Southern California

Travel 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.

Where to stay in Southern California

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(6,635 area reviews)

DTLA's offers a wide variety of shopping options in its many neighborhoods, such as FIGat7th in the Financial District and Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo. Explore sights like Olvera Street and Grand Park, while easily accessing urban rail transit.

Downtown Los Angeles
Hollywood

Hollywood

3.5/5(3,937 area reviews)

Discover the heart of the U.S. film industry with nearby studios, stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, and visit landmarks like the Dolby Theatre and Hollywood sign. Shop at the Hollywood & Highland Center mall and easily navigate via the Metro Rail B Line.

Hollywood
Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(8,598 area reviews)

Cultural and financial hub, Downtown San Diego boasts the Symphony, Opera, theaters, museums, and historic sites like Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy diverse shops, dining, nightlife, and convenient public transport options.

Downtown San Diego
Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(1,441 area reviews)

Boasting a lively nightlife scene, Pacific Beach offers miles of sandy shores, a bustling 3.2-mile boardwalk, and attractions like Crystal Pier and Kate Sessions Park. Enjoy local shops, bars, and eateries along the vibrant walkway.

Pacific Beach
Mission Beach

Mission Beach

Spanning nearly two miles of oceanfront, this sandbar community offers sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball, with nearby attractions like Belmont Park's Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and SeaWorld in Mission Bay Park.

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

Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(15,310 area reviews)

Home to Disneyland Resort and Anaheim Convention Center, this neighborhood offers shopping at Downtown Disney and Anaheim GardenWalk, while sports enthusiasts can catch games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center. Accessible via multiple transport options, including Amtrak and Metrolink.

Anaheim Resort
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is ₩261,390 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
₩261,390
₩308,309 total
Apr 20 - Apr 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 4 restaurants, 2 hot tubs, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,294 reviews)
Nice restaurants

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2026

Hilton Anaheim
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 ₩221,963 per night from May 19 to May 20
₩221,963
₩257,910 total
May 19 - May 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,613 reviews)
Room was airy, good lighting, clean, roomy and comfortable.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2026

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim CA
The price is ₩232,184 per night from May 12 to May 13
₩232,184
₩272,108 total
May 12 - May 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,189 reviews)
The hotel was perfect! Rooms were nice and clean. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Only issue I had was that I was charges 2 $200 deposits for the room instead of 1.

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2026

Anaheim Majestic Garden 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.
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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (843 reviews)
The apartment style room was a nice touch for my trip. When I arrived, the check in took a bit longer than I would have liked. It's not streamlined and then you need to wait for the person at the front to check your ID and then after everything you need to wait for the code and room number to be ...

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Lagonita Lodge

Lagonita Lodge

3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln Big Bear Lake CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,213 reviews)
The property is ideally located and well maintained. It is close to the Village, and far enough away to feel a sense of seclusion. There is an opportunity to refresh the interior of the property, but the rooms are well kept and very clean. Durign my time I did not partake in the hot tub or use the ...

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2026

Lagonita Lodge
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

3.5 out of 5
701 A St San Diego CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,063 reviews)
Loved it

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
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

Cities near Southern California