Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A cityscape at dusk with illuminated skyscrapers and a sunset sky.
A beach with a pier extending into the ocean, people sunbathing, and umbrellas on the sand.
A bustling Las Vegas street with illuminated signs, palm trees, and historic architecture.
A large white church with multiple spires and a central tower, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and trees.
A brightly lit amusement park with a neon sign reading "PACIFIC PARK" and various shops and attractions.

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$340 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
NZ$340
15 Dec - 16 Dec
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$348 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
NZ$348
29 Nov - 30 Nov
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! (6,097 reviews)
"The room was old with peeling ceilings and terrible water pressure, we thought it was going to look like the ad photos. It was more like a motel"

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2026

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX

4 out of 5
5985 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$309 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
NZ$309
4 Dec - 5 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
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 Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and Petco Park are located ...
8.4/10 Very good! (423 reviews)
"Was in a great location close enough for a short walk or a cheap uber to a lot of good food. Pick up and drop off was a little hectic, but no unmanagable. Wifi was nice. AC worked well. My biggest beef was with the bathroom lightswitch being outside the bathroom."

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2026

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
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! (1,271 reviews)
"Hotel is clean and room includes a small kitchen. Area around the hotel is not great with a lot of homeless people and not safe to walk around at night. Hotel is really close to Gas lamp area, sea port village and little Italy. Check-in is on the 12th floor, and then you have to take a second elevator ..."

Reviewed on 13 Nov 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! (525 reviews)
"This place was horrible my throat is burned from the smell of bleach. There was more water spraying from the wall than the shower head. Terrible everything"

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2026

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - 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