Heading to Los Angeles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Skip the crowds and stay by the coast in Huntington Beach, California. Just a short drive from SoFi Stadium, this laid-back beach destination offers the perfect mix of game-day access and signature SoCal relaxation.

This guide features Huntington Beach travel tips, recommendations on where to stay, itineraries, and ideas for what to do between matches. Whether you're in town for a couple of days or a full-blown vacation, Huntington Beach is the perfect home base for your World Cup experience. 

  1. Why Stay in Huntington Beach for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
  2. Where to Stay in Huntington Beach During the World Cup
  3. How to Get from Huntington Beach to Los Angeles World Cup Games
  4. 2-Day Huntington Beach Itinerary for World Cup Visitors
  5. 3-Day Huntington Beach Itinerary for World Cup Trips
  6. Day Trips from Huntington Beach During the World Cup

Why Stay in Huntington Beach for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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If you're feeling overwhelmed planning your trip for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, your stay in Huntington Beach, California can be one less thing to stress about. Choosing where to stay can make or break your experience, and while many visitors are looking at hotels in Los Angeles, Huntington Beach offers a more relaxed, scenic, and often more enjoyable alternative without sacrificing access to the games. 

A Beachfront Escape from the LA Crowds

Los Angeles will be at peak energy during the World Cup, which means heavier traffic, crowded hotels, and escalated prices. Staying in Huntington Beach gives you the opportunity to unwind by the ocean after the excitement of match day. 

Imagine 10 miles of wide-open, sandy beaches, oceanfront dining and epic sunsets, and a walkable downtown near the Huntington Beach Pier - it strikes the perfect balance between World Cup excitement and coastal relaxation. 

Easy Access to World Cup Matches in Los Angeles

Huntington Beach is located about 35-45 miles from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, one of the main venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Depending on traffic, you can reach the stadium by car in anywhere from about 45 minutes to 2 hours. Many attendees will plan for 90 minutes to 1.5 hours of total travel time just to be safe.

Plenty to Do Between Matches

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Huntington Beach is that your trip can turn into a full Southern California experience before, during, or after the games. If you have extra time between matches - or if you decide you want to extend your trip one or two days - we invite you to cruise along the 8 miles of paved beach path or try your hand at surfing! You'll also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy local restaurants, breweries, and nightlife. 

The Best of Both Worlds

Staying in Huntington Beach lets you experience the energy of the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles while taking in the laid-back vibe of the California coast. It's perfect for travelers who want easy access to World Cup matches, a relaxing place to call home for a couple of days, and/or a memorable beach vacation alongside the games. 

Where to Stay in Huntington Beach During the World Cup

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Choosing the right place to stay in Huntington Beach during the 2026 FIFA World Cup can make a big difference in your overall experience. Whether you're looking for beachfront luxury or budget-friendly options, Huntington Beach offers a range of accommodations just minutes from the sand. 

Beachfront Resorts & Luxury Stays

If you want the full Southern California experience, staying right on the beach is hard to beat. 

Popular options include:

These resorts offer direct beach access, ocean views and upscale amenities, pools, spas, and on-site dining

Budget-Friendly Options

If you're traveling with a group or looking to save, there are plenty of affordable options slightly inland or near Sunset Beach. 

Options include:

These typically offer lower nightly rates, free parking and/or breakfast, and easy access to the beach by car. 

How to Get from Huntington Beach to Los Angeles World Cup Games

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Traveling from Huntington Beach to Los Angeles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is easier than it may seem. Whether you're heading to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood or exploring other parts of LA, there are several convenient transportation options depending on your schedule and budget. 

Driving from Huntington Beach to Inglewood

  • Distance: 35-45 miles
  • Time: 
    • 45-60 minutes (off-peak)
    • 1-1.5+ hours (during peak traffic or game days)
  • Most routes take you via:
    • I-405 North
    • I-105 West (toward SoFi Stadium)
  • Tips for game days:
    • Leave early to avoid getting stuck in heavy traffic
    • Pre-book parking near the stadium
    • Consider parking slightly far from the venue and walking or ridesharing the rest of the way

Rideshare & Taxis (Uber/Lyft)

Ridesharing is a great option if you don't want to deal with parking, as it offers convenient door-to-door service and it's ideal for groups who can split costs. Just be mindful that surge pricing is likely during major matches regardless of which platform you use. 

Public Transportation Options

While there's no direct train from Huntington Beach to SoFi Stadium, you can combine options:

  1. Drive or rideshare to a nearby transit hub like Norwalk or Anaheim
  2. Take Metro rail or bus routes toward Inglewood

This option can reduce parking hassle and help avoid the worst traffic near the stadium.

2-Day Huntington Beach Itinerary for World Cup Visitors

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So much to do in so little time? This 2-day itinerary helps you experience the best of Huntington Beach while making sure you can easily attend your FIFA World Cup matches in LA.

Day 1: Beach Day & Downtown Huntington Beach

Kick off your trip with the classic Surf City USA® experience.

In the evening: 

Day 2: Game Day in Inglewood

It's time for the main event! Head out early for your World Cup match at SoFi Stadium, making sure you plan extra time for traffic and parking or rideshare delays. After the match, head back to Huntington Beach to unwind. Grab a late dinner or drinks near your hotel or relax by the beach after the exciting day in LA.

 

3-Day Huntington Beach Itinerary for World Cup Trips

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If you have a couple of days to spare, a 3-day itinerary lets you take in the Huntington Beach vibe while balancing beach time, local activities, and your World Cup plans.

Day 1: Classic HB Experiences

Start your trip with the essentials. 

In the evening:

Day 2: World Cup Match Day

Head towards LA for the match, ensuring you leave early enough to account for traffic and parking. After the excitement, head back to Huntington Beach and grab dinner at or around your hotel. 

Day 3: Local Activities & Surf Culture

Use your final day to dive deeper into HB's laid-back lifestyle. 

  • Start with a morning coffee near the beach
  • Sign up for a surf lesson (you're in Surf City USA®, after all)

In the afternoon: 

Later on:

  • Grab a firepit on the beach for a bonfire experience (don't forget chairs, blankets, and s'mores ingredients!)
  • Enjoy one last sunset by the ocean

Day Trips from Huntington Beach During the World Cup

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Staying in Huntington Beach makes it easy to explore some of Southern California's most popular destinations between matches. 

Newport Beach (10-15 minutes south)

A quick and easy day trip with a mix of luxury and laid-back coastal charm. 

Laguna Beach (25-30 minutes south)

Known for its natural beauty and arts scene. 

Los Angeles (perfect for match days and sightseeing)

Beyond the World Cup, LA offers endless things to do. 

Anaheim & Disneyland (30 minutes northeast)

Great for families or anyone looking to add a theme park day. 

  • Spend a full day at Disneyland Resort
  • Easy drive from Huntington Beach
  • Ideal for pre- or post-match days

Catalina Island (full-day adventure)

For something more unique, take a ferry to Catalina Island. 

  • Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking
  • Cruise around in golf carts instead of cars
  • A completely different pace from the mainland

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing visitors from around the world to Southern California, Huntington Beach hotels and resorts are filling up quickly. Explore accommodations and reserve your stay now to make the most of your World Cup experience - both on and off the field.