Comparison · Los Angeles vs San Diego · United States
Los Angeles vs San Diego
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gnaphron, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Los Angeles for Hollywood and Beaches; choose San Diego for San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 179 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 179 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Los Angeles
- March–May and September–November
- Best time for San Diego
- April–May and September–October
Side by side
| Los Angeles | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Hollywood, Beaches and Griffith Observatory | San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Beaches and surfing |
| Best time to visit | March–May and September–November | April–May and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 6 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $230–$400 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | August, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 20°C (68°F) | January, 19°C (66°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | Santa Monica State Beach | Coronado Beach |
| Airports | LAX, BUR, LGB, SNA, ONT | SAN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Los Angeles for…
Hollywood and Beaches. Los Angeles is a sprawling region of distinct neighbourhoods rather than a single centre: Hollywood and Griffith Park below the hills, Santa Monica and Venice on the beach, a revived Downtown of museums and food halls, and Beverly Hills and West Hollywood in…
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Choose San Diego for…
San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. San Diego sits in the far southwest corner of California, about 25 km from the Mexican border, with 100-plus km of coastline running from Coronado and Point Loma up to La Jolla and Torrey Pines. Most visitors split their time between downtown (the Gaslamp…
Top sights compared
| # | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Griffith Observatory | Balboa Park |
| 2 | Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre | San Diego Zoo |
| 3 | Getty Center | USS Midway Museum |
| 4 | Santa Monica Pier | La Jolla Cove |
| 5 | Venice Beach Boardwalk and canals | Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve |
Food compared
| Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|
| Tacos al pastor | California burrito |
| French dip sandwich | Baja fish tacos |
| Korean barbecue | Carne asada fries |
| Double-Double burger | Rolled tacos |
Which is cheaper?
Los Angeles and San Diego cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $250–$400 in Los Angeles and $230–$400 in San Diego (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). San Diego on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Los Angeles and San Diego are about 179 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 6 days in Los Angeles and 5 in San Diego.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Los Angeles or San Diego cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $250–$400 in Los Angeles and $230–$400 in San Diego (estimates).
+Is Los Angeles or San Diego better for a first trip?
Pick Los Angeles for Hollywood and Beaches, or San Diego for San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
+How far is Los Angeles from San Diego?
About 179 km in a straight line.