5 nights end of June, from uk: LA or SF?

Question

Open to any comments, suggestions and ideas!

I’ve got 5 nights, and considering LA, SF, or possibly whistler. But as this is a California forum and LA, SF were my first ideas I’ll stick to questions on both of those places.

I’m ok hiring a car if driving out in wide open spaces, but nervous about driving in busy traffic downtown areas. With LA I’d be keen to go to universal studios, Hollywood sign, do some hiking (recommendations for best mountains/hiking spots welcome!), some time at a beach.. not interested in nightlife really.

With SF obviously the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Yosemite: is it best to book accommodation as close to the park as possible for a few nights? (I’m in early planning stage!)

Thanks 🙂

Answer

With 5 nights and coming from the UK, both Los Angeles and San Francisco offer very different experiences, so your choice depends on the type of trip you want. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide:

Los Angeles: LA is spread out and heavily car-dependent, so renting a car is essential for sightseeing. If your focus is on Hollywood attractions, beaches, and easy hikes, LA can be very enjoyable but traffic can be stressful, especially in downtown areas.

Universal Studios: Located in Universal City, this is a major attraction and can easily take a full day. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Hollywood Sign Hike: Options include the Griffith Observatory trail, Brush Canyon, or Mt. Hollywood hike. Moderate difficulty with great views of the city.
Beaches: Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or Malibu for scenic coastline walks. Santa Monica Pier is also a nice touristy spot but manageable in a few hours.
Other attractions: The Getty Center or LACMA for art, Griffith Observatory for city views, and Runyon Canyon for a popular city hike.

Tips for LA:

Stay in a central location like West Hollywood or Beverly Hills if you want reasonable access to multiple areas without being downtown.
Plan your driving outside peak traffic hours (roughly 7–10 am and 4–7 pm).
LA gives you a mix of urban sightseeing, outdoor activities, and beach time in one trip, but requires planning around traffic.

San Francisco: SF is much more compact and walkable, with excellent public transport (Muni, BART, cable cars), so driving is less necessary unless heading to Yosemite. SF is great for iconic landmarks, city exploration, and nearby nature.

Golden Gate Bridge: Walk or bike across for classic views, or explore nearby Crissy Field for a scenic stroll.
Alcatraz: Requires advance booking for the ferry and tour, especially in summer months.
Yosemite National Park: If you plan a day or overnight trip, it’s best to stay as close as possible—consider Yosemite Valley lodges for easy access to main trails and sights.
City sightseeing: Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Painted Ladies, and Lombard Street for classic SF experiences.

Tips for SF:

Public transport makes moving around easier than driving downtown, which can be congested and tricky with tourists.
If visiting Yosemite, you’ll likely need at least 2 nights in or near the park to enjoy it fully without rushing.
SF offers a blend of city exploration and easy access to nature, but the beaches are colder and less sunbathing-friendly than LA.

Summary Recommendation: If your main interests are theme parks, warm beaches, urban hikes, and a mix of indoor/outdoor attractions with driving flexibility, LA is ideal. If you prefer walkable city sightseeing, iconic landmarks, and a possible nature escape like Yosemite with less traffic stress, SF is the better choice. With only 5 nights, doing both would be tight, so focus on one area.

5 nights end of June, from uk: LA or SF?

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions