Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southern California
Southern California
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

Downtown Los Angeles

3.5/5(119 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
Hollywood

Hollywood

4/5(297 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
Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(101 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
Pacific 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
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 Anaheim Convention Center and Disney California Adventure® Park.

Anaheim Resort
Mission Beach

Mission Beach

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

Mission Beach
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$364 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$364
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,557 reviews)
Great location, good staff

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is NZ$340 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
NZ$340
12 Apr - 13 Apr
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! (1,183 reviews)
We had more issues on this stay than I ever have at any hotels I have ever traveled to. The staff was very helpful and tried to make some things better, but it was rough. I’m not one to usually complain to staff about something, but I really had to in this situation. On our first night the room was ...

Reviewed on 3 Apr 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$326 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
NZ$326
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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! (5,136 reviews)
The hot tub had feces in it while we were in the hot tub. We did not notice until we got out and turned off the bubbles. It was full of feces at the bottom, cloudy and disgusting. When we tried to report it to the staff they were very rude and hung up while I was trying to explain to them what happened. ...

Reviewed on 2 Apr 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.
Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

4 out of 5
502 10th Avenue San Diego CA
Stay at this aparthotel 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (813 reviews)
Great location to petco park and if you want to take part in a big bar scene. Area is clean, otherwise quiet. Staff is very nice and helpful at the hotel.

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Lagonita Lodge

Lagonita Lodge

3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln Big Bear Lake CA
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,180 reviews)
Learn the room types and make sure you get the room that you paid for. Lake View, Lake Shore should well be a view of the lake , or a room by the lake shore- I have a 360 view of the parking lot, but due to my terminal cancer, too weak to defend my rights from bait and switch bad business behavior. ...

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Lagonita Lodge
SA Beach Suite #3 by Stay Awhile Villas

SA Beach Suite #3 by Stay Awhile Villas

Malibu CA
Stay at this beach apartment in Malibu. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Carbon Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Loved the property. Would def stay again:).

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

SA Beach Suite #3 by Stay Awhile Villas
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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