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

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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 Palladium and Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Hollywood
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
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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
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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
Gaslamp Quarter featuring a bar, night scenes and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

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

Gaslamp Quarter
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 Rp1.776.912 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
Rp1.776.912
Rp2.064.683 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,083 reviews)
Airport shuttle lady was awesome

Reviewed on 28 Oct 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 Rp1.975.638 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
Rp1.975.638
Rp2.295.559 total
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,911 reviews)
Great hotel and highly recommend

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hotel Burbank

Hotel Burbank

3 out of 5
150 E Angeleno Ave, Burbank, CA
The price is Rp2.279.222 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
Rp2.279.222
Rp2.542.343 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Burbank. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,214 reviews)
The room was really clean. We were missing the remote and they brought one up right away and made sure it was working before they left. We were greeted with a hello any time we saw staff in the lobby. Everybody working was really friendly. We’ve stayed here before and have always had a really good ...

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025

Hotel Burbank
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

3 out of 5
502 10th Avenue, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (489 reviews)
It was clean and beautiful, front desk was super nice

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (87 reviews)
Although the room was very small it served its purpose. The bed was comfortable and the shower pressure was great. Walking distance to so much.

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
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! (1,529 reviews)
Beach right there!

Reviewed on 27 Oct 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.

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