Southern California

Travel Guide

Southern California
Southern California
Southern California
Southern California
Southern California

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

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(6,635 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

Hollywood

3.5/5(3,937 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
Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(8,598 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

Pacific Beach

4/5(1,441 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
Mission Beach

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
Night descends on the skyline of the Anaheim, California USA.

Anaheim Resort

4.5/5(15,310 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
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
Fully refundable
The price is ¥28,414 per night from May 18 to May 19
¥28,414
¥33,016 total
May 18 - May 19
includes taxes & 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! (4,710 reviews)
Did not use.

Reviewed on May 16, 2026

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd Los Angeles CA
The price is ¥21,454 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
¥21,454
¥24,926 total
May 31 - Jun 1
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! (5,502 reviews)
The staff was extremely helpful while traveling with our young kids. (Ages 3 & 2.) Doors were held, quick check in, assistance with luggage and car seats (3 bags, 2 car seats), and friendly interactions with our kids. The entire facility was clean, professional staff, and overall a great experience. ...

Reviewed on May 17, 2026

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

4 out of 5
404 S Figueroa St Los Angeles CA
The price is ¥30,002 per night from May 21 to May 22
¥30,002
¥40,399 total
May 21 - May 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,086 reviews)
What can I say?…we will definitely be back! Such a great experience. Everyone was super helpful. Nice bar, Starbucks handy, great breakfast buffet, and a nice little night menu if you choose to stay in. The pool was very enjoyable also. Looking forward to next time.

Reviewed on May 13, 2026

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, 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.
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! (896 reviews)
Super Cute room! Bed comfortable. Clean. Full fridge and stove- stocked with glasses, bowls- literally anything you would need. Staff friendly. Wow. I never leave reviews, but I was wowed. One minute walk to Petco Park. Fantastic.

Reviewed on May 16, 2026

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter
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! (1,081 reviews)
The rooms were very clean, and the staff customer service was excellent. We only stayed one night, so there was not much of a chance to use all amenities; however there is a coffee bar that sells starbuck drinks located on the same level as the hotel lobby, and a Kneads bakery where they serve gluten ...

Reviewed on May 16, 2026

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

2.5 out of 5
819 University Ave San Diego CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (364 reviews)
Great location Clean room

Reviewed on May 16, 2026

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-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.

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