Los Angeles or San Francisco: Which Californian city is right for my next vacation?
Are you planning a trip to California and trying to decide between visiting Los Angeles or San Francisco? Well this guide is for you. We go through everything you need to know about both cities to help you decide which one is perfect for your next vacation.
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Contents
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: Some background
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for accommodation
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for attractions
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is more picturesque
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one has the better vibe
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is easier to get to
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is easier to get around
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for beaches
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for history lovers
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for food
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for nightlife
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for culture
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for safety
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for couples
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for families
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for solo travel
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is cheaper
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for nature
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better in summer
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better in winter
- Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is for me
Los Angeles or San Francisco: Some background
Before we start to look at Los Angeles vs San Francisco lets look at a bit of background on each city.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is located in the southern part of California, and is the 2nd most populated city in the US. It has a very diverse landscape. It mostly a desert basin, but it is also surrounded by mountain ranges, and 75 miles of coastline.
If you are wondering if LA is worth visiting here is a helpful guide.
San Francisco
Located in northern California San Francisco is the 17th most populated city in the USA. It’s a place that has a rich and progressive history. It was popular with hippies in the 60’s and then later became a key player in the gay rights movement. It’s always just been one of those places you can be yourself unapologetically.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for accommodation
Choosing your accommodation is always an important part of any trip. So here we look at if LA or San Fran has the better options.
Los Angeles
I will probably say this so many times in this article but LA is huge. That means there is a lot of accommodation, but that it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to stay. A top tip is to decide on what you want to see and where you want to go and then book your accommodation based on that. For instance if you are keen on visiting the beaches stay in Venice or Santa Monica. If you love celebrity culture, and nightlife do Hollywood. Or if you just want cheaper accommodation try Downtown.
Downtown LA
Accommodation tends to be a bit cheaper in Downtown LA. There are some sketchy parts, although it’s not as bad as it once was. There are some decent hotel selections, and some cool bars and restaurants. The Metro also runs through the Downtown area, so it makes it a bit easier to get around if you are going the public transport route.
There are more and more restaurants and bars opening in Downtown LA, and it’s a very different place now to what it was a few years ago.
Hollywood
Hollywood is pretty synonymous with celebrities and luxury, but actually the area itself is one that celebrities tend to avoid. Back in the day it was full of low income housing which is a contrast to the whole idea that Hollywood is full of glitz and glamour. It’s a good neighbourhood to stay in though if you are wanting to go out at night and it’s great for bar hopping and clubbing. It’s very touristy, but that isn’t always a negative.
If it is your first trip to LA then we recommend booking accommodation in Hollywood. It’s close to a lot of attractions, public transport, and several bars and restaurants.
Santa Monica/ Venice
Santa Monica and Venice are great if you are looking to spend some time near the beach. Santa Monica is a bit more expensive, but it’s close to the water, and there are lots of restaurants and bars. Venice is a little edgier, with graffiti clad walls, and a more alternative feel, but also good value for money. This is probably where we would stay on our next trip to LA, but because it is a bit further out, maybe not ideal for your first time here.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a lot less spread out than LA so is a little bit easier to decide on where to stay. For first time visitors we recommend the following two areas.
Fishermans Wharf
This is a popular location as it is by the harbour front, and many San Francisco attractions. There are also many bars and restaurants in the area. Admittedly it is a little touristy, but it is easy to get to and from.
Union Square
This was our choice when it came to neighbourhoods to stay in San Fran. It can be expensive which is something to keep in mind, and rooms are pretty small. But transport links are excellent, and it is very central.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
This is a tough one as honestly compared to some European cities we found accommodation in both LA and San Francisco to be expensive. In San Francisco we were very central but our room was tiny. And in LA our room was huge but we were in a bit of a rough area.
If we had to choose we would say LA has the better accommodation just because it has way more choice and you can get cheaper accommodation in some areas compared with San Francisco.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for attractions
Tourist attractions are a big consideration when visiting a new location. We go through the best things to see and do in LA and San Fran to help you decide which one is better.
Los Angeles
Here are some of the top things to do in LA.
Griffith Observatory
This is one of the top sights in LA. Here you can learn all about the cosmos and look through some powerful telescopes, as well as admiring the incredible views of LA.
You probably need at least an hour to just take it all in. We loved the view of LA from the top of the observatory. It really gives you an insight into just how big the city is.
Hike the Hollywood Hills
If you want to get a bit closer to the Hollywood Sign you can do a guided tour. You will learn all about Hollywood and the surrounding areas, and the views are incredible too.
Hollywood
Hollywood is a must when visiting LA, even if it is just to say you did it. Most of the action is centred around Hollywood Blvd. Here you will find the Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds, and the TLC Chinese Theatre just to name a few.
Universal Studios Hollywood
A trip to LA is not complete without a visit to Universal Studios. If you are a movie fan this is the place for you. You can explore the sets of some of the most popular films, as well as enjoying the park rides. Realistically you will need to spend a whole day here as there is so much to see and do. Just make sure you book tickets in advance.
Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Another studio you can visit is Warner Brothers, which includes getting your picture taken at a replica Central Perk set.
Hop On Hop Off Bus
Because LA is so big a Hop on Hop Off Bus tour is a good way to cover quite a bit of ground and see some of the key attractions. It’s especially useful when you only have 2 days in LA. There are different routes you can book onto, as well as 1 and 2 day options. We recommend booking online in advance.
Venice Beach
We ended up doing this as part of a bus tour, but if we could do it all again we would skip the tour and just do Venice Beach by itself. It’s beautiful and carefree, and sort of what you imagine life in California to be like. It’s also very alternative with shops selling T-shirts with crass slogans, and a lot of really cool graffiti all over the walls.
Santa Monica
Just down the road from Venice is Santa Monica. It is a lot more upscale and a great place to shop. You can also head to the pier where you will find a lot of rides.
Beverly Hills
Back in its hay day Beverly Hills was the playground for the rich and famous. It is where they went to shop and to be seen. These days while it is still home to those ludicrously expensive shops, particularly on Rodeo Drive, you don’t get a ton of celebrity sightings, if that is your thing.
San Francisco
Here are some of our recommendations on things to do in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Park
You cannot visit California without experiencing some natural beauty and this park is an excellent opportunity. You can take a stroll among the redwoods or visit the Japanese Tea Garden.
The Golden Gate Bridge
The bridge is one of San Fran’s main attractions and you cannot visit the city without seeing it. It opened in 1937 and spans the 1 mile wide straight that connects San Francisco to California’s northern counties.
When it opened it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world spanning 1280 meters between the 2 towers with a height of 227 meters.
Postcard Row
Channel your inner Michelle Tanner and head over to postcard row, also known as Alamo Square. Here you will find the most photographed houses in San Francisco and you might even, like me, have grown up thinking the cast of Full House actually lived here.
The houses themselves are referred to as the painted ladies. This term isn’t actually unique to these houses and it refers to any Victorian or Edwardian houses painted three or more colours. The term for this row of houses was first coined in 1978 in a book called “Painted Ladies- San Francisco’s Resplendent Victorians.
The houses were built between 1892 and 1896 and these days are probably the most recognisable homes in San Francisco. I cannot even imagine what it would be like living here as tourists swarm the park in front to take photos everyday. In fact we have heard that some residents have had to keep their doors locked to stop tourists from just walking in! Luckily we are good tourists and took our photos and left.
Haight-Ashbury
This is one of the coolest places in San Fran to explore. In the 60’s this was home to the hippie movement. The area has a really friendly feel and one of those everybody is welcome vibes. These days there are some cool shops and some pretty impressive Victorian Mansions. There are also some boutique stores, trendy cafes and super cool restaurants.
Chinatown
Enter the Dragon’s Gate into Chinatown and you could be excused for thinking that you are walking down a back street in South East Asia. Here you will find shops selling all sorts of knick knacks, just don’t forget to barter. Also a fun fact is that this is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and is also the oldest in North America.
Alcatraz
This is actually one of the most popular tours in the US, and once you do the tour, it is easy to see why. You start on Pier 33 and get the boat over to the Island where you can explore the prison with the aid of an audio tour. Do remember to book in advance because this is a really popular tour. I know a lot of people who actually missed out on this because they didn’t book.
Pier 39
Yes it is super touristy, but it’s one of those places you have to visit when visiting San Francisco. Make sure you go and see the sea lions. No one really knows why the sea lions flock to the bay but there are theories that perhaps they feel safer. Boats used to dock here, but in 1990 after receiving complaints from boat owners, it was decided that the sea lions would stay and the boats would have to go.
Ride the Cable Cars
Near Pier 39 around the Fisherman’s Wharf area, you can hop on one of the city’s historic cable cars. This line will take you back to the Union Square area. This really is a uniquely San Francisco experience. It costs $7 each way and I will tell you now it is absolutely worth it. You can either sit inside or stand on the outer steps and hold on as the cable cars climb and descend some of the city’s enormous hills.
Lombard Street
Another cable car destination happens to be the top of Lombard Street. This is a notoriously steep street famed for its sharp turns, and features in films such as Hitchcock’s Vertigo. The street was too steep for the 1920’s style cars and it was at this time that property owners decided to install a series of curves.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
We thought San Francisco was the better option when it came to tourist attractions. I mean you can’t argue with the likes of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is more picturesque
So we have gone through top tourist attractions but you might be wondering if LA and San Fran is the more picturesque place to visit.
Los Angeles
LA whilst being a sprawling metropolis does have some picturesque places. For starters you have some fantastic beaches which are perfect for sunsets in particular. You also have some great views from the Hollywood Hills reminding you of the desert beauty of LA.
San Francisco
San Francisco has a lot of picturesque places. From the colourful houses around postcard row, to the stunning surrounds of the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t forget San Francisco also has its own beaches to explore, as well as the incredibly picturesque Golden Gate National Park. Basically there are a lot of beautiful places to discover.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
We think San Francisco is the more picturesque of the two. LA does have some great beaches but San Francisco is by far the more consistently attractive city.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one has the better vibe
Judging a place based on vibe might be a slightly ambiguous statement but hear us out.
Los Angeles
LA has a very relaxed and friendly vibe. Maybe it is something to do with the heat and all those glorious beaches, but it is a very chilled out place compared to other US cities. If you delve past the touristy parts of the city it’s all about sunsets, cocktails, and positivity.
San Francisco
The vibe in San Francisco is slightly more alternative and progressive than LA. It’s all about letting people be who they want and expressing themselves freely. It’s also an incredibly liberal city.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Honestly both cities have a very different but equally good vibe, I think it just boils down to what kind of a holiday you want.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is easier to get to
Obviously when travelling you want to go somewhere that is easy to get to. So out of LA and San Fran which one is the easiest to get to?
Los Angeles
Chances are you will starting your trip to LA at LAX. It’s a busy airport with regular flights from the US and around the world. LAX is one of the busiest airports in the US so you know that flights are going to be regular.
After arriving at the airport you will need to get a taxi or shuttle bus to your onward destination, as public transport links aren’t great.
Taxis, as well as Uber and Lyft, operate at LAX, and these are your more convenient options for getting to your hotel. Be prepared to pay around $70- $80 though, depending on where you are staying.
You can also hop on the LAX FlyAway bus, which will get you between LAX and either Van Nuys or LA Union station for under $10. It is also worth checking if your hotel operates a shuttle service as this is cheaper than a taxi, but more convenient than the LAX FlyAway.
San Francisco
Whilst not as busy of an airport as LAX, San Francisco is still an incredibly popular destination. You get many flights from around the world that land here. It’s a particularly good choice if you want to avoid the chaos of LAX.
The transport links in San Francisco are really good. When you arrive at the airport you can catch the BART which stands for Bay Area Rapid Transport. Trains are every 15 minutes and it takes about 30 minutes to get into downtown San Francisco.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Obviously you have more options for flights to LAX so it’s the winner here.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is easier to get around
How easy a location is to get around is a big factor when booking your trip. Here we look at whether LA or San Francisco is easier to get around.
Los Angeles
Contrary to popular belief LA does have public transport options and they are pretty cheap as well. The downside is that public transport isn’t well connected in LA and takes ages getting you from place to place.
You are honestly better either getting an Uber or renting a car. But if you want to use public transport it is relatively easy to do so. Metro and buses are your main options. The metro is particularly handy if you are travelling from Hollywood to Downtown LA as you skip a lot of the traffic.
San Francisco
Public transport links are pretty decent in San Francisco. The network is referred to as the Muni. This is San Francisco’s bus and metro system which includes the F-Line heritage streetcar.
If you do get a chance, a ride on the streetcars is well worth it. We caught the streetcar from just outside our hotel all the way down to Pier 39. The service uses historic equipment from both San Francisco’s retired fleet as well as from a range of cities around the world. They are really beautiful to look at too, and add so much charm to such an amazing city.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
San Francisco is the clear winner, although it’s not that hard to beat LA in terms of public transport.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for beaches
If you want to spend a bit of time at the beach then you may want to know if LA or San Francisco is the better option.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles has some pretty amazing beaches, I mean you have watched Baywatch right? But seriously, if does have some great places to soak up the sun with the sand between your toes. There are lots of great beaches across LA County, with one of our favourites being Venice for it’s arty vibe.
The beaches or LA are very different to other places in the US and they are incredibly lively and vibrant. You get street performers and amusement parks, plus an incredible nightlife scene at some of them.
San Francisco
San Francisco has some pretty epic beaches, but you might not be able to sunbathe like you would in LA. The coastline in San Fran is rockier, and attracts a lot more fog than LA. That being said they are great for walking as they are very scenic.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
We have to go with Los Angeles on this one. The beaches are much better when it comes to swimming, sunbathing, and general atmosphere.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for history lovers
If you love visiting a new place and learning all about its history this section is for you.
Los Angeles
LA is actually a really good place to go if you are a fan of history. Particularly your old world Hollywood movies and history. There are tons of amazing tours you can do including haunted Hollywood tours and much more.
San Francisco
History lovers, will enjoy visiting San Francisco, especially Alcatraz. It’s one of the best places to go to learn all about the history of crime in the the US, and some of the prisons infamous guests.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
I like the whole old school Hollywood ghost tour thing so I’m going with LA as a top spot for history lovers. But it’s a hard one because Alcatraz is one of the coolest attractions in the US.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for food
Food is one of our favourite things about travel, so we find when trying to decide on a new destination somewhere that has good food is important to us.
Los Angeles
LA is huge, so you do have a lot of choices when it comes to food in the city. One of the most difficult things will be narrowing food choices down to specific areas.
A really good way to try some great food, and learn a little bit about the history of different cuisines in LA is to do a food tour. This tour is a great option if you want to explore the iconic farmers market.
If you find yourself in Downtown LA, which is fast becoming a foodies paradise, then we recommend this tour.
San Francisco
The food scene in San Francisco is incredibly diverse. It’s full of your more casual eateries as well as your upscale Michelin star quality places.
The city is big on locally sourced food, and farmers markets are all the rage here. There are several tours you can sign up for to really dive into the food scene in the city.
For more traditional San Fran foods though make sure you try the sourdough. You should also checkout Chinatown which has some great quality asian food.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
We found the food scene to be much better in San Francisco. As a disclaimer though this could be because LA is more spread out and harder to explore properly.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for nightlife
If you are looking to party the night away you might be wondering if San Francisco or LA is better when it comes to nightlife.
Los Angeles
If you are into clubbing and raves LA is the perfect place to go for nightlife. Although a lot of clubs in LA can feel a little pretentious. Don’t forget that LA is the place to be seen.
That being said there is a little something for everyone in terms of nightlife. From cocktail lounges, to dive bars LA has it all.
There is a different late night vibe in LA depending on the neighbourhood you are in. For instance Hollywood is great for fancy nightclubs, whereas Venice is perfect for a trendy cocktail or a rooftop bar.
San Francisco
San Francisco has a little something for everyone too. SOMA is one of the better areas for clubbing, whereas if you want something more laid back head to Haight/Ashbury.
San Francisco is known for its incredible LGBTQ scene, with several gay and lesbian bars particularly around the Castro neighbourhood.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
A lot of people will probably say LA is the better option for nightlife, which might be true. We however preferred San Francisco because it was a lot less pretentious and a bit ore liberal.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for culture
Culture lovers might be wondering if LA or San Francisco is the best city for them. Let’s take a look.
Los Angeles
I think there can be this common misconception that LA has no culture, but this is wrong. I mean it may not be able to match Paris or London in terms of culture, but there is a lot of history ready for you to soak in. There are some world class museums in the city and even better is that you can often visit for free depending on which day of the week it is.
It’s also a very multicultural city. In fact, the city’s residents include people from over 140 countries who speak over 224 different languages. This is very much reflected in the food, architecture and neighbourhoods that make up the city.
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most historically progressive places in the US. It was where the hippie movement and gay rights movement gained momentum, and it has always been known as a place where you can be yourself.
Things like environment and sustainability are big in the city and you can see this when it comes to locally sourced food, and the number of top quality outdoor areas in the city.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Because of its progressive nature we preferred the culture in San Francisco.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for safety
Safety is a big consideration when travelling, but between LA and San Francisco which one is safer?
Los Angeles
Like any big US city you do get areas in LA that you need to avoid. There is a lot of homelessness and it can feel daunting particularly in parts of Downtown LA. You should take precautions in LA, and do your best to avoid looking like a tourist. Walk with purpose and mind your own business and you should be ok. And obviously avoid the dicer areas like Skid Row.
In the more touristy bits like Hollywood and Santa Monica you should be ok generally, but we would definitely avoid walking around at night, especially if you are alone.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a big city, so you do get a lot of homeless people. There is also a problem with drugs in some areas. We definitely recommend avoiding the Tenderloin especially after dark, as this is where a lot of drugs and homelessness is prevalent.
Pickpocketing is also pretty common particularly in places where tourists frequent such as Fisherman’s Wharf. Like LA we wouldn’t recommend walking around alone at night.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
From what we have read statistically the violent crime rate is lower in San Francisco than LA, so for that reason we think it is safer. That being said they are both big US cities, and they each have their share of problems, so keep your wits about you and take precautions when visiting.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for couples
Travelling with your significant other? In this section we decide if Los Angeles or San Francisco is the better option for a romantic break.
Los Angeles
I wouldn’t say LA is a particularly romantic couples destination, but it is a good place to traveller with a companion. Dave and I visited together, and there are some romantic places for instance Venice Beach, at sunset.
There are also a lot of fun bars and restaurants in Hollywood and beyond so you have a lot of date night ideas if you do end up visiting LA.
Some of the more romantic things to do in LA include a sunset tour of Venice Beach and even a helicopter tour over the city.
- Do a helicopter tour over the city
San Francisco
San Francisco is a great place to go as a couple. There are so many romantic things that you can do, like sunset cruises on the bay, or renting a pedal boat in the Golden Gate Park. Also the food and drink scene (in our opinion) is excellent making for the perfect date night.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
For a couples break we prefer San Francisco. It’s easier to get around making date nights a lot easier. Plus there are so many pretty spots to go and enjoy some quality time together.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for families
Planning a family vacation and want to know if LA or San Francisco is the better choice? Well, read on.
Los Angeles
I actually visited LA with my parents as a kid and I loved it. There is something about the glitz and glamour that captured my imagination. And of course let’s not forget the theme parks.
Hollywood is such a fun area and there is lots of movie memorabilia around the place which is awesome for kids. There are also a lot of theme parks in LA like Universal Studios and of course Disneyland. It’s certainly somewhere you can go to make a lot of family memories.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a good city to explore with kids. There are tons of interesting museums, and don’t forget Alcatraz.
You also have the cable cars and streetcars which are fun to ride with kids. Although I might just be thinking of the Full House opening credits.
That aside it’s a really pretty city with lots to explore, including the Golden Gate National Park, and stunning beaches.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
We have to go with LA on this one because seriously what kid doesn’t love Disneyland?
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for solo travel
Travelling solo is a rewarding experience, but sometime locations are just a bit dull for solo travel. Here we delve into each city and decide which one is better when you are travelling alone.
Los Angeles
I have travelled to LA as a solo traveller, and admittedly I did feel a bit nervous. I had heard so many horror stories, especially from women travelling by themselves.
It’s a difficult place to get around using public transport especially by yourself. I ended up booking a lot of group tours to get around LA which took me to places like Universal Studios and Venice Beach. I was surrounded by people and felt a lot safer.
LA is fine for travelling solo, but I do recommend booking group tours.
San Francisco
I spent a bit of time a few years ago travelling solo in San Francisco. It genuinely felt like a safe city, especially in the day. It’s easy to get around, and there are lots of cool things to see and do.
There are also several tours that you can join if you want to meet people and further explore San Fran.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
San Francisco is the better place for solo travel. It’s easy to navigate for starters, and the attractions aren’t as far away from each other as they are in LA. It also feels a lot safer walking around the Downtown area compared to LA.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is cheaper
If price is a big factor in deciding on a holiday destination, you are in luck. Here we breakdown costs for both LA and San Francisco to determine which one is the cheapest.
Los Angeles
LA can be an expensive city, although this all depends on what you want to do. We budgeted around $200 per day per person not including accommodation. Because public transport isn’t great in LA we ended up forking out for organised tours to save us time.
Accommodation can be costly, but there is more option depending on which areas you want to stay in. For a mid range stay you are looking at a minimum of $150 per night.
San Francisco
We spent around $150 per day per person when we visited San Francisco. This didn’t include our accommodation.
A meal for 2 at a standard restaurant cost us about $70. A ticket for the hop on hop off bus was around $55 each, which honestly was quite expensive and we wouldn’t do it again. Another big cost was the Alcatraz tour. We absolutely had to do this in San Francisco and this set us back around $40 per person. The good news is there are a lot of cheaper or even free things to do in the city so if you are on a budget you can bring this down significantly.
On the plus side transport costs were cheap which gave us the opportunity to get out there an explore some of the trendy neighbourhoods.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
San Francisco was the cheaper city for us. This was probably in part because we paid for a lot of tours in LA because of the difficulty using public transport.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better for nature
If the idea of exploring the great outdoors is something that excites you, here is a breakdown of both LA and San Francisco in terms of their proximity to nature.
Los Angeles
When people think of LA they tend to think of a great big traffic filled congested city. And while that is true, there are also some great spots for nature lovers. For starters if you are into stargazing you should definitely make your way to the Griffith Observatory.
The Hollywood Hills are great for hiking, although we recommend you do it as part of a group to avoid ending up lost. You also have the incredible beaches we mentioned further up in this article.
San Francisco
If you love nature you will love San Francisco. Outdoor activities are incredibly accessible and the city has nearly 30 miles of hiking trails.
You also have the Gold Gate Park and the rugged beaches that make this city an outdoor lovers dream.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
San Francisco is the winner when it comes to nature. The outdoor lifestyle is such a big part of life here and its easy to see why when you visit.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better in summer
If you are planning a trip in the summer months you might be wondering if LA or San Francisco is better for you.
Los Angeles
Summer is peak holiday season around most of the world. This is very much the case in LA so expect queues and lots of tourists. This will also impact accommodation costs which is something to bear in mind.
LA is a great summer destination if you are planning to hit the beaches. The sun, sand, and warm weather make for the perfect summer break.
Summer temperatures in LA range between 18-30 degrees Celsius. This does mean that it can get a bit sticky if you are trying to hike or just generally walk around.
San Francisco
Summer is peak travel season in San Francisco. Temperatures range between 12 – 23 degrees Celsius. There are very few rainy days, although fog is quite common at this time of year.
The city does get crowded with tourists in the summer months, and prices for accommodation can increase dramatically.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
LA is the better summer destination. It’s a lot warmer, and the city is just made for summer.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is better in winter
Winter months might not be as popular for travel, but there is something to be said for travelling in the off season. So which one is better?
Los Angeles
If you aren’t desperate to surf or swim in LA then November is our recommended time to visit. There are way less tourists, cheaper hotels, and the weather is mild.
December, January and February, are also decent months to visit LA. There is still a bit of sunshine, and temperatures range between 10-20 degrees Celsius.
San Francisco
You can expect quite a bit of rain in San Francisco between November to February so winter isn’t the best time to visit if you are wanting sunshine.
Temperatures average between 8 – 16 degrees Celsius so you will need to make sure you dress appropriately.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Because of the rain in San Francisco during the winter months we would say LA is the better option in the winter months.
Los Angeles or San Francisco: which one is for me
Congratulations for making it all the way through this list. Here are our final thoughts on whether Los Angeles or San Francisco is the better destination.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a great city if you are a fan of celebrity culture, or if you want to visit one of the big theme parks. It’s also great for beaches and clubbing.
It is difficult to get around though, and is very spread out, so if you are visiting make sure you plan your time accordingly.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a really fun and progressive city to visit. Overall it’s perfect if you want to explore the trendy neighbourhoods, get out in nature, and experience some of the best tourist attractions on the west coast.
Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Our winner in the battle of Los Angeles vs San Francisco for vacation spots is San Francisco. There is a lot more to see there for tourists, but also it’s just easier to get around. In LA the public transport takes ages to get around, and it isn’t well connected. San Francisco on the other hand has an excellent public transport system meaning that you can easily get out and explore all that it has to offer.
It’s also the more picturesque city with some really cool neighbourhoods to explore.
We hope this article has been useful to you, but if you need some more information on travelling to the USA checkout these guides below.
And if you need to look back make sure you pin this guide for later.
Happy Travels!
2 Week west coast USA itinerary
2 week east coast USA itinerary
