Southern California

Travel Guide

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and palm trees in the foreground.
A sunset over a beach with people walking and a sailboat in the distance.
An aquarium with large glass windows, various fish species, and aquatic plants.
A nighttime city skyline with illuminated buildings reflected in the water.
A cityscape with a prominent skyline, a body of water, and a bridge in the distance.

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.

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is CA $169 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
CA $169
CA $197 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
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 ...
8.4/10 Very good! (6,052 reviews)
"They charge me the deposit USD200 at the check in and not refunding it"

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2026

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

4 out of 5
1 Market Pl San Diego CA
The price is CA $276 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $276
CA $395 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy 6 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is CA $192 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
CA $192
CA $227 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 4 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Hilton 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.
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1736 State St San Diego CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and Petco Park are located ...
8.2/10 Very good! (273 reviews)
"Got no sleep my first night there from 2am-5:30am due to loud disturbances out in the hallway, couple arguing for hours and slamming doors non stop, throwing items out into the hallway. Attempted to call front desk multiple times and went straight to voicemail."

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2026

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

3.5 out of 5
701 A St San Diego CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,184 reviews)
"Good room with a view. Clearing and comfortable. Walkable to Downton."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

Kasa Sunset Los Angeles

3 out of 5
5825 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood ...
Kasa Sunset Los Angeles
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.

Stay near popular Southern California attractions

Things to do

Cities near Southern California

Explore a world of travel with Expedia