Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and palm trees in the foreground.
A sunset over a beach with people walking and a sailboat in the distance.
An aquarium with large glass windows, various fish species, and aquatic plants.
A nighttime city skyline with illuminated buildings reflected in the water.
A cityscape with a prominent skyline, a body of water, and a bridge in the distance.

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.

Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is AU$263 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
AU$263
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 4 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,101 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Hilton Anaheim
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is AU$213 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$213
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 5 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very good! (5,770 reviews)
"Well organized and clean"

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$267 per night from 28 July to 29 July
AU$267
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International 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.
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

3.5 out of 5
701 A St San Diego CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,136 reviews)
"Place is clean and beautiful, grear location."

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

2.5 out of 5
819 University Ave San Diego CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.4/10 Very good! (413 reviews)
"Friendly staff and a very comfortable stay at the heart of Hillcrest. Recommended."

Reviewed on 22 July 2026

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
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, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8.4/10 Very good! (188 reviews)
"so"

Reviewed on 24 July 2026

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart 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.

Stay near popular Southern California attractions

Activities

Cities near Southern California