Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and palm trees in the foreground.
A sunset over a beach with people walking and a sailboat in the distance.
An aquarium with large glass windows, various fish species, and aquatic plants.
A nighttime city skyline with illuminated buildings reflected in the water.
A cityscape with a prominent skyline, a body of water, and a bridge in the distance.

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.

Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is NZ$360 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$360
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 4 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,875 reviews)
"Such a great stay perfect for anyone. I loved it."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Hilton Anaheim
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

4 out of 5
404 S Figueroa St Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$426 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$426
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,127 reviews)
"Unfortunately the pool was closed for 2 days for repairs which was upsetting, but everything else was lovely."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim CA
The price is NZ$327 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$327
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.4/10 Very good! (5,478 reviews)
"We like the fact that we got a shuttle to go to Disneyland and the drivers were very friendly and nice"

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
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.
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

3.5 out of 5
701 A St San Diego CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,123 reviews)
"Parking fees are confusing. It says free but we paid for parking"

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

2.5 out of 5
819 University Ave San Diego CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.4/10 Very good! (399 reviews)
"Clean room, great location, road noise advertised was not an issue on sixth floor with AC running."

Reviewed on 30 June 2026

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
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 Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8.4/10 Very good! (169 reviews)
"The low price was certainly the deciding factor, but I'm fairly content with what i got. The location in Little Italy is amazing and the additional parking cost is reasonable compared to other hotels around town. Biggest complaint is the noise - squeaky floors above me and vacuuming early in the ..."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
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.

Stay near popular Southern California attractions

Activities

Cities near Southern California