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Take it from a local like me.
“California” and “government” in the same sentence often draw a sideways glance. However, when it comes to tourist reports, our ears perk up like a dog hearing the treat bag.
The latest government report does not reflect the sky-high rent I pay or the high-speed rail that has been teased for years; it reflects a shocking revelation.
That is, until you dig a little deeper…
San Francisco is now more popular than Los Angelesboth icons on their own.
As you may have heard, LA hasn’t really done a great job cleaning up its image – or its streets – whether it’s the world-famous Hollywood Boulevard or parts of downtown that could be mistaken for a zombie movie set.
San Fran is now not only more popular, but also seems safer, an aspect that has dimmed the former bright lights of Hollywood.
LA vs. SF: Safety in numbers
No, we don’t have a Dodgers-Giants or Rams-49ers battle. This is a duel that travelers really care about.
Of course, there are no travel advisories for any of these cities, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not issue domestic travel advisories and does not want to spoil the image of two cities that are already struggling with public perception.
That said, this is where our Safety Index comes in, as does Steve’s notebook.
Travelers have spoken clearly: San Fran crowned the clear winner for cleaning up their act.
Remember, not so long ago, during and immediately after the pandemic, SF was struggling to keep negative headlines at bay while criminals were rampant.
Now the city is literally in green. – an impressive earning safety score of 81/100all things considered.
LA on the other hand? Yep…
I was last there in April, and I was sketched walking under an overpass to watch the Preds Get smoked by the kings in the Crypto.com Arena.
It’s dirty, there are homeless encampments seemingly filling every nook and cranny, and I’m sure the city means well, but it’s not exactly the most inviting sight to see such a heavy dose of security guards strolling through every block as if they’re expecting something to collapse.
Personally, I don’t feel safe in many parts of LA and as such have voted down our safety index, which currently stands at a less than excellent score. score of 68/100.
But hey, at least it’s not a 67. Hopefully that craze is over…
Right, kids?
San Francisco wins popularity contest
As the state of California remains America’s top tourist destination, LA was always the top dog, no matter what.
But here’s how far things have changed: Mayoral races rarely make national headlines unless a city is facing serious problems — although another reality TV star working his way into politics certainly helps draw attention.
LA’s image has gotten so bad after the fires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena that no one seems to talk about the Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, or Hollywood in general, unless it’s a complaint about how much of a cesspool it has become, one that is not only aesthetically unpleasant but also feels unsafe to explore.
On the other hand, San Francisco is seeing a large influx of tourists and they are spending a lot of money – most of it in the state, in fact.
LA may see more passengers arriving at LAX compared to SFO by the end of the year, but the real sign of success is visitors actually stay for a whileboost the economy with epic meals in Chinatown and North Beach, book a scenic boat trip to Alcatraz, and shop ’til you drop at Fisherman’s Wharf.
After visiting both San Fran and LA in the past year, there’s no denying that the former has flipped the switch, with the exception of the long-struggling Tenderloin District.
Overall the atmosphere is so very different between these cities.
You can catch me on the BART at any time, but there’s no way I’m stepping foot on LA’s public transportation system, even though they’ve claimed renewed efforts to beg solutions for cleanliness and safety, along with the recent launch of a new route to the glitz and glamor of the new Beverly Hills station.
SF and LA both play World Cup hosts
If there’s one thing both cities are good at, it’s sports, as much as I hate to say that as a Padres fan.
Sports have become a major tourism driver for both cities, especially since San Fran hosted the Super Bowl last year and passed the baton to LA (well, technically Carson) for the upcoming NFL season.
Most notably, both cities are hosting the FIFA World Cup – you know, Real football if you want to sound worldly.
Make sure you take that into account when booking a trip as there are numerous reports revealing sky-high accommodations, not that either city was known for being budget-friendly in the first place.
LA will host eight World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium, while the San Francisco Bay Area will host six at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
World Cup dates in Los Angeles:
- June 12, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- June 18, 2026
- June 21, 2026
- June 25, 2026
- June 28, 2026
- July 2, 2026
- July 10, 2026
San Francisco World Cup dates:
- June 13, 2026
- June 16, 2026
- June 19, 2026
- June 22, 2026
- June 25, 2026
- July 1, 2026
Check out our World Cup Safety Index for real-time details before committing to your plans.
