HIT THE COAST: MUST SEE BEACHES
California’s coastline is as diverse as it is beautiful, offering everything from mellow surf towns and rolling dunes to bustling piers and family-friendly coves. For fans visiting Los Angeles, these Southern California beach destinations make perfect day trips or weekend escapes beyond game day.
San Luis Obispo County (189 miles from LA)
Nestled almost exactly between the two California World Cup™ host destinations is San Luis Obispo County. Offering rolling hills, classic beach towns and a relaxed California vibe, SLO CAL offers respite and relaxation. Take in coastal views at the Pismo Preserve, spot sea otters and Morro Rock in Morro Bay or stroll the quaint beaches of Cayucos and Avila. Grab a local bite at Hidden Kitchen or High Street Deli, and if you’re there on a Thursday evening, explore downtown SLO’s lively Farmer’s Market with more than 100 vendors and live music.
Santa Barbara (94 miles from LA)
Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara, in California’s Central Coast, pairs stunning beaches with Spanish-style architecture and world-class cuisine. Step off the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight right into the city’s Funk Zone, which is home to shops, galleries, breweries and tasting rooms. Stroll along Stearns Wharf, relax on the beach or visit the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Santa Monica (18 miles from LA)
A quick trip from the city still within Los Angeles County, Santa Monica offers sun, sand and classic California charm. Rent a bike along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, play arcade games or ride the carousel at Pacific Park on the pier or grab a hot dog at the original Hot Dog on a Stick. For a seaside stay, book a room at Shutters on the Beach or The Georgian, an Art Deco boutique hotel operating since 1933. Make sure to snap a picture with the famous Route 66 sign during its centennial year.
Laguna Beach (52 miles from LA)
Located along the Orange County coast, Laguna Beach offers a scenic beach escape that blends natural beauty with a laid-back luxury vibe. Visitors can explore seven miles of coastline dotted with hidden coves, tidepools and crystal-clear waters, or relax at popular spots like Main Beach and Thousand Steps Beach. The walkable downtown is filled with art galleries, coastal trails and ocean-view restaurants and bars—perfect for catching a match or unwinding after a day in the sun. Between beach time, immerse yourself in Laguna’s renowned arts scene, from public art installations to the Pageant of the Masters, or book a stay at one of their seven oceanfront properties like Montage Laguna Beach or Surf & Sand Laguna Beach, or boutique favorites including Hotel Joaquin and Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa.
RIDE THE COASTERS AT UNIVERSAL, DISNEYLAND, AND KNOTT’S BERRY FARM
Southern California is home to three iconic theme parks, each offering a full day of immersive fun — perfect for extending your World Cup™ trip.
Universal Studios Hollywood – Universal City (13 miles from LA)
Easily accessible via the Metro B/Red Line to Universal City Station, followed by a free shuttle, Universal Studios Hollywood blends thrilling rides with a working TV and movie studio. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, DinoPlay or take the World-Famous Studio Tour. Don’t miss a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, a giant pink donut in Springfield, U.S.A. or a ride on their newest coaster, Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift, opening this year.
Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park (31 miles from LA)
Step into Knott’s Berry Farm, the Western-themed amusement park, where big thrills meet nostalgic charm. Ride nine roller coasters, take a spin on Calico River Rapids and savor classic fare at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, famed for its fried chicken and boysenberry pie.
Disneyland Resort – Anaheim (33 miles from LA)
Reach Disneyland Resort in Anaheim via Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from Union Station, then hop on a short bus or rideshare to the park. Experience California-exclusive attractions like Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Cars Land, or visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to build a lightsaber and get up close to the Millennium Falcon. Treat yourself to a classic Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar or at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.
WINE COUNTRY ESCAPES: SIP AND UNWIND
No California trip is complete without exploring the state’s wine country. Fans visiting Los Angeles can take day trips or weekend getaways to renowned wine regions in the bottom half of the state, from the rolling vineyards of Temecula Valley to boutique wineries along the Santa Ynez Valley. With scenic tasting rooms, local cuisine and charming small-town vibes, these escapes offer the perfect way to relax and recharge beyond game day.
Paso Robles (205 miles from LA)
About three hours north, Paso Robles offers a welcoming wine country experience known for its warm hospitality and innovative winemakers. Home to more than 200 wineries, the region invites visitors to explore everything from hilltop estates to urban tasting rooms in downtown Paso Robles. Beyond the vineyards, unwind at the area’s mineral hot springs, browse the lively town square or savor farm-to-fork cuisine paired with local wines.
Santa Ynez Valley (128–138 miles from LA)
The Santa Ynez Valley blends laid-back wine country with charming small towns, making it an ideal day trip or weekend escape from Los Angeles. In Los Olivos, stroll to more than 35 tasting rooms, browse local shops like Jedlicka’s Western Wear, sip cider at Dreamcôte Wine Co. or enjoy bocce and wines at Coquelicot Tasting Room, then settle in for dinner at Bar Le Côte or a stay at the historic Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. Nearby Solvang adds a whimsical twist with its Danish-style architecture, windmills and bakeries, along with more than 25 tasting rooms and must-try æbleskiver at Solvang Restaurant. In Buellton, visitors can pair wine tastings with outdoor fun like ziplining, horseback riding or feeding ostriches at Ostrichland, before digging into classic Santa Maria–style barbecue at the iconic Hitching Post 2.
Temecula (90 miles from LA)
Relax in this wine-focused valley along the De Portola Wine Trail, enjoy poolside tastings at Bottaia Winery and spend the night at the Spanish mission–style Ponte Winery. Visitors can also explore charming Old Town Temecula with its boutiques, restaurants and craft shops, or take to the skies on a hot-air balloon ride over the vineyards for a truly memorable experience.
BEYOND THE VINE: FROM SMALL TOWN TO BIG CITY
California adventures come in all shapes and sizes. After exploring California’s vineyards, fans can choose either a big-city escape or a small-town hideaway.
Ventura County (65 miles from LA)
Just an hour north, Ventura County offers a relaxed coastal escape where fans can avoid the crowds without missing the action. Anchored by the laid-back beach towns of Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo, this sunny stretch of coastline pairs affordability with an ideal location. Catch matches at local watch parties or unwind with a craft beer on open-air patios overlooking the ocean, then recharge along walkable harbors, bike-friendly beach trails and sandy shores.
Big-City Fun in San Diego (120 miles from LA)
From the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND to Ocean Beach and SeaWorld, San Diego invites visitors to explore, play, and soak up the sun at every turn. Stay at the historic Hotel del Coronado or the remodeled Hotel Lafayette, and explore North Park or Mission Hills for dining and nightlife. Events like the San Diego County Fair and a NASCAR weekend at Naval Base Coronado (June 19–21) provide extra entertainment for fans traveling south.