What to do in Southern California

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Southern California

Types of activities

Where to stay

Southern California travel guide

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

Places to Visit in Southern California

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Southern California, United States of America while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Southern California attractions from NZ$25, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Southern California tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 8 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Southern California. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios is one of the oldest working studios in Hollywood. Its doors first opened to paying guests in 1915, when enterprising studio founder Carl Laemmle charged people 25 cents to see silent films being made. You can still see real film-making in action, but there’s so much more to discover and enjoy. Feel your pulse quicken on one of the high-speed thrilling rides.

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2. LEGOLAND® California

Kids will see the famous click-and-build toy in a whole new scale when they visit the magical LEGOLAND® California Resort. Over 60 rides, shows and attractions celebrate the colourful LEGO blocks that have found a home in toy boxes all over the world for nearly 65 years.

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3. Disney California Adventure® Park

Disney California Adventure® became neighbour to the original Disneyland® in 2001. The concept of this park is to celebrate California’s history and culture in a way that's playful and accessible to all and to present some of Disney’s more recent creations. Certainly, if you've got children in your party, this is likely to be one of their favourite experiences of the holiday. The good news for parents is that Disney California Adventure® is often educational too. Spend at least a day working your way through the rides and activities of this 27-hectare wonderland.

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Disney California Adventure® Park showing signage and rides

4. San Diego Zoo

Get your explorer’s hat on when you visit the San Diego Zoo! Situated in Balboa Park, this 40-hectare site houses almost 4,000 animals from across 650 species and sub-species. Roam through the park past the open air exhibits showcasing natural habitats from all over the world, and you’ll understand why this zoo attracts 5 million visitors a year.

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5. Crypto.com Arena

Visit the STAPLES Center and see a major sporting or entertainment event. This arena is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers National Basketball Association (NBA) teams. Take a tour of downtown Los Angeles and view the STAPLES Center or book a ticket for a major event.

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Staples Center which includes a city, signage and modern architecture

Recommended things to do in Southern California

Number of things to do	8
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Los Angeles Self-Driving Audio Tour with Must-Sees and Hidden Gems: NZ$25
Top 5 things to do	Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo City Tour of Los Angeles from Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours
Half-day tours	Exposition Park Tour: Sports, Dinosaurs, and Space Adventure
With kids	Los Angeles: Natural History Museum of LA Entry Ticket Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach City Tour of Los Angeles from Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Anaheim

What to do in Southern California

Discover the most popular places to visit in Southern California

Disneyland® Resort

Enjoy the excitement at Disneyland® Resort and see why this is a favourite theme park in Anaheim. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Universal Studios Hollywood

A star-studded venue which is part film and TV studio, part entertainment complex and part amusement park for three-times the fun.

LEGOLAND® California

Kids will see their dreams come to life in this adventure park dedicated to the iconic colourful toy.

Disney California Adventure® Park

This add-on to the Disney theme park franchise focuses on the fun side of California's past and present.

San Diego Zoo

Admire the animal kingdom in all its fascinating glory at one of America’s largest zoos.

San Diego Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening in San Diego Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Diego. Experience the area's acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices.

Staples Center which includes a statue or sculpture, signage and shopping

Crypto.com Arena

This multipurpose sports arena has hosted some of the world’s biggest musical acts and is home to two National Basketball Association teams.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Long Beach with a trip to Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Experience the acclaimed art galleries or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Los Angeles Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening in Los Angeles Convention Center, a top convention centre in Los Angeles. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Explore areas of Southern California

Downtown Los Angeles

3.5/5(119 area reviews)

Once synonymous with smog and traffic, today, Downtown LA is a destination known for its culture and green spaces.

Hollywood

4/5(294 area reviews)

Spot movie stars and experience the glamour of show business at the legendary home of the American motion picture industry.

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.

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.

Gaslamp Quarter

The historic heart of San Diego has a fascinating history, and today is a thriving hub for food, retail and entertainment.

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Join the many Angelenos that flock to Downtown Palm Springs to quench their vacation thirst in the Sonoran Desert.

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