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. I’ve compiled the 17 best places to stay in Southern California to start off your search and help you create the perfect vacation.

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. If you are wondering where to stay in Southern California that won't break the bank, here are a few excellent options.

1. Oceanfront Condo Just Steps From The Beach, Oceanside

• Location: Oceanside, CA
• Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4), 2 full baths
• Price: $117/night
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, fireplace, full kitchen, grill, heated swimming pool, hot tub, washer & dryer, parking garage, beach views
• Rating: 4.9 stars

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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.

2. Petite Woodland Chalet, Sugarloaf

• Location: Sugarloaf, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 3), 1 full bath
• Price: $95/night
• Amenities: Kitchen, Wi-Fi, free parking, 40-inch HDTV with Apple TV, AC – split-type ductless system, bathtub, private patio, private backyard – fully fenced, indoor fireplace
• Rating: 5 stars

This tiny cabin - nestled in a peaceful forest, sits on a spacious lot with a seasonal stream. Enjoy easy access to hiking trails and Big Bear attractions. The cabin features a cozy interior with a beautiful stone fireplace and a loft for extra sleeping. Ideal for couples or small families on a budget.

3. Joshua Tree Campover Cabin, Joshua Tree

• Location: Joshua Tree, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom studio (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
• Price: $97/night
• Amenities: Desert view, mountain view, kitchen, fast Wi-Fi – 159 Mbps, dedicated workspace, free parking, pet-friendly, pet-friendly, air conditioning, patio, backyard
• Rating: 4.97 stars

Escape to this affordable, secluded 1950s homestead cabin on over 22 acres of land with breathtaking 360-degree views. Updated with modern amenities, including a new bathroom, outdoor shower, queen bed, kitchen, heating and cooling, and Wi-Fi. Relax on the porch, take in the expansive views, and enjoy exceptional stargazing. Just a 15-minute drive from town, you can explore charming shops and restaurants. Enjoy nature and tranquil surroundings at this unique Airbnb in Southern California.

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 some great family-friendly options.

4. Luxury Remodeled Cabin In The Pines, Lake Arrowhead

• Location: Lake Arrowhead, CA
• Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 2 full baths
• Price: $250/night
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, heat & air conditioning, fireplace, fire pit, full kitchen, grill, game room, foosball table, washer & dryer
• Rating: 4.9 stars

5. Villa Magnifica Villa, Riverside County

• Location: Riverside County, CA
• Size: 7 bedrooms (sleeps 20), 6 baths
• Price: $1,393/night
• Amenities: Fast Wi-Fi, gourmet kitchen, game room, fireplace, swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit
• Rating: 5 stars

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When you book Villa Magnifica for a SoCal vacation with all of your friends and family you will be whisked away to a resort-style villa with everything you could possibly need for a fun vacation. Let's just take a peek at a few of the deluxe amenities: Swimming pool, hot tub, putting green, pickle ball court, basketball court, bocce ball court, ping pong table, deluxe pizza oven, (hold on I have to take a breath) Giant Jenga, corn hole, badminton, volleyball, and in our best game show host voice - you get all of that and more! So, yes, this is a pretty fabulous rental and we haven't even taken a look inside.

6. Palms at Park, Palm Springs

• Location: Palm Springs, CA
• Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 6 full baths
• Price: $964/night
• Amenities: Fast Wi-Fi, fireplace, swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit, Tesla charger, concierge, private chef
• Rating: 5 stars

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This wonderful home in beautiful Palm Springs is like renting five luxury hotel suites at The Four Seasons each with its own private en suite. This newly built home (on property once owned by Bob Hope) has dream-like views of the San Jacinto Mountains making it one of the most beautiful all-around rentals you could imagine. If Palm Springs is whispering for you to make a much-needed family vacation, Palms at Park should be at the top of your list.

7. Two Wolves Haven, Lake Arrowhead

• Location: Palm Springs, CA
• Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 6 full baths
• Price: $964/night
• Amenities: Mountain view, kitchen, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, free carport on-premises, pets allowed, 75-inch HDTV with Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, premium cable, standard cable, EV charger – level 2, free washer – in unit
• Rating: 5 stars

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Welcome to Two Wolves, a spacious, family-friendly retreat - nestled in the evergreens with stunning treetop views. Ideal for large gatherings, it’s just 30 minutes from Snow Summit and close to Arrowhead Village, Skypark, Lake Gregory, and hiking trails. This three-story, three-bedroom, 2.5-bath cabin features three fireplaces, five furnished decks, and large windows to enjoy the scenery. Amenities include Wi-Fi, EV charging, and a full kitchen. Perfect for families looking to relax and explore the great outdoors together.

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.

8. Romantic House In A Cul-de-Sac, Thousand Oaks

• Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
• Price: $150/night
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, heat & air conditioning, fireplace, full kitchen, grill, washer & dryer
• Rating: 5 stars

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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!

9. Cozy Santa Barbara Cottage, Santa Barbara

• Location: Santa Barbara, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
• Price: $150/night
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, full kitchen, washer & dryer, hot tub, ocean views
• Rating: 5 stars

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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. This cute little accommodation in Southern California is perfect for two!

10. The Glass Cabin, Pioneertown

• Location: Pioneertown, CA
• Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 5), 2 full baths
• Price: $209/night
• Amenities: Desert view, valley view, kitchen, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, free parking on premises, private outdoor pool – available seasonally, open 24 hours, pool cover, private hot tub – available all year, open 24 hours, TV
• Rating: 5 stars

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The Glass Cabin is a beautiful and charming retreat located on five scenic acres in Pioneertown. This lovingly restored cabin combines old-fashioned coziness with modern comfort, creating a peaceful hideaway for couples. You can experience off-grid living with solar power and a private well while still enjoying all the conveniences of modern life.

Inside, you'll find a cozy open layout with lovely decor and plenty of natural light. Outside, you can relax in the hot tub, take a dip in the cowboy tub pool, or cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace. With breathtaking views, a private hot tub, and a deck perfect for stargazing, The Glass Cabin offers a romantic escape, making it one of the best Airbnbs in Southern California.

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.

11. Cute And Cozy Yellow Cottage, Redondo Beach

• Location: Redondo Beach, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 3), 1 full bath
• Price: $135/night
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, heat & air conditioning, full kitchen washer & dryer, parking
• Rating: 5 stars

12. Highland Park Designer Retreat, Los Angeles

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
• Price: $227/night
• Amenities: Garden view, kitchen, fast Wi-Fi – 325 Mbps, free parking on premises, 50-inch HDTV with Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, washer, dryer, AC – split-type ductless system, shared patio
• Rating: 5 stars

Discover a bright and tranquil retreat in the heart of Highland Park. This modern, clean space offers private, independent access and is just a short walk from the amenities of York Blvd and close to Figueroa and Occidental College. Enjoy quick drives to Downtown LA, Dodger Stadium, Pasadena, Hollywood, Glendale, and Burbank.

The airy space features 15-foot ceilings, a lofted sleeping area, and a clutter-free design. Relax in the secluded, landscaped patio, or enjoy the radiant floor heating, custom kitchenette, and 50-inch Smart TV. Perfect for unwinding after a day of work or exploration.

13. Scandinavian Modern Style Guesthouse, Los Angeles

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4), 1 full bath
• Price: $245/night
• Amenities: Garden view, kitchen, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, free street parking, 55-inch HDTV, central air conditioning, private backyard – fully fenced
• Rating: 4.97 stars

Check out this Scandinavian-modern two-bedroom home just 10 minutes from LAX Airport, Sofi Stadium, Intuit Dome, and Kia Forum. It features queen-size memory foam beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and is wheelchair accessible. Situated near the 405 Freeway, it's perfect for exploring LA's museums, beaches, and attractions. Enjoy full privacy, a 55-inch flat-screen TV, and extra amenities like beach gear and free street parking. The home's proximity to all the City of Angels has to offer makes this one of the best vacation rentals in Southern California.

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, so here are some wonderful vacation rentals in Southern California.

14. Ocean Beach Private Bungalow, Ocean Beach

• Location: Ocean Beach, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
• Price: $219/night
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, heat & air conditioning, full kitchen grill, washer & dryer, wheelchair accessible
• Rating: 4.9 stars

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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.

15. San Diego Surfside Hideaway, San Diego

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 3), 1 full bath
• Price: $284/night
• Amenities: Shared beach access, kitchen, fast Wi-Fi – 226 Mbps, free parking on premises, 65-inch HDTV with Roku, private patio, private backyard – fully fenced, luggage drop-off allowed, hair dryer, fire pit
• Rating: 4.99 stars

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Introducing the San Diego Surfside Hideaway, a newly renovated classic Southern California beach house located in the heart of Pacific Beach. This private and peaceful suite features a comfortable bedroom, a stylish living room and kitchenette, and a fantastic outdoor entertainment space complete with a fire pit, dining area, and TV. Within walking distance to all the attractions in Pacific Beach, this place is perfect for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

16. Mount Helix Country Style Studio, San Diego

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom studio (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
• Price: $139/night
• Amenities: Kitchen, Wi-Fi, free parking on premises, TV, air conditioning, private patio, private backyard – not fully fenced, luggage drop-off allowed, hair dryer, refrigerator
• Rating: 4.99 stars

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Tucked away in the peaceful and green hills of La Mesa, this cozy studio has everything you need for a relaxing California getaway. With a comfortable queen bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with a BBQ, and a fire pit, it's the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. You can take a leisurely walk to Mt. Helix Historic Park for stunning views of San Diego, and a short 20-minute drive will take you to the beach, the airport, or the mountains.

The studio is beautifully designed with rustic beams, a spacious new bathroom, and a comfortable sitting area. You can enjoy the best of indoor and outdoor living with climate control and choose to have your meals inside or out. Plus, you'll have your own private entrance, plenty of parking, and a wheelchair ramp for easy access and added comfort.

17. Private & Clean Guesthouse: Close to Zoo, San Diego

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), 1.5 bath
• Price: $189/night
• Amenities: Kitchen, Wi-Fi, free parking on premises, TV, washer, dryer, air conditioning, private patio or balcony, backyard
• Rating: 4.98 stars

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Stay at this peaceful and private getaway in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego. You'll have your own garage, a big comfy bed, and a sofa bed in the living room. The Airbnb is close to Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, shops, bakeries, and walking trails. Hillcrest is a lively area with lots to do, and it's easy to get around using public transportation to explore nearby beaches and attractions.

I 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 me know all about it! I will be sure to add it to our best places to stay in Southern California list. And if you're looking for some fun things to do while checking out the Golden State, you have to check out these one-of-a-kind experiences!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/must-visit-2023-socal/