Dubai, UAE – As the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds across North America, California is inviting travelers from the GCC and across the Middle East to turn their football adventure into an unforgettable summer holiday in the Golden State.

With 14 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches taking place across Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, California offers visitors the perfect opportunity to combine the thrill of world-class football with spectacular coastlines, iconic road trips, family-friendly attractions, luxury resorts, vibrant cultural experiences, and internationally acclaimed dining.

Whether visitors are traveling to California specifically for the tournament or attending matches elsewhere in the United States, the state encourages fans to extend their journey and discover everything California has to offer beyond the stadiums.

A World Cup Destination Beyond the Pitch

California will host 14 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches across two venues—eight at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood and six at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The state hosted the United States’ opening match on June 12 and will welcome additional knockout-stage fixtures, including a quarterfinal. The San Francisco Bay Area has also hosted five group-stage matches and one Round of 32 fixture, featuring strong regional interest with the participation of Qatar and Jordan.

The tournament provides visitors from the GCC and the wider Middle East with a unique opportunity to experience both the excitement of international football and California’s renowned hospitality.

From Matchday Excitement to Southern California’s Iconic Coast

Fans attending matches in Los Angeles can easily transition from the electric atmosphere of the stadium to some of Southern California’s most celebrated beach destinations.

Just 12 miles from the stadium, Santa Monica captures the essence of California beach culture with its lively shoreline, oceanfront cafés, scenic cycling paths, and the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

Nearby Venice Beach offers a vibrant artistic atmosphere, where visitors can experience street performers, local artists, and one of California’s most distinctive coastal communities.

Those seeking a more luxurious coastal retreat can continue south to Newport Beach, approximately 45 miles from Los Angeles Stadium. Visitors can enjoy harbor cruises, premium shopping at Fashion Island, waterfront dining overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and upscale beachfront resorts, making it an ideal destination for both families and couples.

Neighboring Laguna Beach and Dana Point further showcase Southern California’s coastal lifestyle, offering oceanfront luxury resorts, renowned art galleries, scenic hiking trails, sunset cruises, and year-round whale and dolphin watching experiences.

Experience California’s Legendary Highway 1

Few destinations are as synonymous with scenic road trips as California, and 2026 marks the perfect time to experience the state’s most iconic coastal drive.

Following the reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur in January 2026, travelers can once again enjoy uninterrupted journeys between Carmel and Cambria, reconnecting one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal routes.

Visitors extending their stay after the tournament can embark on a classic California road trip linking Los Angeles with Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Along the way, travelers will discover dramatic ocean views, charming coastal towns, local farmers’ markets, boutique accommodations, and exceptional farm-to-table dining experiences.

Discover the San Francisco Bay Area Beyond Levi’s Stadium

Visitors attending matches at Levi’s Stadium are ideally 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 attractions in the heart of Silicon Valley. A short journey north leads to San Francisco, where visitors can experience the city’s iconic waterfront, world-famous landmarks, renowned museums, and vibrant multicultural communities.

Highlights include strolling along the Embarcadero, exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, visiting acclaimed museums and galleries, and taking in panoramic views of San Francisco Bay.

Nature lovers can also venture beyond the city to discover towering redwood forests, scenic coastal drives, peaceful rural communities, and the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the Bay Area.

Luxury, Relaxation and Coastal Wellness

For travelers looking to balance World Cup excitement with relaxation, Southern California offers an impressive collection of luxury coastal resorts.

In Santa Monica, visitors can stay steps away from the beach at Shutters on the Beach or Hotel Casa del Mar, while Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers oceanfront rooms, suites, villas, bungalows, and private residences overlooking the Pacific.

Laguna Beach is home to world-class wellness retreats including Montage Laguna Beach, Surf & Sand Resort, and The Ranch at Laguna Beach. Nearby Dana Point features luxury properties such as Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, offering ocean-view spas, championship golf courses, direct beach access, and exceptional coastal dining.

Dana Point Harbor also offers private yacht charters, sunset cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, and year-round whale and dolphin watching, allowing visitors to tailor their holiday to their preferred pace.

California’s Diverse Culinary Scene

California’s food culture reflects the state’s rich agricultural heritage and remarkable cultural diversity.

Visitors can explore local farmers’ markets, enjoy fresh Pacific seafood, dine at internationally acclaimed restaurants, and experience California’s celebrated farm-to-table cuisine. From casual beachfront cafés to Michelin-recognized dining, the state’s multicultural communities have shaped one of the world’s most diverse culinary destinations.

Major destinations including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Jose, and San Francisco also offer a wide selection of halal-friendly dining options, making California particularly appealing for visitors from the GCC.

Discover California’s Natural Wonders

Beyond the excitement of the tournament, California’s extraordinary natural landscapes provide the perfect complement to a summer holiday.

Yosemite National Park remains one of the state’s most iconic destinations, renowned for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and breathtaking scenery. Whether as part of an extended road trip or a dedicated visit, Yosemite offers unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Across the state, visitors can also explore ancient redwood forests, protected coastal parks, scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, cycling routes, and kayaking adventures, creating memorable experiences for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

One Destination, Endless Experiences

For travelers from the GCC, California offers an unmatched combination of experiences within a single holiday. Visitors can attend FIFA World Cup matches, watch spectacular Pacific sunsets, shop at world-class retail destinations, explore renowned cultural landmarks, enjoy globally inspired cuisine, and embark on legendary California road trips—all within one extraordinary destination.

Before, during, and after the final whistle, California invites travelers to experience the unique blend of sporting excitement, family entertainment, luxury hospitality, breathtaking nature, and cultural diversity that makes the Golden State one of the world’s premier travel destinations.