From iconic coastal retreats and legendary California road trips to family attractions, natural wonders, cultural discoveries and diverse dining, Visit California shares its top recommendations for an unforgettable Golden State vacation
DUBAI : With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ now underway, California is taking center stage both on and off the field. The Golden State is hosting 14 tournament matches across the Los Angeles region and the San Francisco Bay Area, inviting travelers to extend their stay and discover everything California offers beyond match day.
Travelers attending matches in other U.S. host destinations can also incorporate California into a wider itinerary, combining the excitement of the tournament with iconic cities, spectacular coastlines, luxury resorts, top-tier family attractions and legendary road trips.
Whether supporting a favorite team, planning a summer vacation from the GCC or searching for inspiration for a future family getaway, visitors will find experiences for every style of trip. Families can explore celebrated attractions and natural wonders, couples can unwind in picturesque coastal communities, and food, culture and adventure enthusiasts can discover experiences across the state.
California Takes Center Stage
California is hosting 14 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches across two venues, with eight games at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood and six at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, located at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
The California schedule includes the United States’ opening match played on June 12 and will also stage additional knockout-round games, including a quarterfinal. The Bay Area will host five group-stage matches and one Round of 32 game, with notable showings by Qatar and Jordan adding particular relevance for soccer fans from the GCC and wider Middle East.
The Los Angeles venue places visitors within reach of the region’s beaches, museums, entertainment districts, shopping destinations and diverse culinary neighborhoods. In Northern California, Santa Clara offers convenient access to San Jose, Silicon Valley and the wider San Francisco Bay Area.
From Match Day to the Southern California Coast
Visitors attending matches in the Los Angeles region can transition from stadium excitement to some of California’s most recognizable coastal experiences.
Approximately 12 miles from the stadium area, Santa Monica offers classic Southern California charm, with its lively beachfront, oceanfront cafés, beachfront cycling paths and iconic Santa Monica Pier. Nearby Venice Beach provides a more eclectic atmosphere, where visitors can discover local artists and street performers and experience one of California’s most distinctive beachfront communities.
Travelers seeking a relaxing break between games can continue south to Newport Beach, located approximately 45 miles from the Los Angeles stadium area. The destination combines upscale coastal hospitality and oceanfront relaxation with experiences suited to families and couples.
Visitors can enjoy a Newport Harbor cruise, browse luxury boutiques and international brands at Fashion Island, relax at a luxury oceanfront resort or experience waterfront dining overlooking the Pacific. Families can make the most of the area’s beaches and outdoor activities, while couples can enjoy sunset walks along Newport Harbor and the marina.
Neighboring Laguna Beach and Dana Point offer additional opportunities to experience California’s coastline. Home to scenic coastal trails, luxury oceanfront resorts, Laguna Beach art galleries, Dana Point harbor cruises and welcoming seaside communities, these destinations provide an ideal setting for a summer escape that balances relaxation with outdoor adventure.
Travel times throughout Southern California can vary, particularly during major events, so visitors are encouraged to plan transportation and allow additional time.
California’s Legendary Highway 1 Awaits
Few destinations are as closely associated with road trips as California, and 2026 offers a timely reason to experience one of the world’s most celebrated coastal drives.
Following the reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur in January 2026, visitors can once again travel continuously between Carmel and Cambria, reconnecting one of the route’s most spectacular coastal stretches.
Travelers extending their stay beyond the tournament can follow a Los Angeles-to-Bay Area road-trip itinerary, connecting Southern California with Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, Big Sur, Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Along the way, visitors can experience dramatic coastal viewpoints, charming communities, local farmers’ markets and memorable Central Coast dining experiences.
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea are particularly well suited to families and couples seeking a slower pace. Visitors can explore Monterey’s waterfront, Carmel’s boutique shopping district, renowned golf courses and upscale coastal accommodations while enjoying some of California’s most striking coastal scenery.
Travelers planning a Highway 1 road trip should check current road and weather conditions before departure, as temporary traffic controls or maintenance may occasionally affect sections of the route.
Beyond the Stadium: Explore the San Francisco Bay Area
Visitors attending matches at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara are well positioned to explore one of California’s most dynamic and culturally rich regions.
Nearby San Jose offers museums, shopping districts, diverse neighborhoods and family-friendly experiences in the heart of Silicon Valley. Traveling farther north, visitors can explore San Francisco’s waterfront, iconic landmarks, renowned museums and distinctive cultural communities.
A day in San Francisco might include walking along The Embarcadero, discovering the shops, restaurants and attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf, visiting a museum or gallery and enjoying panoramic views across San Francisco Bay.
The wider region also provides a refreshing contrast to the energy of the tournament venues. Visitors can experience towering redwood forests, scenic coastal drives and peaceful countryside communities, all within an extended Bay Area itinerary.
Napa Valley’s stunning landscapes and farm-to-table dining, along with Temecula’s coastal charm, offer not only fresh, seasonal experiences surrounded by greenery, but also fine dining and ultra-luxury resorts, creating the pinnacle of refined California escapes
Luxury, Wellness and Space to Unwind
For travelers looking to balance tournament excitement with relaxation, Southern California offers several distinctive coastal bases within reach of the Los Angeles region. In Santa Monica, visitors can stay steps from the beach at properties such as Shutters on the Beach or Hotel Casa del Mar, while Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers ocean-view rooms, suites, bungalows, casitas and villas across a secluded coastal setting.
In Laguna Beach, travelers can combine beachfront accommodations with wellness treatments at properties such as Montage Laguna Beach, Surf & Sand Resort and The Ranch at Laguna Beach. Nearby Dana Point is home to Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, where visitors can enjoy oceanfront spas, golf, beach access and coastal dining.
Experiences from Dana Point Harbor include private yacht charters, sunset cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding and year-round whale- and dolphin-watching excursions, allowing visitors to create a relaxing coastal escape tailored to their preferred pace and interests.
California Through Its Flavors
California’s dining scene reflects the state’s cultural diversity and agricultural heritage.
Visitors can explore California farmers’ markets, fresh Pacific seafood, international dining and innovative farm-to-table restaurants. The state’s multicultural communities have helped shape a culinary landscape ranging from relaxed neighborhood eateries and waterfront cafés to acclaimed fine-dining restaurants.
Major destinations including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Jose and San Francisco also offer international cuisines and a variety of halal and halal-friendly dining choices. Travelers are encouraged to confirm preparation methods and certification directly with individual restaurants when required.
For GCC families, this diversity makes it possible to enjoy familiar flavors alongside the fresh ingredients and creative cooking styles associated with California cuisine.
Trade the Stadium for California’s Natural Wonders?
Travelers seeking a complete contrast to the excitement of the host regions can extend their vacation into California’s extraordinary natural landscapes.
Yosemite National Park remains one of the state’s most iconic destinations, known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias and spectacular scenery. Whether incorporated into a longer road trip or experienced as part of an extended stay, Yosemite offers an unforgettable introduction to California’s natural grandeur.
Elsewhere across the state, visitors can discover California’s redwood forests, coastal state parks, protected wilderness areas and scenic hiking trails suited to different interests and ability levels.
These softer outdoor experiences give families an opportunity to reconnect with nature, while adventure seekers can add hiking, cycling, kayaking and wildlife viewing to their California itinerary.
One State, Endless Ways to Experience It
One of California’s greatest strengths for travelers from the GCC is the remarkable variety of experiences available within a single vacation. Visitors can attend a FIFA World Cup™ match, watch the sunset over the Pacific, shop at internationally recognized retail destinations, explore renowned cultural landmarks, enjoy diverse dining and embark on an iconic California road trip—all within the Golden State.
Few destinations combine tournament excitement, family entertainment, coastal luxury, natural beauty, culture and culinary variety on such a scale—Before, during and long after the final whistle, California invites travelers to discover why the Golden State remains The Ultimate Playground.
