World Cup 2026 Travel: Explore Soccer-Friendly SLO CAL
FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to Los Angeles and San Francisco and SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) is perfectly located in between these California venues, in the heart of California’s Central Coast.
Soccer (or futbol) fans and World Cup travelers can base themselves in San Luis Obispo County for easy access to both host cities and to enjoy the region on its own before or after the match. From beaches and wine country to craft breweries and small-town charm, San Luis Obispo County offers the ultimate mix of relaxation and adventure for soccer fans.
SLO CAL as your Midway Basecamp
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place June 11 through July 29. Six matches will be played in the San Francisco Bay Area at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, while eight matches will be played in Los Angeles at SoFi stadium in the suburb of Inglewood. Dates of matches are listed below:
World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium, Los Angles
- Friday, June 12
- Monday, June 15
- Thursday, June 18
- Sunday, June 21
- Thursday, June 25
- Sunday, June 28
- Thursday, July 2
- Friday, July 10 (Quarterfinals)
World Cup matches at Levi Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area
- Saturday, June 13
- Tuesday, June 16
- Friday, June 19
- Monday, June 22
- Thursday, June 25
- Wednesdays, July 1
Before, between and after these World Cup games SLO CAL is the ultimate getaway or gateway to more soccer action!
Getting to Los Angeles:
By Car: Distance from SoFi Stadium to southern SLO CAL is 160 miles or approximately a 3.5-hour drive on highway 101.
By Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner runs between the city of San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles Union Station. From there fans can hop on the metro to get to the game.
By Plane: Direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) fly twice a day.
Getting to San Francisco:
By Car: Distance from Levi Stadium to northern SLO CALis 150 miles or approximately a 3-hour drive along highway 101.
Local Tip: Be sure to take advantage of the iconic Highway 1 Road Trip and explore the coastal highway and all the quaint soccer towns and rugged natural beauty you’ll find along the way.
By Train: Amtrak train from Paso Robles station to San Jose where you’ll transfer to the Valley Transit Authority Light Rail to Great American Station which is a short walk from the stadium.
By Plane: Direct flights from San Francisco (SFO) to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) operate 3-4 times per day.
Soccer Culture Across SLO CAL Communities
San Luis Obispo
Back to Top of ListThe city of San Luis Obispo is arguably the hub of soccer culture in SLO CAL, as it is home to the Cal Poly NCAA Division 1 men’s and women’s soccer teams. Enjoy San Luis Obispo’s walkable downtown and take in local culture at SLOMA, Mission San Luis Obispo and the Thursday night Downtown Farmers’ Market. Fuel up with a variety of globally inspired food and beverage options throughout the city.
Find Places to Stay, Things to Do and Places to Eat in San Luis Obispo
Paso Robles
Back to Top of ListPaso Robles is a mecca for agriculture and cowboy culture in SLO CAL. Enjoy a horseback ride and kick back after with top notch restaurants and wine tasting. Scenic with rolling hills, vineyards and a quaint downtown and known for its hospitality, this area of the region is not to miss. The beverage of choice here is wine, with over 200 plus wineries, but you’ll also find distilleries, breweries and cideries to try.
Find Places to Stay, Things to Do and Places to Eat in Paso Robles
Pismo Beach & Grover Beach
Back to Top of ListFor beachfront relaxation, head to Grover Beach where you can access the expansive Oceano Dunes. For soccer conditioning, the sand dunes are nature’s perfect venue. Next door, Pismo Beach’s sandy expanses make for miles of fun in the sun and laidback nightlife. Head to oceanfront restaurants and bars to take in a game or relax after a day packed with beach activities.
Find Places to Stay, Things to Do and Places to Eat in Pismo Beach & Grover Beach
Cambria & San Simeon
Back to Top of ListCambria and San Simeon are filled with hiking and outdoor activities balanced out with museums and galleries. As a soccer fan, enjoy visiting the iconic Hearst Castle during your stay for a glimpse into the storied past of the Central Coast. Bring your camera while visiting the elephant seals in their natural habitat or studio hop around to meet local artists who call SLO CAL home.
Find Places to Stay, Things to Do and Places to Eat in Cambria & San Simeon
Morro Bay
Back to Top of ListSeafood lovers, nature adventurers and endurance sports unite in Morro Bay. A walk along the embarcadero offers shopping, grubbing and waving hello to an otter or two. With a working waterfront, soccer fans don’t have to wander far for the fresh catch of the day (don’t miss trying a Morro Bay oyster while you’re here). Miles of hard packed sand, surfable waves and a protected harbor is the ideal backdrop for your favorite cross-training activities.
Find Places to Stay, Things to Do and Places to Eat in Morro Bay
Atascadero
Back to Top of ListHead to Atascadero for a wholesome, family-friendly, community driven stay. Visit the animals at the Central Coast Zoo then have a picnic and kick the ball around at Sunken Gardens outside of historic City Hall. For more games, check out Wild Fields Brewhouse or Andy’s arcade and try your hand at axe throwing at A-Town Chop Shop. Wander the walkabout downtown and pop into a local brewery or coffee shop for a refreshment.
Find Places to Stay, Things to Do and Places to Eat in Atascadero
Arroyo Grande
Back to Top of ListArroyo Grande’s historic Village feels like stepping back in time. Learn about local history at Heritage Square Park then shop the local boutiques. Head to Lopez Lake for a boat day or hike to the waterfalls of Little and Big Falls trails. Everything feels a bit quieter and easier in Arroyo Grande, far away from the mayhem of Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Find Places to Stay, Things to Do and Places to Eat in Arroyo Grande
Where to Watch the World Cup in SLO CAL
These local hangouts play sports year-round, ranging from NFL and NBA to tennis and soccer. You’ll find cold beverages flowing, wide-ranging food options and comfortable seating to enjoy the game. Intimate venues where you can enjoy soccer talk with the bartender (who may also be the owner) to spacious spots that will fit your whole team, with big screens to match.
Play Soccer in SLO CAL
Feeling inspired by the pros, soccer lovers can try their own foot at getting in on the action at many places throughout the region, from organized leagues to pick up games, here is where to play soccer in SLO CAL:
Adult Leagues
- Central Coast Soccer is an adult recreation league that offers co-ed, as well as, men’s 35+.
- San Luis Obispo Women’s Soccer (SLOWS) league provides organized soccer for all skills levels, 18 years of age and older.
Youth Leagues & Local Clubs
- Central Coast United Soccer Club is focused on player development from youth to high school.
- Central Coast Dynasty Futbol Club offers competitive and recreational soccer for youth and college-aged players.
- Central Coast Surf Soccer Club is a youth soccer club that has both developmental and competitive teams.
Pick-up Games & Soccer Fields
- Nipomo Community Park, Nipomo
- Damon-Garcia Sports Fields, San Luis Obispo
- Cal Poly Fields, San Luis Obispo
- Soto Sports Complex (soccer fields in the fall), Arroyo Grande
- Paloma Creek Park, Atascadero
- Barney Schwartz Soccer Complex, Paso Robles
- Tom Jermin, Sr. Park (Formerly Bethel Park), Templeton
World Cup 2026 Travel San Luis Obispo County
If you’re planning on following your favorite soccer team to Los Angeles or San Francisco for the FIFA World Cup, be sure to make a visit to SLO CAL before, between or after as it offers the perfect stop to recharge and explore. It is conveniently located halfway between California’s World Cup venues.
From renowned wine country and coastal trails to vibrant small-town culture and authentic soccer heritage, the Central Coast has something for every fan. And if you are planning your World Cup 2026 travel through San Luis Obispo County, plan in extra time to discover the beaches, breweries, outdoor activities and sports watching experiences that make this region unforgettable.
SLO CAL is more than a stop on the way. It is a destination where the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event meets the laid-back spirit of coastal California.
