Southern California is a magical playground of Hollywood glam, sandy beaches, world-class restaurants, celeb sightings, and some of the most iconic amusement parks on Earth. Whether you’re here for sunshine or star-spotting, I’ve got the scoop on the best airports to fly into—and why each one might be the perfect fit for your itinerary.
☝️ First things first. Which airport should you use?
SoCal is packed with airport options, but choosing the right one can save you hours in traffic and stress. Here’s a breakdown of the main players.
The granddaddy of SoCal airports. If you’re flying internationally and want a non-stop option, LAX is likely your best bet. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s huge. But the horseshoe layout actually makes it pretty easy to navigate. You’ve got eight domestic terminals plus the Tom Bradley International Terminal—and believe it or not, you can walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes (with pep in your step).
🚗 Heads up: Rental car facilities are offsite, so plan a little extra time for the shuttle
🌟 Insider tip: Don’t be surprised if you spot a celeb or two in the security line!
Image by Bilal EL-Daou
BUR – Hollywood Burbank Airport –
Small but mighty! Burbank is a dream if your trip is focused on Hollywood, Universal Studios, or North LA. It’s limited to U.S. and Canadian flights, but it’s incredibly easy to get in and out of. You’ll love how quick security is, and the proximity to the studios practically guarantees a celebrity sighting.
💼 Best for: Business or leisure travelers staying in LA proper or the Valley.
ONT – Ontario International Airport – I like to include this airport on my list of choices because it’s so small, clean, and new! It’s actually an old airport that’s been recently renovated, so everything here feels fresh and inviting. The only trouble with Ontario is that it is located REALLY far off the beaten path. If you have business (or leisure) close to the 10 or 60 freeways in Ontario, consider this airport for sure!
✈️ Surprise perk: You can fly internationally to Mexico and China from here.
⏱️ Note: Rental cars are offsite, so allow extra time for the shuttle.
LGB – Long Beach Airport – I used to live across the 405 freeway from this one—talk about convenient! LGB is tiny and incredibly easy to navigate. The catch? Not a ton of flights or airlines. But if you can snag one that works for your itinerary, it’s a SoCal gem. It’s nestled right on the border of LA and Orange counties, making it a great middle-ground option.
🛫 Check it: If you’re flying JetBlue or Southwest, LGB is worth a look.
SNA – John Wayne Airport in Orange County. This is my personal fave. Located right off the 405 in South OC, SNA is clean, sunny, and super convenient if you’re heading to the beach, Disneyland, or the luxe shopping havens of South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island.
🌴 Bonus: Rental cars are onsite, the layout is straightforward, and there’s natural light everywhere.
🛫 You can catch flights to Canada or Mexico from here.
Beverly Hills
West Hollywood
Santa Monica
Marina Del Rey
Photo by Olenka Kotyk
Photo by Carla Francisco
Warner Brothers – LA
Universal – Studio City/Burbank
NBC – Burbank
Paramount – LA
Image by FF16
Image by Hands off my tags! Michael Gaida
Because greater LA is quite spread out, these are full-day ideas to quench your adventure thirst. Check the locations to time travel on your maps as some of these may be quite remote from your hotel.
LA gets a bad rap for lacking culture, but I disagree. While it’s not ancient Rome, there are loads of cool museums and artwork displays all over the city. Here are just a few of my favorites.
There’s no place like LA for sunshine and sand. Why not plan a day at the beach to unwind from the traffic and congestion? Here are some of the best beaches to explore on your journey!
If you are a sports fan, you have come to the right place. LA is home to many sports teams and there’s always something going on. Check out local team venues for these teams:
It seems strange to vacation in a place where I lived for over twenty years, but while raising our kids in Colorado we decided to take them back to our old stomping ground. Every trip to LA requires dipping a toe or two into the Hollywood atmosphere. What better place than Paramount Studios? Great fun!
The sun doesn’t always shine in California! I worked for quite a few years in Orange County when starting my design career. Newport is a great stop in an otherwise bustling area of Southern California. Although it is quite upscale, I like Newport for its beachy, laid-back feeling. Unpretentious, casual, and fun!
If you like this, let me know!
