Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Where to stay in Southern California

Downtown Los Angeles featuring a city

Downtown Los Angeles

Crypto.com Arena and Palace Theater 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
Hollywood featuring a sunset, a city and street scenes

Hollywood

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 Sunset Gower & Sunset Bronson Studios.

Hollywood
Night descends on the skyline of the Anaheim, California USA.

Anaheim Resort

A noteworthy feature of Anaheim Resort is its exciting theme parks. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Anaheim Convention Center and Disney California Adventure® Park.

Anaheim Resort
US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

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
Pacific Beach Park featuring 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 Pacific Beach while you're exploring the area.

Pacific Beach
Fun facts: 
✔️San Diego imports 168 million gallons of water a day. ✔️San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States. 

#LifeAtExpedia #HitTheBeach #JulyTheme

Mission Beach

If you're spending some time in Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Mission Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mission Beach
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 AU$251 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$251
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,549 reviews)
The staff was extremely helpful.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is AU$247 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$247
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,065 reviews)
Staff was great, property was super clean. Thanks.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hilton Anaheim
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim CA
The price is AU$265 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$265
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,081 reviews)
Overall not a pleasant experience. The first night was completely fine. After that we had little to no hot water and they “shut the ac off for the whole building” because the manager told them to do so. The room would not get below 76 degrees and after we complained they transferred us to a different ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (748 reviews)
The staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. The room was clean and updated. Easily accessible to Petco Park and many shops and restaurants.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Lagonita Lodge

Lagonita Lodge

3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln Big Bear Lake CA
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,128 reviews)
The pictures don’t do justice

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Lagonita Lodge
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Stay at this beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,665 reviews)
Room overall was very nice. Window "Shades" were broken, but we made them work. (Did not inform staff). Room we stayed in had a lot of outside noise from the coast highway. Friday night there was lots music from across the street and people arguing outside that made it difficult to get a good rest. ...

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

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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Cities near Southern California