California

Travel Guide

Orange County featuring street scenes, a house and a small town or village
Hollywood featuring a sunset, a city and street scenes
Yosemite National Park featuring tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and mountains
Balboa Park showing landscape views, mist or fog and a park
San Francisco which includes general coastal views, a beach and a bridge

The Golden State is almost its own country, packing in iconic sights, spectacular national parks and chilled-out coastal towns with friendly, welcoming locals. 

California seems to have it all. Sun-seekers can head straight to the southern coast for laid-back beach towns and days of surfing. Adventure-addicts have miles and miles of untamed landscape to explore, while culture buffs are offered some of the most artistically minded cities in the whole country. Combine all of these and more on a trip to the welcoming and warm Golden State.

Discover California’s history hidden in pockets across the state, which joined the union in 1850 as the 31st state. Explore 18th-century Spanish missions and 19th-century gold prospecting state parks that chart the story of the state’s first European settlers.

Start your exploration of California in the thriving, thrilling city of Los Angeles. Experience laid-back coastal suburbs, the glistening lights of Hollywood and magical family attractions such as the original Disneyland® Park. Hike through Griffith Park, home of the Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Observatory for some of the best views of the City of Angels.

Don’t miss San Francisco, the home of iconic sights such as Alcatraz, the winding roads of Lombard Street and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Hop between some of the state’s finest cultural attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Asian Art Museum.

Northern California is all about adventure in breathtaking scenery. Hike to the top of Half Dome Peak in Yosemite National Park or enjoy kayaking and rock climbing in Big Sur. Central California hosts the dramatic golden desert of Death Valley, one of the hottest places in the world.

Drive down the coastal highway to Southern California for some of the best beaches in the U.S. Trendy beach towns such as Venice, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach offer relaxed charm and the chance to bodyboard. Coronado Beach is popular with families while many surfers head to Salt Creek Beach.

California’s major cities all have busy airports, including the west coast hub of Los Angeles International Airport. The Golden State truly is a year-round destination, with exhilarating activities and things to see in every season.

Where to stay in California

Downtown Los Angeles showing a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(6,555 area reviews)

DTLA's offers a wide variety of shopping options in its many neighborhoods, such as FIGat7th in the Financial District and Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo. Explore sights like Olvera Street and Grand Park, while easily accessing urban rail transit.

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

Hollywood

3.5/5(3,891 area reviews)

Discover the heart of the U.S. film industry with nearby studios, stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, and visit landmarks like the Dolby Theatre and Hollywood sign. Shop at the Hollywood & Highland Center mall and easily navigate via the Metro Rail B Line.

Hollywood
US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(8,497 area reviews)

Cultural and financial hub, Downtown San Diego boasts the Symphony, Opera, theaters, museums, and historic sites like Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy diverse shops, dining, nightlife, and convenient public transport options.

Downtown San Diego
Belmont Park showing rides and a garden

Mission Beach

Spanning nearly two miles of oceanfront, this sandbar community offers sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball, with nearby attractions like Belmont Park's Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and SeaWorld in Mission Bay Park.

Mission Beach
Pacific Beach Park showing a beach

Pacific Beach

4/5(1,422 area reviews)

Boasting a lively nightlife scene, Pacific Beach offers miles of sandy shores, a bustling 3.2-mile boardwalk, and attractions like Crystal Pier and Kate Sessions Park. Enjoy local shops, bars, and eateries along the vibrant walkway.

Pacific Beach
Disney California Adventure® Park featuring rides

Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(15,113 area reviews)

Home to Disneyland Resort and Anaheim Convention Center, this neighborhood offers shopping at Downtown Disney and Anaheim GardenWalk, while sports enthusiasts can catch games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center. Accessible via multiple transport options, including Amtrak and Metrolink.

Anaheim Resort
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$159 nightly
The price is $185 total per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
$185 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,843 reviews)
"Great hotel. Unfortunately, I couldn’t enjoy it as I went to a graduation, returned late and left the next day for an early flight."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
$118 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
$137 total
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Total includes taxes and 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! (3,285 reviews)
"Great service and staff. As a person traveling alone, size of the room was not an issue and made it very well within my budget. Gym has cardio and weights and service is friendly. Convenient transportation"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
$145 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$169 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,783 reviews)
"Highly recommended! We will be staying here again."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Hilton 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.
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,941 reviews)
Weekend getaway
"We had an excellent stay and enjoyed the many amenities that the property has to offer. We even went miniature golfing on the grounds of the Marriot"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"The staff was incredible. The place is very well located - a nice walk to the Convention Center [25min] and close to the shoreline [5min]. Clean and at a reasonable price. The only missing items in the room are a microwave oven and a small desk with a chair."

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,562 reviews)
"Convenient location"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Marriott's Shadow Ridge
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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