Florida or California?

[scamhammer]

Florida or California?

I have been comparing the pros and cons of visiting California and Florida. It would be interesting to read comments on the following analysis:-

Theme parks: Fla slightly better
Hotel prices: Fla slightly better
Public transport: Cal somewhat better
Airline prices: About the same
Flight times: Fla somewhat better
Weather: Cal usually less humid and less wet
Car hire prices: About the same
Nightlife: Cal better
Flight times: Fla slightly better
Shopping: About the same

[Calamity Jane]

We love both places, my husband used to live in California, so every time we go there it is a sort of a pilgrimage, both places are very different, but if I was to put my mark on one of them, for me personally it would be Florida.

Theme parks...Universal much bigger and more happening than FL
Hotels...Only slightly better in FL
Public transport...cant say, never used it in Cal or FL always had a car
Airline prices...depends where you are flying to in Cal and time of year
Flight times...Cal is approx 3 hrs longer flying
Weather...Go to Death Valley Cal, it is damn hot there but not as humid
Car prices...yes roughly the same
Nightlife... Depends on what you class as nightlife...eating or clubbing, if its the former then there is no difference if its the latter Cal wins hands down.
Shopping... Well shopping is shopping which ever way you look at it and most women would find a shop if they were lost in the Sahara Desert, it also depends where you go shopping, and what for.

[trevlad]

floridas fun
californias just dreamin:D

[blott]

Theme parks: Florida heaps better
Hotel prices: Don't know
Public transport: Don't know
Airline prices: California more expensive
Flight times: Florida 3 - 4 hours better
Weather: California much cooler (we went in March/April and nearly froze during the day)
Car hire prices: California more expensive
Nightlife: Don't know
Shopping: Florida has more bargain outlets and discount stores

To be honest, I don't think you can compare the two. We hated California (apart from San Francisco) and found LA was mostly miles upon miles of urban concrete sprawl. California Disney isn't comparable with Florida Disney, the latter being much better and the weather's heaps warmer in Florida. It did nothing but rain in California with roads closed by mud slides when we were there, so you can hardly call Florida wet in comparison!

Score:
California 5 Florida 9

Go to see California just to say you've been there and see for yourself but I bet you'll return to Florida and not California!

[imported_n/a]

I have to agree with Blott in the main, but once you travel further south past Anaheim, starting at Newport Beach the coastal resorts are really pretty and Carlsbad could even be called "quaint". San Diego is lovely and cross over the bridge to Coronado and the place is elegantly old-fashioned, just like the Hotel Del Coronado where Some Like it Hot was filmed. We would recommend San Diego/Coronado to anyone!

[gromit]

We went to California on our honeymoon in September a couple of years ago - had a great time. We didn't do the parks as there was so much else to do. We were going to go to the film studios but ending up being right in the middle of a film set on Rodeo Drive so didn't need to go! It was much better seeing movie making that way. The weather was quite good, but we travelled around and it varied from place to place more than the weather varies in the whole of Florida. We started off in LA - good weather, then to Vegas where it was very hot, normal for Nevada. Next stop was Yosemite and due to the altitude it was cooler but nice. Finally back into California to San Fransico where the weather was quite different to that of LA. It was a great trip and I love California - however it's Florida we decided to buy and we could have bought in California if we wanted to. The flights are longer to California by approx 3 hours. Therefore they are slightly more expensive too. The parks in Florida are bigger. There are outlet malls in Cal. but I feel Florida is better for bargains. Cal was slightly more expensive for car hire too.

We do love California and if you have never been you should go. I loved cycling along the beach from Santa Monica to Marina Del Ray. I used to be a lifeguard so had to see the baywatch bit. Had to do some star watching but I'm lucky in my job to come into contact with some anyway. I think if you have children you are better waiting until they are teenagers to appreciate Cal. and get through the flight. Long flights are quite difficult for children anyway even with 101 things to occupy them.

In summary, for better valus for money, shorter flight times, better weather & parks I would go to Florida.[msnsmile]:D

[armagedon]

If you like rollercoasters then california it has to be what with magic mountain and knotts berry farm you cant go wrong. Disney is a disappointment if you go there after florida you are best off to go to Disneyland first i think. Other than that i found the prices for things are about the same, flights cost me the same and car hire was. There is one BIG different though no buffet restaurants like Ponder or golden coral. You cant bet florida for food places.

mark

[Pluto]

We went to California in September 2001. Disney in FL is miles better than Disney CA. We didn't like Los Angeles at all and were glad to leave. Did go to Vegas and San Francisco as well and they were fab.

[Ray&Sarah]

We think that Florida is better, although we did enjoy Las Vegas (I know thats in Nevada) but we did Las Vegas/LA as a two centre holiday. We thought Anaheim was a bit of a dump really.

[gromit]

We think Santa Monica is a better place than Anaheim to stay if you go to LA. Vegas we stayed at The Venitian, extravegant I know, but it was our honeymoon, if you are planning a trip to Vegas check it out!

[bridget]

Ooh dare I say it??! California for me! I love Florida but California has more for adults - horrah [:X]

[Floridalover]

San Fran is very special, I dont think you can compare the two really, when you take the parks out of the equation. I'm very impressed by Calif's beauty.... The Keys on the other hand beat Calif hands down:D[8D]:D[8D]

[Cruella DeVilla]

I think Florida is more family friendly than California generally.
The West Coast can be a little "false"
CDV[}:)]

[Nostromo]

I like Disneyland in California for nostalgic reasons but cannot say that it is better than Orlando's MK (plus a few MGM and Epcot attractions). But I felt after our only visit to California's Universal that it was rather less family orientated and 'cold' compared with the one in Orlando. I do not really want to go back to Disney or Universal California, but I certainly want to (and will) return to Orlando.

I have to admit that my views may be slightly biased. Of all the cities in the USA, I detest LA most of all (the dust, the traffic and the overall attitude of the locals) and unfortunately Disneyland is nearby. Orlando might not be exactly a 'pretty' city, but it does have a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere of its own which does appeal.

[wrpac00]

We went to California in 1998. Started off in San Fransico (great place), then drove to Vegas (I know, it's not in California) what a place, then went to San Diego and stayed on Coronado Island and ended up in place called Huntingdon Beach which apparently is the birth place of surfing.

We loved it but did not get to do the parks near LA as our eldest son broke his arm and was in plaster.

Your right you can't really compare and it is totally different but we are really glad we did it, the weather is definately colder in California.

[Ray&Sarah]

We are planning a trip to San Fran and Yosemite next May for Ray's 40th Birthday, its somewhere he has always wanted to go.:)

[Lyn]

The 2 states are so vastly different it is difficult to compare them. I liked San Fransisco but only just, I HATED Las Angeles if you think the 192 is busy try driving in LA we spent hours trying to get fron Aneheim to Universal and gave it up as a bad job. Yosemite on the other hand is out of this world the scenery is to die for. Lake Tahoe in the summer is wonderfull and I would love to see the surrounding areas in winter, must be fabulous. Las Vegas is amazing all bright lights and razmataz but just amazing. I prefer Yosemite to the Grand Canyon but it is a sight well worth seeing. In a nutshell if you want theme parks and a certain magic I just can't put mu finger on then Florida is the place for you. If you want scenery that is truly amazing mixed with the most amazing man made sights (Las Vegas) then try California/Nevada/Arizona, but you will pay more, we now stay in villas but when you drive along the 192 you see adverts for hotel room at around $40 in California we were lucky to find anything under $130 per night, when you are in the scenic areas you also don't get big shops like Wal Mart. We have been to California twice and would love to go again but Florida is the place for me although California is my hubbys favorite - might have to think about seperate hols!!

[gromit]

Hayter, I loved Yosemite, but Camilla wasn't so keen. Something to do with the enormous hairy spider (looked like a taranchelor sp?) that crawled over us in bed - it was big enough to wake me up! She never slept for the next 2 nights.
The scenery is fantastic, but stay away at the weekend because of all the daytrippers - the valley traps the car noise, especially the Harleys!

Neil

[jad]

For a good family relaxing(?) trip then Florida with the kids but we went to California before kids were born and thought it was lovely. Hated Los Angeles but I generally hate cities anyway but absolutely loved San Diego - must be one of my favourite cities in the world now. We also liked our trip from California via Hoover Dam, London Bridge to Las Vegas (what an experience)and Yosemite.

In summary I would say as a stay put holiday, Florida but a fly drive type California and the other near by states

Jackie

[Ray&Sarah]

Gromit, now you've done it, one thing I can't stand is big hairy spiders!:D

[gromit]

It did say in the welcome book at Yosemite Lodge that the wild life including the creepy crawlies added to the experience! I would have rather seen a bear. I would love to go back to Yosemite but next time we will stay at the nice big hotel![msnwink]

Camilla

[george]

We loved San Francisco - hated LA, Yosemite was great, San Diego is one of our favourite cities. We were there last year at this time weather wasn't too good at all the flight was very long and the theme parks no where near as good as Florida but the scenery was awesome ! If you are going to do the West Coast tour I recommend doing Las Vegas later in the trip as the night life is brilliant but you can't enjoy it if you are jet lagged. I think Florida wins hands down for weather, when we were in San Diego it was just like being here drizzling and cool.

Pamela

[gromit]

Florida wins hands down for weather. Neil is in LA at the moment and he says it's warmer here in Dorset than in LA! When we did our tour Vegas was our 2nd stop and that worked out quite well. Loved it whilst we were there, were not jet lagged and by doing Yosemite next were able to chill out from the buzz of Vegas![8D]

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Yosemite is just beautiful - I'd love to go back and visit but Sarah has a pathological fear of earthquake fault lines. She is thus very reluctant to go to California. I'm still working on her and am confident I will win in the end [msnwink]

[Floridalover]

San Fran is amazing.......still love FL tho[8D][8D][8D]

[Cruella DeVilla]

We got married in Las Vegas. If you choose CA, try and get over to Nevada, it's awesome! I have been to all the places mentioned here like San Diego, San Fransico, LA etc etc but would still say Florida is friendlier.......that is only my opinion though.
CDV[}:)]

[E. Cosgrove]

California has the most amazing scenary and once away from the coast i have always found the weather to be hotter drier and less humid than Florida.you can't beat the dry heat of Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite are awesome and San Francisco is my favourite US city. LA is the pits and the theme parks disappointing.
I love CA and will return again and again...but...Florida has the "magic" and I wil Return again and Again. ( same applies to Arizona and Utah 2 amazing states and this year we are trying Wyoming!!)

Liz [8D]

[Robday]

Just got back from the West coast. Yosemite has got to be one of the most beautiful places on this planet, and one of my favourite to visit. Went via LA ( not my cup of tea)and San Fran ( Great..especially Alcatraz).

Also went to Yellowstone via Lake Tahoe ( great place )and Salt Lake City. Jackson Lake in Grand Teton Wyoming is nearly as amazing as Yosemite.

I think the West Coast has loads to offer and have been a lot. Can't really give an unbiased opinion ref East or West as I have been West a lot more..but I hope to change that very soon.

[gromit]

I have to agree with you that Yosemite is one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Neil and I loved hiring bikes and cycling everywhere, I have always had a thing for waterfalls - unfortunately the falls were small the time of year that we visited. We also visited Alcatraz, interesting but I did find it a little spooky stood in one of the cells. Neil wouldn't let me buy the before boarding the boat photo though, he says we have too many of them, besides the one we have of the Grand Canyon was good and was the same trip!

If anyone hasn't been to Yosemite then you must think about going there someday!

Cheers

Camilla

[E. Cosgrove]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robday
Just got back from the West coast. Yosemite has got to be one of the most beautiful places on this planet, and one of my favourite to visit. Went via LA ( not my cup of tea)and San Fran ( Great..especially Alcatraz).

Also went to Yellowstone via Lake Tahoe ( great place )and Salt Lake City. Jackson Lake in Grand Teton Wyoming is nearly as amazing as Yosemite.

I think the West Coast has loads to offer and have been a lot. Can't really give an unbiased opinion ref East or West as I have been West a lot more..but I hope to change that very soon.


[/quote]
Glad to hear your positive comments about Wyoming, we are off to the area in July and spending 5 nights in Yellowstone and three in Grand Teton, lots of great hiking and fab scenary i hope.
Liz [8D]

[Nostromo]

I have to agree on the superb scenery in northern California. We have been to all four major National Parks ie Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Redwood. The scenic drive through 101 is breathtaking and avisit to Napa valley is great. San Francisco is a fine city to visit too. That part of California is incomparable.

But the southern part of the state is a different story. I think LA is possibly the worst Western city that I have ever been to and I never want to go back. Disneyland is fine, but cannot compare to the atmosphere in WDW. Likewise, I prefer the non-Disney parks in Florida to those in California. For some reason, spending even a few hours outdoors in the vicinity of LA gives me a thumping headache and I cannot help but think that it must be the smoggy atmosphere.

[mr flibble]

Hi:)
Must agree with most of you San Francisco is brill
Yosemite outstanding,Death Valley breaktaking,Las Vegas unique
....running out of adjectives....
Oh and L.A. is like Merthyr Tydfil on a November day when the drizzle doesn`t stop and a man asks you is that the Sun or the Moon and you say, "I don`t know,I`m from Port Talbot"
L.A. the only city in the world I`ve been scared to drive in.
Now Florida that`s another story...I`m biased I bought a home there !
Have a nice day
Ian:D

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mr flibble
Hi:)
Must agree with most of you San Francisco is brill
Yosemite outstanding,Death Valley breaktaking,Las Vegas unique
....running out of adjectives....
Oh and L.A. is like Merthyr Tydfil on a November day when the drizzle doesn`t stop and a man asks you is that the Sun or the Moon and you say, "I don`t know,I`m from Port Talbot"
L.A. the only city in the world I`ve been scared to drive in.
Now Florida that`s another story...I`m biased I bought a home there !
Have a nice day
Ian:D
[/quote]

My husbands family is from Merthyr Tydfil........

[Robday]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by E. Cosgrove
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robday
Just got back from the West coast. Yosemite has got to be one of the most beautiful places on this planet, and one of my favourite to visit. Went via LA ( not my cup of tea)and San Fran ( Great..especially Alcatraz).

Also went to Yellowstone via Lake Tahoe ( great place )and Salt Lake City. Jackson Lake in Grand Teton Wyoming is nearly as amazing as Yosemite.

I think the West Coast has loads to offer and have been a lot. Can't really give an unbiased opinion ref East or West as I have been West a lot more..but I hope to change that very soon.


[/quote]
Glad to hear your positive comments about Wyoming, we are off to the area in July and spending 5 nights in Yellowstone and three in Grand Teton, lots of great hiking and fab scenary i hope.
Liz [8D]
[/quote]

Signal Mountain Lodge on Jackson Lake is the business Liz..just incase you havn't booked yet...

[Angua]

We visited friends in San Diego a couple of years ago and have to say that although the scenery is stunning, weather terrific etc. etc., we found both Las Vegas and Florida was much more friendly. I tend to go around smiling all the time when I'm on holiday and I think the local Californians thought I was a loon![:o)]

[E. Cosgrove]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robday
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by E. Cosgrove
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robday
Just got back from the West coast. Yosemite has got to be one of the most beautiful places on this planet, and one of my favourite to visit. Went via LA ( not my cup of tea)and San Fran ( Great..especially Alcatraz).

Also went to Yellowstone via Lake Tahoe ( great place )and Salt Lake City. Jackson Lake in Grand Teton Wyoming is nearly as amazing as Yosemite.

I think the West Coast has loads to offer and have been a lot. Can't really give an unbiased opinion ref East or West as I have been West a lot more..but I hope to change that very soon.


[/quote]
Glad to hear your positive comments about Wyoming, we are off to the area in July and spending 5 nights in Yellowstone and three in Grand Teton, lots of great hiking and fab scenary i hope.
Liz [8D]
[/quote]

Signal Mountain Lodge on Jackson Lake is the business Liz..just incase you havn't booked yet...




[/quote]Oh Rob you've made my day (night??)That's exactly where we are staying, booked last Sept and have a 2 room cabin for 4 of us 29th July - !st Aug can't wait!!
Liz:):):)

[Robday]

I had room 178...right at the front, second floor..views to die for. I wish I could show you a picture of the view, but it's too many KB's to attach on here.

Have a great time.

[gromit]

Sounds great we must go there sometime!

[mr flibble]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mr flibble
Hi:)
Must agree with most of you San Francisco is brill
Yosemite outstanding,Death Valley breaktaking,Las Vegas unique
....running out of adjectives....
Oh and L.A. is like Merthyr Tydfil on a November day when the drizzle doesn`t stop and a man asks you is that the Sun or the Moon and you say, "I don`t know,I`m from Port Talbot"
L.A. the only city in the world I`ve been scared to drive in.
Now Florida that`s another story...I`m biased I bought a home there !
Have a nice day
Ian:D
[/quote]

My husbands family is from Merthyr Tydfil........
Hi:)
Brillant so am I.."it`s a small world after all"[msnwink]
Ian
[/quote]

[scamhammer]

A couple of points of clarification on the comments of previous respondents:-

Direct flights to CAL are only two hours longer than those to FLA. For most of the year West Coast flights are now cheaper. (Oddly, it is now usually cheaper to get to the Far East from the UK than to get to FLA.)

[blott]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by scamhammer
A couple of points of clarification on the comments of previous respondents:-

Direct flights to CAL are only two hours longer than those to FLA. For most of the year West Coast flights are now cheaper. (Oddly, it is now usually cheaper to get to the Far East from the UK than to get to FLA.)

[/quote]So, are you saying I can get to the Far East for £290, including taxes? Where are these flights and I'll have a look?

[luckylady]

Sorry gang but I love Calafornia.dont get me wrong Florida is great and super for kids and young Families, but Santa Barbara was a dream but house prices far to expensive to buy for us anyway!!!!!!!!!Yosemite Park well I loved it but then I would seeing I got to know the residents very well to cut a very long story short I got lost there, was parted from my partner because he took so long videoing a tree I wandered on alas when I went back to look for him nowhere in site so I carried on thinking I would find him 5 hours later and 8 miles further away I hadnt seen a soul for a hour 4-30pm on a March evening going dark believe me I was scared the wind in the tree it was so quiet you could hear the leaves falling, and everyway I went led me nowhere and I had been told about the BEARS I WAS GOING TO BE EATEN ALIVE my number was up I really did believe I would spend the night there huddled up against a tree stump but luck was on my side or was it love? my husband was so worried he had gone to the park rangers office and registered me lost and after he had filled the forms out stating in the box was I of sound mind he wrote dont know anyway the rangers found me 6 of them set off in their jeeps and it was all over by 6 45pm and I was save in my husbands arms prostesting I wasnt lost I will never live this down until the day I die I want to go back but no one will come with me!!!!!!!!!!

[E. Cosgrove]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by luckylady
Sorry gang but I love Calafornia.dont get me wrong Florida is great and super for kids and young Families, but Santa Barbara was a dream but house prices far to expensive to buy for us anyway!!!!!!!!!Yosemite Park well I loved it but then I would seeing I got to know the residents very well to cut a very long story short I got lost there, was parted from my partner because he took so long videoing a tree I wandered on alas when I went back to look for him nowhere in site so I carried on thinking I would find him 5 hours later and 8 miles further away I hadnt seen a soul for a hour 4-30pm on a March evening going dark believe me I was scared the wind in the tree it was so quiet you could hear the leaves falling, and everyway I went led me nowhere and I had been told about the BEARS I WAS GOING TO BE EATEN ALIVE my number was up I really did believe I would spend the night there huddled up against a tree stump but luck was on my side or was it love? my husband was so worried he had gone to the park rangers office and registered me lost and after he had filled the forms out stating in the box was I of sound mind he wrote dont know anyway the rangers found me 6 of them set off in their jeeps and it was all over by 6 45pm and I was save in my husbands arms prostesting I wasnt lost I will never live this down until the day I die I want to go back but no one will come with me!!!!!!!!!!
[/quote]
If you can't get them to go back to Yosemite because of your mishap!!!! Then why not try Sequoia, Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park....all equally stunning.[msnsmile]
Liz

[domster]

enjoyed Both Florida and California. Weather in Florida is better and I would class this as more of a family style holiday.

California does have Six Flags theme park which I rate far better than disney (although not as good as Universal island of adventure).

Apart from that it is just as cheap as florida (flights, food and acc).

DOM

[E. Cosgrove]

When people are talking about the weather being better in Florida than California, is it just coastal weather you are talking about?
I agree San Francisco can be cold and LA overcast and not over warm, but just a few miles inland and the sun is amazing, baking temperatures and no humidity. Sacramento, Palm Springs,Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Death Valley, all hot and dry in summer......wonderful[8D][8D][8D]
Liz

[neilandkay]

We have the best of both worlds. We are now fortunate to live in Northern California not too far from San Francisco and vacation in Florida. :D

Where is best, depends on what you want from a holiday. There are lots of pluses about both options. Weather can be different in different parts of California. We are currently at 82 degrees, San Fran (45 mins north of us) is probably 10 degrees cooler than that due to its micro-climate. Don't forget you can fit the whole of the UK inside of California's state lines. There is bound to be some difference in weather. At least when it is hot in CA it is a dry heat - I can't cope with too high humidity in FL.

If you want Disney it has to be Florida. But Northern California / Nevada have some great places to visit.

John - Tell Sarah there is really nothing to worry about with Earthquakes. We have been here 6 years and have felt little tremors, but thats it. My MIL was over one time and there was a samll 4.something tremor. She just thought it was a truck driving past - but there was me wondering if we should be following earthquake precautions. I am sure that she wouldn't stop visiting Florida because of the slim possibility of hurricanes!

Kay