Grob driver, know what you mean, I had fried catfish at Laughlin (on the colorado right at the point where Nevad, California and Arizona meet - rent a jetski on the river for $60 great fun when its 40C!) in a $2 buffet or some bloody thing. When I told the FTO on returning they just groaned 'awwh, not the fried cat fish..!'
Anyway, flying anywhere in the LA basin at night is amazing.
Big bear is beautiful too, but with density altitudes easily reaching 8500ft, do your performance calcs.
I flew over Winslow meteor crater. A long way from nowhere, but worth it. I have a good photo here, so if anyone can tell me how the hell I upload it, I show you!