San Francisco or San Diego?
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, and we're trying to decide between San Francisco or San Diego. He has been to each of these places and likes them both, but says that San Diego is a little cleaner. San Fran, however, is closer to Muir Woods and the Redwoods which we've always wanted to see. We're not into night-life or partying, but we like site-seeing and nice restaurants! We're not on an extremely strict budget, but we're not affluent either. Which place would be better?

Which month?

Both are wonderful, but if you've not been to either go to SF. It is magical!

Sorry I didn't give enough info - this is my first time on this site. We would like to go in June or July.

Hi asc, being a native Californian I must say that both cities are beautiful. However for a 25th wedding anniversary I would chose SF.

You do not have to be into night-life or partying to enjoy SF. Make dinner reservations at 8:00pm and that can be your evening entertainment. Have a delicious long drawn out dinner.

SF is a wonderful city for a romantic anniversary celebration. Or at least it always was for me. And it sure is for my daughter and her husband.

Whatever you decide, Happy 25th Anniversary asc!

I love San Francisco, but we just returned from San Diego, and that would be my choice hands down!
Be sure to stay where you have a water view. We stayed at the Hyatt, and the service was incredible.

I've been to both many times (and actually live not far from SF) and love them both for different reasons. As for site seeing and nice restaurant, both places have them -- it just depends on what kind of sites you're interested in seeing. IMHO SF has more variety of sites: Muir Woods & Beach, Sausalito, Angel Island, Wine Country, Alcatraz, neighborhood walks with beautiful old buildings, Golden Gate Park, walking across Golden Gate Bridge, lots of museums and art galleries, Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39, Fort Mason, and lots more. San Diego area is more laid back, relaxing and (I think you're husband's right about this) cleaner. The beaches are warmer, you have Sea World, Wild Animal Park, La Jolla, Coronado Island, nice restaurants, Gas Light district, warmer weather in general (esp. that time of year), Tijuana nearby (good for cheapo shopping and not much else, unless they've spruced it up since I was there last).

In San Diego, you also have the Anza Borrego desert as an easy day trip. There is a great visitor center in Borrego Springs, but you may not want to walk in the desert much...very hot. On the way there or back stop in the small mountain town of Julian. Lots of little stores and some nice places to eat. Or, instead of the desert, from Julian drive through Cuyamaca State Park and see how the park and surrounding area is coming back to life after the terrible wild fires that occurred in October 2003. Many trails are open again, including the trail to the top of Stonewall Peak. There is a marvellous view for miles from there.

San Diego also has Balboa Park where you will find many very interesting museums and a gret restaurant, the Prado. Dinner on its terrace is very romantic.

If you choose San Diego, come in July rather than June. We often get prolonged "night and morning low clouds" in June, known as "June Gloom" and if you wanted to spend time on the beach that might be chilly. Also, the ocean water is warmer in July - but never actually "warm"!

You will have a great time whichever city you choose.

Good points, Barbara. I can't believe I forgot to mention the town of Julian -- home of my favorite apple pie ever -- as well as Balboa Park. Anzo Borrego is nice too but much more beautiful, IMHO, in the spring when flowers are in bloom (and when it's not so beastly hot). I wasn't aware that June Gloom extended down as far as San Diego, since I've never been to SD in June. I did find out the hard way about it at Capistrano Beach, when we made the mistake of staying at a place on the beach in June a couple years ago and never saw the sun until we took a trip to Disneyland!

I'd say go to the bay area and stay in Tiburon. You will have a view of the Golden Gate and SF Bay, be able to take the ferry into the City, close to Muir Woods. Dinner at Caprice would be perfect.