Southern California

Travel 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
$157 nightly
The price is $183 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$183 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 4 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,917 reviews)
"This hotel was clean and a great place for kids. The location was perfect and close to Disneyland. The restaurants were great as well."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2026

Hilton Anaheim
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

4 out of 5
404 S Figueroa St Los Angeles CA
$182 nightly
The price is $212 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$212 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,138 reviews)
"We stayed here for the World Cup and it was fantastic. Great location, BEAUTIFUL property and staff was beyond accommodating. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2026

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim

Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim

3 out of 5
1700 S Clementine St Anaheim CA
$165 nightly
The price is $194 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$194 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,728 reviews)
"Overall experience and expectations, we're great!"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2026

Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,124 reviews)
"Parking fees are confusing. It says free but we paid for parking"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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 WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (401 reviews)
"Bare bones room. Just enough to get by."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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 WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (171 reviews)
"Staff was amazing. Very accommodating. They let us check in about 4 hours early and held our bags after we checked out for another 4 hours. Farmers market was right outside. Neighborhood felt safe and hotel has a locked gate to keep non guest out. Couldn't be happier. Will definitely recommend to ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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

Things to do

Cities near Southern California