Southern California

Travel Guide

Los Angeles which includes night scenes, a city and landscape views
Southern California which includes a beach, a sunset and sailing
California Science Center featuring interior views and marine life
Centennial Park which includes night scenes, a bay or harbor and a city
Mount Soledad showing a sunset, a city and landscape views

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 showing a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(6,555 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
US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(8,497 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
Hollywood featuring a sunset, a city and street scenes

Hollywood

3.5/5(3,891 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
Belmont Park showing rides and a garden

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
Pacific Beach Park showing a beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(1,422 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
Disney California Adventure® Park featuring rides

Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(15,113 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 ₩167,820 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
₩167,820
₩198,711 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,384 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay. We upgraded to a double queen suite - did not think it was worth the extra price. Should've just stayed with a regular queen room."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hilton Anaheim
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩200,084 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
₩200,084
₩232,486 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,527 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, right around the corn"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hotel Maya

Hotel Maya

4 out of 5
700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA
The price is ₩184,952 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
₩184,952
₩214,951 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free cruise terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,741 reviews)
"FEELS LIKE A VACATION FROM FAR AWAY"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hotel Maya
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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and Petco Park are ...
7.6/10 Good! (30 reviews)
"It was very nice and convenient"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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 WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (685 reviews)
"Great value for downtown LA. Big rooms. Good for families. But not walkable. Lots of homeless in this block."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,453 reviews)
"The location of the property was absolutely amazing. We truly enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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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