Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southern California
Southern California showing 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 colonise 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 featuring a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(134 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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Hollywood

4/5(208 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 Boulevard and Hollywood Palladium.

Hollywood
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Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(138 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
Belmont Park featuring a park and rides

Mission Beach

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

Mission Beach
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Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(134 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
Pacific Beach Park showing a beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(13 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 £115 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
£115
9 Sept - 10 Sept
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. ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,378 reviews)
"One major complaint was the shower supplies were"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 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 £124 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£124
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,561 reviews)
"Definitely a great place to stay with your significant other!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hotel Maya

Hotel Maya

4 out of 5
700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA
The price is £140 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£140
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free cruise terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,744 reviews)
"Excellent definitely we will come back we love it thanks"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
7.6/10 Good! (34 reviews)
"The room was just what I needed for my stay. The pictures of the view and balcony are very deceiving because all of the rooms you can stay in like a hotel are on the first floor, I never opened my curtains because my view was the next building about 8 feet away. However, the bed was comfortable and ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (690 reviews)
"Spacious clean room , close to venue at the Palace Theatre. The area around it is dirty ."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

3 out of 5
5825 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and air conditioning. Popular attractions Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood ...
9/10 Wonderful! (183 reviews)
"So clean and spacious with a great view. Loved that luggage storage was available."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles
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.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Southern California