Best Beaches To Visit During FIFA World Cup 2026
Visitors searching for the best beaches to visit during FIFA World Cup 2026 may be surprised to discover that some of Southern California’s most beautiful stretches of coastline are located just minutes from Best Western Plus South Bay Hotel in Lawndale. While the tournament will bring global attention to SoFi Stadium and the matches taking place throughout Los Angeles, many travelers will quickly realize that some of their favorite memories happen away from the stadium, with their feet in the sand and the Pacific Ocean in view.
June and July are among the best times of year to experience the South Bay. The days are long, temperatures are comfortable, and the ocean communities that line the coast come alive with visitors, outdoor dining, and the unmistakable energy of a Southern California summer.
For World Cup visitors staying in Lawndale, several of the region’s most popular beach destinations are just a short drive away, making it easy to combine soccer, sightseeing, and relaxation into a single unforgettable trip.
Manhattan Beach: The South Bay’s Crown Jewel
If visitors only have time to visit one beach during their stay, Manhattan Beach is often the first recommendation from locals.
Known for its iconic pier, wide sandy shoreline, and upscale yet approachable atmosphere, Manhattan Beach delivers the classic Southern California experience many travelers imagine before arriving.
The Manhattan Beach Pier extends into the Pacific and offers panoramic views of the coastline. The surrounding downtown district features boutique shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, and outdoor patios that remain busy throughout the summer.
Visitors can spend the morning walking along the shoreline, enjoy lunch near the water, and still have plenty of time to make it to a World Cup match later in the day.
Its proximity to Lawndale makes it one of the most convenient and rewarding beach destinations for guests staying at Best Western Plus South Bay Hotel.
Hermosa Beach: Where the Energy Never Stops
Just south of Manhattan Beach sits Hermosa Beach, a destination known for its lively atmosphere and strong connection to Southern California’s beach culture.
The Hermosa Beach Pier area is filled with restaurants, bars, live music venues, and gathering spots that attract both locals and visitors throughout the year.
For World Cup travelers, Hermosa Beach offers an ideal setting to spend time before or after a match. Visitors often gather at restaurants and sports bars to watch other tournament matches, discuss results, and celebrate with fellow fans from around the world.
The beach itself is wide and inviting, while The Strand provides one of the most scenic walking and cycling paths anywhere in Los Angeles County.
The combination of ocean views, dining, nightlife, and a vibrant social atmosphere makes Hermosa Beach a favorite among visitors looking for more than just a place to lay out a towel.
Redondo Beach: A Relaxed Coastal Escape
Travelers seeking a slower pace often find themselves drawn to Redondo Beach.
While it shares the same beautiful coastline as its neighboring beach communities, Redondo tends to feel slightly more relaxed and less crowded than some of the area’s busier destinations.
The Redondo Beach Pier offers restaurants, waterfront views, fishing opportunities, and casual entertainment. Visitors can enjoy seafood overlooking the marina, watch boats enter and leave the harbor, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront.
For families and travelers looking to unwind between tournament activities, Redondo Beach provides an excellent balance of scenery and comfort.
Many visitors discover that a few quiet hours along the waterfront is exactly what they need after the excitement and energy of a World Cup match.
The Strand: Three Beaches, One Incredible Experience
One of the most unique attractions in the South Bay isn’t actually a beach at all.
The Strand is a paved pathway that connects Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, creating miles of uninterrupted coastal access.
Walking or cycling along The Strand allows visitors to experience all three communities while enjoying spectacular ocean views the entire way.
It’s also one of the best places to observe local life in Southern California. Cyclists, runners, volleyball players, surfers, and families all share the pathway, creating an atmosphere that feels distinctly California.
For visitors with limited time, The Strand provides an efficient and enjoyable way to experience multiple beach communities in a single afternoon.
Dockweiler Beach: The Closest Ocean Escape
Located near Los Angeles International Airport, Dockweiler Beach is often overlooked by tourists but remains popular with locals.
Its convenient location makes it one of the easiest beaches to reach from Lawndale.
Unlike many Southern California beaches, Dockweiler offers fire pits, making it a favorite destination for evening gatherings and sunset beach experiences.
Visitors can often watch planes arriving and departing from LAX while enjoying ocean views and cool coastal breezes.
For travelers with limited time between flights, matches, or other activities, Dockweiler provides a quick and accessible way to experience the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Monica: Worth the Drive
Although it sits farther north than the South Bay beaches, Santa Monica remains one of California’s most famous coastal destinations.
The Santa Monica Pier attracts millions of visitors annually and offers a mix of entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and ocean views.
Travelers extending their World Cup trip by a few days may find it worthwhile to spend an afternoon exploring the area.
The beach itself is expansive, while the nearby Third Street Promenade provides additional opportunities for dining and entertainment.
For first-time visitors to Los Angeles, Santa Monica often feels like a must-see destination.
Building the Perfect Match-Day Schedule
One of the advantages of staying in Lawndale is the ability to combine beach time with tournament activities.
Many visitors choose to spend the morning at Manhattan Beach, enjoy lunch in Hermosa Beach, return to the hotel to refresh, and then head to SoFi Stadium later in the day.
This flexibility allows travelers to experience both the excitement of the World Cup and the relaxed coastal lifestyle that has long defined Southern California.
Rather than spending the entire day in traffic or waiting around the stadium district, visitors can make the most of every hour of their trip.
The Best of Both Worlds
FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring extraordinary energy to Los Angeles, but one of the greatest advantages of attending matches in Southern California is the opportunity to enjoy the coastline at the same time.
Guests staying at Best Western Plus South Bay Hotel are perfectly positioned to experience both. With Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Dockweiler Beach, and many other coastal attractions just minutes away, visitors can enjoy ocean views in the morning and world-class soccer in the evening.
For many travelers, that combination of beaches, sunshine, and international competition will create a World Cup experience unlike any other.