Weekend getaways near US soccer tournament host cities

posted on May 2, 2026

The pilgrimage to the stadium. The pre-match jitters. The roar of thousands of strangers erupting as one when the ball hits the back of the net. This is why you’ve secured tickets to the world’s largest soccer tournament.

But attending the tournament is also a once-in-a-lifetime reason to explore some of the best cities and surrounding regions the US has to offer. With 11 host cities spread from Seattle to Miami, the range of weekend getaways near the matches is remarkable. Think Pacific Northwest rainforests, Gulf Coast beaches, Appalachian mountain towns, and world-class wine country; all within easy reach of a match day.

How to make the most of your trip

Running from June 11th to July 19th 2026, the soccer tournament features over 100 matches over 39 days. But flocking to the stands is only one way to experience the tournament. Here are three ways to maximize your time and experience the best of this bucket-list sporting event.

Soak up the gameday atmosphere: In nine of the US host cities, you’ll find Fan Festivals, free public viewing parties and spaces to experience live music, local eats and the joy of the world game.
Stay outside the host city: With hotel and accommodation prices set to spike during the tournament, book your stay in a neighboring city for a more affordable trip.
Plan a multi-city road trip: By extending your stay for a few extra days, you’ll likely be able to catch multiple matches across different US host cities. Renting a car on T uro means you’ll have the wheels to take you from fan zones to football matches and explore at your own pace.

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Weekend getaways by US host city

From day trips to the shores of Santa Monica to hiking through the wild Pacific Northwest, each US host city is the perfect base for an unforgettable weekend getaway. Turn your football pilgrimage into a jampacked adventure covering some of America’s most iconic cities, driving routes and landscapes.

New York / New Jersey — MetLife Stadium

Tournament highlight at this venue: Final Match (July 19th)

After catching a match at MetLife Stadium, you’re well-positioned to spend the weekend exploring New York, the US’ most populous city. In fact, the stadium is just a 30-minute drive from the Big Apple and iconic attractions like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

But if exploring Manhattan’s bustling nightlife and world-class dining isn’t your scene, there are plenty of getaways near New Jersey to consider, such as:

The Hudson Valley (90-minute drive): A scenic stretch of riverside towns, farm-to-table restaurants and top-notch hiking in the Hudson Highlands. Treat yourself to a stay in luxury hotels like The Maker Hotel, Wildflower Farms or The Wick.
The Jersey Shore (1 hour 20-minute drive): For a coastal escape, hit the road and visit Atlantic City, Asbury Park and Cape May. Consider staying at Hotel LBI (don’t miss the indoor pool) or La Mer Beachfront Resort, complete with private beach access.

Rent a car in New Jersey and experience the scenic, winding roads of New York in style.

Weekend getaways near US soccer tournament host cities. In photo: Central Park, New York City, New York — Want to trade stadium noise for 843 acres of urban escape? Lace up, hit the Reservoir Loop, stumble upon hidden waterfalls and bronze sculptures, and let Central Park turn your match day morning into a proper New York adventure.

Dallas — AT&T Stadium, Arlington

After experiencing all the action at AT&T Stadium, there’s plenty to see and do before you even leave Dallas. City highlights include the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Arboretum, and the buzzing food and nightlife scene in Deep Ellum and the Bishop Arts District.

Want to hit the road and venture beyond downtown Dallas? Consider renting a car in Dallas and taking a trip to:

Fort Worth (30-minute drive): Experience the best of Western heritage at the Stockyards National Historic District (don’t miss the twice-daily cattle drive) or spend an afternoon at the world-class Kimbell Art Museum. Stay within walking distance of the historic Stockyards at Hotel Drover or enjoy modern amenities at Bowie House in the Cultural District.
San Antonio (4-hour drive): Head south for a weekend exploring the River Walk, historic Alamo or even the bustling restaurants and boutique shopping at the Pearl District. Stay at Mokara Hotel & Spa (prime location for the River Walk) or Hotel Emma (a contemporary luxury hotel set in a 19th-century brewhouse).

Tip from the author: Looking for ways to save during your tournament experience? Consider booking accommodations in Fort Worth instead of Dallas: it’s equally close to the stadium and prices are likely to be much more affordable than the host city.

San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, Texas — Trade the match day buzz for candlelit patios, mariachi drifting over the water and a slow riverside dinner at Boudro’s, because one evening on the San Antonio River Walk and the whole trip feels like it was made for just the two of you.

Atlanta — Mercedes-Benz Stadium

After match days wrap up, there are plenty of cultural attractions to keep you busy for a weekend in Atlanta. Explore the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, or even the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (don’t miss the incredible canopy walk).

But if you want to turn your trip into a proper vacation, consider renting a car in Atlanta and road tripping to:

The Blue Ridge Mountains (2-hour drive): Take a road trip to the Appalachian Trails of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest with over 100 miles of trout streams to explore and plenty of towns to visit along the way (including Blue Ridge, Helen and Dahlonega). Stay in the heart of the mountains at Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast, one of the first residences built in the town back in 1890.
Savannah (4-hour drive): Head southeast to experience one of the most charming cities in Georgia. Expect oak-lined streets, historic squares and old-world charm with spacious guest rooms at the Hamilton-Turner Inn, The Drayton Hotel Savannah or The Marshall House.

Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, Georgia — Bring your kids face to face with Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Earth Goddess, a towering 25-foot living sculpture covered in 18,000 real plants, and watch their jaws hit the floor before you’ve even said a word.

Houston — NRG Stadium

Not only is Houston playing host to matches featuring top footballing nations (including Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands), but a 39-day Fan Festival will be taking over East Downtown Houston during the iconic tournament.

Extend your stay in Houston to sample the city’s incredibly diverse food scene, spanning everything from Tex-Mex to Gulf seafood and beyond. But when you’re ready to explore beyond the city center, rent a car in Houston and head to:

Galveston (1-hour drive): Head south to this island city for beaches, historic architecture and the must-see Moody Gardens amusement park. Splash out on luxury accommodations like the Grand Galvez Resort, The Remont House or even The George Manor.
Texas Hill Country (~3-hour drive): Whether you hike the incredible pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, take a dip in the Hamilton Pool Preserve, or explore the wine country near Fredericksburg, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy in Texas Hill Country.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg, Texas — Pack water bottles, book your timed entry early and let the kids lead the charge up Enchanted Rock’s Summit Trail, because 425 feet of ancient pink granite and Hill Country views at the top make this the one Houston detour the whole family brags about.

Los Angeles — SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

Visiting LA for the ultimate match day experience? Out of all the host cities, this is one where extending your stay is a must. In LA alone, you’re spoiled with choices: head to the coastline of Santa Monica or Venice, stick downtown for incredible central market dining or venture to Griffith Park and the Hollywood Hills for panoramic city views.

Renting a car in LA is essential to maximize your time, as public transportation is limited and ridesharing will become expensive fast. With your own wheels, you’ll also be ready to road trip to:

Santa Barbara (2-hour drive): Experience the “American Riviera”, brimming with everything from beaches to botanical gardens and the iconic Santa Barbara Zoo. Take a day trip to the Santa Ynez Valley for a taste of wine country, complete with rolling vineyards and delicious wine tasting experiences.
San Diego (2-hour drive): From the world-famous San Diego Zoo to the historic Old Town and incredible coastal experiences, there’s plenty of reason to road trip south. Don’t miss a stay at the Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, featuring an incredible rooftop pool and convenient access to the best of the city center.

Tip from the author: When visiting LA during the soccer tournament, consider basing yourself in more relaxed coastal neighborhoods like Santa Monica or Venice. Both offer easy access to the Metro E Line, which connects to SoFi Stadium via the C Line.

Venice, Los Angeles, California — Rent bikes with the crew, race the boardwalk past street performers and challenge strangers to a volleyball match, because a day at Venice Beach is exactly the kind of unplanned chaos that makes a friends trip legendary.

San Francisco Bay Area — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

Most fans seeing a match at Levi’s Stadium will stay nearby in Santa Clara or San Jose. While it makes sense for stadium proximity, extending your trip by a few days and renting a car lets you drive to the heart of San Francisco itself and beyond.

San Francisco (1-hour drive): There’s so much to see in San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the historic cable cars and the former prison on Alcatraz Island. If you can, try to stick around for three to five days to soak in the iconic sights and landmarks at a relaxed pace.
Napa Valley (1-hour 50-minute drive): With over 400 wineries, Michelin-starred dining and incredible rolling hills, Napa Valley is the perfect weekend getaway from Santa Clara. For premium spa services and a relaxing stay in the region, don’t miss Solage Resort in Calistoga or Indian Springs Resort & Spa.

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California — Dare the group to a night tour of Alcatraz, walk the cellblocks after dark with a guide and find out who amongst the crew gets properly spooked inside America’s most infamous prison.

Seattle — Lumen Field

Located just outside downtown Seattle, Lumen Field is a conveniently located host city venue. But if you’re looking to experience more of the Pacific Northwest, renting a car in Seattle is your best bet.

With your own car, you’ll be able to zip between Seattle’s best sights, including the Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and even the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Booking accommodation in Capitol Hill, South Lake Union or Belltown will give you a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife, must-see attractions and incredible dining options.

Plus, renting a car means you’ll be able to see some of the best spots in the state, including:

The Olympic Peninsula (3-hour drive and ferry crossing): This might just be one of the most beautiful spots in the Pacific Northwest. Think: lush rainforests, wild Pacific coastline, and the spectacular Olympic Mountain peaks. The drive up to Hurricane Ridge (open throughout summer) is said to be one of the most scenic driving routes in the area, too.
Mount Rainier (2-hour drive): Head to Mount Rainier National Park and brace yourself for one of North America’s most memorable peaks. The park is best visited during July when the summer wildflowers are in full bloom.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington — Mount Rainier National Park’s Fremont Lookout Trail is the kind of hike you challenge each other to and the Cascades stretching out from the summit are the kind of view that makes the whole climb worth every competitive step.

Philadelphia — Lincoln Financial Field

Planning to see multiple group stage games? If you’ve snagged tickets to a fixture in Philadelphia, you’re in luck: this US host city is within driving distance of several other tournament venues, including New York/New Jersey and Boston.

Philadelphia itself is a hidden gem, home to everything from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky steps, to the Reading Terminal Market and a burgeoning food scene worth sampling. Staying for at least two to three days is a smart move to explore this underrated city.

Plus, renting a car in Philadelphia unlocks several easy weekend getaways, including:

The broader Northeast (1.5 to 2-hour drive): Hit the road and head north to New York or south to Washington DC. The Northeast of America is brimming with historic cities, natural wonders and must-see summer getaways like Cape Cod.
Pocono Mountains (2-hour drive): Known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, this is a must-see spot for nature lovers. Tee off at one of 30 golf courses, explore sparkling waterfalls, and hit the hiking trails of this popular recreation spot.

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Philadelphia Museum of Art was born out of the 1876 World’s Fair and now holds over 240,000 objects spanning 4,000 years, making it one of those rare places where every single gallery reframes how much history one building can hold.

Miami — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

If you’re attending one of the seven games hosted in Miami during the 2026 tournament, make sure to extend your stay for a long weekend. In Miami alone, you’ll be treated to the Wynwood Walls art district, the stunning coastline at South Beach and vibrant neighborhoods such as Little Havana.

With your own rental car in Miami, you’ll be ready to explore the best of Florida for a weekend getaway to:

The Keys (90-minute drive): Take the US-1 south from Miami to experience one of the great US road trips to The Keys. This string of islands is connected by a combination of bridges and causeways, running for over 120 miles down to Key West (a renowned spot known for incredible snorkeling, diving and fresh seafood).
The Everglades (54-minute drive): After less than an hour on the road you’ll reach the largest subtropical wilderness in the US, the “River of Glass”. Spot awe-inspiring wildlife, kayak through mangrove tunnels or cycle along the Shark Valley loop.

Tip from the author: Consider staying in Fort Lauderdale during the soccer tournament. It’s just a 30-minute drive north and is predicted to offer much better accommodation prices than Miami Beach or hotels closer to the stadium.

Everglades National Park, Florida — Everglades National Park is Florida’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and less than an hour from Miami, point your lens at the Anhinga Trail wildlife, hop in a kayak through the mangroves and let the largest subtropical wilderness in the US do the rest.

Kansas City — GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Home to six high-stakes matches, one of the largest stadiums in the tournament and a convenient transport system running throughout the event, there’s plenty of reason to see a game in Kansas City. Throughout the city, you’ll find some of the best BBQ in the country, bustling food and entertainment at the Power and Light District (a handy spot to stay during your visit) as well as the National WWI Museum and Memorial (which also serves as the Fan Festival venue in Kansas City).

Best of all, this is the perfect springboard for an epic weekend getaway to nearby destinations such as:

The Ozarks (4-hour drive): Sprawling across Missouri and Arkansas, these mountains offer looping roads, rewarding hiking trails and dramatic rock formations. Don’t miss a trip to Table Rock Lake or the White River, both popular summer vacation spots.
Lawrence, Kansas (1-hour drive): This vibrant college town sits on the banks of the Kansas River. Expect the perfect mix of delicious food, boutique shopping and culture; a visit to the Museum of Natural History at the University of Kansas is a must.

University of Kansas Natural History Museum, Lawrence, Kansas — University of Kansas Natural History Museum’s star exhibit, the Panorama of North American Wildlife, first wowed crowds at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and is still one of the most remarkable displays you will walk past on a Kansas City detour.

Boston — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

While Gillette Stadium has been dubbed as Boston Stadium during the soccer tournament, the venue actually sits more than a 30-minute drive outside of downtown Boston. But renting a car and exploring Boston for the weekend during your visit is a must. Not only is this one of America’s most historic cities (home to the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall and Museum of Fine Arts), but it boasts some of the best seafood in the US.

Before or after a Foxborough match, it’s worth taking a trip to explore:

Providence and Newport (~1-hour drive): Providence is a charming, underrated city (and a notably cheaper base for Gillette Stadium matches). Plus Newport, another 30 minutes further, is famous for its Gilded Age mansions and is one of the great American coastal experiences.
Cape Cod and the Islands (~2-hour drive): In summer, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket are classic New England escapes. Expect sandy beaches, lobster rolls, and a slower pace that provides a perfect counterpoint to match-day energy.

Weekend getaways near US soccer tournament host cities. In photo: Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts — Freedom Trail has been guiding history lovers through 250 years of American Revolution stories since 1951, so follow the red brick line, find the commemorative markers, and let Boston hand you its most important chapter one cobblestone at a time.

Tips for booking and getting around during the 2026 tournament

Ready to soak in the match day atmosphere? Here are a few handy tips to get you sorted ahead of your getaway during the world’s largest soccer tournament:

Book accommodations early: Host city hotel rates for match weekends are already significantly elevated and accommodation options are thinning. If you have tickets, book your stay now; refundable options give you flexibility if plans change.
Consider secondary cities: For almost every host city, there’s a nearby alternative that offers better value and easy access to the stadium (Fort Worth for Dallas, Providence for Boston, Fort Lauderdale for Miami, San Jose for San Francisco).
Factor in the heat: Most US host city matches fall in June and July, and cities like Houston, Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta will be hot and humid. Plan outdoor activities for mornings, carry water, and appreciate air-conditioned stadiums and museums in the midday heat.
Use fan zones even without tickets: Most host cities run an official Fan Festival with free entry. If you don’t have tickets to a specific match, the fan zone is a good, cost-effective alternative.

Frequently asked questions about nearby weekend getaways

Which host city is the best for a weekend getaway?

The best host city to visit during the soccer tournament really depends on what kind of weekend getaway you’re seeking. Seattle, Miami and San Francisco offer a striking combination of bustling city experiences and accessible day trips. New York wins for a sheer number of things to do, while Miami is the best option for a combination of beach and nightlife options. And if you’re an avid road tripper, head south to Dallas or Houston to hit the road.

Do I need a car to get around tournament host cities?

Each US host city has a different layout, but renting a car means you’ll have more freedom and flexibility to roam at your own pace. Seattle, Philadelphia, and Atlanta have strong public transit that covers the stadium and much of the city. Dallas and Kansas City are car-dependent for anything beyond the stadium shuttle. For any city where you want to explore beyond the city center (wine country, beaches, mountains, national parks) a car is essential. Browse Turo for available vehicles in your host city.

Should I stay in the host city or nearby?

Typically, staying in a nearby city (rather than the host city) is a more affordable option during the tournament. Securing accommodations in Fort Worth (rather than Dallas) Fort Lauderdale (not Miami) can help you secure better value and easy stadium access.

When should I book accommodations for the iconic event?

If you have gameday tickets, book now. Host city hotel inventory is already thinning and rates for match weekends are high. Refundable bookings give you flexibility; non-refundable rates are cheaper but commit you to your plan.

Explore the world’s largest soccer tournament and beyond with Turo

The 2026 tournament is a perfect excuse to venture further out and see the best of America. With 11 host cities spread across the country, every match ticket is a passport to a different corner of the US. Whether you’re cheering from the stands in Seattle or soaking up the atmosphere at a Fan Festival in Kansas City, the cities and regions surrounding each venue are every bit as worth exploring as the tournament itself.

Ready to make the most of your soccer-focused trip? Browse cars on Turo in your host city and hit the road. From wine country drives in Napa to beach runs along the Florida Keys and mountain roads through the Appalachians, the right car unlocks experiences that rideshares and public transportation simply can’t reach.

Honda CR-V Hybrid rental in United States on Turo — Honda CR-V Hybrid’s fuel efficiency and smooth drive make long trips easy from Seattle to Mount Rainier and the Olympic Peninsula, find yours on Turo and hit the road.

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Lucinda Starr

Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America, Europe and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.

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