Southern California holiday homes

Why visit Southern California

• Diverse Attractions: Southern California boasts a mix of urban environments and natural wonders, perfect for exploring cultural landmarks and outdoor adventures.
• Stunning Beaches: Enjoy sun-soaked days at beautiful beaches, ideal for relaxing, swimming, and a variety of water sports.
• Vibrant Cities: Discover enchanting cities like San Diego, offering a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of family-friendly activities.
• Unique Neighbourhoods: Each neighbourhood presents a romantic twist on Californian life, inviting exploration and discovery.
• Outdoor Escapes: Experience the great outdoors with scenic preserves and adventure opportunities for all ages.

Top attractions near Southern California

Southern California offers a delightful escape with its diverse attractions, from city streets and outdoor reserves to family-friendly country clubs. You can explore cultural landmarks and enjoy outdoor adventures, making it perfect for those seeking a blend of city life and nature. Whether you're wandering through urban settings or relaxing in scenic preserves, Southern California promises a memorable holiday experience for all travellers from New Zealand.

• Mount San Jacinto State Park: Experience the thrill of the outdoors with scenic vistas and adventurous trails, perfect for exploring nature.
• Galway Downs: Enjoy the vibrant city vibes along this bustling street, ideal for a taste of local urban culture.
• Idyllwild Park: Unwind in a family-friendly reserve, offering a blend of romantic and relaxing atmospheres with warm, welcoming locals.

Things to do recommended for couples

Escape to Southern California for a romantic adventure. Enjoy the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a cable car gondola 31km away, offering outdoor thrills and a touch of family fun. Perfect for a couple seeking both excitement and relaxation.

Things to do recommended for families

Families visiting Southern California can enjoy a magical day at Disneyland and explore kid-friendly attractions at local theme parks and interactive museums, making it a perfect holiday destination for a family getaway.

Things to do recommended for groups

Groups visiting Southern California can enjoy a thrilling day at Disneyland Resort, explore the vibrant streets of Santa Monica, and take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway for stunning ocean views. Don't miss the local food trucks for a taste of authentic Californian cuisine.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation around Southern California

Whether you're journeying with a group, as a whānau, with your furry mates or planning an extended stay, be sure to apply the appropriate filters. Here are a few booking pointers from Vrbo to consider.

• Traveling to Southern California with a group: Consider how many bedrooms you'll require, along with features like a full kitchen or an outdoor area for group gatherings. Luckily, you can use filters to find all these options—and many more—on Vrbo.
• Traveling to Southern California with young kids: Traveling with young children can be a challenge. You must prioritise their safety and comfort, ensuring that they have access to age-appropriate amenities like a private swimming pool. It's also wise to consider how close you are to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to Southern California: For many families, a holiday isn't truly fulfilling without their furry companion by their side. If this resonates with you, take a look at Vrbo properties that welcome pets. Most of these pet-friendly homes come equipped with feeding bowls and beds, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at home.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting Southern California: If you're after holiday rentals with deals for a month’s stay or longer, you've come to the right place. Use the filters to quickly find and save on monthly rentals. Also, consider adding extras like a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool to your search.

Where to stay near Southern California

Southern California invites you to explore its enchanting cities, from the sun-kissed beaches of San Diego to vibrant urban escapes. Enjoy a family-friendly holiday immersed in natural beauty and cultural charm, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and relaxing escapes. Discover a region where every neighbourhood offers a unique, romantic twist on Californian life, perfect for an unforgettable seaside getaway.

• Valle Vista: This quaint village is located 5km from Southern California, offering travellers an inviting blend of outdoor fun and urban charm ideal for family adventures. Enjoy the close proximity of a sprawling urban park, a national state park, and another scenic park, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. The area provides a variety of activities ranging from relaxing body treatments to enjoying the ambience at country private clubs. With numerous opportunities to explore both nature and city-themed attractions, Valle Vista is a gem for those seeking a versatile holiday experience.
• Hemet: Situated 10km from Southern California, this vibrant city is a haven for those in search of a romantic and city-themed escape with a splash of outdoor excitement. The nearby lake, event conference venue, and theme park add to Hemet’s appeal, while the recreational areas and campgrounds invite you to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re planning an intimate getaway or an adventure with friends, Hemet offers a balanced mix of urban attractions and natural beauty.
• Idyllwild: Located 16km from Southern California, Idyllwild is renowned for its outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. The city is a delightful destination for enthusiasts of hiking trails, recreational areas, and vibrant shopping centres. With landmarks including a serene lake, a national state park, and another expansive national park, Idyllwild provides an inspiring backdrop for exploration and adventure. Its diverse offerings make it an attractive spot for those eager to experience nature’s splendour combined with a touch of urban convenience.

Best time to go to Southern California

If you're planning a trip to Southern California, it's a good idea to check both the weather and property rates. The warmest month is August.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Sunny
February	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny
March	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
April	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
May	65.7°F (18.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
July	71.8°F (22.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
August	76.8°F (24.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
September	74.8°F (23.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
October	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny
December	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny

Booking with Vrbo is a breeze

Are you keen to save on your next adventure? Being flexible with your travel dates can make a real difference, as prices often fluctuate. Additionally, you might find considerable savings by opting for a longer stay. To discover a Vrbo property that suits your budget, utilise our filters to sort by price, location, and type of holiday rental. We're here to help you find the perfect getaway.

Vrbo Trips: Planning as easy as it gets

Vrbo’s innovative Trip Board provides a dedicated space to start fresh trips, pick up where you previously left off, or simply review and organise your plans. Your previously saved and booked properties are now conveniently displayed under Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To use Trip Boards, please visit: https://www.bookabach.co.nz/trips

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

Delight in the beachside landscape of Southern California

Enjoy the entertainment and other features of Southern California. This city's theme park, beaches and riverfront draw many visitors. Local cultural sights include Kia Forum and Hollywood Bowl. With a holiday rental, you get a home away from home – many rentals offer full kitchens and outdoor grills for some home cooking.

Activities and attractions in Southern California

Are you hoping to discover things to do during your stay? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable holiday rental, you'll want to check out everything that makes Southern California a one-of-a-kind holiday spot. Here are some of the most popular attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Castle Park Amusement Park (12.2 mi / 19.6 km)
• Menifee Lakes Golf Course (13 mi / 20.9 km)
• Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa (14.9 mi / 24 km)
• Silverlakes Sports Complex (18.2 mi / 29.3 km)
• Soboba Springs Country Club (19.4 mi / 31.2 km)
• Glen Helen Raceway (23.5 mi / 37.9 km)

Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Southern California

Travellers enjoy Southern California for its riverfront and seaside. Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Southern California is a great place to spend some time outside. These are a few of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Lake Perris (5 mi / 8 km)
• Lake Perris State Recreation Area (5 mi / 8.1 km)
• Santa Ana River Trail (13.6 mi / 21.9 km)
• Lake Elsinore (14.4 mi / 23.1 km)
• Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa (14.9 mi / 24 km)
• Diamond Valley Lake Marina (18.2 mi / 29.3 km)

How to get to and around Southern California

Fly into San Bernardino, CA (SBD-San Bernardino Intl.), the closest airport, located 16.9 mi (27.3 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Ontario Intl. Airport (ONT), which is 23.5 mi (37.9 km) away.

If you're travelling by train, Moreno Valley/March Field Station, Perris Station and Riverside-Downtown Station are the main stations that serve the city. You can get around Southern California by catching a ride on the metro at Redlands–Esri Station, Redlands–Downtown Station or San Bernardino–Tippecanoe Station.