Planning a trip to California? Whether you’re heading there for Disneyland, dreaming of seeing the Hollywood Sign, or simply want to soak up the California sunshine, there’s no shortage of things to do. But one thing we learned quickly is that Southern California is MASSIVE!
After spending time exploring Southern California, we’ve put together all of our favorite spots, hidden gems, money-saving tips, and a few things we wish someone had told us before we went.
If you’re planning your own Southern CA vacation, here’s everything we’d recommend.
Before You Go: A Few Things to Know
California isn’t like most vacation destinations where everything is within a few minutes of each other. It’s incredibly spread out, and traffic is very real at certain points of the day.
Our biggest piece of advice? Plan each day by section. Trying to bounce from Disneyland to Hollywood to Santa Monica in one day will leave you spending more time in the car than enjoying your vacation.
And don’t forget comfortable shoes. You’ll easily walk several miles each day.
Where to Stay
Budget-Friendly Hotel Near Disneyland
If Disneyland is your main priority, we highly recommend staying close to the parks.
One hotel we found to be a great value was American’s Best Value Inn & Suites Anaheim Convention Center. It was clean, affordable, and close enough that getting to Disneyland each morning was easy. Also- there is a pool!
If you’re planning to spend several days exploring Los Angeles beyond Disney, you may even consider splitting your stay between Anaheim and another hotel closer to Hollywood or Santa Monica. It can save you hours of driving over the course of your trip.
Staying in West Hollywood
If you’re planning to spend more time exploring Los Angeles than Disneyland, we recommend the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham West Hollywood Hotel & Suites.
The location is hard to beat, with restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping just steps away. It also puts you within a short drive of Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, Hollywood, The Grove, and Santa Monica.
The hotel offers a nice outdoor pool to relax after a day of sightseeing. While there isn’t a restaurant on-site, there are plenty of great dining options within walking distance, so we never felt like we were missing anything.
If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable hotel in the heart of West Hollywood, this is a great option.
Must-Visit Attractions
Disneyland
No Southern California vacation feels complete without Disneyland.
Our biggest piece of advice?
Do your homework before you go.
We assumed the rides with the longest wait times would automatically be the best ones. Looking back, we wish we had watched a few ride ranking videos or read reviews beforehand so we could prioritize the attractions that fit our family instead of simply waiting in which rides seemed most popular. Take into consideration your children’s ages, also!
Every family is different, but these ended up being our favorites:
🥇 Indiana Jones Adventure
🥈 Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
🥉 Toy Story Midway Mania
Toy Story Midway Mania completely surprised us. We expected it to be a quick filler ride, but it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Everyone became ridiculously competitive trying to beat each other’s score, and we still talk about it. There is a reason it’s one of the highest rated rides for kids and adults alike!
If you’re only spending one day at Disneyland, doing a little research ahead of time can make a huge difference.
Universal Studios Hollywood
If your kids are a little older—or simply love movies—Universal Studios Hollywood deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Some of the highlights include:
- Super Nintendo World
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- The famous Studio Tour
- Jurassic World
- Incredible themed experiences you won’t find anywhere else
It offers a completely different experience than Disneyland and is well worth adding if your schedule allows.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of those places you simply have to experience at least once.
Spend time walking the pier, riding the Ferris wheel, grabbing a snack, watching the street performers, or heading down to the beach.
If your family enjoys sunsets, this is one of the best places to end your day.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach has such a fun, energetic atmosphere.
One of our favorite parts was watching the skateboarders at the famous Venice Skatepark. It’s incredible seeing what they’re able to do, and our kids could have stood there watching for hours.
You’ll also find:
- Muscle Beach
- Street performers
- Local artists
- Fun souvenir shops
- Miles of beachfront walking paths
It’s one of those places that feels uniquely California.
California Science Center (Free!)
Not every stop in Los Angeles has to come with a hefty price tag.
The California Science Center offers free general admission, making it one of the best family-friendly values in the city.
Kids will love the interactive exhibits, and it’s also home to the retired Space Shuttle Endeavour.
If you’re trying to balance out the cost of Disney or Universal, this is an easy addition to your itinerary.
Original Farmers Market & The Grove
This ended up being one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon.
The Original Farmers Market has dozens of food vendors, so everyone in your family can order exactly what they’re craving. Once you’ve finished eating, head next door to The Grove for shopping, people watching, or simply relaxing outside.
It’s a great place to slow down for a few hours between attractions.
Skip the Crowds at the Hollywood Sign
If you’re hoping to snap a family picture with the Hollywood Sign, here’s a tip we wish we’d known sooner.
Instead of hiking or squeezing into the busiest tourist areas, drive toward Tahoe Drive or Lake Hollywood Drive.
The views are incredible, there are far fewer people, and it makes for a much quicker stop.
Greystone Mansion & Gardens (Doheny Greystone Estate)
Need a break from the crowds?
Greystone Mansion Gardens is one of the prettiest places we visited.
You’ll find beautiful architecture, peaceful gardens, incredible views, and plenty of gorgeous photo opportunities. It’s a quiet escape that feels worlds away from the busy streets of Los Angeles. Pro-tip: try to visit when the sky is clear.
Worth the Day Trip: La Jolla Cove
If you have an extra day during your Southern California vacation, add La Jolla Cove to your itinerary. It’s about a 1½-hour drive from Disneyland or around 2–3 hours from Los Angeles, and it’s one of the most memorable stops we made. The kids will lose their mind over this!
Watching the wild sea lions lounging on the rocks and swimming along the shoreline was something our whole family loved. The views are absolutely stunning, and the area is also filled with beautiful walking paths, beaches, restaurants, and local shops. Just remember that these are wild animals, so be sure to admire them from a safe distance and follow posted guidelines.
Food Stops Worth Making
Randy’s Donuts
If you’re flying into LAX, make Randy’s Donuts your very first stop.
It’s only a short drive from the airport, the giant rooftop donut is iconic, and the donuts absolutely live up to the hype.
Starting our California vacation with Randy’s quickly became one of our favorite memories.
In-N-Out Burger
You simply can’t visit California without trying In-N-Out.
One thing to know before you go: don’t panic when you see the line.
Most locations don’t offer online ordering ahead of time, so the lines almost always look intimidating. Thankfully, they move much faster than you’d expect.
Trust us—it really is worth the wait.a
Parents’ Night Out
SUR Restaurant
If you’re lucky enough to sneak away for a date night, SUR is such a fun experience.
Known from Vanderpump Rules, the restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, gorgeous cocktails, and makes for a memorable evening after a few busy days of sightseeing with the kids.
Our Biggest Travel Tips
✔ Plan your vacation by neighborhood instead of driving across Los Angeles multiple times each day.
✔ Stay near Disneyland if Disney is the main reason for your trip.
✔ Research Disneyland rides before you arrive so you spend your time waiting for attractions you’ll truly love.
✔ Don’t skip the free attractions. The California Science Center is an incredible value.
✔ California means beaches, pools, and plenty of time in the water. Before you go, brush up on the warning signs of drowning with our guide, When Drowning Isn’t Obvious: Warning Signs Every Adult Should Know. It’s a quick read that every parent should see.
✔ Grab Randy’s Donuts after landing at LAX.
✔ Don’t let the In-N-Out line scare you away—it moves faster than it looks.
✔ Visit Tahoe Drive or Lake Hollywood Drive for a less crowded Hollywood Sign photo.
✔ Build downtime into your schedule. Southern California has sooo many beautiful places to simply slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Final Thoughts
Southern CA has something for everyone—from world-famous theme parks and iconic beaches to hidden gardens, incredible food, and unforgettable family memories.
No, you won’t see everything in one trip—and that’s okay.
Whether you’re chasing Disney magic, watching skateboarders at Venice Beach, grabbing donuts after your flight, or ending the day on the Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles is one of those destinations that keeps you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
We hope this Southern California travel guide helps you make the most of every minute of your time in this beautiful state!
Brittany is a proud mom to two fun loving kiddos, Grayson and Audrey. With a passion for health and fitness, she’s a certified personal trainer and nutritionist who enjoys helping others lead active, enjoyable lives. When she’s not coaching clients, you can find Brittany, her husband, and her kids exploring Michigan’s vibrant scene of indoor play centers, parks, eateries, and events. Whether they’re discovering new hiking trails, celebrating local restaurant openings, or spending the afternoon at the cider mill, they’re always on the lookout for their next adventure. Brittany is passionate about sharing her family’s experiences to help other parents create lasting memories in Metro Detroit. You can follow along with her and her crew here @brittmilesxo.