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.

15%+ off winter escapes close to home

Book a getaway and you can save on select hotels and homes.¹

Where to stay in Southern California

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles

Crypto.com Arena and Los Angeles Flower District 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

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

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

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

Anaheim Resort

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
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$334 per night from 1 June to 2 June
NZ$334
1 June - 2 June
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! (4,723 reviews)
"I only stayed at the Hyatt on a layover, but wished I had been able to arrive earlier and stay longer. I didn’t have to wait for the shuttle so I felt very safe despite my late arrival. The room was very spacious, immaculate, and comfortable. The staff was professional and friendly."

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is NZ$267 per night from 1 June to 2 June
NZ$267
1 June - 2 June
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,529 reviews)
"Goog place"

Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
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$433 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$433
27 May - 28 May
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,090 reviews)
"What can I say?…we will definitely be back! Such a great experience. Everyone was super helpful. Nice bar, Starbucks handy, great breakfast buffet, and a nice little night menu if you choose to stay in. The pool was very enjoyable also. Looking forward to next time."

Reviewed on 13 May 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.
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! (899 reviews)
"The hotel has now rebranded as The Margot Hotel and is aligned to Hilton Honours. The location of the accommodations was excellent. Very close to various bus routes, the trolley and the airport. Bed was comfortable. Room was spotless. Close to nearby food shops and the Padres. We used the in room ..."

Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
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! (1,082 reviews)
"Very nice and clean rooms. Loved how spacious the rooms were. The staff is very courteous. However we did not like their self park garage. It’s a very tight space and if you are not careful you can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Valet is pricey but the staff was really great. I would book ..."

Reviewed on 17 May 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! (364 reviews)
"Great location Clean room"

Reviewed on 16 May 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.

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Cities near Southern California