The next FIFA World Cup in 2026 promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet, with 104 games being played in three countries: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Forty-eight teams will compete across sixteen host cities, including many of the top destinations on the USA’s east and west coasts, meaning this is the perfect opportunity to combine this historic event with that great American road trip you’ve always dreamed of!
With such a vast area to cover, you probably won’t be able to see all the matches, but if you time it right you may get to experience sun, sea, and stadiums on an epic West Coast journey, but where to kick it all off? Here is your official planning guide for a California road trip…
Planning Considerations
Los Angeles will host the national team’s opening game on 12th June 2026 at the SoFi Stadium, then a further four Group Stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, and a Quarter-Final game on 10th July 2026. The Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area plays host to five Group Stage games and one Round of 32 knockout game on 1st July 2026.
If you really want to, you could drive between these two iconic cities in around six hours, but why rush? A well-planned road trip adventure could take in stunning coastal towns like Santa Barbara and Monterey, as well as blissful vineyards and jaw-dropping scenery that’s too good to miss.
Which Route to Take
There are a couple of options when driving south to north from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The most popular - and for good reason - is Highway 1, the most famous section of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Considered one of the most beautiful road journeys on the planet, the full length of the PCH travels the length of America’s West Coast, from San Diego in California, all the way up through Oregon to Seattle in Washington.
Here is a suggested itinerary based around the first couple of weeks of the World Cup to give you some inspiration…
Days 1-3
Los Angeles
The opening fixture is in the city on 12th June, so if you’re able to get tickets or wish to absorb the home team atmosphere from one of the beachfront fan parks, it would be wise to arrive a day or two beforehand and do some sightseeing first.
Head for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Griffith Observatory, shop ‘til you drop in Beverly Hills, or spend a thrilling day in Universal Studios Hollywood. If you want to be close to the action, consider accommodation in Venice Beach or Santa Monica, which isn’t far from Inglewood where the SoFi Stadium is situated. It’s also close to the airport and you’ll be well placed near the Pacific Coast Highway to begin your road trip when you’re ready to move on from LA.
Days 4-6
Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Begin your journey and take a two-night pitstop in Santa Barbara, which is around 90 minutes from LA. This casual beachside town is also part of the ‘American Riviera’ with its upscale vibes, beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and huge mansions.
Check out its arts district and take advantage of its delectable seafood restaurants while you’re there and take the time to unwind after the unrelenting energy of Los Angeles!
Days 7-11
Santa Barbara to Monterey
Heading up towards Monterey there are two routes you could take. For that quintessential California ocean backdrop, stick to the coastal road through the sensational Big Sur along Highway 1, which runs for about 240 miles and takes about four-and-a-half hours. A slightly quicker route (although longer in distance) is the 250-mile Valley Route, which heads inland and embraces the Golden State’s rolling vineyards and more rugged scenery with nature areas and national parks.
90 minutes on from Santa Barbara is the lively college town of San Luis Obispo (SLO). With a farm-to-table culture, it’s a great place to visit farmer’s markets, sample fresh food, and try local craft beers and sustainable wines. There’s also a beautiful 18th-century Spanish Mission that you can tour, as well as the weird yet wonderful Bubblegum Alley!
Monterey is just over two hours’ drive north of SLO and is best known for the impressive Monterey Bay Aquarium and the stunning 17-mile drive around Pebble Beach, which features the mysterious Lone Cypress - the most photographed tree in the US. This pretty seaside town also has great harbourside dining at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can chill out, eat with a view, and perhaps catch one of the group stage games at the same time!
Days 12-15
Monterey to San Francisco
Monterey to San Francisco is just over 120 miles and takes around two-and-a-half hours. On your way, we’d recommend stopping off in the super-cool surfing city of Santa Cruz or the small but gorgeous coastal town of Half Moon Bay, which offers a relaxed feel and slower pace of life. Choose to spend a night lapping up the coastal vibes or head straight for the city and enjoy a few nights in San Francisco - with five group stage games in The Bay Area, it’s worth trying to get tickets!
Levi’s Stadium is the home of the San Francisco 49ers and is in the Santa Clara area of San Jose, Northern California’s largest city. San Jose lies about an hour’s drive from San Francisco city and is one of the metropolitan areas encompassed within The Bay Area.
While in San Francisco, make sure to take in the iconic sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz, and hop on one of its famous cable cars to PIER 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf for a delicious seafood lunch!
What to Pack
Much of California enjoys a temperate climate year-round, and during the summer months over the World Cup you’ll be guaranteed a lot of sunshine, particularly in the southern part of the state. But be prepared for foggier and cooler weather along the Central Coast and in the San Francisco Bay area!
Aside from the usual holiday essentials like passports, money, clothes, and toiletries, we recommend bringing the following things on your road trip:
- GPS either in-car or on your phone
- A map or road atlas if you fancy going old-school
- A good-quality California guidebook
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Layers, jackets, and rain gear
- Walking/hiking boots if you plan to immerse yourself in California’s nature
Car Hire Options with Ocean Florida
Of course, for any road trip, booking car hire is essential, and it’s best to do it prior to travelling so you are ready to drive off into the sunset as soon as you land. Booking your car hire package with Ocean Florida will give you peace of mind with the following features:
- 24-Hour roadside assistance
- Free one-way drop-offs within California
- Comprehensive insurance – our Gold Plus package includes GPS, a full tank of fuel, underage driver fees, three additional drivers, and child seats
- Quick and simple check-ins online in a matter of minutes
- State-of-the-art sat nav, which can be pre-booked
If you plan on using your phone as your sat nav while in the USA, you’ll be pleased to know that all Ocean Florida customers will receive a discounted eSIM, priced at half the cost of most UK providers. For $3.60 per day, you get unlimited data, enabling you to connect to navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps on your phone while in California.
Finally, here are some basic road trip tips that may help you on your journey:
- Monitor petrol (gas) prices and make sure you know where you can fill up en route
- Be aware of the speed limits
- Allow yourselves plenty of travelling time and take it steady
- Use a good sat nav and holder
- Create a great music playlist before you travel
- Listen to local stations for news, weather, and travel updates
- Be ready to stop if you need to
- Check opening days and times for any must-see sites you’ve got on your list
- Pre-book tickets to any football games as these will sell out months in advance
If you’re already planning your World Cup 2026 adventure, or just want to visit California and absorb the festival footie vibes while you’re there, we’re here to make your summer road trip unforgettable! 
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