Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southern California
Southern California which includes a beach, sailing and a bay or harbour
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

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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
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
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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
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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 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
Gaslamp Quarter featuring a bar, street scenes and a city

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Lyceum Theatre – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Gaslamp Quarter
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Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Downtown Palm Springs is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Agua Caliente Casino and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Palm Springs.

Downtown Palm Springs
Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport

3 out of 5
5249 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$273 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
NZ$273
3 Dec - 4 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a free airport shuttle and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,307 reviews)
Yes the rooms were great and staff attentive

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$254 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
NZ$254
16 Dec - 17 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,954 reviews)
The atmosphere and the rooms were very high tech and Davy

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$243 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
NZ$243
16 Dec - 17 Dec
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! (4,924 reviews)
The room was clean. The hotel is under construction so we didn't have hot water when we first checked in.

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

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! (547 reviews)
Great staff !!

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Stay at this 4-star 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,552 reviews)
Fantastic location!

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Lagonita Lodge

Lagonita Lodge

3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln Big Bear Lake CA
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,946 reviews)
Location and amenities

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

Lagonita Lodge
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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