Why Santa Monica is the Perfect Base for LA Soccer Games

Santa Monica: The Ultimate Neighborhood for Discerning Soccer Fans

When international soccer comes to Los Angeles, the excitement unfolds on the field and in the seats of SoFi Stadium during match times. But what about before and after? For travelers deciding where to stay in LA for soccer games, Santa Monica, set along the Pacific Ocean on LA’s Westside, stands out as an inspired choice. The neighborhood balances game-day convenience with beach time, shopping, dining, and ocean views between kickoffs, all infused with the relaxed elegance that defines Southern California living.

Santa Monica offers the rare ability to enjoy Los Angeles at its most scenic while remaining well connected to the city’s major sports venues. It is a place where mornings begin by the water, afternoons unfold at an unhurried pace, and match days fit seamlessly into a stay that still feels like a true coastal getaway.

Where to Stay in Santa Monica for LA Soccer Games

Santa Monica’s Proximity to SoFi Stadium for Soccer Fans

For travelers drawn to soccer’s global stage, proximity matters, but so does where the day begins and ends. While Los Angeles offers accommodations closer to the stadium, Santa Monica is a natural fit for those seeking both access and atmosphere.

From Santa Monica’s coastal bluff, SoFi Stadium is a straightforward drive east, approximately 10 miles via the I-10 Freeway, depending on traffic and kickoff times. On match days, fans head inland for the action. Afterwards, they return to the coast, trading concrete and crowds for ocean air and open skies before the next day’s games.

Beach, Bike Paths, and the Pier: Classic Santa Monica Days

Santa Monica’s shoreline is the image many travelers associate with Southern California: a wide sweep of golden sand, a paved bike path tracing the coast, and the Santa Monica Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel spinning against the horizon. On non-match mornings, visitors can stroll along the beach, join locals for a run or bike ride by the water, or watch surfers from the bluff.

As the day winds down, the light softens across the Pacific, shifting through shades of pink and gold, introducing a temperate evening perfect for an alfresco beverage or memorable dinner out.

Shopping and Dining Between Matches

Santa Monica is one of the Westside’s most walkable and inviting shopping and dining scenes. The Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only stretch just minutes from the hotel, blends well-known brands with street performers and open-air eateries. Nearby Montana Avenue and Main Street extend the experience with the quieter elegance of independent boutiques, artisan finds, and neighborhood restaurants. Throughout the areas, dining options range from casual beachside fare to award-winning destination restaurants, allowing for easy, enjoyable ways to pass time between matches.

Fairmont Miramar: A Santa Monica Home Base for Soccer Fans

Among Santa Monica hotels near SoFi Stadium for soccer fans, Fairmont Miramar is a particularly refined home base. Set on five acres atop the Santa Monica bluff, the grand dame of beachfront luxury living pairs its landmark fig tree, oceanfront setting, and layered history with distinctly modern sensibility.

Positioned directly across from the beach, the hotel blends coastal tranquility with attentive service, including concierge assistance for transportation arrangements, whether coordinating trusted drivers or arranging private transfers on game days.

Guests may choose the Ocean Tower for panoramic sea views, the Palisades wing for a more residential feel, or the garden Bungalows for a private, cottage-like retreat. Across all accommodations, the atmosphere is relaxed, refined, and unmistakably coastal.

On property, the pool deck beckons and the spa offers a restorative pause. Dining highlights the region’s year-round access to fresh, local ingredients, and public areas are staged for watching the games, complete with drink and food specials. But Fairmont Miramar guests can also borrow the hotel’s complimentary beachcomber bicycles and follow the coast south toward Venice Beach or north toward Pacific Palisades or head to the family-friendly Santa Monica Pier. 

For travelers looking for where to stay in LA for soccer games, the prime location and diverse offerings of Fairmont Miramar ensure a stay that’s as memorable as the soccer matches are sure to be, book your escape today. 

FIFA World Cup 2026 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Dates and matchups are subject to change. Please refer to the official tournament schedule for the most up-to-date information.

June 12, 2026 (6 PM PST): USA vs. Paraguay
June 15, 2026 6 PM PST): Iran vs. New Zealand
 June 18, 2026 (12 PM PST): Switzerland vs. TBD
June 21, 2026 (12 PM PST):Belgium vs. Iran
July 10, 2026 (12 PM PST): Quarterfinals 
July 19, 2026 (12 PM PST): Finals

View Full Schedule HERE