The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark and popular attraction located in Santa Monica. It’s known for its amusement park, beautiful beach, and various attractions for tourists and locals to enjoy.
The Getty Center is one of the most popular museums in Southern California. It offers an extensive collection of pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, sculptures, and manuscripts. The center also boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and amazing views of the city.
Disneyland, the "Happiest Place on Earth," is a must-visit for anyone coming to Southern California. It's a magical place that offers non-stop entertainment, delicious food, and fun for all ages. Meet Mickey and Minnie or ride on thrilling attractions - there’s something for everyone!
Universal Studios Hollywood is the perfect place for movie fanatics. Explore the sets of your favorite movies, take a studio tour, and experience thrilling rides based on popular movies like Jurassic Park and Harry Potter. The 3D experience of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter even allows you to cast spells like a true wizard!
La Jolla Cove is a beautiful beach located in San Diego that is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. It's also home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions and leopard sharks. La Jolla is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
The USS Midway Museum is a unique museum housed in a retired aircraft carrier. It offers visitors an inside look at the history and operations of the U.S. Navy through a variety of exhibits, aircraft displays, and more. You can even climb into the cockpit of some retired planes!
Balboa Park is San Diego's cultural hub, home to over 15 museums, gardens, and recreational spaces. Explore the Botanical Building and Lily Pond, wander through the Spanish Village Art Center, or delve into the rich history of California at the California Building.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a unique and scenic ride into the San Jacinto Mountains for a breathtaking view of the area. At the top of the tramway lies the Mount San Jacinto State Park, with hiking trails, a natural history museum, and more.
Joshua Tree National Park is a nature lover's paradise. It's home to unique rock formations, hiking trails, and the iconic Joshua Trees. Admire the vast sky full of stars at night, hike, and enjoy a picnic at the park.
Laguna Beach is a picturesque seaside resort town with stunning ocean views, unique shops, art galleries, and lavish restaurants. Take a stroll through Heisler Park or feel the sand at Victoria Beach.
Sea World is another highlight of San Diego. Get up close to some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures, like dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. Along with amazing shows focusing on the ocean's animal life, Sea World also houses some thrilling rollercoasters.
Newport Beach is a charming coastal town in Orange County, known for the pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and quintessential wooden piers. Take a harbor cruise, go swimming, surfing, or whale watching.
Experience the beauty and grandeur of the Pacific gray whales up close while enjoying a spectacular coastline view. Professional naturalists narrate each excursion, providing educational and entertaining insights into the entire marine life of Southern California.
When in Southern California, visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must. Wander through the crowds, indulge in celebrity sightings and receive your souvenir name star. While you’re here, visit Griffith Observatory for a panoramic view of LA and the iconic Hollywood Sign!
End your trip with a visit to Beverly Hills and drive down Rodeo Drive, where luxury brands and high-end designers reside. Take a stroll down the street and marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Beverly Hills community.
Travelers can rent a luxury car during their stay in Southern California, which is the most common method of transportation. Expect to spend approximately $700-$800, excluding gas, for a rental. Gas is estimated to be around $200. For a more scenic ride, travelers can opt for luxury bus services or hire a private chauffeur for around $100 per hour.
If the traveler has more time, they can visit other notable places such as San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and Malibu Beach. If the traveler has less time, they can skip some of the outdoors or shopping activities and focus on city tours and amusement parks only.
Southern California has a few international airports with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), and San Diego International Airport (SAN) being the most popular. LAX is the largest airport and one of the busiest in the world, located about 16 miles away from Downtown LA. SNA and SAN are smaller airports that are generally less crowded, so travelers can save time during reentry. SNA is located in Orange County and serves the cities of Anaheim and Newport Beach, while SAN is located just 3 miles northwest of Downtown San Diego.