Things to do in CA?

lazerboy2000

lazerboy2000

Joined
Mar 3, 2008
Messages
1,341
Howdy,
I'll be heading out to CA next week with my dad and would like to find some things to do out there since I'll be on my own for most of the time while my dad's in meetings. I'll be in San Francisco from Sat-Sun and then We go to Orange County (Irvine, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Balboa Island) for Mon-Wed.
I don't know the exact specifics of where i'll be and i won't have a vehicle so public transportation or walking distances are a must.

Also, what are the general knife laws there? From what I've heard any size fixed blade is allowed as long as its open carry, but what about folders? Length/Locking Mechanism/open or concealed/"gravity" (axis-lock) knives?
 
No switchblades over (I think) 2". Yes fb if openly carried as far as the state goes- different cities may have different laws- also, this will get you much attention in the areas you mention. Non-auto folders are usually OK, but again, different cities...

Don't know SF, but Orange County gets you Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm, yada yada yada- but also gives you Plaza Cutlery in the South Coast Plaza mall in Costa Mesa. That mall is an experience all by itself- sticker shock can be a severe understatement!
 
Hey Lazerboy,

Don't know my schedule yet next weekend, but I might be able to do a hike with you or something. I live very near to SFO, so meeting up shouldn't be a problem if I have the time.

As for knife laws, with state law, open carry of fixed is allowed (but there is something about being limited to under 4" in state/public buildings IIRC), and there is no length limit on folding knives though the knife must be "biased toward closure". I don't think there's anything specific regarding locking mechanisms, but I know you can't have automatic knives and switchblades over 2" (you're right MVF:thumbup:). Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, it's been a while since I've looked this stuff up. I don't think there is anything specific in SF municipal ordinances, aside from something about having a knife on you while "loitering" is illegal (just don't hang around looking shady :D).
 
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rksoon said:
(just don't hang around looking shady :D).
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That is all you really need to do. Don't stick out like a sore thumb and you will be fine. I hate to say it, but I would shy away from carrying a fixed blade just because you are going to be in very populated urban areas, unless it is very tiny, but then you run the risk of your shirt covering it and if a officer wants to be a jerk he's got you. I was recently told by an officer (I asked the question) that even carrying a tiny fixed blade in a pocket sheath in my pocket is illegal even though it was smaller than my benchmade folder....and on that note he pointed to my folder which was in my pocket on it's pocket clip and said that if a cop wanted to be a jerk about things that was technically concealed. I asked then how was I supposed to carry it and he said a belt sheath..hahaha...that is not happening. Anyway, play it cool. Don't go walking around with a pig sticker on your hip and you won't attract any unwanted attention. You are not going to be sinlged out unless you are being shady, so be smart about it and you will be fine.

As far as things to do without transportation, just wander around Newport, Laguna, and Balboa. They are beautiful cities with lots of great little shops and restaraunts, and at the very least just enjoy the scenery. You can rent a kayak and paddle around the little waterways and harbors. Should be pretty decent weather too. Aside from today it has been sunny and warm. As far as Northern California, it has been raining off and on up there for a few weeks now and I think that is supposed to continue.
 
C Bryant said:
That is all you really need to do. Don't stick out like a sore thumb and you will be fine. I hate to say it, but I would shy away from carrying a fixed blade just because you are going to be in very populated urban areas, unless it is very tiny, [.....] Anyway, play it cool. Don't go walking around with a pig sticker on your hip and you won't attract any unwanted attention. You are not going to be sinlged out unless you are being shady, so be smart about it and you will be fine.
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+1. I get looks often enough while on trails with my lil 4" FBs, I can only imagine walking around San Francisco with one on....
 
Not a knock against cops, I have several good friends that are cops, but most of them do not know the ins and outs of what a legal carry blade is. (And I can't blame them, the laws on it are pretty vague) best thing to do is keep it to a folder 3" or less and you'll be good to go.
 
I wasn't planning on carry a FB because I'm sure my RC-4 would get plenty of looks and I'm not in the mood to get locked up on spring break!

I've been to San Fran a few times but not the Irvine area. I definitely look forward to just walking around the area and checking out different shops/stores/restaurants and enjoying the sights. I'll be sure to take lots of pics and post them up when i get back.

How safe are the areas during the day and especially at night? I consider myself to be pretty aware of my surroundings, but I'm a featherweight with no combat training and i'll be alone so I don't want to take too many chances. I've heard that San Francisco and Irvine are pretty safe places but is there anything I should look out for?

Also, anything in particular I should bring?
 
Looks like the laws have already been covered, and they are right. Any length fixed blade as long as it is exposed. Any length folder can be concealed. No switchblades over 2", and no gravity knives (butterfly knives).

As far as San Francisco goes, you might want to just mill around Pier 39, and Fisherman's Warf.
I would take up rksoon's offer, and meet him for a day hike some place. There are some really nice places not very far from San Francisco, and rksoon should know the public transport system pretty well...:D

You should be fine during the day, but be careful at night, and especially stay away from the parks at night.
 
stingray4540 said:
Looks like the laws have already been covered, and they are right. Any length fixed blade as long as it is exposed. Any length folder can be concealed. No switchblades over 2", and no gravity knives (butterfly knives).

As far as San Francisco goes, you might want to just mill around Pier 39, and Fisherman's Warf.
I would take up rksoon's offer, and meet him for a day hike some place. There are some really nice places not very far from San Francisco, and rksoon should know the public transport system pretty well...:D

You should be fine during the day, but be careful at night, and especially stay away from the parks at night.
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most folks have just about covered eveything as far as knives go here in CA..

if you do end up going to Pier 39, check out webeknives... it's a cool little knife shop right on the Pier.. there is also a www.tadgear.com store in S.F. as well.. it's a great shop to go and check out... there is also an REI in the city...

have fun and be safe... there are quite a few forum folks scattered around the bay area.. feel free to drop me a line, if you're anywhere around Santa Cruz.. i'm a little over an hour away, South bound...:thumbup:
 
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San Francisco, you also need to visit:

International Spy Shop
http://www.internationalspyshop.com/

Japanese Stuff like tools, blades? Interesting place to browse in Japantown. (Don't forget to go across the street into the mall for some Japanese food. -follow your nose for whatever restaurant catches your interest.)
Soko Hardware
(415) 931-5510
1698 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
 
Check out Golden Gate park, the Steinhart aquarium and the museum of natural history. Lot of things to see there.
 
Golden Gate Park during the day
800px-Golden_gate_park_aerial.jpg

Go watch the surfers by the ocean end of the park
Coit tower has great views of the city by the bay

Major thumbs up for Fishermans Wharf clam chowder in the SOURDOUGH bowls
Mmmmmmmm

The most important part about any trip to SF====>
You must listen to this song on your ipod ;):cool:
(check out the fro on Neal Schon!!!)

[youtube]M4QkTvK2OEw[/youtube]

Have fun!!!
Buy some Colombo Sourdough bread!!!!!
 
lazerboy2000 said:
How safe are the areas during the day and especially at night? I consider myself to be pretty aware of my surroundings, but I'm a featherweight with no combat training and i'll be alone so I don't want to take too many chances. I've heard that San Francisco and Irvine are pretty safe places but is there anything I should look out for?
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SF is a relatively safe city as long as you stay out of shady areas if you’re alone at night (the mission district, couple of others – and I know because I work at San Francisco General Hospital, sometimes late hours). Just be alert and use common sense at night and you’ll be fine.

stingray4540 said:
As far as San Francisco goes, you might want to just mill around Pier 39, and Fisherman's Warf.
I would take up rksoon's offer, and meet him for a day hike some place. There are some really nice places not very far from San Francisco, and rksoon should know the public transport system pretty well...:D
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Check out Fisherman’s Wharf and the Pier for sure if you’ve never been. El dub and Trent Rock made a good suggestion about Golden Gate Park. They even have a herd of American Bison there :) I’d HIGHLY suggest you check out the brand-new California Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park too. If you want to get out of the city, and I’m able to get a car (because it’s easier), I can pick you up from public transportation and we can do a short dayhike somewhere near SF (I just did a nice easy trail in a second-growth Redwood forest in Half Moon Bay last weekend). There are even a few trails we can get to by public transportation (As stingray said, I DO know public trans decently well :D), but it’s generally a PITA. Let me know what specific days and times you’ll be free and I’ll see if I can work something out. And I’m not a big SF nightlife person, so can’t help you out there in case you’re a crazy party animal, sorry :D.


mtnfolk mike said:
there is also a www.tadgear.com store in S.F. as well.. it's a great shop to go and check out...
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raylaconico said:
In San Francisco, you can go to the TAD Gear store www.tadgear.com. They sell a lot of cool stuff for people like us!
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You know, I still haven't been to the TAD Gear store yet :eek: Man I need to get on it! I need to go when I actually have some money to throw around though.... :D
 
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San Fran has lots of cool stuff, and public trans there is awesome.

Irvine, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Balboa Island are all really upscale and you won't have to worry about being attacked in those areas. They are nice places to hang out during the day, if you like stores and window shopping. Public trans in SoCal is a total joke, so if you want to get around, consider renting a car and get a map.

Too bad you're not going to be down in San Diego, or I could recommend all sorts of things for you to check out.
 
If you are up for a hike in OC you can hit El Moro. It is between Newport Beach and Laguna beach on Pacific Coast Highway. Great views and you can get in a good 10 mile hike. You can also rent bikes on Balboa island and Newport, so good to get around town. It is also worthwhile just checking out the beaches in and around laguna. Lots of tidepools and cool rock formations. Don't worry about the safety aspect. the most dangerous thing in the area is really the traffic and even that is not that bad. as far as knife carry i usually just carry a Native clipped to my pocket with no problems.

Have fun.
 
In SF, the California Academy of Sciences is a good place to visit. If you like maritime history, there are some old ships at the Hyde Street Pier, and a WWII sub (USS Pampanito) at Fisherman's Wharf. I don't know if the Liberty ship Jeremiah O'Brien is still there. Even in town there are a few places to explore and hike. Take the trails around the headland right by the Golden Gate Bridge, and I always liked the spot down on the water by Cliff House (or rather, where Cliff House used to be) and the site of the Sutra Baths. Go to Ocean Beach. Fly a kite at Crissy Field. Visit the Maritime museum just below Ghirardelli Square. Visit Fort Point (one of my favorite spots there, it is a Civil-war era fort under the Golden Gate bridge). If you can get transportation across the Golden Gate, go up the drive to the WWII-era coast defense gun emplacements on the headlands overlooking the Golden Gate, and then drop on down to the Point Bonita lighthouse.

And if you can hook up with a forumite there, by all means go on a hike in the surrounding areas. There are a number of good places to go in the coast range and in redwood groves.

I lived in the Exelsior district for two years (right by Mission and Ocean) and at night it was not the greatest place. The Mission district closer to downtown and the Tenderloin would be places to avoid at night.
 
If you like Chinese food, a walk through SF's Chinatown is warranted. There used to be a restaurant called The Hunan that I liked (bought their cookbook!) but I don't know what the currently hot places are (small pun intended---it's spicy food:D).

DancesWithKnives
 
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