Southern California Travel Guide

Tourist 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 showing a beach, sailing and a bay or harbour
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 featuring a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(134 area reviews)

Crypto.com Arena and Los Angeles Flower District are top sights in Downtown Los Angeles, and you should be sure to explore the great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Los Angeles
Hollywood featuring a sunset, a city and street scenes

Hollywood

4/5(208 area reviews)

Travellers love Hollywood for its popular shops, and you can see more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hollywood Palladium and Sunset Gower & Sunset Bronson Studios.

Hollywood
Anaheim_AnaheimResort_553248635074843122_08

Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(134 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Anaheim Resort is its exciting theme parks. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland® Resort.

Anaheim Resort
US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
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Moonridge

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

Moonridge
Gaslamp Quarter featuring a bar, night scenes and street scenes

Gaslamp Quarter

Cosy bars interesting history and top sights from Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House to Lyceum Theatre – discover Gaslamp Quarter, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Gaslamp Quarter
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is ₹12,394 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
₹12,394
₹14,409 total
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 5 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,057 reviews)
we received a room upgrade due to a mistake with the first room allocation. this was perfect, a beautiful room with lots of space

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Desert Palms Hotel & Suites

Desert Palms Hotel & Suites

3 out of 5
631 W Katella Ave Anaheim CA
The price is ₹13,123 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
₹13,123
₹15,354 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,949 reviews)
Everything was amazing

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Desert Palms Hotel & Suites
Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim

Clementine Hotel & Suites Anaheim

3 out of 5
1700 S Clementine St Anaheim CA
The price is ₹12,506 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
₹12,506
₹17,881 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,275 reviews)
Great hotel. Walking distance to Disneyland.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 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.
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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (642 reviews)
Staff is very nice

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Lagonita Lodge

Lagonita Lodge

3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln Big Bear Lake CA
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,028 reviews)
The carpet could use a deep cleaning

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Lagonita Lodge
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA
Stay at this beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,631 reviews)
The room was extremely clean and the staff very hospitable. The room was fully stocked for any meal and it was great having the grills available to use when needed. A great place to stay a few steps away from the beach and many shops and restaurants.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southern California