What we’re about
Unplug. Unwind. Connect.
Rediscover the joy of real connection through shared experiences and authentic friendships.
So Cal Explorers Meetup is the antidote to a hyper-digital, disconnected world. We gather for fun, relaxed outings to explore the most iconic, historic, quirky, and lesser-known corners of Southern California—together. Whether it's a walking tour, hike, museum visit, or movie night, our adventures are all about learning, exploring, and enjoying each other's company.
We're not a dating group. We're not a networking group. We're simply a welcoming space for adults to connect, laugh, and build friendships—without pressure, expectations, or hidden agendas.
Our crew is mostly progressive, slightly irreverent 40- to 60-somethings with a love for counter-culture and curiosity. But all open-minded adults (18+) are welcome!
Join us for hiking, historic tours, movies, museum visits, kayaking, presentations, live music, good food, great conversation, and spontaneous fun.
So Cal Explorers is where awkward small talk turns into epic friendships. Come along—we’re saving you a seat.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- BOLSA CHICA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE DOCENT LED TOURBolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, CA
SoCal Explorers will get a free guided walking tour of the beautiful Bolsa Chica wetlands and mesa. We will learn about the history of Bolsa Chica, its wildlife, and plant life with a Bolsa Chica Land Trust docent.
The two-hour tour begins at 9 a.m. from the Ecological Reserve South parking lot on Pacific Coast Highway across from Bolsa Chica State Beach (on PCH between Warner Avenue and Seapoint Street).
Look for the white canopy and tables at the back of the lot by the footbridge which is where we will meet the docent.Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sun protection, bring a bottle of water and binoculars.
The Ecological Reserve South parking lot has VERY LIMITED PARKING so it's highly suggested that we CARPOOL and ARRIVE EARLY. The bus parking spaces will be reserved for our vehicles but please be aware that the cars parked here will be parked one behind the other and you will not be able to move your car until the tour is over. If you arrive at the parking lot and there are no parking spaces, be patient. Cars come and go and a parking space will likely be available if you wait.
### The mission of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust is the acquisition, preservation, and restoration of all of Bolsa Chica and the education of the public to its natural wonders and cultural significance.
Learn more about the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and become a member at http://www.bclandtrust.org and PROTECT OUR OPEN SPACE!
- MOVIE: ANGELHEADED HIPSTER - MARC BOLAN & T-REX DOCUMENTARYArt Theatre of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Cross-posted with LA and OC Weirdo Music and Art Forum
Celebrates the life and work of glam rock pioneer Marc Bolan, combined with a behind-the-scenes look at the tribute album of the same name.
Venue: The Art Theater Long Beach, 2025 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814
Note: the theater does NOT have a parking lot. There are some pay lots nearby and there is street parking, but it can be a bit tough. Give yourself time and read the signs.
Date: Sunday, August 10, 6:00 pm
Tickets: $15.00
https://arttheatre.easy-ware-ticketing.com/generaladmission/OmWy4KJ4B-xsprVgh2eBHANO DINNER BEFORE THIS TIME. I WILL BE LISTENING TO SCOTT HEUSTIS AND STEPHEN HODGES AT VINE STARTING AT 4. You can bring in food to Vine.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1428047555169975
Vine LB 2142 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA, United States, California (a block east of the Art Theatre)Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9L6BwYQgKA
AngelHeaded Hipster is the first documentary to explore the complex and revolutionary music and lyrics of Marc Bolan and T. Rex. Using archival performances, interviews with Bolan, Elton John and Ringo Starr, plus filmed musical interpretations by artists such as Nick Cave, John Cameron Mitchell, Joan Jett, Macy Gray, U2, Lucinda Williams, Father John Misty, and son Rolan Bolan among others; this documentary creates an exuberant and thoughtful examination of a true original: a glam rock pioneer, gender-bending free spirit and explorer of punk and soul music.
A leader of the glam-rock movement and an early champion of punk, Marc Bolan was always ahead of the curve. This was both an advantage and a stumbling block for the mop-headed T. Rex bandleader, whose unique approach to pop songcraft is highlighted in Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex produced by Hal Willner.
Director Ethan Silverman initiated both the creation of this documentary and the 2020 Marc Bolan tribute album of the same name. This gave him intimate access, both to those who knew Bolan best and to the musicians who were profoundly impacted by his work.The list of Bolan acolytes just happens to include some of the biggest names in music, and U2, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Ringo Starr, Nick Cave, and Elton John are all on hand to celebrate his work in interviews and performance footage. These combine with archival footage to trace Bolan’s life from his teenage years digging through Carnaby Street dustbins with David Bowie to his tragic death at the age of 29.
- LETS GO VISIT THE SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDENSouth Coast Botanic Gardens, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
Join us as we go to visit the South Coast Botanical Garden located in Palos Verdes, Calif. The event requires an advanced purchase timed entrance ticket which can be purchased here: Non-Member Reservations - South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation
Please make sure to select the August 24th, 10am garden entrance ticket. There are several other add-on options for tickets that you are welcome to purchase on your own, however, for this visit the group will be keeping it simple by focusing on the gardens themselves.
The address for the garden is:
26300 Crenshaw Blvd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274We will meet near the entrance plaza adjacent to the parking lot. After introductions, we are free to wander among the gardens at our own leisure. Once we have had our fill of all the beautiful plants, the group can decide on possible lunch options afterwards for those interested.
The South Coast Botanic Garden, “The Jewel of the Peninsula”, is located on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. Conveniently accessible to many South Bay communities, this 87-acre Botanic Garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa.
The Garden is situated in Sunset’s Zone 23, one of the most favored growing areas in the world. About 100 trees and shrubs are rare mature specimens, infrequently seen elsewhere. The wide variety of plant life provides food and shelter to an abundant wildlife and bird population, and over 200 species of birds are sighted annually.
Popular features include The Rose Garden, Living Wall, Fern Collection, Garden for the Senses, Desert Garden, Fuchsia Garden, and Japanese Garden.More about the gardens here:
History & Mission - South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation
