Southern California

Travel Guide

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
Mount Soledad showing a sunset, a city and landscape views

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
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
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
Gaslamp Quarter showing signage, night scenes and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown San Diego's historic district boasts Victorian-era buildings, now housing vibrant restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Stroll from Broadway to Harbor Drive, and 4th to 6th Avenue, admiring the newly installed gaslamps at Market Street.

Gaslamp Quarter
Palm Springs Art Museum which includes interior views and art

Downtown Palm Springs

4.5/5(1,565 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Palm Springs is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Plaza Theatre and Agua Caliente Casino.

Downtown Palm Springs
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
$140 nightly
The price is $164 total per night from Jan 4 to Jan 5
$164 total
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (471 reviews)
Clean, convenient, the bathroom was smaller than expected but overall we were pleased with our stay

Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025

Hilton Anaheim
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
$169 nightly
The price is $196 total per night from Jan 7 to Jan 8
$196 total
Jan 7 - Jan 8, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,487 reviews)
The front desk staff was pleasant and easy to work with. The room was clean and comfortable with good water pressure and ample sundries. The check out was easy with just a key drop off. And the complimentary shuttle service made it a seamless trip to the airport

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Anaheim Marriott Hotel

Anaheim Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
700 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
$170 nightly
The price is $199 total per night from Jan 5 to Jan 6
$199 total
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,275 reviews)
It was very nice and clean. My only complaint was that my room was very dark and cold

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Anaheim Marriott 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.
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! (602 reviews)
SUCH a comfortable, homey location! Staff is beyond respectful, and helpful! An amazing location to stay at and walk to Seaport Village and other big SD things!

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

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! (3,978 reviews)
Room cleaned, cozy, staff kindly, amazing property.

Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025

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! (1,603 reviews)
Location is fantastic. Beach view from the jacuzzi I mean yes please! Rooms were big and clean and I could have stayed for a week easily. Just book it already!

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

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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