Headed to Los Angeles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and want to explore beyond SoFi Stadium? You’re in luck. Los Angeles is an incredible gateway to beaches, the desert, theme parks, historic drives, quirky hidden gems, and world-class food and wine. Consider these day trips and weekend excursions to turn your World Cup visit into an extended California vacation. Headed to the matches at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara? Take a look at these exciting itineraries from the San Francisco Bay Area as well.
Ride the Coasters at Universal, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm
Make L.A. your theme park homebase as you head out for three totally unique and immersive experiences. Insider tip: Don’t try and hit all three parks in one day. Visit one per day as each location has enough rides to hit, restaurants to try, and worlds to explore.
Disneyland Resort
Distance From Los Angeles: 33 miles
Located in Anaheim, this easy trip from the city is also doable by train: Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from L.A.’s Union Station straight to Anaheim, then hop on a bus or take a rideshare to the Happiest Place on Earth.
What to Do:
- Check out the California-only Disney attractions: Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White's Scary Adventures, and Cars Land.
- Head over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to join the Resistance, build a light saber, or get up close and personal with the Millennium Falcon.
Where to Eat: Book a character breakfast (reservations recommended), or taste your way around the parks using this guide to its iconic snacks. Don’t miss a classic Dole Whip from the Tiki Juice Bar in Disneyland Park's Adventureland, or at Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Distance From Los Angeles: 31 miles
This amusement park in Buena Park blends big thrills with old-school charm, from its bustling boardwalk to the Western-themed Ghost Town and kid-friendly Camp Snoopy.
What to Do:
- Looking for a thrill? Ride all nine roller coasters across the park.
- Not afraid to get soaked? Take a ride on Calico River Rapids or Banzai Falls.
Where to Eat: Without a doubt, head to the beloved Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Its fried chicken and boysenberry pie inspired the entire theme park.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Distance From Los Angeles: 13 miles
Get a glimpse of Glinda from Wicked, mimic the Minions, and hang out with Optimus Prime at this immersive theme park that also has a working TV and movie studio on the premises. It’s also easily accessible via train: Take the L.A. Metro B/Red Line to Universal City Station, then ride the free shuttle up the hill.
What to Do:
- Cast a spell in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Find a super star in Super Mario Land.
- Climb a dinosaur playground inspired by Jurassic World in DinoPlay.
- Take the World-Famous Studio Tour to see real sets from famous movies.
Where to Eat: Sip a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks and order a giant pink donut in The Simpsons land Springfield, U.S.A.
More Road Trip Inspiration: Theme Park Thrills
Take a Beach Day In Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach, Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo
Los Angeles is synonymous with palm trees and sandy beaches, but many visitors don’t realize just how spread out and diverse the region is. Along the coast, every beach town has its own vibe worth checking out—whether you want to stay close to the city or go on a longer road trip.
Santa Monica
Distance From Los Angeles: 18 miles
Within Los Angeles County and accessible via the Metro E Line, Santa Monica has it all—sun, sand, bike rentals, hot dogs on a stick, and a classic pier complete with a Ferris wheel.
What to Do:
- Pick up chairs, umbrellas, and even a beach butler at Perry's Cafe and Beach Rentals.
- Grab a bike at Joyride Bike Rentals & Tours and pedal down the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a 22-mile paved path that runs along the coast from Santa Monica to Torrance County Beach.
- Play arcade games and ride the vintage carousel at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.
Where to Eat/Drink/Stay: Stop at the original Hot Dog on a Sick for a timeless classic or grab a barefoot-friendly seaside meal at Back to the Beach. Explore more great Santa Monica restaurants. For overnights, book a room at Shutters on the Beach for ocean views and incredible access to the coast, or check into The Georgian, an Art Deco boutique hotel operating since 1933. For more information on where to stay, check out our list of Santa Monica hotels.
Hermosa Beach
Distance From Los Angeles: 37 miles
This charming beach town is packed with ocean views, live music, shopping, and a lively nightlife scene anchored by the Hermosa Pier.
What to Do:
- Catch live jazz at the legendary Lighthouse Cafe.
- Rent bikes at Jeffers or cruise the Strand.
- Shop around town at Soul Bungalow and The Bungalow.
Where to Eat/Drink: Enjoy a spicy margarita at Tower 12, graze on breads and spreads at Atta Girl, and grab breakfast burritos from Brother’s Burritos for a perfect beach morning. After dark, expect salsa nights, drag bingo specials, and mechanical bull rides.
Events Worth Checking Out: The Hermosa Fine Arts Festival returns June 13–14, and June and July bring beach tennis and volleyball tournaments along the shore.
Santa Barbara
Distance From Los Angeles: 94 miles
See why this Central Coast hub is known as the American Riviera. The coastal gem dotted with red-tiled-roof buildings is known for great cuisine, stunning hotels, and fantastic access to the wineries of Santa Ynez Valley.
What to Do:
- Board Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or the Coast Starlight and get dropped off just blocks from the city’s “Funk Zone,” a collection of shops, galleries, and tasting rooms.
- Follow the region’s famed oyster trail.
- Relax on the beach near Stearns Wharf, or stroll the historic pier.
- Visit the wonderful Santa Barbara Zoo, known for its intimate size and oceanfront setting.
San Luis Obispo County
Distance From Los Angeles: 189 miles
Located in between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the mellow San Luis Obispo County offers rolling hills, classic California beach towns, and plenty of delicious bites.
What to Do:
- Start the day with a walk on the South Hills trail, or head to the Pismo Preserve for coastal views and family-friendly trails.
- Make your way to Morro Bay—just 12 minutes up Highway 1—to spot sea otters, harbor seals, and the iconic Morro Rock.
- Wander the beaches of Cayucos or Avila.
Where to Eat: Fuel up with blue corn waffles at Hidden Kitchen before hitting the sand, or grab sandwiches at High Street Deli.
Events Worth Checking Out: Every Thursday night from 6–8:30 p.m., downtown SLO transforms into a lively Farmer's Market, featuring more than 100 vendors, live music, and local treats.
More Road Trip Inspiration: California Dreaming
Drink California Wine Among the Vineyards
One of California’s greatest pleasures is the wine the local vintners cultivate in our hills.
Los Olivos
Distance From Los Angeles: 130 miles
Nothing says California quite like a delicious Pinot Noir from the rolling wine hills of Santa Ynez Valley. Head north to the charming town of Los Olivos, with over 35 tasting rooms all within walking distance.
What to Do:
- Pick up a new cowboy hat at Jedlicka's Western Wear.
- Play a round of bocce while sipping at Coquelicot Tasting Room.
- Shop for local goods—and try cider—at Dreamcôte Wine Co.
Where to Eat/Stay: Reserve a table at the acclaimed seafood spot Bar Le Côte, then sleep in at the luxurious Inn at Mattei's Tavern, a beautifully restored landmark.
Solvang
Distance From Los Angeles: 128 miles
With its Danish-style architecture, windmills, and cozy bakeries, Solvang feels like a fairytale village tucked into Santa Barbara County. If you’re looking to use public transportation, take the train to Santa Barbara and grab the Amtrak bus into town (there are a few trips a day, depending on the day).
What to Do:
- Explore more than 25 tasting rooms throughout town.
- Visit the towering troll sculpture at California Nature Art Museum.
- Enjoy an outdoor performance at the stunning Solvang Festival Theater.
- Pick up a sandwich and play a vintage arcade game at the Peasants Deli & Arcade.
Where to Eat: Try the classic æbleskiver—Solvang’s famous Danish pancakes—at Solvang Restaurant.
Temecula
Distance From Los Angeles: 90 miles
Temecula Valley is known for its relaxed, wine country atmosphere, with plenty of ways to sip and stroll through town.
What to Do:
- Follow the De Portola Wine Trail, a scenic stretch dotted with some of the region’s top wineries.
- Book a poolside tasting at Bottaia Winery.
Where to Stay: Taste wines, then stay a while at Ponte Winery, a Spanish mission–style winery where you can also spend the night.
Find Your Zen in Ojai
Distance From Los Angeles: 82 miles
This serene village is where locals head when they want to unwind and eat some good food.
What to Do:
- Indulge in a massage or spa day at the Ojai Valley Inn.
- Browse shelves at Bart’s Books, an outdoor bookstore.
- Sample estate-made olive oils at Ojai Olive Oil Company.
- Pick up Ojai pixies, a unique type of tangerine, during their spring harvest (March–June).
Where to Eat/Stay: Stay at the newly renovated Hotel El Roblar for poolside lounging. Around town, try pastries at The Dutchess, oysters at Rory’s Place, and beers at Topa Topa Brewing Company. On Sundays, the Ojai Inn hosts an outdoor bluegrass brunch with live music and an amazing breakfast buffet.
Events Worth Checking Out: The Ojai Valley Music Festival, a four-day classic music celebration will run from June 11–14. Also, the Ojai Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, June 20, at Lake Casitas.
Soak Up the Sun and Big-City Fun in San Diego
Distance From Los Angeles: 120 miles
From its world-famous zoo to laid-back beach towns and a renowned food scene, San Diego offers endless ways to fill a long weekend (or longer). Come for the pandas, theme parks, and tacos, and stay for the hotel with a vintage bowling alley and tiger-print chairs.
What to Do:
- Spend the day at Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Lily Pond and the San Diego Zoo.
- Go on kid-friendly rides and play with LEGOs at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, or shriek on the epic roller coasters at SeaWorld San Diego. Take a beach day at Ocean Beach, and break for burgers and shakes at Hodads.
Where to Eat/Stay: Post up at the historic Hotel del Coronado with easy access to the beach, but be sure to venture into the city and the neighborhoods of North Park and Mission Hills to feast on the latest culinary hot spots Communion and Leia. Or check into the newly remodeled, maximalist Hotel Lafayette.
Events Worth Checking Out: The San Diego County Fair runs during much of June at the beachside fairgrounds in Del Mar, and NASCAR will host a San Diego weekend at Naval Base Coronado June 19–21.