Visit Southern California

Southern California, or SoCal to locals, embodies the quintessential west coast lifestyle of sunshine, surf culture and beachside living. From the glamour of Los Angeles, to the Orange County highlights of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, and the year-round sunshine of San Diego, Southern California never fails to impress. But Southern California's charms aren't confined to the coast, head into the dramatic desert landscape around Palm Springs for a truly unique experience.

California & the Pacific Coast Highway

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,250 pp incl. flights

A truly iconic USA fly-drive, the Pacific Coast Highway brings you between San Francisco and Los Angeles, calling into world-class vineyards, pretty coastal towns and sweeping golden beaches.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California, USA

Highlights of the American West

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,110 pp incl. flights

Driving between San Francisco and Las Vegas, this curated road trip takes in the beauty of Yosemite National Park, austere Death Valley and the ever-spectacular Grand Canyon.

Southern California Self-Drive

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,985 pp incl. flights

Journey in style from the bright lights of Hollywood to the laid-back beaches of San Diego and back north, through the desert, to idyllic Palm Springs. It's the ultimate showcase of California's sun-drenched south.

Best of Hawaii & the Californian Coast

14-day tailor-made holiday from £3,810 pp incl. flights

This tailor-made itinerary will see you discover the verdant mountains and powder-white beaches of Hawaii alongside California's laid-back beach cool.

See all itinerary ideas

Top places to stay in Southern California

Le Méridien Delfina, Santa Monica

Contemporary hotel

Watch scorching sunsets silhouette palm trees over one of the world’s most famous beaches as your accommodation is firmly planted among Santa Monica’s exclusive bars and restaurants, the haunts of LA’s rich and famous.

Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica

Traditional hotel

Perfect for those who like to be near the action but not deafened by it, Shutters on the Beach is a stylish yet quiet hideaway in sassy Santa Monica, and a highly regarded member of The Leading Hotels of the World group.

Viceroy Santa Monica

Contemporary hotel

Named ‘the best-kept secret in Santa Monica’ by The Los Angeles Times, this chic and contemporary boutique hotel is one of Santa Monica’s hippest haunts.

Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach

Contemporary hotel

Repeatedly recognised by the Luxury Travel Magazine as one of the world’s best stays, the hotel resembles a sun-washed Mediterranean village, offering beach relaxation, spa treatments, an oceanfront pool and great food.

See all places to stay

Where to go in Southern California

San Diego

America's self-styled 'finest city', San Diego is wonderfully laid back, blessed with brilliant year-round weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of family-friendly attractions.

Palm Springs

With its modernist architecture, world-leading golf courses, star-studded music festivals, vibrant LGBT community and spectacular national-park surrounds, Greater Palm Springs is California at its inclusive best.

Los Angeles

Love it or loath it, Los Angeles demands attention. This is, after all the home of Hollywood, Muscle Beach and a rich assortment of denizens desperately chasing the 'American Dream'.

See all places

Southern California articles

Where to see Sea Lions & Seals on the Pacific Coast Highway

Arguably one of the most overlooked draws of Highway One, the abundant sea lion and seal population is both fascinating and adorable. If you don't know where to look to find them, follow our guide to the best places to spot California's favourite marine life.
California Dreaming

Wexas USA specialist Patrick Griffin brings us off the beaten track of California to give his expert recommendations on the Golden State's wines and desert enclaves.
Make a self-drive holiday luxurious

From renting classic cars to planning high-end picnics, these tips will help you craft a luxury self-drive holiday.