Thanks for the suggestion Mig. I was actually looking out west because anywhere else, say you get on the ground at 11am, to get back home that night, you'd have be back at the airport at 3pm or so. I don't live near a hub, so I've gotta make connections. Out west, get on the ground about noon, get back to the airport at 10pm for the red-eye.

And the surprise aspect. Actually my brother let the cat out today. My mom and I were discussing, and we've pretty much settled on SFO. She's down with the transcon idea, and she's never been to CA, nor have I. Plus, should the fates place us in F, we get a meal now.

We were thinking alcatraz, peir 39, golden gate bridge. I'll have to look up details.

Any other suggestions or tips?

Thanks.