DISCOVER CALIFORNIA’S UNMATCHED SPORTS SCENE
IN SANTA MONICA
Santa Monica: The Perfect Home Base for Sports Travelers
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (September 15, 2025) – Santa Monica is a winning destination for sports enthusiasts, combining laid-back beach culture on the coast with close proximity to Southern California’s championship teams, legendary players and cutting-edge venues. With a cherished sports history and thriving athletic community all its own, Santa Monica welcomes fans around the world to hit the court, shred some waves and cheer on their heroes. As FIFA World Cup 26 ticket sales begin, it’s the perfect time to plan your dream sports-centered trip to Santa Monica.
Find Your Perfect Home Base in Santa Monica
Santa Monica looks ahead to several milestone events, beginning with the FIFA World Cup 26 at nearby SoFi Stadium. With applications for the first ticket draw now open, travelers are encouraged to register their interest and create a FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets today and book a stay in Santa Monica to lock in your place at a once-in-a-lifetime sporting experience. Home to 40 hotel properties all within four miles of the beach, Santa Monica’s extensive hotel collection ranges from affordable accommodations perfect for groups and families to Michelin Key luxury properties for a world-class getaway. With a wide range of options near some of the region’s top sporting venues, there is a stay for everyone in Santa Monica.
The city looks forward to Super Bowl LXI also hosted at the nearby SoFi Stadium and the 2028 Olympic Games welcoming travelers from around the world to venues across Southern California. Santa Monica is a perfect home base for those touching down in the region to experience the Golden State’s laid-back beach lifestyle, all with easy access to SoCal’s title winning teams, lineup of celebrity athletes and world-class stadiums. Whether visiting sports fans are looking forward to the Dodgers or Lakers game just a Metro E Line ride away, or cheering on the Rams at SoFi Stadium and the Clippers at the new Intuit Dome less than 10 miles south, Santa Monica is an ideal hub for a beachfront stay in the heart of it all.
The Home of Beach Volleyball
Growing from a local pastime to worldwide phenomenon, beach volleyball’s modern two-player variation was born on the sands of Santa Monica. The sport got its start with the installation of public courts on the beaches of Santa Monica in the 1920s, with fans spectating on the sand or taking to the court with inter-club competitions beginning in 1924.
Beach volleyball continues to thrive in Santa Monica today, with dozens of public courts open to locals and visitors alike along the city’s 3.5 miles of coastline. From beachgoers enjoying a pick-up game to professional players perfecting their skills, Santa Monica is a renowned destination among the outdoor sports community.
“Not only is Santa Monica the birthplace of modern beach volleyball, it was the place to train,” shared three-time beach volleyball Olympic Gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings. “The sand is deep and the competition is amazing. The Santa Monica lifestyle is beachy, natural and active – everything my sport represents and something I always aspired to.”
Surf & Skate on the California Coast
California is known for its historic ties to surfers and skaters, with both sports playing an integral part in Santa Monica history and beach culture.
Santa Monica’s Main Street neighborhood was a hub for the surf and skate community where athletes and enthusiasts came together, connected by passion for their sport. Zephyr Surf Shop came on the scene in the heart of the area lovingly known as Dogtown, equipping the region’s surfers with boards by local artists. As skateboarding began growing in popularity amongst the surf community, Zephyr’s team, also known as the Z-Boys, transformed the sport with impressive tricks and a unique style pioneering modern skateboarding.
Visitors today can experience a taste of the iconic surf and skate culture with a visit to Dogtown Coffee on Main Street in the former Zephyr Surf Shop space, serving local favorite breakfast burritos and micro-roasted coffee in a neighborhood gathering place paying homage to the area’s surf and skate history.
Train Like a Pro
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a rookie player, there is no shortage of opportunities for travelers to hone their sporting skills with Santa Monica’s talented, friendly coaches.
For those looking to play beach volleyball on the very sands where the sport began, Santa Monica Beach Volleyball offers group classes for adults of all skill levels age 19+ taking place throughout the week. For families visiting during the summer season, young players are invited to join an expertly developed program by a team of high-level athletes led by Sinjin Smith, a Santa Monica-born Olympian beach volleyball player.
All are welcome to dive on in and experience Santa Monica’s surf scene with Aqua Surf School. With year-round private lessons including tailored surf instruction for all ages and skill levels, Aqua Surf School offers an unforgettable opportunity to shred some Pacific waves. Meanwhile, Pickle Pop invites travelers to embrace the trending sport of pickleball with open play sessions, coached clinics and plenty of social events. Located on the famous Third Street Promenade, Pickle Pop features a vibrantly designed indoor playing space complete with an on-site bar and energetic music.
Fitness is key to staying at the top of your game, and Santa Monica offers several top-notch facilities for a challenging workout. Pick up a day pass for JOHN REED and energize with an on-site DJ and immersive lighting, or receive a personalized training plan paired with cutting-edge equipment at the high-tech Fred Fitness. For a classic California workout, visit the Original Muscle Beach and try your hand at the impressive feats performed at this historic site pioneering the physical fitness movement.
Catch The Big Game
There’s no better way to enjoy an exciting game than with a cold drink in hand and savory snacks on deck. Santa Monica’s many sports bars offer the perfect spot to catch the game alongside a strong community of local fans.
Open until midnight all week long, Barney’s Beanery on Third Street Promenade is a popular Downtown hangout for bar foods and the big game just steps from the Promenade’s host of shopping and dining options. For locally crafted beers on tap and delicious slices of crispy-crusted pizza, visit Santa Monica Brew Works and cheer on your favorite team with a full house of fans watching the biggest games from the NFL Playoffs to the MLB World Series.
Pub-style sports bars abound in Santa Monica, with British brews and Irish fare at local establishments such as Jameson’s Pub, Ye Olde King’s Head and Sonny McLean’s. For sports by the sea, visit Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café near the Santa Monica Pier for a family-friendly spot to watch the game, enjoy the Pacific breeze on their outdoor patio and savor one of the best burgers in town.
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Media Contact
Emily Ohara
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