On 15 Jun 2006 18:02:57 -0700, wrote in
om::

Since my family is not thrilled by the idea of flying in a small plane,

What is the source of their disenchantment with flight? Fear? Lack
of interest? ?

and I get bored flying solo,

Is that because you have no mission? What sort of activities do you
enjoy?

I am wondering what other venues there are
for a (VFR) pilot to fly people around. Basically I am looking for
excuses to do scenic flights within a 100 NM radius of San Diego.

Here are some ideas. Scout them out solo first, so you'll know what
each has to offer your passengers. When you get home, you can regale
the family with your adventures.

Take a trip to the Robert Pond Palm Springs Air Museum (760-778-6262)
on Palm Springs Airport (KPSP); all the aircraft are in mint
condition!

A little further north is the General Patton Museum at Chiriaco Summit
Airport (L77): http://www.airnav.com/airport/L77 . Beyond that lie
the ghostly remains of the WW-II Desert Training Center divisional
campsites and aerodromes still remarkably evident on the desert floor
along the way to Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (KIFP) and Mc
Carran International Airport (KLAS). There's lots of fun there.

If you leave early in the morning and beat the heat, you can easily
enjoy the day on the Colorado River and in the Casinos, and make it
home before dark. Tell them about the wonderful time you had, and
then see if your family becomes a little more interested in your magic
carpet.

CAP and Angel Flights sound rather stressful.

Civil Air Patrol is good for those interested in military discipline.
Does pilotsharetheride.com have a good reputation?

The creator of PilotShareTheRide.com assures me that he has the
blessing of AOPA, and FSDO.

Any other ideas ?

There is a sky trail around Borrego Springs. Agua Caliente Airport
(L54) has hot pools for swimming and soaking within walking distance
of the airport. There's a small air museum on Montgomery Field
Airport (KMYF) if memory serves. Don't overlook the Planes of Fame
Air Museum at Chino Airport (KCNO): http://www.planesoffame.org/

Hop over to Warner Springs Great Circle Gliderport (CL35) for an
introductory flight. Perris Valley Airport (L65) is the busiest
paracenter in the nation. You can spend hours watching the sky
divers. Check out Giant Rock near Yucca Valley Airport (L22).

Plan a mission. Fly it. Relate your experiences to family and
friends; you should find them warming to the idea of accompanying you
on your next air adventure. Don't forget to post your trip reports to
Usenet.