Hi All-
I asked about a trip for two couples a while ago. I had sort of decided on Charleston based on recommendations. I am the only one who thinks it's a good idea. One member of our party wants to go to San Francisco. Two others vote for Miami. We are from the Boston area. Travel to San Fran will take a day there and a day back. Miami will take between 4 and 5 hours. We need to leave on a Thursday in Oct. or Nov. and return on a Tuesday. Is there enough to do in Miami for 5 days? Would the travel time to San Francisco be worth it? Thanks for your input.

Is there enough to do in Miami for five days? Yes.

Would the travel time to San Francisco be worth it? YES.

The feel of each is quite different. Miami is the northernmost city in Latin America on the East Coast, playground of old New Yorkers and New Jerseyites (and young New York DJs), an Art Déco living museum. San Francisco is Arcadian in scenery, Bohemian in attitudes, a world city with a dizzying ethnic mix and some of the best restaurants in the US (but weak in theatre and museums, oddly enough-- MUCH weaker than the much-maligned Los Angeles to the south).

I love them both. You'll get away from other East Coast types more easily in San Francisco. Miami is very Latin, San Francisco more cosmopolitan with a decided Asian touch. SF will be more different from what you're used to. And the California coastal scenery is beyond breathtaking.

Wow - I can't think of two more different popular destinations than San Francisco & Miami. It would be impossible, IMHO, to give advice unless you describe what kind stuff interests you. San Francisco is closer to Boston in "look & feel" than Miami. Mid Sept to mid October is usually our best weather period.

You don't need a car to visit SF - don't know about Miami - never been there.

Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca

I lived in SF for 7 yrs. and I've been in SW FL for 16, but I am familiar with Miami. I'd vote for SF. As a previous poster said, the October and usually even early Nov. time in SF is the best weather of the year there.

Up until Halloween time, you could end up in extremely hot and humid weather in MIA.

As another poster said,it would help to know why those voting for the two different locations are casting their votes. That would help us give further input.

If you do choose San Francisco, please do not call or refer to our city as "San Fran". Locals really don't like the city's name to be forcefully abbreviated.

Thank you for considering to visit our city.

Based on weather, I would choose SF - as others have said. Based on just about every other criteria, it really depends on what type of vacation you want.

"If you do choose San Francisco, please do not call or refer to our city as "San Fran". Locals really don't like the city's name to be forcefully abbreviated."

And if you really want to see the locals get their dander up, call it
"Frisco".

I'm also not sure what this deal is about 5 hours to Miami, but all day to San Francisco. There are numerous nonstop flights from Boston to San Francisco that take about 6 and a half hours. That's only an hour and a half longer. If you mean you also lose three hours due to the time change -- well, you gain that back when you come home, so that means nothing.

SF - with a day with a rental car to go up to Muir Woods and then an afternoon in the wine country (Napa or Sonoma).

"I'm also not sure what this deal is about 5 hours to Miami, but all day to San Francisco."

It was tough tofigure this one out for me, too. Giving th OP the benefit of the doubt, it could mean with the airport waiting time, it would take a full day's travel to go to San Francisco - the same amount of hours it would take to travel back fromSan francisco.

BTW, I agree that Frisco is a no-no.

Thanks for all your help. The difference of opinion revolves around two who prefer hot weather and two who prefer more temperate weather. In terms of flight times, most of the flights that we've checked on from Boston, Manchester, or Providence to San Franciso that are not too expensive involve layovers or are timed such as to take up an entire day. Or on the way back a night and morning. Flights to Miami can be found that are direct, short, and sweet. We plan on going to both places eventually but were thinking that we should save San Francisco for a time when we could take a longer vacation. I'll let you know what the final decision is.

We have just returned from the most lovely trip to San Francisco, and took with me printouts of several of Stu Dudley's responses! I wish there was a Stu Dudley in every place I visit! I am online planning two upcoming trips to NYC & Dublin...

Shaz, about Charleston, it is an awesome place to visit, but one best for either a girls' trip (which I am doing May 12) or at least have all travellers who like to poke around, and are interested in the history & the beautiful architecture. I would never dream of taking my impatient husband there...keep it in mind for the future!

Have a great time in Miami...and someday in SF.

Holly, my husband whom I love dearly, is an impatient jock of a neanderthal who loves Charleston. If you think it is only for a girls weekend, you haven't seen enough of the city.

My husband's best friend, who is close to the above description (he's an FBI agent) loves Charleston also and was the one who organized our recent couples weekend there.

When I was in Charleston a few weeks ago I noticed that a lot of fellows were enjoying poking around while evidently their wives were shopping and the fellows seemed very interested in the history and architec of Charleston. Imagine they loved the wonderful food in all the restaurants also.