Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southern California
Southern California showing 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

Downtown Los Angeles featuring a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(134 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
Default Image

Hollywood

4/5(208 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 Boulevard and Hollywood Palladium.

Hollywood
Default Image

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(138 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
Default Image

Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(134 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
Belmont Park featuring a park and rides

Mission Beach

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

Mission Beach
Pacific Beach Park showing a beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(13 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Pacific Beach. Make a stop by Mission Bay or Crystal Pier while you're exploring the area.

Pacific Beach
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 Rp1.924.427 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp1.924.427
Rp2.431.544 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (417 reviews)
"So many construction going on"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA
The price is Rp1.816.763 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
Rp1.816.763
Rp2.153.303 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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. ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,410 reviews)
"Everything was fine"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Hilton Anaheim
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 Rp2.623.997 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp2.623.997
Rp3.048.953 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,620 reviews)
Great bed
"It was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on. I had a great nights sleep, despite the noise outside. The second night I was more aware of the noise, although I’m not sure what it was. Seemed like there was all night construction but maybe it was just the freeway. Still, great bed!"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

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.
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, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
7.6/10 Good! (47 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
219 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (702 reviews)
"Great stay in Downtown LA. The staff is wonderful. The room was perfect. I loved everything in, out and around the apartment. The Haas is definitely saved as one of my favorites. Parking is the only issue in LA anywhere you go and tons of homeless people. But that's just how Los Angeles is. There ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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! (1,470 reviews)
great family vacation spot near the beach and more
"Great Location 1 block from the beach. Patio/courtyard is nice to hang out. pool is a bit small for the size of the resort. lots of kids so you need to be prepared for what comes with that. nice restaurants nearby and great to have free parking at a resort for once. 7 out of 10. Nice amenities for ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Southern California