Help!!!!
Me and hubby were thinking of going to San Francisco or L.A. next year. Weve never been to either cities and were wondering is there a lot to do out there??? Any advice on things we can see or do in San Francisco or L.A.??? I know disneyland is in Anaheim CA.
Please advise??
Thanks

Los Angeles and San Francisco are quite different cities, and many people who love one hate the other. Thus, don't be surprised if some descriptions of the same municipality sound like two completely places!!

That said, allow me to make my {completely unbiased, of course :^) } observations. Both cities have great cultural / ethnic diversity, nightlife, and shopping. Los Angeles is the center of entertainment and has better weather, beaches, and amusement parks. San Francisco is a much more "real" city, and has more charm, history, and laid-back attitude. In LA, a car is mandatory; in SF, a car is not only unneeded but becomes a burden. SF is closer to mountains and redwoods, LA has overall lower prices.

Disneyland is just south of LA, so, if that place is an absolute part of your itinerary, you have to go to there.

Jan- Paul said it very well. You need to check out the web for info on both cities. I have been to both many time and I love San Franciso best. San Francisco is close to the top everyone's favorite city. It is the Number one travel destination on the west coast and number one travel destition of american cities. The weather can have fog (in June and July), but spring and October are great. You can get around in SF real easy. Stay in the Union Square or Nob Hill areas. The views of the bay, golden gate and Marin headlands are really unbelieable. Los Angeles is so large and spread out you need to see only a specific part of it if you go there. If you pick LA, try to stay on the "west side" thats from Beverly Hills to Santa Monica. Like any large city, (and LA is very large) it has a lot of dangerous areas that you must know to stay away from. Have fun checking 'em out....no one can choose for you, but I vote for San Francisco. You will leave your heart there too!

San Francisco is easier to get around. You need a car in LA. Having said that, LA offers more in the way of museums, theatre, variety, but it IS hard to find a focus point. Personally, I think San Francisco is past its prime. I was there five years ago and have no desire to return and I used to love it. I will email you an amusing article by Joe Quennan on this debate.

Jan,

If you do NOT receive the article, let me know. (Here or at the above email address). Send me your snail-mail address and I will mail it to you. It will help you make an informed decision!

I have never talked to anyone who went to San Francisco who did not have a good time! As someone else recommended, San Francisco is routinely voted the favorite or one of the top travel destinations in the U.S. by readers of various travel magazines like Conde Nast Traveller or Travel & Leisure. LA is a little different -- it's either your cup of tea or it's not -- but it certainly does have a lot to do. One great thing about both of these cities is that they are close to so many other wonderful things to do as well. For instance, you can combine a trip to San Francisco with Yosemite National Park, or do what we did in July and fly into LA for a few days and then drive up the coast to Big Sur and the Monterrey Peninsula. The California coast is beautiful and LA and SF are both terrific fun.

I'm with Lisa. Spend a few days in either city and drive the coast. We fly out about every Spring. Last spring it was San Fran then down to 4 days in Carmel. The year before it was Ventura and Santa Barbara area. This next Spring it is San Diego in March and Oxnard in May for timeshare. If you go to San Fran go on up to Mendocino as the coastline is especially beautiful.

I wouls also say San Francisco. I have lived in both cities--am currently in LA. LA is great--so much to see but it is very spread out. Disneyland for example is an hour from LA proper. But there are geat things to see. It just takes some good planning. I would agree with Peter, if you go, stay in Santa Monica. You can go to the beach, museums are close by and it is safe. Just plan your activities carefully.

San Francisco on the other hand, you can easily do. There are also beautiful museums and it is a very romantic city. You could spend some time in Golden Gate Park, ride a cable car, eat fabulous food--HMMMM! I miss San Fran!! You could also drive to Napa for some wine tasting.

Check out some guide books for some suggestions. Have fun!! Both cities are great.

How about an alternative. Why not consider San Diego. Beautiful city with great weather and lots to do.

Have any of you been to San Francisco recently ( within the last year) ? You might have different opinions.

LA is much harder to get around, but it offers a lot more, and I am a Marin county native.