I live in LA and want to spend a couple of days in a city I've never been to. Good public transport is big plus but I'll use Lyft if I have to. I like museums, libraries, public parks, historical sites, and I'm kind of a sports bro so I'd like to catch a baseball or soccer game. Probably take a week in April. So far I'm leaning towards NYC, Chicago, or New Orleans.
Go to New Orleans before it's underwater. You'll regret it if it goes underwater before you go there.
NYC is a must-visit for anyone imo. If you enjoy something, you'll find it in NYC. Plenty of diverse neighbourhoods so you can find whatever vibe you're after. I'd recommend against doing the whole Times Square / typical touristy things unless you love crowds and hate yourself. Brooklyn is more interesting for food and strolling imo, while Manhattan had most of the museums I visited.
Chicago I've only been to once but really enjoyed it - I haven't been to enough US cities to make any sensible comparisons but the transit was fine and there's plenty of museums and stuff there too.
If you're used to LA transit you'll find that both Chicago and NYC are far more hospitable to those who don't have cars
Can't speak for New Orleans, but it's definitely on my list of places I'm hoping to one day visit as well.
My thoughts probably don't count for much since I'm sure some locals will chime in, but ultimately as someone who visits the US once in a blue moon I'd say you can't go wrong in NYC
I have cousins in Australia who pretty much said the same thing about visiting NYC.
DC is awesome for sure. Probably on of the few places I've been to besides NYC where I felt relaxed walking around the city. At least relative to the rest of the US.
I agree with the other posters, nyc is still a top tier city. Chicago fits the description too. New Orleans is surprisingly walkable and has pretty decent public transit.
Couple more ideas that might fit-- Boston, DC, Denver, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Portland. If international is feasible; Toronto, Montreal, or Mexico City.
Usually I take a trip to South America once every three or four years. I lost my passport on my last trip (to Yosemite of all places). I kind of want to do the language inversion thing. I did it in Ecuador, and I'm pretty sure I don't need a passport to go to Puerto Rico. I've been to Seattle and Portland, and loved it, but its kind of cold for an Angeleno.
DC and NYC look good for me. Haven't looked in to Pittsburgh or Boston, but definitely open to that.
Thanks
Couldn't go wrong with either Chicago or NYC for public transportation. Idk much about Nola.
What is public transport like? I don't mind walking but I like taking the choo choo here and there
Nola public transit is good, but not as good as NYC or Chicago. The hardest part is getting from the airport to downtown. No trains, your only options are cars/taxis/ubers or a 90 min bus ride.
Once you are downtown, it's pretty good. St Charles trolly alone does a pretty good job connecting neighborhoods, and most of the popular districts are pretty walkable
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities that I've ever been to so I can vouch for that. As long as you like food, drinking, and live music you'll have a great time.
Pittsburgh has terrific museums and a nice baseball stadium. A huge drawback is the shitty weather but if you're from LA you're not vacationing for sunshine.
The tram is also decent
