exotic and friendly creatures, waddling on the streets, playing in the sand or just chilling (sun bathing) on a bench!
We will explore and experience:
- The famous Galapagos penguin and blue footed boobies. Swim with sea turtles and sea lions.
- Tortuga Bay Beach for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing with unique marine life.
- Get close and personal with the giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat
- Explore the Tintoreras islet, home of the white tip sharks and its shark tunnel.
- Visit the Charles Darwin Station, to observe giant tortoises and their babies and learn about this majestic animal.
- Snorkeling around the shore of the Tijeretas Bay
- Boat ride to Kicker Rock with snorkeling
- Sailing to Santa Cruz Island.
- Sail to Isabela Island, the largest of the archipelago.
- Boat tour to Tuneles De Cabo Rosa, a formation of series of above ocean arches, creating an unique snorkeling experience.
- Explore cavernous underground Lava Tunnels.
- Tour the Galapagos rainforest habitat
- San Cristobal Island with visit to the Interpretation Center
- Visit to Los Gemelos, a haven for bird watchers!
- Visit Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. A 10-mile challenging hike (for those who are interested)
- El Trapiche to see the old methods of extracting cane juice, roasting coffee beans and techniques of distillery.
- Quito with a full day tour and visit to the Equator line
- Visit to the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Land Tour cost $4565 per person, double occupancy
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Solo occupancy additional $990
***Airfare not included***The only way to guarantee your spot for this meetup is a $350 deposit.
CLICK HERE for secure deposit link
Upon submitting the deposit please fill out this formGroup Airfare from Los Angeles $1425 including tax and 1 checked bag.
Click here for a NONREFUNDABLE deposit of $200 to book the airfare
For airfare from another city, click here to message AnnaWHAT IS INCLUDED:
· 10 Nights Accommodations – Quito & Galapagos
· 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 Dinners
· Naturalist Guide (during activities)
· All activities listed
· Galapagos National Park entrance fee
· Isabela island entrance fee
· All transportation during the tour
· 24/7 assistance in the islands
· Airport Transfers to hotel. (in – out)
· Transit control cardWHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare to Galapagos (unless booking the group fare from LA)
- Meals not described in the tour (approx. $15 per person, per day)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Wet suits
RSVP with your email to receive additional info.
RSVP DOES NOT RESERVE YOUR SPOT.Deposit is the only way to hold your spot. Your deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before the departure.
Click Here to fill out our google info request form to receive detailed itinerary
Click Here for the main location of this eventStill have questions? We do a monthly Q&A Travel Zoom on all our events
https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.Click here for General Policies and useful info about our international trips.
We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other fun events
SOT 2000318-10
- Beauty & The Beach!! Springtime Camping in Big Sur. Perfect for First-timers...-Private Campsite in Big Sur, Big Sur, CA
What could be better than camping by the beach in the springtime catching the wildflowers too!!
Doing it at Big Sur is icing on the cake.
(for those that do not know . . . ) Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean.
For its dramatic scenery. Big Sur has been called the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States", as well as a sublime national treasure.
Another quote: "one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation"
Stunning views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches, and other recreation makes Big Sur receives about the same number of visitors as Yosemite National Park
And we get to go!!!!
This is a difficult area to get a place. The last time we went was summer of 2021. So make sure not to miss out. Limited space.
When the event fills . . . payment link will be disabled. If the link is up . . . there is still space.https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/Z6NBPDPGN8E62
This is for 4 days/3 nights camping. We have a private site.
Site does have (vault) restrooms and running water. There are some flush restrooms that are a short walk.
We are providing the firewood and propane heaters.Itinerary:
Friday: Depart LA when you can arrive as late as Midnight.
We can be in our NO EARLIER than 3PM on Friday.Saturday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Planned activity options.Sunday: Do what you missed on Sat
Monday: Head home.
OK . . . Tell me about food and everything else. What's included?
The logistics of us providing food with specialized diets, and different dining schedules is just not feasible or safe.Due to varied dietary needs, and food contact issues, it's better if bring what you like and prep it. There will be grills available. Or bring small stoves.
Firewood: We will bring dried hardwood. IF No fires due to elevated fire danger. we will have propane campfires with fire permit.
Kids? Sure. Kids are welcome. If under 18 they are 1/2 cost.
Dogs? Yes and no. Dogs allowed in camp, and at some of the nature areas. You can bring your dog if you are aware of the limits.
You CAN'T bring the dog to Point Lobos State Reserve and McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park OR on any dirt trails in State Parks.
However you CAN bring the dog on trails in Federal land in Los Padres Nat Forest. AND there are some beaches where you are allowed to take the dog . . . Such as Sand Dollar Beach.
So this is a Dog Friendly trip as long as you know you won't be able to do a few area.
Do remember . . . It's NOT ok to leave them untended in our campsite area.Carpools? We make a carpool resource. It goes out one week before to all confirmed (paid) attendees.
Refunds given if notice given 2 weeks or more before event start date/time.
If notice is less than 2 weeks then you will receive a 100% credit towards a future event of ours.Our events fill early. Don't wait.
This event is is limited in size.
The number of RSVP's do not reflect the number attending. Not all who RSVP take care of payment. And the event is posted to multiple groups.Link Central:
Secure Payment Link https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/Z6NBPDPGN8E62
This is Per Person. If you are X2 or have a +1 just do a 2nd time. Or your Plus One may use the link directly.
Paypal is not needed. Use any credit or debit card. Select the "continue as guest" or the "use any credit or debit card" button when it appears.IF you made payment . . . Fill out our Attendees Form
https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5If you are using a credit from a past cancel . . . Fill out our Attendees Form
https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5IF you want to stay in the loop but not make a payment yet . . . Fill out our "stay in the loop" form https://forms.gle/7LktppE3Uqo67XSs5 (same form . . . check different boxes)
Photo Gallery from when we have gone before https://photos.app.goo.gl/95QUsTxg7XUFc77BA
Got questions?
Click Here to send a Meetup Direct MessageClick Here for our Local Camping Zoom Q & A (once a month) 7:30 PM
Meet others attending, be social. Come to the zoom and ask any questions about the event.General Policies Including: Notice of Non-Discrimination, General Refunds Policy, Cancelation Policies as well as General Liability and Safety Policies/Procedures/Practices
Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR
Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD
We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events to.
- Poppy Bloom in Antelope Valley. AND Hockney, Llano and Devil's Punchbowl201 S Front St, Burbank, CA
The bloom for 2024 is not ready yet. AND . .. I am not available to lead a Poppies Road Trip past the weekend of 4-13
The weekend of 4-13 is projected as rain and cold. Not good for causing blooms. Needs to be dry and warmer.
Carrizo Pain will be Rain.
Lancaster . . . they have just not bloomed.I did ask if a group member was willing to be lead in my place. I have had no takers. As such this event is being moved to next year.
We will try again then.If you have never been here before . . . it worth seeing.
If you have been before . . . it's time to revisit.
Let's get to the event date first . . . The poppies bloom anywhere from Feb to May.
At the moment we are aiming for April 14th
https://ktla.com/news/california/southern-california-poised-for-another-wildflower-superbloom/amp/Or https://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/wildupdates.html
We'll walk some or most of the 8 miles of trails--not all of it.
Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. The duration and intensity of colors and scents vary from year to year. The wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through late May,
Parking Fees
$10 per vehicle
$9 per vehicle with a senior on board (62 and over)
$5 per vehicle with DPR Disabled Discount Card (see below)Be prepared for wicked strong winds and bring sunblock! The desert temperatures can vary widely and change suddenly, so bring layers for unpredicted changes in weather.
Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or in the visitor center (just like any California Sate Park)
Whether you most enjoy expansive fields or the close-up study of a single flower, this is the place to visit.
Location - Directions The Reserve is located 15 miles west of Lancaster at 15101 Lancaster Road.
From Highway 14: Take the Avenue I exit and head west 15 miles. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Road.
From I-5: Take Hwy 138 east and turn right on 170th Street West. Make a left at the end, onto Lancaster Road. Follow the road two miles.
Carpool? YES!!!!
We will meet at the meet time and address. That location is a designated Park & Ride. It is a free lot that has roving security in the area. So it's safe to leave your car for the day.
We meet and then re-shuffle to then pool and caravan to the Poppies.
Why this location as meet-point? It's rather central. And just off the 5 . . . the main freeway we need to take to get there.
Carpool to our meetpoint? Sure. Post in the comments on the main group posting.
This is a free hiking event that take a little more work to make happen than a quickie local thing. This is not local in-town. As such you will drive to and meet there. OR you will use the carpool info sent a week before to work on setting up a carpool.
To attend this event:
- RSVP on this event (then)
- Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form
The form is a safety thing. If you do not fill it out. You will not be hiking with us.
Got questions?
Click Here to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)Other notable hiking we have planned:
AFTER the poppies . . . the plan is to go to the location where Hockney shot his photo. It is 45 min away at 126th and Pearblossom . . . Standing on 126th looking south.
https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103QT4
Then go the 200 feet to Llano Del Rio and poke in the ruins (again) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llano_del_Rio
https://la.curbed.com/2017/5/1/15465616/utopia-socialist-los-angeles-llano-del-rio
https://www.lancastermoah.org/single-post/the-llano-del-rio-cooperative-colonyThen drive up to Devils Punchbowl
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/devils-punchbowl-nature-area-so-cal/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Punchbowl_(Angeles_National_Forest)Hike or just view it. It's up to you.
NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion, or even Belly Button Lint.
- Meetup on Orient Express. Paris, Venice, Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Istanbul!!LAX, Los Angeles, CA
Join us on this fun adventure and make friends and memories of a lifetime!
The Orient Express...you have heard it many times. The romance, the mystery, the adventure! Of course with the opulence too!
The original Orient Express is but a memory and our journey will mirror elements of the original route, crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul.
This trip brings back the romance and adventure of train travel, along with the mystery of new cities and countries in a special way - adding value and removing inflated expense of excessive opulence by replacing it with service and contemporary refinement.
We retrace the route of the original Orient Express, using modern Night Trains, High Speed Day Trains, as well as some short hop flights.
Our route takes us to:
Paris - - - Venice - - - Vienna - - - Prague - - - Budapest - - - IstanbulIncluded:
- Train transportation between 4 cities.
- 2 nights on an actual night train with sleeping compartment
- Air transportation Paris / Venice and Budapest / Istanbul
- 11 nights in First Class hotels with best central locations
- Breakfast every day
- Some lunches/dinners
- All transfers to/from hotels, train stations or airports
- Guided tours in each city
- Entrances to many museums.
- even a wine tasting along the way.
- and more...
We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you enjoy a complete independence. It is all included in the price!
You are free to do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and helped with all the arrangements. A balance of independence when you want it and being included in all group activities when you prefer it.The idea is: come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories . . . without being stuck with the "one size fits all" tour formula.
Here is a basic thumbnail:
PARIS - 3 nights
· Evening fight to Venice
VENICE - 1 night
· Night Train to Vienna
VIENNA - 1 night
· Evening train to Prague
PRAGUE - 2 nights
· Night Train to Budapest
BUDAPEST - 1 night
· Late evening flight to Istanbul
ISTANBUL - 3 nights.
· Sleeper Cabins on the trains and First Class hotels in each city w/ very central locations.What was The Orient Express?
It was long-distance passenger train service that began in 1883 with the original endpoints being Paris to Istanbul. The original name became synonymous with intrigue and was a showcase of luxury with comfort at a time when traveling was still rough and dangerous.In Istanbul the Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892, was the accommodations at the terminus. And we are staying in it!
The original Orient Express ceased operation in 1977 and we are not using the original old train. It no longer exists.
EVERY aspect of this trip is epic.
- Visit picturesque and storied cities.
- Enjoy trains and experience the enchantment of the rails.
- In the end you will have visited 6 countries: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey!
The tour starts in Paris on May 29 and ends in Istanbul on June 11.
$5490 total cost per person, double occupancy.
$7090 total cost for solo occupancy.PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE. This allows for flexible departures for you. We can get you a quote.
To attend: $500 deposit. CLICK HERE for a Secure Deposit Link
Your Deposit is Fully refundable to 90 days before the event (less any PayPal fees)
Final payment due 60 days before the event.CLICK HERE To receive detailed itinerary and inclusions.
CLICK HERE for the main link for this event
RSVP there to get notice on any conversations or discussions.
AND/OR if you have questions?
CLICK HERE to Direct Message to Anna
CLICK HERE to Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)
AND/OR
We do a Zoom Q & A ( CLICK HERE to RSVP on the Q& A zoom).
Come to the zoom, ask any questions and meet other attendees.
Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff.We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
CLICK HERE to see all our other fun and social meetup events.SOT 200318-10
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
