Miami vs Los Angeles – Which Vacation Spot Is Best?
Both Miami and Los Angeles offer near-year-round sunshine and several beaches. But which one is best for vacation?
I’ve been to Miami and Los Angeles with and without kids several times. The cities are practically the same but also completely different. Miami is best for a beach vacation, but Los Angeles has more to see and do.
That’s not to say Los Angeles doesn’t have great beaches, and that’s not to say Miami doesn’t have things to do. Instead, it’s just that Los Angeles has more iconic attractions. Think the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, and Disneyland.
While, in my perhaps controversial opinion, South Beach in Miami is better than Venice Beach in LA. There, I said it!
Of course, that’s not the only thing you should consider when deciding between Miami and LA. Instead, I also suggest thinking about:
- How far each city is from where you live
- The specific attractions you want to see
The first is pretty self-explanatory. If LA is a three-hour flight but Miami is seven, you should consider that. However, what you want to see and do should have the biggest influence on whether you go to Miami or Los Angeles.
As I mentioned, there’s much more to see and do in LA. But if you want to see Little Havana specifically, you can only do that in Miami. Just like if you really want to see the Hollywood Sign, you can only do that in LA.
Los Angeles Travel Planning Guide
🏥 Should I Buy Travel Insurance for a Trip to Los Angeles?
Yes, you should definitely buy travel insurance for any vacation to Los Angeles. Basic travel insurance coverage with Safety Wing averages between $5 – $10 per day and offers peace of mind.
🚘 Do I Need to Rent a Car for a Trip to Los Angeles?
Whether you’ll want a rental car in Los Angeles will really depend on how long you’re visiting for and where you plan to go during your trip. The traffic in Los Angeles is notoriously crazy, yet public transport is still somewhat limited.
If you do decide to hire a car in Los Angeles, then I’d recommend using Discover Cars to find the best car rental deals.
🏨 Where to Stay in Los Angeles?
The best place to stay in Los Angeles will really depend on what you plan to do most during your trip. If you’re planning to visit Disneyland, for example, then staying in a hotel in Anaheim is likely going to be best.
Alternatively, if you’re planning on exploring the city and visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, then I’d recommend Loews Hollywood.
When booking your accommodation in Los Angeles, I recommend using either Booking.com or Hotels.com. However, for large families and groups, VRBO is my number one choice.
SubscrIBE
For All The Latest Travels
In Your Inbox!
Let’s Chat!
Thanks for stopping by! Do you have experience with this trip or want to share some of your own tips? We’d love to hear about it! Comment below and let’s chat!