Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southern California
Southern California which includes 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(294 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

3.5/5(119 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(100 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(424 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, street scenes and a city

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 featuring a beach

Pacific Beach

5/5(9 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 Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA
The price is AU$270 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
AU$270
5 Nov - 6 Nov
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! (3,737 reviews)
"Visited Disneyland, so Hilton was just for sleeping, but room was excellent. The one chance we had to use the pool, it was closed due to cleaning from a child ‘accident’ and hot tubs were crowded. Otherwise, hotel & staff great."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hilton Anaheim
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is AU$249 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$249
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (3,849 reviews)
"This property was really nice overall. The lobby and rooms are decorated beautifully. The only problem is there is no parking offered by the hotel except the three sitting out front which are rare to get. There is public parking around ranging from $20-$30 for overnight."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
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 AU$191 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$191
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (955 reviews)
"The shuttle’s was amazing, really loved the uber rides and the space having so many different places to go."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego ...
9/10 Wonderful! (469 reviews)
"Brand new, clean, apartment style room. We were able to cook our own breakfast and do a quick load of laundry in our room (much appreciated during a road trip). The area has lots of great restaurants and bars too - and is just a few blocks from an active night-life street."

Reviewed on 16 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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (81 reviews)
"Such a great time I loved the stay would come back again and definitely recommend getting the parking pass"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Lagonita Lodge

Lagonita Lodge

3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln, Big Bear Lake, CA
Stay at this 3-star 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! (3,902 reviews)
"I came to Big Bear for a meditation retreat and arrived on the fly the night before. Found Lagonita Lodge online and chose it based on its location and other reviews. The apartment was spacious, clean, and lots of amenities. Great value for price I paid. Very comfortable. My only reason for not giving ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Lagonita Lodge
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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