While so-called "staycations" became all the rage during the pandemic, you may have felt more than a little cooped up after a while. Did you long for open skies, the sound of waves crashing on gorgeous stretches of sand, and open-air adventure? Perhaps you weren't ready to leave the United States for Mexico but wanted to find endless fun in the sun all the same.
If this sounds like you, then a trip to the beautiful coastline of Southern California is the choice to make.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is only one of many places to see in Southern California. Southern California is a treasure-trove of beautiful beaches, hiking trails, amusement parks, and shopping. What else can you expect from a place that is world-famous for its entertainment, scenery, dining, and year-round fabulous weather?
If you're looking for the perfect destination with endless possibilities, then look no further than the attractions in Southern California.
Fan Favorite Destinations in Southern California and What to Do There
You could live there for years and not visit all the places to see in Southern California; there are that many. But, until you decide whether to buy your dream home in Malibu or Orange County, start by visiting these Southern California attractions.
Relive La La Land at the Griffith Park Observatory
The 2016 Academy Award-winning musical La La Land stole the hearts of audiences around the world. With its upbeat jazz score and iconic shots of the City of Los Angeles, La La Land invited viewers to live out their Hollywood dreams.
Nowhere in this movie is the charm of Los Angeles more apparent than at the Griffith Observatory. The film's two main characters dance through the observatory's awe-inspiring planetarium, leaving the world they know behind and joining the stars. So, too, can you.
Facing south to offer stunning views of the city, the Griffith Park Observatory is as synonymous with Los Angeles as the celebrities who inhabit the city. It's open every Friday through Sunday and sits on over 4,200 acres of beautiful public land with plenty of hiking trails to explore.
Take a Drive Down PCH to Visit Santa Monica and Venice Beach
California was built for cars, and road trips are almost a rite of passage for Californians. The most famous road trip to take in the state is hands-down the Pacific Coast Highway.
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most gorgeous stretches of highway in the world. Running from Washington, through Oregon, and down into California, it offers endless gorgeous coastline views.
While you may not be able to conquer the entire PCH in one trip, you can include a portion of it on your list of Southern California tourist attractions. Riding down from Malibu to Santa Monica and Venice beach, you'll be treated to wide-open views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica mountains, stunning beach-front property, and two world-famous beaches.
Spend a Day with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Resort
How could you visit Southern California without visiting the happiest place on Earth? Rides, fireworks, parades, music, laughter, excitement. All of this and more await visitors of all ages at Disneyland Resort.
Whether you visit Disneyland to experience the adventure of the Star Wars universe or head over to Disney's California Adventure for the Avenger's Campus and some wine tasting, you're sure to have an amazing time with friends and family.
If you want to visit both and get the most of what Disneyland offers, you can always go for a multi-day Park Hopper pass.
Pro tip: If you want to eat at Disneyland's famous Blue Bayou Restaurant, call to make a reservation as soon as possible, as openings are quickly snatched up.
Don't Miss Out on the Activities for Kids
Amusement parks are a kid's dream, but Disneyland isn’t the only attraction in Southern California for your little ones.
LEGOLAND California Resort
You remember the joy of putting together LEGO kits as a child, and now your kids love it, too. While you're passing North Beach and heading to San Diego from Los Angeles, give them a surprise treat by stopping off at LEGOLAND California. With over sixty Southern California attractions and rides built just for kids, they'll have the time of their lives while you hold on to the memories.
San Diego Zoo
No matter your age, seeing exotic animals from around the world never gets old. At the San Diego Zoo, you'll be surrounded by 100 acres of wildlife.
The San Diego Zoo is home to over 12,000 animals from more than 650 species. Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and you can immerse yourself in the adventure and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look while being driven around like a real-life African safari.
Make Southern California Your Next Travel Destination
With seemingly endless options for places to see in Southern California, it can be difficult to decide on what to do during your vacation. CityPASS® tickets are here to help you pack it all into one trip by offering you discounts on Southern California's best tourist attractions.
You can book tickets to all your favorite tourist attractions in Southern California in one easy purchase while enjoying deep discounts and exclusive offers that only CityPASS® tickets provide.
We also take the hassle out of shopping for an affordable hotel for you and your family by offering exclusive hotel deals to CityPASS® ticket customers. Get ready to visit all the top tourist attractions in Southern California with CityPASS® tickets.
Header Image © The LEGO Group