Southern California

Travel Guide

Southern California
Southern California featuring a sunset, sailing and a bay or harbor
Southern California
Southern California
Southern California

The sun always seems to shine in Southern California, where you can enjoy some of the country’s best weather on gorgeous beaches, in family theme parks and at iconic landmarks. 

Southern California, often affectionately referred to as “SoCal,” exudes a sense of coolness and welcome at all times. Relax and embrace the laid-back atmosphere of a region that offers stylish beach towns and glamorous cities.

Visit 18th-century missions such as San Juan Capistrano and San Antonio de Padua to learn about the region’s Spanish settlers. They sought to colonize Southern California while the War of Independence was still raging in the east.

Take in as many attractions in Los Angeles as possible. Glamorous Hollywood, beneath the famous hilltop sign, features old cinemas, the Walk of Fame and celebrity spotting excursions. Expansive Griffith Park is the home of the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo and some of the best viewpoints in the city. Spend hours in the J. Paul Getty Museum, which features vast collections of European and American art.

Bring your family to SoCal for some of the best theme parks in the country. Experience the magical atmosphere of Disneyland® Park, the non-stop thrills of Six Flags Magic Mountain and the cinematic escapism of Universal Studios Hollywood®.

Kick back in chic San Diego, which is packed with attractions, quality seafood restaurants and popular entertainment venues. Amble through Balboa Park, which features 15 different museums, as well as San Diego Zoo, botanic gardens and a miniature railroad. Spend your evening in trendy Seaport Village for dining and shopping on the waterfront.

Enjoy the friendly and relaxed vibe of SoCal’s beach towns. Venice exudes hipster charm and Huntington Beach is popular for surfing. Take your children to the gentler waters of Crystal Cove State Park.

Experience the life of luxury in stylish resort towns such as Palm Springs, Malibu and Santa Monica. Spa retreats and high-end restaurants make these destinations popular with the rich and famous.

Los Angeles International Airport has the most flights into the region of any SoCal airport, making it the easiest point of entry. Visit Southern California in spring or fall to avoid the highest temperatures and biggest crowds of summer.

Where to stay in Southern California

Downtown Los Angeles which includes a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(134 area reviews)

Crypto.com Arena and L.A. Live are top sights in Downtown Los Angeles, and you should be sure to explore the great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Los Angeles
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Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
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Hollywood

4/5(208 area reviews)

Travellers love Hollywood for its popular shops, and you can see more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood Palladium.

Hollywood
Belmont Park showing rides and a park

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Mission Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Beach
Pacific Beach Park showing a sandy beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(13 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Crystal Pier while you're exploring the area.

Pacific Beach
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Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(134 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Anaheim Resort is its exciting theme parks. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland® Resort.

Anaheim Resort
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM631 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
RM631
RM733 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,470 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA
The price is RM589 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
RM589
RM696 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,365 reviews)
"Great place to stay with awesome places to dine around the area. Enjoyed the helpfulness of the staff and valet! Great people helping us feel welcomed. Great place to spend a weekend, or a week vacation. Can’t wait to plan another trip out to Hilton!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hilton Anaheim
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is RM590 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
RM590
RM686 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,779 reviews)
"This place was perfect for the night before an early AM flight. Located right next to LAX (we could see the runways and planes taking off/landing) it was surprisingly quiet. Staff were friendly and helpful, the room itself was a but dated, and the bathroom a little old, but it was clean and the beds ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1736 State St, San Diego, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (20 reviews)
"The property was at a great location. Lots of restaurants around, walkable. We even got to go to the farmers market on saturday. Which was a couple houses down the street."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Kasa Little Italy San Diego

Kasa Little Italy San Diego

4.5 out of 5
1331 Columbia St, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (252 reviews)
Great for family with little kids.
"Great place. Very comfortable and clean. My family loved it. It was extremely convenient to have a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer! I was able to prepare breakfast for the family and late dinner. I loved the view and the patio! The fact that everything was handled virtually was extremely convenient ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Kasa Little Italy San Diego
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,444 reviews)
"The only complaint I have is that the shower was very very soft- almost more of a trickle. There was a leak (when turned on) at the faucet that I assume was the reason for there being no water pressure. We had friends who also had a room and their shower was just fine. We did not bring it to the ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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