Southern California

Travel Guide

Southern California
Southern California featuring a beach, a bay or harbor and a sunset
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 showing a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(3 area reviews)

Enjoy the great live music in Downtown Los Angeles. Crypto.com Arena is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more of Los Angeles.

Downtown Los Angeles
Hollywood featuring a sunset, a city and street scenes

Hollywood

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Hollywood is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood Palladium. See more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station.

Hollywood
US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

Seaport Village and Petco Park are a few top attractions in Downtown San Diego. Hop around the city on the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums, and beautiful waterfront views.

Downtown San Diego
Belmont Park showing rides and a garden

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

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
Disney California Adventure® Park featuring rides

Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Anaheim Resort is known for its exciting theme parks, and with sights like Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland® Resort, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Anaheim.

Anaheim Resort
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is P7,861 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
P7,861
P9,135 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
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! (3,348 reviews)
"The room is clean, but the bathroom space is too narrow. Overall a really good choice as an express hotel!"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
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 P8,658 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P8,658
P10,061 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,573 reviews)
"Great property with an amazing view."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort
Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort
3.5 out of 5
1460 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA
The price is P10,528 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P10,528
P12,379 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,848 reviews)
Family trip
"Very efficient. Very helpful. Just a sweet heart😊"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim 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.
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 USS Midway Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"This was the first time staying in Little Italy and I enjoyed the experience. The place, including the kitchen was spotless. I enjoyed being able to cook my own meals 😁"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 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! (657 reviews)
BEAUTIFUL room!
"Such an amazing experience! The hotel staff was knowledgeable, helped with food and activity recommendations. The room was phenomenal, most comfortable beds ever! Spacious. The views in the penthouse were incredible. It was a great location, too! I would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Gilmore One
Gilmore One
2.5 out of 5
14839 Gilmore St, A, Van Nuys, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Van Nuys. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sherman ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (52 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious common area, large TV with subscription. Room and private toilet is also very clean and bed is comfortable with large full length mirror. The building is a bit hard to find with limited street parking. The place is walking distance to McDonald’s and 711, with around 10-15 ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Gilmore One
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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