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$402 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
NZ$402
4 Oct - 5 Oct
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 ...
Hilton Anaheim
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim CA
The price is NZ$352 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
NZ$352
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (5,886 reviews)
"We love this property. They decorate for all the occasions, great stuff for kids. Close to Disney."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2026

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
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$411 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
NZ$411
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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! (3,197 reviews)
"Some White Man tried to steal my Steal My Light LOL using a Humiliation ritual metaphorically."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2026

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
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! (1,232 reviews)
"The suite was a good price for what it was and the location was downtown so very convenient to go to the Petco. Stadium did not like the timeshare deal that they were trying to get everybody to sign up with, but you can just say no and walk away."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
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 Petco Park are located ...
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Fenix Hotel Hollywood

Fenix Hotel Hollywood

4 out of 5
7070 Franklin Ave Los Angeles CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood Bowl ...
Fenix Hotel Hollywood
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