Southern California

Travel 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, a sunset and sailing
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.

Where to stay in Southern 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
Night descends on the skyline of the Anaheim, California USA.

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
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
Mountain lake and sky view in Big Bear California

Moonridge

Skiing and mountain views are notable features of Moonridge. You might consider a stop by Big Bear Mountain Resort while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Moonridge
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
Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim

Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim

3 out of 5
1700 S Clementine St Anaheim CA
$200 nightly
The price is $234 total per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
$234 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,310 reviews)
The room was very clean maybe a little run down. The staff completely made our stay 5stars. Everyone especially the front desk staff and the restaurant staff could not have been more helpful, courteous and kind. The location is perfect for a family going to Disney. We could walk to the park come ...

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim
Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd

Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd

3.5 out of 5
5959 W. CENTURY BLVD Los Angeles CA
$144 nightly
The price is $167 total per night from Feb 11 to Feb 12
$167 total
Feb 11 - Feb 12
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8,141 reviews)
Very nice hotel room with a comfortable mattress. Room was clean and quiet. Will definitely stay here again

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd
Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn

Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn

2.5 out of 5
1110 W Katella Ave Anaheim CA
$152 nightly
The price is $178 total per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
$178 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,605 reviews)
Clean room nice staff close to Disneyland A little noisy because room faced busy street but parking lot was gated

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn
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 hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (650 reviews)
Sentral has been a great find for me and my puppy. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. I have everything I need in the suite.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Lagonita Lodge

Lagonita Lodge

3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln Big Bear Lake CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,049 reviews)
Everything! The room was spotless, and the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. I especially appreciated how thoughtfully stocked the unit was, it had plates, utensils, basic kitchen appliances, dishwashing soap, dishwasher pods, kitchen towels, paper towels, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, ...

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

Lagonita Lodge
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Book a stay at this beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,638 reviews)
Nice resort.

Reviewed on Jan 29, 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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