Southern California is perhaps most famous for its beaches, but its terrain changes dramatically just a short distance from the sand. First, you encounter mellow beach towns, followed by buzzing cities, and then plenty of wide-open spaces: the desert, the mountains, and the rolling hills of wine country.
Exploring it all is easy—and surprisingly affordable—thanks to the wide range of hotels that make up the Best Western family. With about 200 alone in the southern half of the Golden State, the brand offers plenty of choice. And despite Best Western’s long legacy, you won’t find cookie-cutter lodging: Each hotel is independently owned, so they have their own personalities, real roots in the community, and local teams ready with insider tips.
Choose from the different Best Western tiers as you travel, including classic Best Westerns—most with pools and many with free continental or full breakfast—and the upgraded Best Western Plus or Premier hotels, which often include onsite bars, fitness centers, and more breakfast options. The BW Signature Collection and Aiden hotels, meanwhile, tend to have design-forward, boutique-style ambience, and even more local flavor.
What part of Southern California do you want to explore on your next adventure? Choose from these experiences, then check out just a few of the Best Western options that make prime launching pads.
Beach Breaks
Southern California’s coastline stretches for roughly 300 miles, dotted with beaches and distinctive neighboring towns. Whether you’re whale watching in Orange County, tide pooling along the Central Coast, or paddling San Diego’s Mission Bay, you’ll find plenty of Best Western options all along the coast.
B/W Plus Marina Shores Hotel, Dana Point
Dana Point in Orange County is a prime spot for taking whale-watching tours, and on occasion, you can even spot the majestic giants from the shore. Walk to the Dana Point Harbor of Doheny State Beach from this Best Western that also offers a free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Best Western Plus Beach View Lodge Carlsbad
Lounge on the ocean view deck or borrow some beach gear from the hotel—chairs, boogie boards, umbrella—to play on the sand at Carlsbad State Beach, just across the street from this Best Western in San Diego County’s Carlsbad. The hotel includes free breakfast and is an easy walk to Carlsbad Village’s shops, breweries, and restaurants, including the newly Michelin-starred Lilo.
B/W San Diego Pacific Beach/Mission Bay, San Diego
Split your time between Mission Beach, Mission Bay, and Pacific Beach’s lively dining scene during a stay at this hotel with a pool and continental breakfast. It’s also a short drive from SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park.
City Tours
Stay in the heart of a California city that puts culture, cuisine, and history right outside your door—from Hollywood landmarks to downtown neighborhoods and Route 66, which celebrates its centennial in 2026.
Best Western Hollywood Plaza Hotel, Hollywood
Just an eight-minute walk to the Hollywood Bowl, ditch the parking lines and simply stroll into one of the most beloved outdoor music venues for an epic night in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Plaza Hotel is also less than a 1-mile walk to additional top sights in Hollywood including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theater, and more. Plus, it has its own restaurant and an outdoor pool.
Alternative: Stay at the Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel in West Hollywood, right on Sunset Boulevard. The Roxy and the Whisky A Go Go are both about 1 mile away, The Comedy Store is on the same block, and it’s a short drive to many of Los Angeles’s biggest sights, such as the Griffith Observatory.
Aiden Los Angeles Downtown, Dragon Gate Inn, Los Angeles
This Aiden in Los Angeles’ Chinatown pops with color and L.A.-themed art. It’s an excellent home base for exploring Downtown L.A., Little Tokyo, and Olvera St.—and it’s also a great place to stay if you’re in town to see the Dodgers, not to mention a short drive to the restaurants and boutiques of Echo Park and Silver Lake.
Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn, Anaheim
Just under a half-mile walk from Disneyland Resort, this Good Neighbor Hotel includes a free full breakfast and nice pool—ideal for families planning park days and nearby Knott’s Berry Farm visits.
B/W Plus Ontario Airport & Convention Center, Ontario
Explore the historic Route 66 from this hotel with a free full breakfast and outdoor pool. You’re a breezy drive from historic spots such as the Cucamonga Service Station and the Magic Lamp Inn. Bonus: it’s near Ontario’s airport, a convenient hub for SoCal travel.
B/W Plus Arrowhead Hotel, Colton
Another perfect stop on your Route 66 road trip and right nearby the original McDonald’s Museum, this San Bernardino County Best Western also has a large pool, free daily breakfast, and free coffee and tea in the lobby. Take the short drive into the San Bernardino Mountains to play on the water at Lake Arrowhead or go hiking, biking, and ziplining at SkyPark at Santa’s Village.
B/W Corona Hotel & Suites, Corona
Want day trips in all directions? You’re just 20 miles from Anaheim—and less than an hour from either Los Angeles or Lake Elsinore—at this Riverside County Best Western that bundles free breakfast and parking.
Desert Oases
Head east from the Southern California coast and a new world emerges: the sleek aesthetics of Palm Springs and the almost surreal landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. The California desert has a unique sense of fun too, thanks to desert towns’ flair for color and quirky attractions.
Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort, Palm Desert
Enjoy complimentary breakfast as well as free parking at this hotel in Palm Desert, which is home to the world-class shopping of El Paseo and the family-friendly Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. You’re a short drive to major events like BNP Paribas in Indian Wells or Coachella and Stagecoach in Indio. Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are both within easy driving distance.
Best Western Plus Las Brisas, Palm Springs
Stay steps from downtown Palm Springs at this hotel with a pool and free breakfast on Indian Canyon Drive. It’s a short walk to the Palm Springs Museum of Art, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, and the Séc-he spa. Stay here on a Thursday night to enjoy the weekly VillageFest street fair held right outside the hotel.
Vineyard Escapes
The southern half of California comprises several acclaimed wine regions, from Paso Robles and Edna Valley on the Central Coast to Temecula Valley inland. These Best Westerns hotels place you close to tastings, tours, and charming wine regions.
Best Western Plus Black Oak, Paso Robles
Located just a mile from Paso Robles’ Downtown Wine District, this hotel offers an outdoor pool, free parking, and easy access to Hearst Castle along nearby Highway 1.
The Agrarian Hotel, BW Signature Collection, Arroyo Grande
Explore the wines of Edna Valley or day trip into Santa Ynez Valley from this Best Western in walkable downtown Arroyo Grande, which is dotted with antique shops as well as roaming wild chickens. Start with Laetitia Winery, known for its sparkling wines and Pinot Noir. The LEED-certified hotel has a heated pool and a free full breakfast, too.
Best Western Plus Temecula Wine Country Hotel & Suites, Temecula
Within walking distance of quaint Old Town Temecula—filled with shops, bars, and eateries—this Best Western includes a heated indoor pool, free parking, and a full breakfast. It’s also close to nearly 50 wineries, hiking trails, and hot-air balloon launches.
California is always a good idea. With more than 240 Best Western® Hotels & Resorts in the Golden State, set out to adventure from north to south. Explore the redwoods, sandy beaches, and top entertainment when you book with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts California now.