Los Angeles has always been a city that rewards the curious. Whether you're drawn to the silver screen, natural wonders, or sweeping skyline views, this sprawling Southern California destination delivers experiences that extend well beyond what most first-time visitors anticipate.
Soccer fans traveling to LA for the tournament will find the city's appeal stretches far beyond the pitch. SoFi Stadium may anchor the action, but world-class museums, celebrated wildlife habitats, and cinematic landmarks await exploration between matches. From Exposition Park to Griffith Park, there is truly no shortage of things to do in Los Angeles.
Essential Los Angeles Travel Tips for Soccer Fans
Visitors come to Los Angeles quickly discover the city rewards those who look beyond the most-covered spots. Yes, Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Rodeo Drive top most travel lists, and they're certainly worth your time. But LA's real depth lies in its neighborhoods and museums, as well as its expansive parks.
For fans attending the tournament, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood serves as the anchor of the experience. As the home of massive sporting events and concerts throughout the year, this state-of-the-art venue sits just southwest of downtown LA within a growing entertainment district. Before or after a match, the surrounding area offers plenty of gathering spaces and dining options.
But don't let the stadium define the limits of your trip, because the broader city is yours to discover.
Getting around LA typically means renting a car or using rideshare services, though the Metro Rail does connect several key neighborhoods. Booking accommodations early is strongly recommended during tournament season, and organizing your itinerary around LA's distinct districts — Hollywood, downtown, Exposition Park, and Griffith Park — will help you make the most of your time in the city.
Hollywood Backlot Adventures at Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood
For visitors eager to experience Los Angeles through the lens of its most famous export, a stop at one of the city’s legendary movie studios is time well spent. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most active working studios in the industry. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, guests move through real soundstages, backlot streets, and costume departments where countless films and television series have been brought to life. The experience strikes a balance between old Hollywood history and modern productions, making it especially engaging for those curious about how today’s biggest shows and movies are made.
Universal Studios Hollywood delivers a complementary, more high-energy take on the movie magic. Part theme park, part studio tour, Universal blends thrilling rides with cinematic storytelling. The iconic Studio Tour remains the highlight, carrying guests through expansive backlot sets while showcasing practical effects and famous filming locations. Add immersive attractions based on blockbuster franchises, along with live shows and dining options, and it becomes an easy full-day experience. For soccer fans looking to fill an off-day on their tournament schedule, these two destinations offer unforgettable insight into the entertainment industry that has defined Los Angeles for generations.
Celebrity Culture and Music History at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Starline Tours, and the GRAMMY Museum
For travelers who want to lean into Los Angeles’ star-powered cultural identity, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Starline Tours, and the GRAMMY Museum each offer a different perspective on the personalities and stories that have shaped the city’s global reputation.
Located along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds Hollywood invites visitors to step into interactive celebrity sets alongside remarkably lifelike wax figures of actors, musicians, athletes, and pop culture icons. The experience is designed to be fun and hands-on, making it an easy stop while exploring Hollywood Boulevard or taking in nearby landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre.
To see more of the city beyond the sidewalk, Starline Tours provides guided excursions that blend sightseeing with entertainment history. Tours range from Hollywood Hills and celebrity homes routes to broader city overviews that pass iconic locations such as Sunset Strip, downtown Los Angeles, and historic movie palaces. For soccer fans navigating a tight tournament schedule, these tours offer an efficient way to cover major highlights while learning how LA’s neighborhoods and personalities intersect.
Adding a deeper cultural layer, the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles focuses on the history and impact of recorded music. Through immersive exhibits, rare artifacts, and rotating galleries, the museum traces the evolution of popular music across genres and generations. Interactive listening stations and performance-focused displays make it especially engaging, even for visitors with casual interest. Together, these three attractions capture the celebrity, storytelling, and musical influence that define Los Angeles beyond the stadium.
Natural Wonders at the Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits
For families searching for fun activities to do in LA, Exposition Park delivers two extraordinary experiences within the city. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the La Brea Tar Pits rank among the most distinctive natural science destinations on the West Coast.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County houses a remarkable dinosaur collection, including the only known growth series of T. Rex skeletons in the world. Beyond dinosaurs, the museum's gem and mineral hall, mammal halls, and rotating special exhibitions make it one of the most well-rounded natural history experiences in the country. It's an easy favorite for visitors of all ages.
On the other side of town, the La Brea Tar Pits offer something genuinely one-of-a-kind: An active excavation site in the middle of a major city. These sticky asphalt pools have been preserving Ice Age specimens for over 50,000 years, and paleontologists continue to uncover new finds. The adjacent Page Museum houses thousands of recovered fossils and gives visitors an intimate look at the animals that once roamed Southern California's landscapes.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
For a day that blends wildlife with stunning scenery, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Griffith Park is a standout destination. Home to more than 1,400 animals and 7,500 plant species, the zoo features immersive habitats and consistently engaging programs for all ages.
Griffith Park itself is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The zoo sits at its base. After exploring the animal habitats, many visitors make the short drive or rewarding hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, a striking sightline toward the Hollywood Sign. This combination of wildlife, botanical beauty, and elevated vistas makes Griffith Park one of the most memorable full-day destinations in Los Angeles.
How To Maximize Your Trip With CityPASS® Tickets
With Los Angeles CityPASS® tickets, you can save significantly on admission to the city's top attractions, making it easier to fit multiple experiences into a tournament trip. This kind of Los Angeles sightseeing package approach lets you move through the city at your own pace, without the stress of calculating separate admission costs at every stop.
Ready to start planning? Explore Los Angeles CityPASS® tickets and build an itinerary worthy of one of the most remarkable cities in the world.