THE CITY OF ANGELS SOARS ABOVE THE BIG APPLE: WHY LOS ANGELES IS BETTER THAN NEW YORK CITY (AND YES, THAT’S A FACT!)
When it comes to the age-old debate of Los Angeles vs. New York, passions run high on both sides. As a native New Yorker turned Angeleno, I feel I have a unique perspective on this very topic. Each city has its own unique charm (If you enjoy the smell of hot garbage in the summer, that is…), but today we’re here to make the case for Los Angeles, the City of Angels, and why Los Angeles officially ranks higher than ANY other city, but especially New York City, in our books.
Let’s get this one out of the way… The Weather
Year round sunshine, anyone? Los Angeles boasts a climate that is the envy of not only New York, but the entire world. With an average of 292 sunny days a year, it’s a paradise for those who thrive on Vitamin D (Hi, it’s me! I’m the problem!), No more enduring ridiculously cold winters or humid sweltering summers. In Los Angeles you can enjoy being outside nearly everyday of the year. We run our Los Angeles tours rain or shine, and more often than not, it’s shine! Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or just meander the city streets, you are likely to encounter gorgeous blue skies and the perfect amount of sunshine.
The Food
No, I’m not talking about the Michelin star restaurants. I’m well aware New York and Los Angeles both have plenty of those… but have you ever been to a farmer’s market in New York in December? It’s straight up depressing. In Los Angeles, we are able to get locally sourced fruits and vegetables year round. Did I mention our appreciation for Avocados? In LA, we LOVE avocados. New York has no appreciation for the delicacy that is a ripe avocado! When eating your way around Los Angeles, you can’t forget the taco trucks – if you want an authentic street taco, this is where you’ll find one. I can truly say New York hot dog vendors don’t hold a candle to our taco trucks! Try some fresh local fruit on our Hollywood Bike Tour at the Original Farmer’s Market.
We have Griffith Park – And no, Central Park is NOT Comparable
Griffith Park is 4310 acres of heaven. All Angelenos know how lucky they are to have it in their backyard. We know about Central Park. We know about how ‘pretty it is in the snow..’ – we don’t care. We get to hike to the top of Mt. Hollywood (which does NOT house the Hollywood Sign – check out our Hollywood Sign Tour for an easy way to see her on Mt. Lee!) whenever we’d like, and the views are spectacular. From the top you can see all the way to the Pacific ocean in the west, and Mt. Baldy in the East. There are several other peaks worth climbing, as well as MAJOR attractions such as The Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. Griffith Park has quite a long history of fame, it’s one of the most filmed outdoor locations in the world. Because of its diverse flora and fauna, Griffith Park can serve as a backdrop for just about anywhere in film. You can stand in the middle of Los Angeles, in between Downtown and the Valley, and you can feel completely surrounded by nature. Now THAT is magical. Check out our daily Los Angeles tours of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory for a more in depth look at this magical place.
Los Angeles has more Museums than New York City
Shocked? Honestly, we were a little surprised too. But when you take a look at all the diverse museums you can find in the City of Angels, it’s clear that Los Angeles truly DOES have a better museum scene than NYC. Sure, New York has the Metropolitan Museum of Art… but have you ever been to The Getty? What about The Broad? The Peterson Automotive Museum? If you haven’t heard of these places, you’re missing out. We’d be happy to teach you about museum row on our Hollywood Bike Tour where you’ll walk through the grounds of the La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA, and the brand new Academy Museum (a movie buff’s paradise).
People are Happier, Healthier, and Better Looking
You know what makes people more attractive? Sunshine, plenty of outdoor activities, fresh food, and chill vibes. That’s the essence of Los Angeles. We don’t take life too seriously out here, and we’re always chasing a good time. It’s no coincidence that Los Angeles has some very good looking people – life is just better out here. Someone asked me once to describe New York and Los Angeles in colors. New York is a gray – a very deep gray. Los Angeles is a pinkish orange – a warm glow almost like the afternoon sun. It just FEELS better to be in LA.
Beach Culture
Sure, New York has beaches… but Los Angeles has year round beaches with incredible sweeping views and cliffs rising up from the sea. It’s incomparable to New York’s flat coastline. You can be 30 minutes outside of the city center and feel like you’re standing on the Amalfi Coast of Italy while in Malibu. Not only are our beaches more beautiful than those in New York, the culture surrounding our beach communities is unlike any other in the world. Spend a few hours by the coast – you’ll immediately feel the laid back vibe, the surf’s up atmosphere, and passion for good times. Take our LA in a Day Los Angeles Tour and we’ll take you to two of the most iconic beaches in Los Angeles – Venice & Santa Monica!
Access to Nature
Los Angeles is in a central location that allows access to some of the most beautiful locations in the world – BY CAR! Within a few hours’ drive, you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery. From the picturesque beaches of Malibu and the rugged trails of the Santa Monica Mountains to the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park and the serene forests of Angeles National Forest, there’s a natural paradise waiting to be explored. If you’re more of a winter person, Los Angeles has that nearby, too! Mt. Baldy is the closest ski resort to Los Angeles, meaning that you could quite literally surf in Santa Monica and hit the slopes at Mt. Baldy in the same day.
Los Angeles is the Entertainment Capital of the World
New York has Broadway. Los Angeles has quite literally everything else. It’s a well known fact that if you’re looking for a celebrity encounter, you’re likely to have one in Los Angeles. It’s a city where the red carpet lifestyle is omnipresent, with celebrities frequently spotted in upscale neighborhoods and exclusive events. The sprawling landscapes, luxurious mansions, and year-round sunny weather create an ideal setting for celebrity living. We have major movie studios all throughout the region, and unlike NYC, we actually have the SPACE for it in our massive city. There’s a reason that people take celebrity home tours in Los Angeles, but not in New York City. You can’t exactly roll up to Natasha Lyonne’s brownstone and start snapping photos – someone is BOUND to tell you to “get outta ‘ere…” – With that said, you should take our Beverly Hills Bike Tour – we’ll take you front and center to homes that have housed some of the biggest names in the industry. Not only is LA home to many of the most recognizable faces in the world, but it is also home to a lot of up and coming entertainers – many of whom are tour guides for Bikes and Hikes LA! You never know who is going to make it big – wouldn’t it be cool to say YOU were given a tour by Channing Tatum BEFORE his big break?
And Finally…
Los Angeles stands out as a unique and vibrant city that has its own distinct charm when compared to New York. While the debate of which city is “better” ultimately comes down to personal preferences (Either Los Angeles is your preference or you’re wrong…) – but it’s evident that Los Angeles offers an exceptional quality of life, with its year-round pleasant weather, proximity to stunning natural landscapes, and a more relaxed pace of life. Whether you’re drawn to the entertainment industry, the diverse culinary scene, or the opportunity to explore the outdoors, LA provides a wealth of opportunities to fulfill your aspirations and desires. While New York undoubtedly has its allure (and smell…), it’s essential to recognize that Los Angeles is a city that captivates the hearts of those who appreciate its unique blend of culture, creativity, and natural beauty. So, for those seeking a different kind of urban experience, Los Angeles truly shines as a city that stands apart. Take a Los Angeles Tour with us today, and let us guide you through our Magical City!