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!


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.

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.

Get the iconic southern California sun-and-surf experience at Santa Monica Beach. Discover a sandy stretch of oceanfront delights close to one of the nation’s biggest cities.

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.