The 12 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Southern California
Will Suphan
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
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 12 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 couple of excellent options.
- 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
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: La Quinta, CA
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
- Price: $99/night
- Amenities: Fast and free Wi-Fi, heat & air conditioning, full kitchen, grill, spa whirlpool
- Rating: 5 stars
Enjoy all of the charms of La Quinta with its excellent dining options, delightful old town, golf courses, tennis courts, and quintessential 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 (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
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: 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
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.
- 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
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.
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 (sleeps 2), 1 full bath
- Price: $150/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, heat & air conditioning, fireplace, full kitchen, grill, washer & dryer
- 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!
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- 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
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!
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 (sleeps 3), 1 full bath
- Price: $135/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, heat & air conditioning, full kitchen washer & dryer, 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: Los Angeles, CA
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 5.5 baths
- Price: $2,295/night
- Amenities: Ultra-fast Wi-Fi, gourmet kitchen, fireplace, gas grill, swimming pool, hot tub, Control4 Smart Home automation system
- Rating: 5 stars
If you are taking a family vacation to Southern California you may as well do it right. This Melrose Villa is in a prime spot to enjoy everything West Hollywood offers - Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, The Grove, and the finest restaurants and nightlife you can imagine. To say this delightful villa is high-end is an understatement. Take your getaway to another level with Living The Dream's luxury hospitality services as your concierge directs you to the best exotic rental cars, private jets, yachts, dining reservations, and entertainment options.
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 a few wonderful vacation rentals in Southern California.
- 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
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 (sleeps 4), 1 full bath
- Price: $157/night
- Amenities: Internet, fireplace, full kitchen, grill, washer & dryer
- Rating: 4.4 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.
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 7), 1.5 baths
- Price: $228/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, washer & dryer, hot tub, outdoor shower, gas grill, fire pit, swimming pool
- Rating: 4.9 stars
This wonderful San Diego home is a tropical oasis with a salt-water swimming pool, koi pond, thatched hut Tiki bar, lava-rock fire pit, rock waterfall, and tropical-themed landscaping in the gorgeous backyard. If you are taking a vacation to sunny SoCal, San Diego Dreamin' will have your kids begging to stay another week.
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! We will be sure to add it to our best places to stay in Southern California list.
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More to Explore
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.