Combining the World Cup with a Beach Getaway: Top Cities to Visit

Introduction

The World Cup is just around the corner, and many of the chosen host cities are attracting attention with surprisingly affordable hotel rates and plenty of availability. Notably, some match tickets are selling for as low as $200, making last-minute plans to catch the World Cup more feasible than ever. But there’s no need to sacrifice your summer beach getaway just to enjoy the football action. The finals take place in June and July, coinciding perfectly with the prime beach vacation season in North America.

Most host cities are located by the coast, from Vancouver at Burrard Inlet to the famous beaches of Jersey Shore, east of Philadelphia. However, not all beaches are easily accessible from the bustling downtown areas. That’s why Beach.com, known for its annual list of the "Best Beaches," conducted a new analysis to suggest cities to visit if you want to combine the World Cup with some relaxing beach time.

Host Cities and Beaches

Beach.com analyzed 1,500 beaches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, narrowing it down to the top five beaches for each stadium. To qualify, a beach needed at least 100 Google reviews, a minimum rating of 4.5 stars, and a sandy shore.

Here are five host cities where you can enjoy a beach trip before or after the match:

Vancouver, BC

English Bay Beach is just 1.9 miles from BC Place. With a stellar rating of 4.7 stars from over 19,000 reviews, it’s the highest-rated beach in the entire study. The beach is spacious, with white sand and stunning mountain views in the background. After the match, you can sip a drink, dip your toes in the water, and watch the sunset over Burrard Inlet.

Toronto, ON

Sunnyside Park is only 2.9 miles from BMO Field, making it the closest beach to any of the 16 host stadiums. If you’re willing to travel an extra 20 minutes, Woodbine Beach is an excellent choice, boasting 14,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars. However, be aware that water quality in Lake Ontario can fluctuate, and swimming advisories may sometimes be issued.

Los Angeles, CA

Dockweiler Beach is 7 miles away from SoFi Stadium, making it the closest ocean beach to any World Cup stadium. Although Manhattan Beach is more famous with a rating of 4.7 stars, Dockweiler Beach remains a fantastic option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Seattle, WA

Alki Beach Park is located 7 miles from Lumen Field and is one of the most beloved beaches in this analysis, with a score of 4.7 stars and over 9,300 reviews. With its beautiful scenery, you can easily spend a whole day here. However, the water is typically cold, around 12-15 degrees Celsius, so be prepared for the chill if you plan to swim.

Miami, FL

Sunny Isles Beach is 11.5 miles from Hard Rock Stadium and while it may not rank the highest, it still offers plenty of delightful options. With warm waters and clean sands, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Just keep in mind that Florida weather can change rapidly, so be sure to pack water and sunscreen.

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you’re planning to attend the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. and Canada, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Visa: Vietnamese travelers need to apply for a tourist visa before entering the U.S. and Canada.
Transportation: From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly directly to the host cities with major airlines like Vietnam Airlines, American Airlines, or Delta Airlines.
Costs: Round-trip airfare ranges from 20 to 30 million VND depending on when you book. The cost of a meal at restaurants in these cities is approximately 300,000 - 600,000 VND.
Currency: The U.S. dollar (USD) is the main currency in the U.S., while Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD).

Don’t forget to thoroughly check the match schedule and weather conditions before you go for a perfect trip!

Article referenced and edited from: Matador Network