Things to do in Southern California

As one of the oldest working studios in Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood™ gives you every chance to glimpse movie-making in action, but the star attractions are the adrenaline-pumping rides.

LEGOLAND® California Resort is a kid’s dream come true with more than 60 rides, shows and attractions based around the famous click-and-build toy. The amusement park, LEGO®-themed hotel and water park are located in the oceanside town of Carlsbad, 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of San Diego.

Disney California Adventure® Park opened in 2001, right next door to the original Disneyland® Park in Anaheim, Orange County. Years in the making, the 27-hectare (67-acre) park was created to reflect the hope and optimism which drew a young Walt Disney to California in the 1920s, and to create a new canvas on which to present Disney’s latest creations. The Park features thrill rides, state-of-the-art shows, and attractions that are often culturally rich and educational. And fun is never far away!


Visit the STAPLES Center and see a major sporting or entertainment event. This arena is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers National Basketball Association (NBA) teams. Take a tour of downtown Los Angeles and view the STAPLES Center or book a ticket for a major event.

Prepare to be amazed and enchanted by the diversity of animal life on display at San Diego Zoo, which welcomes 5 million visitors a year. The 100-acre (40-hectare) site is home to around 4,000 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies. Most exhibits are open air, and designed to be as close to the natural habitats of the animals they house as possible.

For an educational or fun getaway in this Southern California city, find an event at the San Diego Convention Center. Many organizations hold private conferences here; take advantage of the excellent facilities and pleasant surroundings if you’re invited to participate. Public events are frequent too. Look for bridal shows, home shows and Brick Fest Live, with intricate LEGO® creations and demonstrations. November’s Art San Diego is a huge show of art, art installations and demonstrations.

Surf, sun and sand take a backseat to the loud and lively human carnival on parade along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. There’s never a dull moment for people-watching in this sun-drenched bohemian enclave of artists, musicians, poets, singers, skateboarders and jugglers. From chain-sawing acrobats to fire-breathing cyclists, you’ll find Los Angeles at its most ostentatious, eccentric and unrestrained. Just remember to tip performers if you watch most of their show or take their photograph.

SeaWorld® San Diego has long been a family favorite for its entertaining marine animals. Plan a multi-day visit to today’s exciting marine park to watch the animal attractions, from otters to orcas and penguins to pinnipeds. Enjoy the many exciting rides, including the Electric Eel roller coaster, with speeds to 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour and an inverted roll 150 feet (46 meters) in the air. Bayside Skyride offers a gentler ride with magnificent views of Mission Bay.