San Francisco and New Orleans From UK

Question

Hi.

We'd like to come to these 2 cities for two weeks in October 25. Not sure which way round yet, but is it a good time of year to come for the weather? Any dates to miss/ avoid? I've seen that one way tickets are expensive between the 2 cities, is this still so? Any nice/ quiet beach resorts close to New Orleans just to kick back and take a breath for 2-3 days? Any help/ guidance would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a fantastic two-week trip to San Francisco and New Orleans! Both cities have a lot to offer, and October is actually a great time to visit both, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Here’s some guidance on your questions:

Weather in October: October is generally an excellent time to visit both cities. In San Francisco, the weather is typically mild with daytime temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C), though it can be chilly in the evenings, especially near the coast. It’s usually foggy in the mornings but clears up by midday. In New Orleans, the weather is usually warm but not oppressive, with temperatures around 70-80°F (21-27°C). The humidity is lower compared to summer, and it’s a great time to explore the city. There's always a chance of rain, so it's a good idea to carry an umbrella. It’s also a bit quieter in both cities compared to the summer months, so it's ideal for sightseeing.

Dates to Avoid: As for specific dates to avoid, there’s no major event that would make your trip unpleasant, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

Halloween: While Halloween is a fun time to be in New Orleans, it can be quite busy with parties and events. If you’re not into crowds or the festive vibe, you might want to avoid staying in the French Quarter during Halloween weekend (Oct 29-31).
Special Events in San Francisco: If you happen to be in San Francisco during the last week of October, be aware that it can get crowded due to events like the Fleet Week, which is held around mid-October, and other local festivals. However, it’s not a major issue, especially if you stay away from the waterfront area during this time.

Flights Between San Francisco and New Orleans: Flights between San Francisco and New Orleans can sometimes be pricey, especially if booked last minute. However, you might be able to find better deals by booking your flights in advance or being flexible with your travel dates. It’s often cheaper to book a round-trip flight to one city and then use a budget airline or a connecting flight for the other leg of the journey. As the route between the two cities isn’t a short-haul flight, one-way tickets may carry a premium, but exploring options with low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines or Spirit might save you some money. If the flights between San Francisco and New Orleans are still expensive, it may be more economical to fly into one city and take a bus or rent a car to travel to the other city. Amtrak offers a scenic but lengthy train ride between San Francisco and New Orleans (over two days), which could be an option if you want a more leisurely journey.

Quiet Beach Resorts Near New Orleans: If you’re looking to kick back and relax at a quieter beach resort near New Orleans, here are a few options to consider:

Grand Isle: About 90 minutes from New Orleans, Grand Isle is a small, quiet barrier island. The beaches here are less crowded than in other parts of Louisiana, and it’s perfect for relaxing and unwinding. It’s a peaceful spot, and you’ll find plenty of rental cottages and beach houses for a quiet retreat.
Gulf Shores, Alabama: A bit further (about 3-4 hours by car), Gulf Shores offers beautiful, calm beaches and a more laid-back vibe compared to more commercial beach towns. It’s a good place to relax by the beach and take it easy after your time in New Orleans.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi: Just an hour from New Orleans, Bay St. Louis offers a quieter beach experience compared to the more tourist-heavy areas in Mississippi. You can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with charming local shops and restaurants, making it a nice spot for a few days of relaxation.

Each of these options is relatively close to New Orleans, so you won’t have to travel too far to enjoy some peace and quiet by the water.

Summary: - October is a fantastic time to visit both San Francisco and New Orleans, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. - Consider avoiding major events like Halloween in New Orleans or special festivals in San Francisco, but they shouldn’t majorly impact your trip. - Flights can be pricey, but booking early or exploring alternatives like budget airlines or a train ride might save you some money. - If you’re looking for quiet beach resorts near New Orleans, Grand Isle, Gulf Shores, or Bay St. Louis are good options for a relaxing getaway.

Enjoy your trip planning, and I’m sure both cities will provide you with unforgettable experiences!