California is positioning itself as a leading destination for sports fans, offering a wide range of experiences tied to its 24 major professional sports franchises and iconic stadiums. The state’s year-round mild weather and the presence of teams in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, and Sacramento make it an attractive location for those planning trips centered around sporting events.
Los Angeles stands out with 11 professional teams and venues that will host high-profile events such as the 2028 Summer Olympics. Baseball enthusiasts can attend games at Dodger Stadium or Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Basketball fans have options including the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Sparks at Crypto.com Arena or Intuit Dome. The city also offers hockey with the Kings at Crypto.com Arena and Ducks at Honda Center, football with the Rams and Chargers at SoFi Stadium, and soccer matches featuring LAFC, Angel City FC, and LA Galaxy.
Several unique activities are available for visitors seeking more than just game attendance. For example, Cosm Los Angeles provides immersive sports viewing on large LED screens near SoFi Stadium. Dodger Stadium features an accredited botanical garden where guests can take guided tours before games. Elysian Park offers hiking trails overlooking Dodger Stadium for those interested in outdoor activities before attending a game. In Anaheim, participants in the annual Angels Stadium 5K receive tickets to future games while supporting community initiatives through the Angels Baseball Foundation.
San Diego’s sports scene includes MLB’s Padres at Petco Park and MLS’s San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium. Gallagher Square outside Petco Park serves as a hub for concerts, dog parks, and pickleball courts available on select dates.
The San Francisco Bay Area will be hosting significant events such as the 2026 Super Bowl and international soccer matches during that year. Local teams include Major League Baseball’s Giants at Oracle Park; NBA’s Warriors and WNBA’s Valkyries at Chase Center; NFL’s 49ers at Levi’s Stadium; and NHL’s Sharks at SAP Center in San Jose. Visitors can kayak on McCovey Cove behind Oracle Park during Giants games or skate outside Chase Center each December with proceeds benefiting local foundations.
Sacramento currently hosts two professional teams: NBA’s Kings at Golden 1 Center downtown and MLB’s Athletics—through 2027—at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. Fans can bike along the American River Bike Trail to reach Sutter Health Park or explore Old Sacramento Waterfront before attending games.
These offerings highlight California’s diverse approach to combining athletic events with other recreational opportunities across its major cities.
