LA or San Diego - what do you guys recommend to do?

[BlackSheep]

I have a coupon expiring for an airline return ticket. I can travel on a Wednesday or potentially on a Sat or a Sun as well (chances are more Wed). Personally I can do a day trip and can be either in LA or San Diego for 4-6hrs in the afternoon like from 12pm-6pm before catching the return.

I was thinking of going to Black's beach, never been there. Bathhouse came to mind as well, I have visited a bathhouse about 8 years ago in a diff country. I just want to chill enjoy a potential mutual play possibility ... 

Has anyone been to a Bathhouse in LA or San Diego recently? I really like dark hairy chest early 20s to late 30s men.

any other suggestion beside a beach and a bathhouse? massage is also a possiblity. 

Thanks 

[MscleLovr]

My opinion will seem harsh….but I feel someone has to give you a reality check.

You're the same poster @BlackSheep who mentioned in the Personal Finance section that you’re heavily indebted, losing money on your side-business and part-financing a relative overseas.

At the same time, you have friends who want their short-term personal loans to you repaid quickly.

You’re an adult and you don’t need a break in LA or San Diego.

You simply need to knuckle down and face reality.
Once you start dealing with your financial problems, you will feel more in control of your life. I think then your mental issues will reduce.
 

[BlackSheep]

I am well aware of my current reality, and your comments are harsh and unnecessary. Spending $30 or close to $200 will not dramatically improve my current situation. The thing I am focused towards is do I have an ability and will to keep fighting on, be it startup or pay off debts. What matters at the end is can I standup again and is there a path fwd.

I expected folks to answer a simple question, rather then judging the whole person or situation. The thing that is not visible is the whole reality. I have been in debt almost all of my whole adult life, and I feel I have never lived it because of the fear of been more in debt. I know I need to get rid of it and I am trying, I just don't want it to be single thing in my whole life, I am already stressed out, just looking for some breathing room if there is one. I made it my whole life in my 30s but due to my one situation or the other (not of my own) never able to come out of it. 

Edited August 23 by BlackSheep

[CuriousByNature]

12 hours ago, BlackSheep said:

I am well aware of my current reality, and your comments are harsh and unnecessary. Spending $30 or close to $200 will not dramatically improve my current situation. The thing I am focused towards is do I have an ability and will to keep fighting on, be it startup or pay off debts. What matters at the end is can I standup again and is there a path fwd.

I expected folks to answer a simple question, rather then judging the whole person or situation. The thing that is not visible is the whole reality. I have been in debt almost all of my whole adult life, and I feel I have never lived it because of the fear of been more in debt. I know I need to get rid of it and I am trying, I just don't want it to be single thing in my whole life, I am already stressed out, just looking for some breathing room if there is one. I made it my whole life in my 30s but due to my one situation or the other (not of my own) never able to come out of it. 

Try to stay positive - things can improve over time with consistent effort.  Not overnight, but over time.  You have every right to seek enjoyment amidst your present circumstances.  I have been to San Diego, and I enjoyed the Zoo.  It might be a bit pricey now for admission, but its also nice just to walk around the Gaslight District, Balboa Park. and Old Town - none of which needs to cost any money.  Safe travels!

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

On 8/23/2026 at 9:07 AM, MscleLovr said:

You’re an adult and you don’t need a break in LA or San Diego.

You simply need to knuckle down and face reality.
Once you start dealing with your financial problems, you will feel more in control of your life. I think then your mental issues will reduce.

Well said. 

On 8/23/2026 at 10:56 AM, BlackSheep said:

I have been in debt almost all of my whole adult life

Ouch!  Be lazer focused on stop spending and pay off all debt in a few years, and the stress will be less! 

11 hours ago, CuriousByNature said:

things can improve over time with consistent effort. 

Consistent.... Like consistently eating beans and rice at home until debt is paid off.  Travel for the weekend contributes a pattern of consistent spending while in debt.

11 hours ago, CuriousByNature said:

You have every right to seek enjoyment amidst your present circumstances. 

Such an entrainment mindset is what keeps poor people poor.  It's kind of like telling an alcoholic who's already drunk they have the right to another drink.  Yes, they do have that right, but it won't end well. 

11 hours ago, CuriousByNature said:

I have been to San Diego, and I enjoyed the Zoo.  It might be a bit pricey now for admission, but its also nice just to walk around the Gaslight District, Balboa Park. and Old Town - none of which needs to cost any money.  Safe travels!

In Los Angels, I enjoy the free Ghetty Museums (advanced reservations required), Griffith Observatory, and Forest Lawn Cemetery. 

In San Diego, I, too, recommend walking and taking in the architecture and a museum in Balboa Park.

[mike carey]

On 8/23/2026 at 3:33 PM, BlackSheep said:

I have a coupon expiring for an airline return ticket. I can travel on a Wednesday or potentially on a Sat or a Sun as well (chances are more Wed). Personally I can do a day trip and can be either in LA or San Diego for 4-6hrs in the afternoon like from 12pm-6pm before catching the return.

Going back to your originally posted question, and considering what @Vegas_Millennial just said, I'd like to throw something in, not to suggest you need to do it, but simply to consider. If you are trying to recover from significant debt, you have to keep spending some money, but what should you spend it on? I don't suggest rice and beans and nothing else, but resonable restraint can be important. Your airline voucher is something that you can probably only use by spending more money (how much more is a fair question). Would that money be better spent on something else, or used to retire some of your debt? Is any asset that you can only cash out by spending more really an asset, or is it a liability wearing fancy clothes? Letting it expire could be the best use of it, but that's for you to decide. The rest of us have no skin in the game, only opinions.