Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Los Angeles which includes night scenes, a city and landscape views
Los Angeles which includes night scenes, a city and landscape views
Southern California which includes a beach, sailing and a bay or harbour
California Science Center featuring interior views and marine life
Centennial Park which includes night scenes, a bay or harbor and a city

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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Where to stay in Southern California

Downtown Los Angeles featuring a city

Downtown Los Angeles

3.5/5(119 area reviews)

Crypto.com Arena and Palace Theater 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
Hollywood featuring a sunset, a city and street scenes

Hollywood

4/5(294 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 Palladium and Sunset Gower & Sunset Bronson Studios.

Hollywood
Night descends on the skyline of the Anaheim, California USA.

Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(424 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
US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(100 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 Seaport Village and Petco Park are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
Fun facts: 
✔️San Diego imports 168 million gallons of water a day. ✔️San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States. 

#LifeAtExpedia #HitTheBeach #JulyTheme

Mission Beach

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

Mission Beach
Pacific Beach Park featuring a beach

Pacific Beach

5/5(9 area reviews)

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

Pacific Beach
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is NZ$351 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$351
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (974 reviews)
Great place to stay besides of the 51 $ parking fee.

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

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$319 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$319
25 Feb - 26 Feb
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,987 reviews)
It’s was a nice place to stay, however the room and the bathroom could have been cleaner.

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$256 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
NZ$256
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 5 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,149 reviews)
Staff

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

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.
Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

4 out of 5
502 10th Avenue San Diego CA
Stay at this hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (690 reviews)
I would definitely recommend, staff was very nice and helpful.

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Stay at this beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,647 reviews)
On site staff was excellent, mix up with the room but once that was resolved had a great time.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Venice Breeze Suites

Venice Breeze Suites

3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue Venice CA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,736 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Venice Breeze Suites
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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Cities near Southern California