Ok, We've narrowed our choices to San Francisco or Ft. Lauderdale Florida for vacation. Which is a better choice?

Goodness but this is an apples and oranges question! Two unlike places as ever there were. You need to help us out here.

Have you ever been to either before? Are you city people or beach people? What time of year are you thinking about going? Will you have a car? If so, do you want to do day trips? What kind of weather can you handle best? What is the aim of this trip--relaxation or sightseeing?

Personally, I'd pick SF, but that's because I was just in Florida this week, but I haven't been to CA in a while!

Definitely need more info to help with a decision like that.

For myself, I'd pick Florida since I've never been and I live just south of SF - LOL.

Sorry, I should've been more specific.
We are in our 30's I'm not big on water activities, but like to watch the beach and ocean on my hotel balcony. We are into sightseeing, tours, dining and shopping. Yes we would rent a car. We like beautiful warm weather, not too hot and we are thinking about going in November this year. Lets say this would be a relaxing vacation and defintely some sightseeing.

Lilley, it sounds like you'd like Florida for this trip. You could sit on the beach--it's lovely that time of year, humidity is way down--and relax! Then you could take a drive to South Beach in Miami and eat at some of the great restaurants, having spent an afternoon sightseeing (look up www.fodors.com for particulars; there's a lot to see). And that's only a one-day suggestion!

One place that we especially like is the town of Coral Gables. There's a fantastic pool there called the Venetian Pool that is well worth a look. It dates from the 1920s and has lagoons and waterfalls, and the water is from a natural spring. It's historic and beautiful. The old part of Coral Gables is equally lovely.

There's also plenty of opportunity for posh shopping in Ft. Lauderdale!

I heard Ft. Lauderdale is nice! Never been to San Francisco.

Although SF is one of my favorite cities, I would not recommend it for what you are looking for. SF isn't a beach town and the weather in SF may be sunny in November or it may be chilly and rainy - the rainy season generally starts about November, so it tends to be hit and miss that time of year.

Personally, I'd go to SF, but that is because I live in Fort Lauderdale...LOL

Based on the previous posts regarding the weather in SF, I suppose you should come to sunny Ft Laud beach. Some good suggestions for places to stay:
Marriott Harbor Beach Resort (Right on the beach)
Radisson Bahia Mar (get the partial ocean view 7th floor or above facing north for the best view of marinas and ocean--breathtaking!)
Lago Mar (never been there, but lots of people post how much they love it & it's right on the beach)

It's very easy to to drive around Ft. Lauderdale and there is a wonderful Water Taxi that is worth checking out.

Thanks. I've heard great reviews about Marriott Beach Resort. Sounds like a nice place to stay!!

The Marriott Beach Resort is the nicest hotel on the beach in FLL. I like FLL and for what you are seeking I also vote for FLL. It is a one of a kind city. Great beach, many fine restaurants. Try Charlies Crab. Very good.

For a great restaurant experience in the FLL area, go north a bit on A1A to Oakland Park Blvd, then west (if you went east you'd be in the ocean) for about 3-5 blocks. In a strip mall on your left you'll find Cafe Seville. A very charming, quite authentic Spanish restaurant with great food and excellent wines. It's small so I advise reservations.

funny you should mention Cafe Seville. It is one of my favorites in Fort Lauderdale, definitely not on the tourist trail but wonderful. The Paella is great ( I like their all seafood version) and they have great selection of excellent Riojas. Add the guitarist makes this intimate restaurant high on my list. LMF

Shooters on the waterway is excellent!

I will have to make a note about Cafe Seville as we are always looking for new places to try. Our favorite in FLL is Sage French Cafe.

I would definitely pick San Francisco over Fort Lauderdale, personally, but it doesn't sound like what you are looking for. As others have said you won't find the weather that you are looking for, not to mention hotels that beachfront. The San Diego area would probably be a better bet in California. As far as Fort Lauderdale, it is a very nice area, but for relaxing, sightseeing and dining, I would much prefer Key West. But that's a personal opinion. Of the two you mention, Fort Lauderdale sounds more of what you are looking for.

If you are looking for a nice beach--Key West is OUT!

The charms of Key West are mainly ephermeral. No beach to speak of, restaurants that, while good, do not stand up to other Florida resort areas, no great luxury resorts, no excellent moderate resorts, no cultural life. Fort Lauderdale has all these things in abundance.

What Key West has going for it: completely different atmosphere practically devoid of the chaining of America that robs towns of their sense of place.

Bar hopping is the main cultural activity in Key West.

We go to Key West occasionally but I much prefer Little Palm or Islamorada for a keys vacation. LMF

Hi Lilley,I stayed at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort last year and loved it! The rooms are nice size,the balcony is great!We loved the beach and the pool.Both are fabulous! We had a pool/ocean view off our balcony and it's the way to go.The whole resort if VERY nice and the staff is friendly and efficient.The beach is great and the water is warm.You will have a great time!Please give us a review when you return no matter where you decide to stay!! Debbie

Which is the better choice: a upscale, diverse, beautiful, cultural and entertaining city or a run down bar scene on A1A. All Ft Lauderdale has is Las Olas, an ocean, Beach Place shopping Center, Riverwalk shopping center and a bunch of sleezy bars and rundown hotels (other than the mariott harbor beach). This place is great for anyone without much class. San Fran, on the other hnd, is one of the most interesting cities in USA. There is 100x more to do in and around the city.

Lilley,
I am going to assume that you have never been to either of these locations. If that is the case, I would definitely visit San Francisco over Ft. Lauderdale. We lived in SF for 7 yrs. and have been in FL for 14. Get a visit in to SF first and visit Ft. Lauderdale when you get another opportunity.