About us
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—and beyond—together. Whether it's a walking tour, hike, museum visit, movie night, or group travel abroad, 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.
We also care deeply about our communities and the world around us. From time to time, that means participating in charitable efforts or showing up for causes and issues we feel strongly about—including peaceful protests. Not every event is centered on this, but these values are part of who we are. If that’s not something you’re interested in—or if it feels uncomfortable—this group may not be the right fit, and that’s okay.
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 even international adventures.
So Cal Explorers is where awkward small talk turns into epic friendships. Come along—we’re saving you a seat.
Upcoming events
7
21ST GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK 2026 - SANTA MONICA BLVD.
Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles, CA, USCROSS-POSTED WITH HUMANIST HIKERS, LA & OC WEIRDO MUSIC & ART FORUM
Date: Saturday Nov. 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM TO WHENEVER THE HECK YOU FINISH!
Starting location: Echo Park Lady of the Lake Statue
751 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026
https://share.google/ytyoZEMgxV3AHssuWEnd Location: Santa Monica Pier - Santa Monica Bl & Ocean Ave., Santa Monica
Join us for the 21st edition of the GLAW, and the 6th one with So Cal Explorers! It's a different route every year.
For our 21st edition of The Great Los Angeles Walk, we're hitting the Mother Road! It's the 100th anniversary of Route 66, so why not get our kicks by walking the last several miles of the iconic highway — in this case, it's the full length of Santa Monica Boulevard!
As always, the Walk will take place the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which this year is Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. We'll meet at Echo Park's Lady of the Lake statue at 9 a.m. -- and then walk Route 66/Santa Monica Boulevard (which, I know, is now actually Route 2!) in its entirety, to the ocean. We'll end, naturally, at the Santa Monica Pier's "End of Route 66" sign.
SAVE THE DATE! After Party: location TBD
Distance: usually around 15-16 miles
Event web page:
https://greatlawalk.blogspot.comAttendees will be encouraged to explore the city in a safe way, and follow proper safety protocols. As they walk through Los Angeles, they’ll document what they see and share that experience with others. It’s not a race – attendees are encouraged to take their time, explore, learn about their city and even build community with others.
Sign up for their newsletter detailing the walk:
To join in, just EMAIL US at [greatlawalk@mail.com](mailto:greatlawalk@mail.com)The Great Los Angeles Walk takes place every year the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
- Walk across the city of Los Angeles. See the city from a new perspective.
- Meet fellow walkers along the way.
- This is NOT a race or competition.
- This is NOT a guided tour (but there is a map).
- Walk at your own pace and stop when and where you like.The journey itself is its own point.
L.A. journalist and blogger Michael Schneider launched the Great Los Angeles Walk in 2006 as a way to celebrate his tenth year in Los Angeles. Inspired by the book “Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles,” by Kevin Roderick, he decided to walk the street’s entire length.
The Great Los Angeles Walk grew from dozens of participants to hundreds, and continues to expand each year – always the Saturday before Thanksgiving -- as more Angelenos join in to explore their city on foot.
Details to come on where we will gather, our food options during the day and more.
If you're not familiar with the Walk, please go read this wonderful feature in the Los Angeles Times, which perfectly encapsulated what we're all about:
L.A. isn’t a walking city? The man behind Great Los Angeles Walk would like a word
As always, the Walk is completely free. It is up to the participants to decide how much or how little of the walk they want to do. More recently, the Walk was included in the book "The Best Things to Do In Los Angeles: 1001 Ideas" by Joy Yoo
Social media users can follow along all day on the walk's official Twitter feed, https://x.com/greatlawalk , as we continually post our location.
All the details are here: http://greatlawalk.blogspot.com/
Video: Why we walk https://youtu.be/m5DASOc424w
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/greatlawalk /
Join their e-mail list: [greatlawalk@mail.com](mailto:greatlawalk@mail.com)Photos from last year: https://www.meetup.com/so-cal-explorers/photos/35710054/
19 attendees
HISTORIC HOME - GREYSTONE MANSION
Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA, Los Angeles, CA, USJoin for a So Cal Explorers first... visit Greystone Mansion.
Make sure to buy your tickets now because this will sell out.When: Sunday, November 22, 2026 @ 11 am
Where: Greystone Mansion
905 Loma Vista Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Cost: $20
BUY YOUR TICKET(S) HERE
Optional: post tour lunch TBD.Greystone has limited handicap access and limited free parking. Uber or Lyft recommended.
Additional parking with shuttle service available at 9255 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069This is a self-guided tour.
EXPERIENCE THE GILDED AGE OF ARCHITECTURE AS YOU EXPLORE THE 46,000 SQUARE FOOT HISTORIC GREYSTONE MANSION LOCATED IN BEVERLY HILLS. BUILT IN 1927 – 1928, AND DESIGNED BY RENOWN ARCHITECT GORDON B. KAUFMANN, THIS MAGNIFICENT MANSION WAS ONCE THE HOME OF EDWARD LAURENCE DOHENY, JR., HIS WIFE LUCY AND THEIR FIVE CHILDREN. OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE HEARST CASTLE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, GREYSTONE IS LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES AND WILL FOREVER BE PRESERVED. COME AND ENJOY YOUR SELF-GUIDED TOUR AS YOU MOVE WITHIN THIS FIFTY-FIVE ROOM HOME WHILE ENJOYING THE HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS ON DISPLAY THAT SHARE THE STORY OF WHAT LIFE LOOKED LIKE BACK IN 1928 AND 1945.57 attendees
MOVIE: CHRISTIANE F.
The Frida Cinema, 305 E 4th St, Ste 100, Santa Ana, al, USDate & Time: Tuesday, Nov. 24, 8:00
Dinner TBD 6:30
305 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701Venue: Frida Cinema
305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422Tickets $13.00
https://thefridacinema.org/purchase/1971984/Trailer https://youtu.be/PQmWI5UIPHs?si=iQc_DoYrJtzphEfK
Director: Uli Edel Run Time: 131 min. Rating: R Release Year: 1981 Language: German
Starring: David Bowie, Jens Kuphal, Natja Brunckhorst, Rainer Woelk, Thomas Haustein
Plunging into the 1970s Berlin underground, this unforgettable portrait stands as one of the most harrowing films ever made about drug addiction. Based on the true story of Christiane Felscherinow, whose shocking memoir made her the face of a generation of troubled German youth, this bracing dramatization follows the alienated thirteen-year-old Christiane (Natja Brunckhorst) as she goes from popping pills to shooting heroin amid West Berlin’s infamous club scene. An instant cult sensation on account of its authentically grimy location shooting and electrifying soundtrack by David Bowie, Christiane F. (original title: Christiane F.: Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo) remains a haunting vision of a young life in free fall.
As part of our Unsung 80’s Soundtracks series, we will be presenting Janus Films’ new 4K digital restoration, approved by director Uli Edel, featuring a new 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. The soundtrack album is essentially a David Bowie compilation created around the film, rather than a conventional original film score. Bowie also recorded the German-language version of “Heroes,” “Helden,” specifically for the German market/film connection. Bowie also appears as himself in concert footage, and his music is deeply woven into the film’s atmosphere and Christiane’s obsession with him.
This film contains mature themes and intense subject matter that may be triggering for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
10 attendees
Past events
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