Planning my first USA trip in 2026 - California or New York?

I'm planning my first trip to the United States in 2026 and can't decide whether to spend most of my time in California or New York.

California seems to have everything: Los Angeles, San Francisco, national parks, beaches, and road trips. New York looks amazing too, especially NYC, the museums, architecture, and food scene.

For people who have visited both, which would you recommend for a first-time visitor and why?

I'm interested in:

• Scenic places
• Local food
• Photography
• Walkable areas
• Unique experiences

Would love to hear your recommendations and any hidden gems I should add to my itinerary.