Vacation in either LA or San Francisco (Los Angeles, San Diego: rent, hotels)

[AkiraLe]

Hi all,

My husband and I were thinking about celebrating our 1 year anniversary by visiting your beautiful state. Now I will be the first to admit, as an east coaster that I know nothing about CA other than what I see in movies.

We were thinking about either going to Los Angeles or to San Francisco in November.
In either city where would you recommend staying (I don't need actual hotels more like general areas/neighborhoods).
We are 28 years old, we like music, movies, art, sightseeing, the beach, etc...
Neither of us have ever been out there. What are some things to do, places to see that you would recommend. We honestly like everything. Traditional sightseeing information is great as is anything else you recommend. I plan on doing some research of course but I wanted to ask you guys you thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

[TacoSoup]

The fact that you’re coming in November I'd choose LA. While I love San Francisco, it’s one of my favorite cities in the world, it can get prettt chilly there come fall, heck it’s chilly there year round, but that’s part of its charm. Although the ocean is cold in November in Southern California, the chances for a nice day at the beach are still pretty good, there’s zero chance of that up north. I can go on about all the pros and cons of each city, but once again the time of the year makes LA the safer bet. If you do choose LA don’t forget a trip to San Diego. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve meet (my business is at the beach) that came down from LA and wished they spent their whole vacation here. Congrats on your anniversary, my wife and I are about to celebrate our 1st as well.

[capoeira]

Originally Posted by AkiraLe

We were thinking about either going to Los Angeles or to San Francisco in November.

If you like the type of vacation where you rent a car and drive to many fantastic places go to LA. If you want to see many of miles of beautiful beaches go to LA and San Diego.

If you prefer to not rent a car, take public transit and walk to places from your hotel go to San Francisco.

[Fastphilly]

Best time to visit San Francisco is in September and October. Early November is hit or miss when it comes to weather. If your into seeing iconic landmarks then Asan Francisco is your thing. Cable Cars, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge are cool to see. But as another poster suggested, Los Angeles will be better weather wise in November.

[BurnInTheMil]

Beaches are always windy & somewhat chilly in the SF area even during the summer, November will be very cold, windy, and not enjoyable to sit and relax at a beach, except maybe in Monterey & Carmel (if you choose SF).

I would pick LA based on your November timeline, simply because of the weather.

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by Greg10556

Beaches are always windy & somewhat chilly in the SF area even during the summer, November will be very cold, windy, and not enjoyable to sit and relax at a beach, except maybe in Monterey & Carmel (if you choose SF).

I would pick LA based on your November timeline, simply because of the weather.

Picking LA just for the weather is not a great reason. LA is LA regardless of the time of year. The Bay Area is the Bay Area regardless of the time of year. Gosh, why assume the OP is gonna want to sit on a ocean beach all day?

With that said, the Bay Area offers a much more diverse experience, both natural and man made than LA.

[evening sun]

Originally Posted by Mr5150

Picking LA just for the weather is not a great reason. LA is LA regardless of the time of year. The Bay Area is the Bay Area regardless of the time of year. Gosh, why assume the OP is gonna want to sit on a ocean beach all day?

With that said, the Bay Area offers a much more diverse experience, both natural and man made than LA.

I would agree with this, Plus one cannot predict the weather. November can be dry & sunny, or wet & windy in November, San Francisco, but we do not know yet what it will be. I would base my trip, more on what I wanted to see, or experience.

[BurnInTheMil]

Originally Posted by Mr5150

Picking LA just for the weather is not a great reason. LA is LA regardless of the time of year. The Bay Area is the Bay Area regardless of the time of year. Gosh, why assume the OP is gonna want to sit on a ocean beach all day?

With that said, the Bay Area offers a much more diverse experience, both natural and man made than LA.

I would assume weather plays a huge factor for anyone, if they plan on spending a reasonable amount of time outdoors in general, not solely at a beach.

Would you want to be outside in the cold, possible windy with rain seeing sights all day? I highly doubt it. If the weather does in fact happen to be nice, then sure SF is a great option, but it’s WAY to early to tell.

One could always use Hotels.com (or something similar) to book hotels in each location and decide when it gets closer. Most hotels have a “pay later” option that doesn’t make you submit payment until check-in, with allowing cancellations up to 48hrs in advance. Think smart not hard

[ryanst530]

I vote LA. LA will offer more of the storybook CA experience/vibe you are looking for.

I suggest a hotel or VRBO somewhere in the Manhattan/Redondo/Torrance area. If you're more into the hipster/bohemian scene, then try Santa Monica.

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by ryanst530

I vote LA. LA will offer more of the storybook CA experience/vibe you are looking for.

Assuming they want the storybook CA experience.

For a real CA experience go Bay Area/ Napa.