The 10 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Southern California
Southern California is one of the most wonderful places in the country to visit. With pristine beaches, lively cities, beautiful landscapes, massive Sequoia forests, excellent food, and so much more, the only thing you need to know now is where to stay. We’ve compiled the 10 best accommodations to start off your search and help you find the perfect stay.
The Best Affordable Places To Stay In Southern California
With so much to do in Southern California, you’ll likely want to save your money for all of those things, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by keeping accommodations affordable. Here are a couple of excellent options.
- Location: Oceanside, CA
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $99/night
- Amenities: Wifi, Heating, Hair Dryer, Linens and Towels, Fireplace, Full Kitchen, Microwave, Refrigerator, Dishes & Utensils, Coffee Maker, Keurig Coffee Machine, Dishwasher, Stove, Toaster, Oven, Grill, Blender, Kettle, Heated Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Cable TV, Board Games, Books, Washer & Dryer, Iron & Board, Parking Garage, Beach Views
- Rating: 5 stars
This amazing and affordable 1,140-square-foot beachfront condo just outside of Carlsbad grants stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while providing comfort and every amenity at a low price. It’s located between Los Angeles and San Diego so you can have the best of both worlds for nightlife and many experiences and adventures such as the San Diego Zoo or Disneyland. It’s also close to lovely places like Del Mar and Laguna Beach. It’s got a high-end look with a private balcony just like the best hotels but won’t break the bank. It’s the perfect place for an ocean-view getaway.
- Location: Palm Springs, CA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $99/night
- Amenities: Fast and free wifi, Linens, Towels, Heating, Hair Dryer, Air Conditioning, Full Kitchen, Microwave, Refrigerator, Dishes & Utensils, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Stove, Toaster, Grill, Oven, Blender, Pool, Spa Whirlpool, Outdoor Furniture
- Rating: 5 stars
Enjoy all of the splendor of Palm Springs with its many dining options, golfing, tennis courts, and world-class Californian experiences at this condo that overlooks the golf course and has an on-site outdoor pool and hot tub. Who needs an expensive, luxe boutique hotel when you can have it all at a fraction of the cost? It’s just across the street from the famous Indian Wells Tennis Garden and you can see the mountains from your balcony.
Best Places To Stay In Southern California For Families
Whether you go to the beach or the mountains, when you take a family trip, a bungalow won’t do. You’ll want a place to stay that has enough room for everyone and is in a fantastic location. These rentals are spacious and comfortable without the impersonal feel of a hotel like a Hyatt or the Ritz-Carlton. Vacations should be all about fun, and these are a couple of great family-friendly options.
- Location: Lake Arrowhead, CA
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $186/night
- Amenities: Wifi, Linens, Towels, Heating, Hair Dryer, Air Conditioning, Fireplace, Fire Pit, Microwave, Refrigerator, Dishes & Utensils, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Stove, Toaster, Oven, Grill, Ice Maker, Blender, Kettle, Smart TV, Game Room, Books, Stereo, Video Library, Foosball, Washer & Dryer, Iron & Board, Parking
- Rating: 4.9 stars
This spacious chateau is just a few minutes from Lake Arrowhead and sleeps 7 people with 2,020 square feet to relax in. The guest rooms are comfortable and the balcony has a fire pit where you can gaze at the stars at night. The living room is wide open and you’ll enjoy the smart TVs throughout the place. Plus, your view is a lush forest! Enjoy kayaking on the lake and visiting the nearby charming small towns.
- Location: Mission Hills, CA
- Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $245/night
- Amenities: Wifi, Gas Stove, Oven, Microwave, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, TV, Cookware, Dishes and Utensils, Towels, Linens, Air Conditioning,
- Rating: 4.9 stars
This home in Mission Hills is the perfect combination of luxury and comfort and will accommodate the whole family as it sleeps 9 people. It’s not far from beautiful Santa Barbara as well as various wineries and the Pacific coast. This place includes walk-in closets, a huge bathtub, large, comfortable furnishings, and ample parking. This place is as beautiful as its surroundings and is sure to be a place where fond memories will be made.
Best Romantic Places To Stay In Southern California For Couples
While a regular vacation by oneself or with the family can be wonderful, sometimes you just want a secluded romantic getaway for yourself and the one you love. Get some wine, cook an Italian or Mediterranean dinner, soak in a hot tub, and enjoy gazing at the stars as you enjoy a stay you won’t soon forget.
- Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $150/night
- Amenities: Wifi, Linens, Towels, Heating, Hair Dryer, Air Conditioning, Fireplace, Desk, Microwave, Refrigerator, Dishes & Utensils, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Stove, Oven, Toaster, Grill, Blender, Kettle, Coffee Grinder, Smart TV, Stereo, Washer & Dryer, Iron & Board.
- Rating: 5 stars
This is a gorgeous house with a hot tub set into the back patio next to a fire pit. There are wood floors throughout the place and the furnishings and decorations are classic and beautiful. It’s a mere 30-minute drive to Malibu and about an hour from the wineries of Ojai. It’s not much farther from the Santa Monica pier, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood if you really want to make a full weekend of it. Maybe even take a quick day trip to romantic Santa Catalina Island!
- Location: Santa Barbara, CA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $150/night
- Amenities: Wifi, Linens, Towels, Heating, Hair Dryer, Microwave, Refrigerator, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Stove, Toaster, Washer & Dryer, Iron & Board, Hot Tub, Cable TV, Parking, Ocean View
- Rating: 4.8 stars
This cottage with ocean views and a bistro table on the balcony is an absolutely lovely romantic getaway. It’s completely private and nestled in Santa Barbara where you can explore Spanish architecture, take a day at the beach, have some great Mexican food, and cuddle up on the patio sofa with some wine, and the hot tub is just a few steps away. It’s a cute little place that’s perfect for two!
The Best Places To Stay In Los Angeles
Whether you’re on business, personal vacation, or are scouting out a place to live, Los Angeles has pretty much everything one could think of to see, eat, drink, and experience. Now you just need a home base where you can relax after a day or night out enjoying everything that the City of Angels has to offer.
- Location: Redondo Beach, CA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $135/night
- Amenities: Wifi, Linens, Towels, Heating, Hair Dryer, Air Conditioning, Microwave, Refrigerator, Dishes & Utensils, Coffee Maker, Stove, Oven, Toaster, Kettle, Washer & Dryer, Iron & Board, Cable TV, Parking
- Rating: 5 stars
This comfy and charming cottage offers lots of privacy and is a short, 1.5-block walk to Redondo Beach! You’ll get pleasant ocean breezes and it is perfect for one or two people who want a comfortable, relaxing place near the ocean rather than a busy and crowded beach club or beach resort. There are tons of great restaurants and shops within walking distance and bike rentals nearby as well.
- Location: Long Beach, CA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $134/night
- Amenities: Wifi, Linens, Towels, Heating, Hair Dryer, Air Conditioning, Desk, Microwave, Refrigerator, Dishes & Utensils, Coffee Maker, Stove, Oven, Toaster, Kettle, Washer & Dryer, Iron & Board, Smart TV, Parking
- Rating: 5 stars
This lovely apartment is a short walk to the beach and is an excellent place to unwind. Nearby Alamitos Beach has tons of dining and shopping options and the beach is a blast. This place has a ton of great reviews and is tastefully decorated and comfy as can be. This is one place you will certainly not want to pass up!
The Best Places To Stay In San Diego
San Diego is well known as one of the most beautiful cities in America. With its rolling hills, beautiful canyons, and attractions like Balboa Park, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and a friendly, laid-back California charm, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible exploring everything this city has to offer. You’ll also need somewhere to stay and these are a couple of gems.
- Location: Ocean Beach, CA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $111/night
- Amenities: Wifi, Linens, Towels, Heating, Hair Dryer, Air Conditioning, Microwave, Refrigerator, Coffee Maker, Stove, Toaster, Grill, Blender, Washer & Dryer, Iron & Board, Smart TV, Wheelchair Accessible
- Rating: 4.9 stars
This is a rustic, cozy, and private little bungalow surrounded by lush plants and it’s just a few blocks from Newport Avenue where you’ll find so much great food and cute shops. Be sure to try a burger at Hodad’s to get a true Ocean Beach experience. This bungalow has a Tempurpedic mattress and a huge, 52-inch Flatscreen TV with a great kitchenette. There’s a jacuzzi to relax in and your dog is welcome for a fee. Plus, Dog Beach is not far away to run around and play at. This is an area that’s retained much of its old beach-style charm.
- Location: Mission Beach, CA
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $122/night
- Amenities: Internet, Linens, Towels, Heating, Hair Dryer, Fireplace, Microwave, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Coffee Maker, Stove, Oven, Toaster, Grill, Washer & Dryer, Iron & Board, Cable TV
- Rating: 4.5 stars
If you’re looking for something less rustic and more spacious, this place will be just right. The bright, open interior is refreshing and comfortable. The spacious kitchen has stunning tilework and modern appliances. The furnishings and decorations share a blue and white theme that is reminiscent of Greece. Plus, it’s right near the beach, and there is no shortage of wonderful restaurants and shops, especially in nearby Mission Bay. If you want to stay in style while visiting San Diego, this is the place.
We hope this has helped you find the perfect place for your Southern California trip, whether you’re alone, with family, or with the love of your life. If you have a favorite place to stay in the area, let us know all about it in the comments!
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The Most Wonderful Attractions In Southern California
What are some must-see attractions in Southern California?
Some must-see attractions in Southern California include:
- La Jolla Tidepools. The tidepools here are a wonderful way to see some small marine life and the beauty of this place is best at sunset.
- Crystal Cove State Park. This Orange County oceanfront hike leads to a pristine stretch of beach where you want to spend the entire day.
- Idyllwild. This charming small mountain town is a great way to beat the heat and take in some lovely views and enjoy the arts.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Get a birds-eye view of Southern California from an elevation of 8,500 feet.
Learn more about these and other must-see attractions in Southern California.
What are some amazing bucket list attractions in Southern California?
Some amazing bucket list attractions in Southern California include:
- Pelican Cove. This is a popular place for painters as the stunning views of cliffs and waves make for the perfect picture.
- Point Vicente Lighthouse. This is another place that looks like it’s inside of a Bob Ross painting. It’s as beautiful as can be.
- Joshua Tree. For something more desert-like, this otherworldly place is a haven for artists and musicians and is simply amazing.
- Catalina Island. This is an awe-inspiring location full of the best views you’ll ever see as well as a ton of excellent seafood restaurants.
Find out more about these and other amazing bucket list attractions in Southern California.
What are some hidden gem attractions in Southern California.
Some hidden gem attractions in Southern California include:
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Have you ever wanted to feed giraffes by hand? This is the place to do it!
- Gardens of the World. It’s a wonder this place isn’t world-famous. It’s one of the lushest and most gorgeous gardens in the state.
- Prospect Park. Located in Redlands, this park has tons of trails, towering trees, and wandering wildlife.
- Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. This garden has a 2.5-mile trail where you’re surrounded by pure natural beauty the whole way.
Discover more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Southern California.
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