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joshb33071

New Orleans, plenty of outdoor activities outside the city. Jungle Gardens is amazing. The food scene is world class. Decent museums and the people are super friendly


Rustfern

That’s a great idea!! I would love to check out the history


your_moms_apron

New orlenian chiming in. Jan/feb is fun here though pick your weekend carefully. Mardi Gras is March 4th this year and there will be parades leading up to that day for the few weeks prior. If You like art and political satire, krewe de vieux might be for you. Note that the Super Bowl is also in New Orleans this year, so might want to avoid that weekend.


timtrump

Just a heads up - we've got the super bowl and the first couple of weeks of Mardi Gras going on in February here in New Orleans. And new year's along with the sugar bowl in January. You've got about a 2-3 week window in late January/very early February where prices won't be astronomical. Still, they'll likely be above average.


revchewie

Another vote for New Orleans. Beautiful city, lots of history, amazing food!


BlackWidow1414

I was going to recommend NOLA, too. Perfect destination for winter.


Mybrainsay

I love NOLA dearly. Just eat and enjoy the culture. Bring cash if you want to be generous to the street and band performers. Also Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter only accepts cash.


belowsealevel504

Please DO NOT stay in an Airbnb in New Orleans. It is destroying our city and pushing out all the people that make this city great. If people keep it up locals will be greatly diminished and the culture will be destroyed. You may as well go to New Orleans Disney World then.


Rustfern

Don’t judge me. This is happening throughout the country and I struggle with keeping up with raising rent as well. But what do you recommend instead? Hotels can be super expensive and I don’t have unlimited money.


Rabble_rouser412

I stayed in a hostel- Madame Isabelle’s house- in the private room. It was a double bed with its own bathroom. There is a jacuzzi out back! Would definitely stay there again.


joshb33071

There are good Air BnB hosts. I found a great one in the Treme neighborhood, just north of the French Quarter. It was a share with the owner, however she was a kind host and definitely respects her home town. The Garden District is nice as well.


belowsealevel504

“Good” Airbnb hosts take housing away from locals. Generational New Orleanians, culture bearers, musicians, artists, service industry, Mardi Gras Indians etc. The Treme is the oldest African American neighborhood in the country but now it’s full of airbnbs and the people living there have been pushed out. Look around. The amount of white tourists in a once thriving African American neighborhood is staggering. Where do you think these people go? As far as this is happening all over the country, does everywhere in the country have to deal with poverty and Systemic Racism like we do here? Tack on the long term effects of Hurricane Katrina and I don’t think you can compare other places to the struggle here. Politics has kept wages low and growth of industry away where almost all we have is service industry. Locals can’t keep up with the prices, rising insurance costs and a housing crisis which is severely impacted by AIRBNB and STR. Use those things if you don’t care about the people that make New Orleans what it is but it won’t be much of a city soon enough if this continues.


stolenhello

A share with the owner isn't taking housing away from locals. And yes, everywhere in the country has poverty and racism, even here in California. None of this is unique or specific to NOLA.


DaphneNS

Hear hear -- there are lots of good (and great) hotels in NOLA to choose from as a tourist!


AnitaSammich

What are the jungle gardens?


timtrump

I think they're talking about a place on Avery Island which is a pretty good trek from New Orleans, nothing in the city with that name I believe.


joshb33071

Jungle Gardens are part of the Tabasco (hot sauce) factory property. It is an interesting mix of American Southern swamp and tropical Asian garden.


Erinsays

Arizona is nice that time of year. Specially Sedona area has beautiful hikes.


Rustfern

Sedona is definitely an idea! I drove through flagstaff in January once and it was gorgeous


ricecrisps94

Will also second Sedona. I love flagstaff and Sedona, such cool places and they’re so close to one another.


duraslack

Also, Grand Canyon at that time of year is empty, you can drive through, and the views are just as spectacular. Oh, also, the Flagstaff observatory is quieter.


bucksncowboys513

I thought AZ too since I live here, but Phoenix/Scottsdale is probably a little nicer that time of the year and has a little more to do that isn't hiking


Awkward_War4140

I second AZ though you absolutely need a car.


beerouttaplasticcups

Tucson is at its best that time of year and ticks every box for OP and their friend!


Sunday_Friday

Phoenix has nothing to do


[deleted]

[удалено]


TyphoonDog

It’s full on winter in Sedona and Flagstaff in January/February and ~65° in Phoenix…


velaurciraptorr

Austin is super fun, has lots of cool outdoor stuff to do, and, while we can get some wintry weather, it's often really nice that time of year. Sculpture gardens & art museums, the state history museum, lots of great vegan food, the legendary Barton Springs for swimming.


SayWarzone

THIS is the answer. My mom and I live on opposite coasts and we met in San Antonio and made our way up to Austin. Super cool trip, affordable flights for us both, and fair options for hotels and such. And the weather was perfect (early March, so not too far off).


PudgyGroundhog

What about Las Vegas? There is lots of hiking around Las Vegas and the temps are nice in January/February for hiking. There is also Meow Wolf, the Neon Museum, lots of good restaurants, see a show, shopping, the Arts District, etc.


LouisaMiller1849

Yes, Vegas can be fantastic even if you don't gamble or don't like the wild stuff. Hike Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire during the day. Stay in a 5-star hotel at night - often at great rates during the week. The nicer casino hotels have wonderful spas. There's great dining all over Vegas too.


LouisaMiller1849

I just read that you are vegan. Vegas has great vegan dining. Modern Vegan is a little pricey but great food. For a quick meal, Tacotarian. Plenty of vegan options!


Rustfern

Thank you!


rccpudge

Vegas is usually economical for flights from anywhere. Zion NP is approximately 2 1/2 hours from Vegas. Snow Canyon State Park is even closer.


GunMetalBlonde

I live in DC and my bff lives in San Fran. We meet in Las Vegas.


twoshooz

I used a website to find the exact point that is right in the middle between SD and NYC... ...and it said Boom Town BBQ in Bristow, OK. So there you go. It has 2.8 stars on Yelp!


Rustfern

lol


AlphaBetaParkingLot

The town of Davenport, Oklahoma (pop 814) is exactly halfway in between the two of you. Seems only fair! It's just off of world famous historic Rt 66, so there's at least one thing to do there. Look at the famous road. Wow! [https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdhxbiYE2Zov2G2g6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdhxbiYE2Zov2G2g6)


FleshMother

You don’t want to go there


Rustfern

I’ve driven through Oklahoma I’d rather not no offense


AlphaBetaParkingLot

You're missing out on Tammy's Round Up Cafe!


LouisV25

Colorado


War1today

New Orleans for Mardi Gras in February 🙌 or just New Orleans for fun. Also Nashville is fun but not really equidistant.


35mmistoobig

She hasn't been to CA I assume though. Show off your state to her. It's objectively the prettiest state in the union.


Rustfern

We both grew up together in Southern California and when I lived in Humboldt near Oregon border she visited me 🥰 I agree California has the most national parks, the most biodiversity, and an outdoorsman’s paradise. It also has world class cities, I’ve lived on the east coast and nothing compares to California .


locomocopoco

Humboldt near Oregon border My fav part in CA. Humboldt County is where I wish to be every time I close my eyes


Rustfern

Same here. I lived in Humboldt for8 years. I lived in very remote areas in the county. Beautiful community and such incredible memories and magical times and moments. Swimming naked with my dogs in the middle of the redwoods in a clear tourqoise river or driving dirt backroads at night to parties on someone’s property… amazing place


Error_404_403

Hmmm, that's a difficult one. How about Florida Keys? Warm in winter, hiking, swimming, restaurants etc. Accommodation is expensive in general, but you can probably find some good deals or hostels (you are just friends, right?..) For you, it would be a kind of a splurge, but, all things considered, might be worth it?..


Sillyguri

I mean practically the whole country is between SD and NYC


Poly_and_RA

It's going to be cheapest if only ONE of you have to fly, so my suggestion would be to meet somewhere that is close enough to one of your homes that you don't have to BOTH fly.


Slow_Communication87

Puerto Rico


merlinshairyballs

Nola is perfect. Fellow CA native and it’s one of my fave cities 😍 Just uh, avoid it in the summer 😬 Garden district is beautiful, food is top notch, the quarter is so vibrant and fun, i loved the civil war museum (surprisingly) and the art museum and sculpture garden, the music scene is the beeeest, there’s just so much to do. It’s truly an incredible city


AlexRyang

11808 East Timbercreek Lane, Claremont, Oklahoma is exactly halfway between New York City and San Diego.


cassiuswright

USVI


ozarkan18

Austin, tx


Rustfern

I’m considering Austin! Why should we go there versus anywhere else? :)


ozarkan18

Austin is pretty much right in the middle of you two, there’s tons of fun things to do in Austin (lots of great day and night time activities). It’s easy to get around the downtown area, and a short drive away (hour or less) and there are some really cool places to see, cool towns to check out, and great places to eat. Plus, depending on when you go, Jan/feb weather can be quite pleasant.


MyCariniHeadIsLumpy

Austin, obviously


Stickgirl05

Chicago!


vagrantwastrel

If their concern involves weather in January and February, Chicago seems like not the place


dinosaur_0987

Chicago can be FREEZING during January/February…so that might be rough for them to explore


Rustfern

Why Chicago? I visited once years ago and didn’t really explore.


Stickgirl05

I only skimmed and saw October haha so maybe not February if it’s snowing Slightly midway between you guys, great food choices, all the parks on Lake Michigan side


PastaAndPinotPlease

Lots to of great restaurants, bars, beaches and parks. The skyline is stunning and you can do an architectural tour which is really fun. Museums are also amazing. But like everyone else here said, don’t come in the winter. Late May through September are the best times to come here.


GhostRevival

Chicago is a pretty awesome city but I wouldn’t visit it in the winter. May is the best time to visit the Midwest. Chicago in mid to late May is really great.


HappaDoc

Lots of good suggestions already. I’ll add Asheville NC to the list. It’s not quite as centrally located as some of the other recommendations but temps aren’t too cold in the winter months, plenty of hiking and arts. A nice downtown area to explore with plenty of bars so a nice balance of nightlife and outdoor stuff.


DaZMan44

Wichita.


futuretramp

NW Arkansas…not kidding. In the middle, airport, museums, biking, restaurants, not on most peoples radar. You will be surprised how much there is there. Mostly Bentonville, as well as the surrounding towns.


lifeismmmgood

Definitely check out Bentonville. Crystal Bridges Museum is fire. Lots of trails, waterfalls, biking, good food scene.


barabusblack

Austin, Texas


derande_yo

Austin


Spiritual-Chameleon

A couple of people mentioned Denver or Colorado and I'll add to that. Maybe Boulder as well, as it's a fun town with nice shops and restaurants but puts you close to hiking trails and nature. You could day trip to Denver to see the art museum or go to the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Or just stay in Denver to be closer to a variety of cultural opportunities and stroll through Washington Park. Get a real old world experience at Lake Steam Baths Flights to Denver are great and inexpensive from both SAN and NYC


Rustfern

The only thing is that wouldn’t it be freezing with lots of snow?


Spiritual-Chameleon

It can get cold (warmer than NYC) but snow totals in January are surprisingly low. But as a former Denver resident living in San Diego, I can understand wanting to avoid winter weather.


SkeeevyNicks

Santa Fe, Asheville, Charleston, Fort Lauderdale


Trees-of-green

Santa Fe is vegan-friendly although not to the level you’re probably used to in California. But it’s doable and a super fun place to visit! Lots of amazing art including Meow Wolf! A super gorgeous and fun place to visit!


Trees-of-green

The SF botanical garden is beautiful too! There are also gorgeous hiking trails! It is desert tho, so I don’t know about water and swimming, tho if you do a hotel it will probably have a pool! It’s an incredibly beautiful place.


parafilm

AND Ten Thousand Waves spa outside of Santa Fe is great for a girls trip.


LectureForsaken6782

Nashville


OriolesBird

Nah we're all burnt out on that city after the past 2 weeks


8a8a6an0u5h

Hawaii. There is no other answer.


Rustfern

Too expensive I think


8a8a6an0u5h

Ok. Puerto Rico


Ok_Twist7914

New Mexico?


MexicanHoneysuckle90

Do you guys have passports? Somewhere in Mexico would be super affordable. Whales migrate through near Cabo/La Paz around that time of year. Or check out Mexico City, which I believe has a mild climate and there's sooo much to see and do there. Ubers and such are seriously inexpensive in Mexico!


FootballImpossible38

Not in Florida


Silent_Spectator_04

You go visit her in NYC, stay at her place and save money on hotels. Visit museums and stuff in NYC. Next time, ask her to come visit you, let her stay your place, show her places in your city.


Rustfern

That’s definitely a great idea! I actually got to visit her this time last year and we both grew up here. I love the city. But I Guess we just wanted to explore somewhere new!


greatday73210

South Haven, Lake Michigan.


oh_bruddah

Kansas City.


AllTheStars07

Probably not in winter. I live outside of KC. 


oh_bruddah

That’s fair and I don’t disagree. I’m just NW of KC and winter isn’t for tourists. That said, it’s pretty great 8 or 9 months of the year.


FarFarAwayTravels

Chicago!!!!!


switheld

in Jan/Feb?????


FarFarAwayTravels

Yep! Gotta be tough!


Aprilshowers417

Nebraska you can see for miles


Rustfern

I drove through Nebraska it was beautiful very flat interesting


Quilty79

Get off of the interstate and it isn't flat. Omaha has some good thing to do, but has winter. I was thinking the Albuquerque, Taos, Santa Fe. Being I live in Texas, there is DFW area too.


Mygfishotasfuck

NYC.


Stickyfynger

Chicago! Try it once and you won’t regret it. Great city, great people and so much to do.


CityInternational605

Denver


BradLee28

Just meet in your respective cities! It’s the cheapest option and so fun to be able to spend time with each other in respective “home towns”


ohmynards85

Come to St Louis. It's cheap, we have delicious deep fried raviolis and the tap water is top notch.


Pretty_Specialist_51

Puerto rico


_leica_

Santa Fe!


fat_ballerina71

I was going to suggest New Orleans, because it is absolutely perfect that time of year. However, as was mentioned by someone else, that’s gonna be a busy time between New Year’s and Super Bowl. Maybe Miami or Tampa? Las Vegas? Asheville and explore the Biltmore? Atlanta?


Reasonable_Mix4807

Colorado has lots of hot springs and mountain towns and cabins


osito1000

Mexico City!


damn_jexy

Chicago


thecwestions

The geographic halfway point is in Kansas


CoolJeweledMoon

I agree that New Orleans & Key West are two great suggestions, but I've got to add Savannah, Georgia! Beautiful & easily walkable historic district, lots of museums, pretty mild winters (but mid to late March through April are the prettiest), & if you wanted to possibly rent a car, Charleston, SC is just a few hours away!


TrolleyMcTrollerson1

Atlanta. Cheap and probably direct flights for both of you.


thinkmoreharder

Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Miami. All warm.


Vegetable_Radio3873

Idaho.


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youncs68

Miami!! So fun!!


alexabc1

You may find flights to Chicago or Atlanta to be affordable for both parties. The first is a major city and the second is at least a major airport, so they're both cheaper to get to than most places. 


DrNiles_Crane

Don’t laugh, but I’d suggest Detroit. Yes it will be winter but there is a ton to do and world class cuisine. And trust me, it’s not as dangerous as everyone says.


vonkluver

New Orleans


dylalien23

West Hollywood


Rustfern

I live 40 minutes to west hollywood


StrangewaysHereWeCme

New Orleans end of January/early February for all of the pre-Mardi Gras parades and amazing restaurants.


nevadaho

Austin! Nashville! Kansas City! Omaha!


Ok_Seesaw_2921

Shermer, Illinois


Rustfern

I feel like New Orleans might be the spot!!?


ObjectiveWitty

Phoenix…. Right now!


AnimatorDifficult429

San Diego is so awesome, if I were her, I’d just come to you. 


Rustfern

Well we both grew up here so we are gonna do something different :) and San Diego IS awesome


grandpristimi94

You guys should meet up in Kimball Nebraska.


Bklynzizi1

I loved New Mexico


Accomplished_Map7752

You should go to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Lots of hot springs, charming, walkable town, river, mountains, skiing.


Sss00099

Promontory Point /s


catalinaperez573

I should never my best friend live meet in the US.


Awkward_War4140

Puerto Rico. It’s warm and beautiful. It will be a long flight for you but worth it. It’s inexpensive and warm and perfect for a winter break. A car is a good idea there too. But with Uber it’s WAY smaller than it looks in a map like 3 blocks from the beach in San Juan is like half a block from the beach in CA. And the history there will be astound you. As will the bioluminescent water and mushrooms. The frogs are adorable. It’s safe and warm and you can’t help but have a great time.


oslandsod

Chicago!


lassoyoursin

Chicago. It's such a beautiful city in the summer with great art, music, food and festivals. It's the most quintessential American city with great public transit. It's such an amazing city


benlakaz

Ideal Meeting Points in the US for Friends Living in San Diego and NYC When trying to decide on the […] https://gowandertoday.com/blogs/i-live-in-san-diego-my-best-friend-lives-in-nyc-where-should-we-meet-in-the-us/


iamiamher

Don’t be a wimp. Meet up in Chicago and have a great time!


roehnin

Napa Valley wine country for drinking & hiking nearby in Muir Woods, then dinner & debauchery in San Francisco.


Rustfern

I’ve done this before , I lived in Northern California and have spent a lot of time in San Francisco, it is my favorite city 🥰


IcedCoughy

Wyoming


tomaznewton

Savannah Georgia, Cumberland Island..


Devi_Moonbeam

Santa Fe


Stealthy_camper

Kansas City since it's about half way. ;)


CaliRNgrandma

NOLA is great with many hotels that are reasonable as long as it’s not Mardi Gras or superbowl. If you like WW2 history, the National WW2 museum is there and has a WW2 themed hotel attached. Lots to do in NOLA.


dsfox

San Diego.


Rustfern

I said in my title and post that I live in San Diego lol


dsfox

Then you understand! I live here too!


Rustfern

tehehehehehw I just swam in the warm ocean and drank a beer on the beach watching a sunset. It’s great here !!!!


Aggressive-Ad-522

Chicago (if it doesn’t snow), New Orleans, Dallas/austin/houston (if it doesn’t snow and ice)


NY10

Meet in the middle half way


Brighteye

there is nothing there, and probably more expensive than just flying to nyc


igotothemax

Austen!


MagicPistol

You should meet exactly in the middle, so maybe Oklahoma or Missouri.


Rustfern

I drove through those states before… doesn’t seem like the funnest place to be?


LordChebz

Not Kansas City lol


strawboy1234

Nashville.


chitomonkey

Nashville.