World Cup 2026 Los Angeles: Things to Do
Attractions, itineraries, and free options for Los Angeles
Beyond the Match
LA is the entertainment capital of the world, and you will want to explore between matches. Hit the Venice Beach Boardwalk for street performers and the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym. It is a 2.5-mile oceanfront promenade that perfectly captures the weird and wonderful side of the city. Park at the public lots on Pacific Avenue for about $15, then walk south toward Marina del Rey for a quieter stretch of sand.
For the best views in the city, head up to the Griffith Observatory. Admission is free, and you get panoramic views of the Hollywood sign and the entire LA basin. Take the DASH Observatory bus from the Red Line Vermont/Sunset station for just 50 cents to avoid the parking nightmare at the top. If you have time, the Getty Center in Brentwood offers incredible art and architecture, plus stunning gardens.
- Take the DASH bus to Griffith Observatory to avoid parking fees.
- Walk south from Venice Beach to find quieter spots near Marina del Rey.
- Reserve your $20 parking spot at the Getty Center online in advance.
Showing 28 of 28 experiences in Los Angeles
28 attractions in Los Angeles
Hollywood Sign Hike
Hiking to a viewpoint of the iconic Hollywood Sign is one of the great free LA experiences. Multiple trails of varying difficulty lead to panoramic viewpoints.
💡Wisdom Tree Trail from Burbank is easiest (45 min one way). Avoid weekends. Bring 2 litres of water, start by 7am. Paid parking fills fast, rideshare to the trailhead.Wisdom Tree Trail from Burbank is easiest (45 min one way). Avoid weekends. Bring 2 litres of water, start by 7am. Paid parking fills fast, rideshare to the trailhead.more
Griffith Observatory
The most famous observatory in America sits at 1,134 feet with the greatest panoramic view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. The 1935 Art Deco building houses free exhibits on space and astronomy.
💡Drive or rideshare, DASH shuttle runs infrequently. Arrive before 10am to park. Thursday-Sunday evenings until 10pm. Friday nights have free telescope viewing.Drive or rideshare, DASH shuttle runs infrequently. Arrive before 10am to park. Thursday-Sunday evenings until 10pm. Friday nights have free telescope viewing.more
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
The official end of Route 66 and one of the most recognisable images in American culture. Pacific Park has a solar-powered Ferris wheel.
💡Big Blue Bus Route 1 from downtown ($1.25) is cheaper and often faster than rideshare. Pier sunrise is magical with no crowds. Beach volleyball courts are free.Big Blue Bus Route 1 from downtown ($1.25) is cheaper and often faster than rideshare. Pier sunrise is magical with no crowds. Beach volleyball courts are free.more
The Getty Center
One of the great art museums of the world, completely free. European paintings, drawings, sculpture, and decorative arts.
💡Free tram from parking to museum is part of the experience. Tuesday evenings until 9pm less crowded. Outdoor restaurant requires a reservation. On clear days you see Catalina Island.Free tram from parking to museum is part of the experience. Tuesday evenings until 9pm less crowded. Outdoor restaurant requires a reservation. On clear days you see Catalina Island.more
Venice Beach Boardwalk
The most eclectic and uniquely Californian experience in LA. A 1.
💡Canals are 2 blocks east, follow Windward Avenue inland. Abbot Kinney Boulevard (1 block east) has the best independent restaurants in LA. Morning light best for beach photography.Canals are 2 blocks east, follow Windward Avenue inland. Abbot Kinney Boulevard (1 block east) has the best independent restaurants in LA. Morning light best for beach photography.more
Universal Studios Hollywood
One of the world's great theme parks on a working film studio. Studio Tour tram through active sets, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Revenge of the Mummy.
💡Book online 2 days ahead, gate price is much higher. Arrive at 9am, go straight to Studio Tour. Express passes ($79 extra) worth it in summer. Metro Red Line eliminates parking.Book online 2 days ahead, gate price is much higher. Arrive at 9am, go straight to Studio Tour. Express passes ($79 extra) worth it in summer. Metro Red Line eliminates parking.more
The Broad
One of the most significant postwar and contemporary art collections in the world. Jeff Koons, Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, and Kara Walker.
💡Book free tickets on thebroad.org 2 weeks ahead. Infinity Mirror Room requires a separate free ticket that often sells out. The rooftop terrace has great downtown views.Book free tickets on thebroad.org 2 weeks ahead. Infinity Mirror Room requires a separate free ticket that often sells out. The rooftop terrace has great downtown views.more
Rodeo Drive
The world's most famous luxury shopping street. Via Rodeo cobblestoned lane and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel at the end are beautiful regardless of shopping.
💡Free 2-hour parking on Rodeo (metered). Beverly Gardens Park 1 block north has rose garden, cactus garden, and electric fountain, all free.Free 2-hour parking on Rodeo (metered). Beverly Gardens Park 1 block north has rose garden, cactus garden, and electric fountain, all free.more
Dodger Stadium Tour
Third-oldest MLB ballpark with views of the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield. Guided tour includes field, dugout, press box, and Tommy Lasorda Training Center.
💡Non-game days only. The Dodger Dog is a genuine LA institution. Blue Line + Dodger Stadium Express bus connects downtown. Parking $25, rideshare smarter.Non-game days only. The Dodger Dog is a genuine LA institution. Blue Line + Dodger Stadium Express bus connects downtown. Parking $25, rideshare smarter.more
Grand Central Market
LA's oldest public market (1917) with 30+ food vendors. Eggslut, Ramen Hood, Thai food, Guatemalan tamales, and the most democratic delicious food in downtown LA.
💡Arrive before noon on weekdays to beat Eggslut queue. Weekend brunch queues 30-45 min. The Broad and MOCA are 10-min walk, combine for a full downtown day.Arrive before noon on weekdays to beat Eggslut queue. Weekend brunch queues 30-45 min. The Broad and MOCA are 10-min walk, combine for a full downtown day.more
LACMA
Largest art museum in the Western US with 147,000 works. Urban Light installation of 202 vintage street lamps is LA's most photographed artwork.
💡Urban Light is free 24/7, best at dusk and dawn. Free second Tuesday for LA residents. La Brea Tar Pits has real mammoth and sabre-tooth cat excavation.Urban Light is free 24/7, best at dusk and dawn. Free second Tuesday for LA residents. La Brea Tar Pits has real mammoth and sabre-tooth cat excavation.more
Runyon Canyon
160-acre park in the Hollywood Hills. The easy loop trail climbs to panoramic views over Hollywood, downtown, and on clear days all the way to the Pacific.
💡Arrive before 8am to avoid crowds. Upper fireroad trail has best views. No shade on upper trail, bring water and sun cream. Fuller Avenue entrance has free street parking.Arrive before 8am to avoid crowds. Upper fireroad trail has best views. No shade on upper trail, bring water and sun cream. Fuller Avenue entrance has free street parking.more
Suggested Itineraries
Having a solid itinerary is the best way to tackle Los Angeles. Instead of bouncing back and forth across the city, pick one region per day. You can spend your first day exploring downtown, hitting The Broad museum and grabbing lunch at Grand Central Market before taking the train to the stadium.
On your second day, head west to the coast. Start early at the Santa Monica Pier to beat the crowds, then walk south along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. If you have a free evening, Koreatown offers some of the best nightlife and dining in the city, perfect for celebrating a win.
Keep these itinerary tips in mind:
- Group your activities geographically to minimize time spent on the 405 freeway.
- Check match day hours for museums, as some close early on weekends.
- Make dining reservations well in advance for popular spots.
- Skip the rental car on match days and rely on the Metro K Line instead.
Match Day Plan
Match Day
Hollywood and the USMNT at SoFi
Griffith Observatory
Sunrise views over LA. Hollywood Sign from the lawn. Go early
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Metro Red Line. Walk Hollywood Blvd and TCL Theatre
Grand Central Market
Metro to Pershing Square. Eggslut or Wexler's for lunch
Metro K Line to SoFi Stadium
K Line to Inglewood. Arrive 90 min before kick-off
Match at SoFi Stadium
USA opener June 12. Most electric atmosphere in World Cup history
Day Between Matches
Full Day Explorer
Art, beaches, and California living
The Getty Center (free)
Rideshare to Getty. Free art, Meier architecture, Pacific views
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Rideshare 20 min. Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, Abbot Kinney
Santa Monica Pier
Walk north along beach. Fish tacos at the pier
Third Street Promenade
Window shop, street performers, afternoon breeze
Griffith Observatory sunset
Rideshare to the hill. The sunset view is world-class
Budget Explorer
Budget Day
World-class LA for under $25
Runyon Canyon hike
Free. Walk from Hollywood. Finish before 9am heat
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Free. Metro Red Line. TCL Theatre handprints free
Grand Central Market ($10-15)
Best value food hall in LA. 30+ vendors
The Broad (free entry)
Book free timed tickets in advance. World-class contemporary art
Exposition Park Rose Garden
Free. Metro E Line to Expo/USC. 20,000 roses in bloom
FIFA Fan Festival
Free at Coliseum (June 11-15) or fan zones throughout
Practical Travel Info for Los Angeles
Getting Around
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is served directly by Metro K Line, making it one of the easiest World Cup venues to reach by public transit. The Inglewood Station is a 5-minute walk from the stadium gates. Download the local transit app for real-time schedules.
Currency and Tipping
US dollars ($). Credit cards accepted everywhere. Standard tip is 18 to 20%. Some venues add automatic gratuity for groups.
Weather in June to July
Summer heat, 25 to 35 C in most cities. Stay hydrated. Sunscreen and a hat are essential for outdoor attractions. Air conditioning is standard indoors.
Safety and Emergency
Emergency number: 911 in all three host countries. Los Angeles is safe for tourists in standard areas. Use official rideshare apps. Travel insurance (from $50 per trip) is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Enquire About ListingRelated Guides
Your World Cup 2026 Los Angeles travel guide is just the beginning. If you are following your team across the tournament, you will likely be hopping between host cities. The West Coast cluster makes travel relatively easy, with short flights connecting you to other major hubs.
Check out our guides for San Francisco and Seattle to see what the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest have to offer. Whether you need transit tips for Levi's Stadium or want to know the best neighborhoods near Lumen Field, we have you covered. Planning your inter-city travel early is just as important as booking your LA hotel.
- Read our San Francisco guide for Levi's Stadium transit tips.
- Explore our Seattle guide for the best spots near Lumen Field.
- Book your domestic flights between host cities months in advance.
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