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 showing a sandy 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.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Southern California

Downtown Los Angeles which includes a city

Downtown Los Angeles

3.5/5(427 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(388 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(1,897 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(716 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
Pacific Beach Park showing a sandy beach

Pacific Beach

4.5/5(82 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
Fun facts: 
✔️San Diego imports 168 million gallons of water a day. ✔️San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States. 

#LifeAtExpedia #HitTheBeach #JulyTheme

Mission Beach

Spanning nearly two miles of oceanfront, this sandbar community offers sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball, with nearby attractions like Belmont Park's Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and SeaWorld in Mission Bay Park.

Mission Beach
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $178 per night from Mar 17 to Mar 18
CA $178
CA $211 total
Mar 17 - Mar 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 5 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,228 reviews)
Did not use

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim CA
The price is CA $195 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
CA $195
CA $229 total
Mar 30 - Mar 31
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,054 reviews)
The bathtub get kept getting clogged when using the shower.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2026

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn

Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn

2.5 out of 5
1110 W Katella Ave Anaheim CA
The price is CA $232 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
CA $232
CA $272 total
Mar 23 - Mar 24
includes taxes & 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,672 reviews)
Breakfast provided was really good. We stayed there for a family Disney trip and the walk from the hotel to the park was a little brutal with children. Parking was also a miss. There wasn’t much parking available near our room.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 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 aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (737 reviews)
Stayed at Sentral Gaslamp Quarter and had an amazing experience. The location is unbeatable — right in the heart of downtown and walking distance to everything in the Gaslamp. The building feels modern, secure, and very well maintained. The apartment-style room was spacious, clean, and had everything ...

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
Venice Breeze Suites

Venice Breeze Suites

3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue Venice CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,753 reviews)
It is an old building with lots of charm. Very close to the beach, great friendly staff

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

Venice Breeze Suites
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! (4,122 reviews)
Property is really nice. We enjoyed the lake view. Condo was clean and cozy. Would definitely go back.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2026

Lagonita Lodge
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

Things to do

Cities near Southern California

Explore a world of travel with Expedia