Things to do in Southern California

Since 1915, visitors have flocked to experience the thrill of the movies at Universal Studios. Back then, guests were charged 25 cents to watch silent movie scenes being filmed: now, you might not see a film being made – and you are charged a lot more! - but the studios offer a whole day or more's worth of entertainment.

A fun spot for the youngsters, with more than 60 rides across a site that spans 52 hectares, LEGOLAND® California Resort is located by the ocean in Carlsbad, about 50 kilometres north of San Diego. It is home to a hotel and water park, along with shows and attractions based on the world-famous toy bricks.

When Walt Disney brought his colourful characters to California back in the 1920s, it was with a creative spirit and a desire to breathe new life into his work. Opened in 2001 beside the door of the original Disneyland Park® in Anaheim, Disney's California Adventure Park® captures that hope and that creative spirit, with fun-packed rides and attractions, great shows, as well as plenty to see, learn and enjoy.

Visit the STAPLES Center and see a major sporting or entertainment event. This arena is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers National Basketball Association (NBA) teams. Take a tour of downtown Los Angeles and view the STAPLES Center or book a ticket for a major event.

San Diego Zoo welcomes around 5 million visitors every year, and it’s easy to see why. Spanning a huge site, the zoo houses about 4000 animals from over 650 different species and subspecies. All of these creatures live in realistic habitats, with most exhibits out in the open air.

It's a good idea to wear sunglasses when heading to Venice Beach – then you can people-watch in private. Not that much is private here though, as you will soon find out! For once, a sandy beach isn't the main draw: instead it's the people who make a visit here so much fun.

Ever since it first opened in 1964, SeaWorld® San Diego in Mission Beach has drawn kids and big kids alike. Visitors come here to get closer to the amazing marine animals on show. Why not head over to Dolphin Point where you can feed and even train the performing bottlenoses—these intelligent mammals love to do tricks. It is even possible to arrange to get into the water with the impressive beluga whales, but make sure you book in advance.