California offers a wide range of professional sports experiences for visitors and residents, with 24 major franchises and notable stadiums throughout the state. The year-round climate supports various sporting events in cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, and Sacramento.
Los Angeles County is recognized for its 11 professional teams and advanced venues. The city will host significant events like the 2028 Summer Olympics and international football matches. Baseball fans can attend Los Angeles Dodgers games at Dodger Stadium or visit Angels Stadium in Anaheim to see the Los Angeles Angels. Basketball enthusiasts have options including the Los Angeles Lakers and WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, or the Clippers at Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
Hockey is also prominent with the Los Angeles Kings playing at Crypto.com Arena and Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Football fans can watch the Rams and Chargers at SoFi Stadium, which will also be used during the 2028 Olympics. Soccer supporters may attend L.A. FC games or women’s Angel City FC matches at BMO Stadium; MLS champions LA Galaxy play at Dignity Health Sports Park.
For alternative experiences, Cosm Los Angeles provides immersive sports viewing on large LED screens near SoFi Stadium. Visitors to Dodger Stadium can explore an accredited botanical garden before a game or take guided tours on select Fridays to learn about sustainable landscaping practices.
Active visitors might hike Elysian Park next to Dodger Stadium using trails that offer views of Chavez Ravine or participate in events like the annual Angels Stadium 5K in Anaheim each June, where runners finish on Angel Stadium’s field and receive vouchers for future games; proceeds benefit community initiatives through the Angels Baseball Foundation.
San Diego’s professional scene includes MLB’s Padres at Petco Park and MLS team San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium. Gallagher Square outside Petco Park features amenities such as pickleball courts, concerts, and dog parks; themed pickleball nights are held during certain dates.
The San Francisco Bay Area will host major upcoming events including Super Bowl 2026 and six days of international soccer matches that year. Local teams include MLB’s Giants (Oracle Park), NBA champion Golden State Warriors (Chase Center), WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries (Chase Center), NFL’s 49ers (Levi’s Stadium), and NHL’s Sharks (SAP Center). Fans can kayak on McCovey Cove behind Oracle Park during Giants games or ice skate outside Chase Center every December with skate rentals supporting local foundations.
Transportation options include direct ferries from multiple locations to Oracle Park on game days, offering concessions onboard for convenience.
Sacramento hosts two professional teams: NBA’s Kings (Golden 1 Center) downtown and MLB’s Athletics—who will play there through 2027—at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. The American River Bike Trail runs past Sutter Health Park for those who wish to cycle to games; light rail service allows easy return trips with bicycles permitted onboard. Visitors can also explore Old Sacramento Waterfront—a preserved historic district—before attending sporting events nearby.
“California is an ultimate destination for sports fans due to its diverse teams, modern venues, favorable weather conditions throughout the year,” said Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California.
