If you’re headed to Los Angeles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the final whistle on the field does not have to signal the end of your journey in the Golden State. California invites easy exploration. The landscape shifts dramatically within a few hours’ drive of Los Angeles. Surf towns give way to desert oases, vineyard-lined valleys unfold beyond mountain passes, and historic highways lead to small charismatic towns rich in the culinary arts. If you’re travelling across oceans for the world’s biggest football event, stay a little longer to allow California to showcase its many charms.
Images: Visit California & Max Whittaker; David H Collier
Three unique and immersive theme park experiences await you close to Los Angeles. Disneyland Resort (above left) is just 53 kilometres from LA in Anaheim. California-only Disney attractions include the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mr Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, and Cars Land. You could head over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to join the Resistance, build a lightsabre, or get up close and personal with the Millennium Falcon. Reserve to have breakfast with a character or taste your way around the park.
If you’re looking for big thrills blended with old-school charm, the Knott’s Berry Farm (above right) amusement park is 49 kilometres from LA in Buena Park. Ride all nine roller coasters or jump on Calico River Rapids or Banzai Falls for an adventure you won’t forget. Explore the bustling boardwalk, the Western-themed Ghost Town, and kid-friendly Camp Snoopy. When hunger hits, head to the Mrs Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant for the fried chicken and boysenberry pie.
Just seen Wicked on screen or on stage? Make time to get a glimpse of Glinda at Universal Studios Hollywood, just 20 kilometres from LA, which also has a working television and movie studio on the premises. The immersive park offers you a chance to mimic the Minions, hang out with Optimus Prime, or cast a spell in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter… the choices for fun are unlimited. Don’t forget to sip a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks and order a giant pink doughnut in The Simpsons land.
Image: David Collier
Synonymous with palm trees and sandy beaches, California is known for its spread of beach towns. Each of these – Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County – comes with its own distinct vibe, and all of them are within easy distance from Los Angeles.
Just 29 kilometres from LA, Santa Monica is accessible by the Metro E Line. On the to-do menu: revel in sun, sand, bikes, hot dogs on sticks, a classic pier (above) with a Ferris wheel, even a vintage carousel at Pacific Park.
Just 59 kilometres from LA, the charming beach town of Hermosa Beach offers ocean views, live music, shopping, and a lively nightlife scene. Catch live jazz at the legendary Lighthouse Café, cruise the Strand, or shop around town (The Bungalow and Soul Bungalow are favourites). The Hermosa Fine Arts Festival is on June 13 to 14, while June and July sees beach tennis and volleyball tournaments being hosted along the shore.
Image: Visit California & David H. Collier
Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara (above) is 150 kilometres from Los Angeles and known for great cuisine, stunning hotels, and being a great access point to the Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Don’t miss the city’s “Funk Zone,” a collection of shops, galleries, and tasting rooms, or the Santa Barbara Zoo. If you’re a foodie, the famed oyster trail is for you.
Image: Visit California & Mason Trinca
Sited between Los Angeles and San Francisco, mellow San Luis Obispo County hosts classic California beach towns, rolling hills, and delicious food. Morro Bay (above), just 12 minutes up Highway 1, will offer the opportunity to spot the distinctive Morro Rock and harbour seals and sea otters. If you’re visiting on a Thursday night, you’ll be in the right place – over a 100 vendors, local treats and live music are on the menu as downtown SLO transforms into a lively Farmer’s Market from 6 PM to 8.30 PM.
Image: Visit California & Visit Temecula Valley
The wine that local vintners cultivate in their hills is one of California’s greatest treasures. Head to Los Olivos, just over 200 kilometres from LA which has over 35 tasting rooms, all within walking distance. Solvang is 205 kilometres from the city; you can take the train to Santa Barbara and then the bus to get there. On the menu: 25+ tasting rooms, amid cosy bakeries, Danish-style architecture, and windmills. If you’re looking for a relaxed wine country atmosphere, Temecula Valley (above) – just 145 kilometres from LA – is it. The scenic De Portola Wine Trail is dotted with some of the top wineries in the state. The annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival from June 19 to 21, 2026, features hot-air balloons, concerts, and premium wine tastings.
Located 132 kilometres from Los Angeles, the serene village of Ojai is where locals wind down and eat good food. Treat yourself to a spa day or even just a massage at the Ojai Valley Inn, browse at the outdoor Bart’s Books, and sample estate-made olive oils at Ojai Olive Oil Company. Also pick ‘Ojai pixies’, a unique type of tangerine, during the spring harvest until June. The four-day Ojai Valley Music Festival runs from June 11 to 14, while, at Lake Casitas, the Ojai Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, June 20.
Images: Visit California & David H Collier
If you have a long weekend, San Diego is located just shy of 200 kilometres from Los Angeles. Here’s what you can do in the big city: spend the day at Balboa Park, play with LEGOs at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, hit the roller coasters at SeaWorld San Diego, hit the sand at Ocean Beach, and feast at Communion and Leia, the latest culinary hot spots. The San Diego County Fair will be on at the beachside fairgrounds in Del Mar in June, and the NASCAR weekend is at the Naval Base Coronado from June 19 to 21.
Main image: Visit California & David H Collier
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