First Time To US..WHERE TO GO??

[louisa991]

hii

me and my friend are planning a trip for about 7-10 days for the US
but we have absolutely no idea where to go
actually..we do have a bit of a idea but its like i want to go to NY or LA and she wants to go to Miami.. i really want to go to NY but she already went there like 8 years ago so she doesnt want to go again.. how to convince her ??=P
People say all those places are great but i want to hear some real experiences and mayb from people who live there
we're both 17 so dont think there will be any clubbin for us in the us :(
We both want to do A LOT of shopping, beach isnt neccessary because we're also going to tunesia so we really want to focus on shopping..also the dollar is really cheap for us at the moment, so we want to profit of that too =P
also some sightseeing would be great but not too much of museums.. disney would also be fun:)

i heard that there isnt much more than the beach and the clubs in Miami .. and i also heard that LA is a bit of dissapointing and isnt so glamorous at all...

please help!!!

[VPT]

Between LA NY and Miami, my preference would be in that order. I think LA has much to offer in terms of food and shopping. Miami's great for beaches and beach parties if you're into it. NY is great for shopping esp for designer wear, and there's other non-shopping activities to do.

[Sunshine]

NY NY NY!!! I was just in LA for 2 months and I think its great for shopping! The weather is far more desirable to me in LA at this time of the year as well..however, in NY you can walk everywhere and there is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much shopping in every price range! I live in Key west so Miami for me is just so so.

[Jill]

New York is by far the best shopping and sightseeing!

[shamsi]

NYC, 7 days there will be satisfactory. Plenty to see, do, plus the shopping.

[tarabag]

I've actually never been to Miami but
the shopping in LA and NY are OUT OF THIS WORLD!
the good thing about NYC is you can walk everywhere or take the subway etc
but in LA, you have to drive everywhere (car). the public transportation system sucks in LA (I live in LA haha)
Well we do have buses (the Metro) but they're not efficient at all.

[BTBF]

Originally Posted by louisa991

she wants to go to Miami.. we're both 17 so dont think there will be any clubbin for us in the us :(...beach isnt neccessary !!!

No clubbing, no beaches...then Miami should be out of the question. And since you want NY she wants Miami. I guess...you both should come to L.A. then

We have lots of shopping places, theme parks, plus you can take a side trip to Las Vegas(more shopping).

Originally Posted by tarabag

but in LA, you have to drive everywhere (car). the public transportation system sucks in LA (I live in LA haha)
Well we do have buses (the Metro) but they're not efficient at all.

I have to disagree. It's do-able to visit L.A. and doesn't have to rent a car.

From the airport, you can take the Flyaway bus ($4) to Union Station. A day pass is only $5 for a Metro bus/train.

It's best to stay in downtown L.A. and the trains/buses will take you to all the famous places.

For example, from Union Station, you can take the Gold Line to Old Town Pasadena, you can walk to Olivera Street and Chinatown, Fashion/Jewerly District, walk to Disney Concert Hall, MOCA. Take the Red Line to Hollywood/Vine, Hollywood/Highland...to Universal Studio, etc...

It's fast and cheap instead of being stuck in traffic. And as a tourist, public transportation is the way to go...to prevent getting lost...and not to mention how people drive in L.A.

[noon]

Out of my own personal experience as someone who has been to the US as a tourist, if you are not interested in the beach and party scene I would rule out Miami.
NY is a great city, there is so much to do you can spend your days just walking around the city. Great shopping and sightseeing.
If I had to choose though I would go to LA simply because I enjoy the more laid back atmosphere. Its got great shopping too and the theme parks are a plus. But whenever we have been to LA we have always rented a car. I wouldnt know how to get around otherwise. In NY its so easy to get around, you can walk or use public transport. If it was me id say LA but I think since its your first time in the US and im not sure if you would want to rent a car id recommend NY. Its much more tourist friendly and easier to keep your days filled with activities and easy to get around.

[purly]

NY always has lots of events going on.

[SCL]

For shopping: NYC

LA is great...absolutely, positively requires a car...

Las Vegas has pretty good shopping as well...does not require a car...

Others: San Francisco, Boston, Chicago

[tarabag]

I still think most people would agree with me in saying that in LA, a car is a must...

[louis loves fendi 818]

NYC!!! Its the best!

[PinkSuadeSoho]

If getting around is an issue, NYC, if not, I'd do LA first and then NYC simply because of the heat. Both are great but very different flavours.

[beljwl]

What time of the year did you want to come to the U.S.? The best thing about LA is that the weather is almost always perfect. The summer in NY can be HOT & HUMID. And the winters are cold and snowy. Where LA is almost perfect year round.

[scarlet*rose]

I would pick NY!! You have great shopping, shows, food, etc... Did i already mention shopping? Lol! Second choice would be LA. You could go to Disneyland and in the Orange County area you have fabulous shopping at South Coast Plaza!!