In Los Angeles for the FIFA World Cup 2026? These post-match escapes reveal California’s beaches, deserts, vineyards, and scenic highways just beyond the city.
If Los Angeles is on your itinerary for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, let the final whistle be only the beginning of the journey. One of California’s quiet luxuries is how effortlessly it encourages exploration. Within a few hours of the city, the scenery transforms with cinematic ease: laid-back surf towns drift along the coast, desert landscapes unfold into palm-lined oases, vineyard valleys appear beyond mountain passes, and storied highways lead to small towns where character and ambitious cuisine thrive. For travellers making the trip across continents for football’s greatest spectacle, it is worth lingering a little longer and discovering the many sides of California waiting just beyond Los Angeles.
Family-Friendly Theme Parks
Los Angeles is perfectly positioned for families looking to add a little cinematic adventure to their trip. Within easy driving distance are three of Southern California’s most immersive theme parks—each offering a distinct blend of storytelling, thrills, and nostalgic charm.
Disneyland Resort: Just 33 miles from Los Angeles in Anaheim, Disneyland Resort remains the gold standard of theme park magic. Several beloved attractions exist only here, including the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, and Cars Land. The newer Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge invites visitors to pilot the Millennium Falcon or craft their own lightsaber. Between rides, food becomes part of the ritual—whether it’s a Dole Whip in Adventureland or a character breakfast that turns mornings into memorable family moments.
Knott’s Berry Farm: About 31 miles away in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm pairs high-speed rides with a slice of California’s frontier past. The lively boardwalk area contrasts with the atmospheric Ghost Town, while Camp Snoopy keeps younger visitors happily occupied. Thrill seekers can tackle the park’s collection of roller coasters or cool off on rides like Calico River Rapids and Banzai Falls. Afterwards, follow local tradition and head to Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant for its legendary fried chicken and boysenberry pie.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Just 13 miles from central Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood blurs the line between theme park and movie set. Here you can wander through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, step inside Super Nintendo World, meet characters from the Minions to Transformers, or join the World-Famous Studio Tour to see real Hollywood sets in action. Younger visitors can explore DinoPlay inspired by Jurassic World, while themed treats—from Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks to the famous giant pink doughnut in Springfield, U.S.A.—complete the experience.
Beach Day
Few places capture the spirit of California quite like its coastline. Within easy reach of Los Angeles, a string of beach towns offers distinct personalities—from lively boardwalks and classic piers to quieter stretches where the rhythm of the Pacific sets the pace.
Santa Monica: Just 18 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica delivers the quintessential Southern California beach day. Golden sand, swaying palms, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier—with its Ferris wheel and vintage carousel—set the scene. Rent bikes and ride the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which hugs the shoreline all the way toward Torrance, or simply settle into the sand with loungers from Perry’s Beach Rentals. Between swims, grab a nostalgic Hot Dog on a Stick on the pier or linger over a relaxed seaside meal. For those staying the night, Shutters on the Beach offers front-row ocean views, while The Georgian, a restored Art Deco landmark from 1933, brings a dash of vintage glamour.
Hermosa Beach: About 37 miles from Los Angeles, Hermosa Beach has a livelier edge. The stretch around Hermosa Pier hums with cafés, live music, and oceanfront energy. Cyclists glide along The Strand, while surfers and volleyball players claim the sand. Evenings often begin with live jazz at the historic Lighthouse Café before drifting into rooftop drinks and late-night beach-town revelry. Summer weekends bring festivals, beach tennis tournaments, and volleyball championships, turning the shoreline into a vibrant social hub.
Santa Barbara: Ninety-four miles north of Los Angeles lies Santa Barbara, often called the American Riviera for its red-tiled roofs, Mediterranean light, and elegant coastal setting. Trains like the Pacific Surfliner arrive just steps from the lively Funk Zone, where wine-tasting rooms, galleries, and cafés cluster near the waterfront. Spend the afternoon along Stearns Wharf, wander the beach promenade, or visit the intimate Santa Barbara Zoo, dramatically perched above the ocean. Beyond the city, the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley invite leisurely wine-country detours.
San Luis Obispo County: Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo County reveals a slower, more pastoral version of the California coast. Rolling hills give way to beach towns such as Pismo Beach, Cayucos, Avila Beach, and Morro Bay, where sea otters drift through the harbour beneath the towering silhouette of Morro Rock. Hike the coastal trails of the Pismo Preserve, wander oceanfront boardwalks, and fuel up with local favourites—from blue corn waffles at Hidden Kitchen to hearty sandwiches at High Street Deli. On Thursday evenings, downtown San Luis Obispo comes alive with its beloved Farmers’ Market, a festive gathering of local food, music, and community spirit.
Sampling California Wine Among the Vineyards
Few California experiences rival an afternoon spent among its vineyards. Just beyond Los Angeles, rolling hills and sunlit valleys reveal wine regions where tasting rooms, small towns, and relaxed countryside charm make for the perfect escape.
Los Olivos: About 130 miles north of Los Angeles, the tiny town of Los Olivos sits at the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, a region celebrated for elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The town itself feels effortlessly walkable, with more than 35 tasting rooms gathered along its quiet streets. Between pours, browse for a classic cowboy hat at Jedlicka’s Western Wear or linger over a game of bocce at a local tasting patio. Evenings call for a reservation at Bar Le Côte, one of the valley’s most talked-about seafood restaurants, before retreating to The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, a beautifully restored stagecoach stop that now ranks among the region’s most stylish stays.
Solvang: Just a few miles away, Solvang introduces a whimsical twist to California wine country. Founded by Danish settlers, the village is known for its storybook windmills, half-timbered buildings, and cosy bakeries. More than 25 tasting rooms are scattered throughout town, making it easy to sample Santa Barbara County wines between strolls. Visitors can also catch performances at the open-air Solvang Festival Theater or visit the nearby California Nature Art Museum. And no stop here is complete without trying æbleskiver, the town’s signature Danish pancakes, served warm and dusted with sugar.
Temecula Valley: Closer to Los Angeles, about 90 miles south, Temecula Valley offers a more relaxed take on wine country. The region’s vineyards stretch along the scenic De Portola Wine Trail, where boutique wineries invite unhurried tastings with vineyard views. Estates such as Bottaia Winery and Ponte Winery pair their wines with beautiful grounds and elegant overnight stays. Each summer, the valley’s energy peaks during the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, when hot air balloons rise above the vineyards alongside concerts and weekend tastings.
Wellness Getaway in Ojai
About 82 miles from Los Angeles, Ojai feels like a quiet exhale. Tucked into a valley ringed by gentle mountains, the small town has long drawn visitors seeking a slower rhythm—where spa rituals, farm-fresh food, and sunlit afternoons replace city noise.
Begin with a restorative massage or spa day at the Ojai Valley Inn, a destination in itself for relaxation. From there, wander through Bart’s Books, the beloved open-air bookstore where shelves spill into garden courtyards, or sample small-batch olive oils at the Ojai Olive Oil Company. In spring, the town celebrates its signature citrus—the sweet Ojai pixie tangerines, harvested between March and June.
For a stylish stay, check into the newly refreshed Hotel El Roblar, ideal for poolside lounging between explorations. Around town, Ojai’s food scene offers its own quiet pleasures: flaky pastries at The Dutchess, oysters and seasonal plates at Rory’s Place, and craft beers at Topa Topa Brewing Company. Sundays bring a relaxed bluegrass brunch at Ojai Valley Inn, where live music accompanies a leisurely breakfast spread.
If your visit coincides with summer, the town’s cultural calendar adds even more reason to linger. The Ojai Valley Music Festival (June 11–14) fills the valley with world-class performances, while the Ojai Wine Festival at nearby Lake Casitas (June 20) brings together regional wines, food, and lakefront views.
Big-City Adventures in San Diego
About 120 miles south of Los Angeles, San Diego blends coastal ease with big-city attractions, making it an ideal long-weekend escape. The city’s highlights range from world-class cultural institutions to classic beach-town charm, with plenty of family-friendly adventures in between.
Start at Balboa Park, the cultural heart of the city, where Spanish-style architecture frames gardens, museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Within the park, the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the tranquil Lily Pond offer quieter moments between explorations. Families can also venture north to LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad for playful rides and elaborate LEGO worlds, or head to SeaWorld San Diego for high-energy roller coasters and marine encounters.
When it’s time to slow down, Ocean Beach delivers classic California surf culture—best paired with burgers and shakes at the iconic Hodad’s. Across the bay, the legendary Hotel del Coronado offers one of the region’s most picturesque seaside stays. For a taste of San Diego’s evolving food scene, wander through neighbourhoods like North Park and Mission Hills, where new restaurants and creative kitchens keep the city’s culinary reputation growing. A stylish base for the night is the recently restored Hotel Lafayette, known for its bold, maximalist design and lively atmosphere.
Summer adds even more reasons to visit. The San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar fairgrounds fills June with rides, food stalls, and seaside festivities, while NASCAR weekend at Naval Base Coronado (June 19–21) brings high-octane excitement to the coast.
When are the World Cup games in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles will host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it one of the tournament’s key venues. The games will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, located just a few miles from LAX. The city’s first match is scheduled for June 12, when the U.S. Men’s National Team is expected to play its opening game. Fixtures will continue through the group stage and knockout rounds, with Los Angeles hosting several Western region matches before culminating in a quarterfinal on July 10.
Why Choose LA?
Beyond match days, Los Angeles shines with its signature blend of sunshine, culture, and constant energy. The city will host eight FIFA World Cup matches, including the opening game for the U.S. Men’s National Team and a highly anticipated quarterfinal, all at SoFi Stadium, the largest stadium on the West Coast—an arena built for spectacle. Away from the pitch, LA’s global character takes over. Fans from around the world fill its streets, beaches, and neighbourhoods, turning the city into a celebration of cultures. Between matches, visitors can explore Pacific beaches, scenic canyon hikes, vibrant arts districts, and one of America’s most diverse food scenes. In Los Angeles, the World Cup is only part of the draw—the city itself is the experience.
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