California Holidays: Guide to the LA 2028 Olympic Games

If there’s ever a reason to visit California, this is it. Forty-four years after Los Angeles last hosted the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the City of Angels will get another chance to showcase the biggest sporting event in the world in 2028. 

It might be a couple of years away, but now is the ideal time to start planning a glorious California adventure. Ticket registration opened in January 2026 and runs until 18th March 2026. If you’re successful, tickets can be purchased from 9th April from as little as $28. With 36 individual sports, 51 disciplines, 2 showstopping opening and closing ceremonies, and a record-breaking 350+ medal events, this is set to be the greatest Olympics yet!

Where will the 2028 Summer Olympics take place? 

The Games will be spread across more than 40 venues in and around Los Angeles and Southern California, plus a few events in Oklahoma City, which already boasts amazing, purpose-built facilities that are perfect for high-level competitions. In addition, the football tournament will be hosted in various other US cities including Columbus, Ohio, New York City, New York, Nashville, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri.

The Greater Los Angeles region has been divided into several ‘Zones’ that will host different sports. The Port of Los Angeles Zone will host the sailing events, the DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles) Zone will host events such as boxing, wheelchair basketball, and artistic gymnastics at the multi-purpose DTLA Arena, and the LA Memorial Coliseum in the Exposition Park Zone will be the home of the athletics events. Other Zones featured include Venice, Carson, Inglewood, Pasadena, Long Beach, and Anaheim - quick trip to Disneyland, anyone? 

Must-see Events 

From the zen-like calm of the rhythmic gymnastics to the fast-paced action of the track and field races, every Olympic event will have you absorbed and entertained from start to finish. Our colleague Lisa attended the Games in Athens in 2004 and managed to snap up tickets to watch archery, fencing, and the 100m, 200m, and 400m relay heats. She still talks about the electric atmosphere, the roar of the crowd, the passionate fans, and the carnival-like energy that filled every venue! 
 
Classic Summer Games events not to miss include swimming, athletics, gymnastics, cycling, triathlon, tennis and beach volleyball. While there are many rising stars in the sporting world yet to be discovered, we can also hope to see US icons like Simone Biles in the artistic gymnastics and Sha’Carri Richardson on the track, as well as Team GB’s star swimmer Adam Peaty, Spain’s tennis marvel Carlos Alcaraz, and Canada’s multiple gold medal-winning swimming sensation, Summer McIntosh. 

Set your watches for ‘Super Saturday’ on 29th July 2028, which is due to be a jam-packed feast of 26 finals events across 23 sports including basketball, equestrian jumping, beach volleyball, and swimming - one of the busiest and most exciting days in Olympic history! 

Where to Stay 

Where you book your accommodation will largely depend on which events you hope to attend and what else you want to see and do while you’re in Los Angeles. Downtown LA is the central hub in the city with excellent public transportation systems including the Metro, which will take you to several Olympic Games venues. This energetic base is perfect for city sightseeing, high-end shopping, vibrant nightlife, and dining out – helping you make the most of your time in Los Angeles.  

For the coastal events, beach volleyball and skateboarding, Santa Monica will be a gorgeous place to stay for a few days, not least for its classic beachy California vibes, as well as good Metro connections, shopping and dining. Inglewood is less tourist-packed and home to the illustrious SoFi Stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies will be taking place, while Pasadena is a more affordable, quieter option with access to the Metro (L) Gold Line and good connections to popular areas of the city. 

Travel Tips 

• Book your accommodation and flights 12-18 months in advance as hotels and seats will fill up fast, especially when there’s an exceptional international event taking place 
• Choose your base wisely based on sporting events you wish to see or iconic LA landmarks and attractions that are on your bucket list, such as the Griffith Observatory, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Santa Monica Pier 
• Make the most of public transport including the efficient Metro system and dedicated shuttle services because driving in LA is chaotic at the best of times! 
• Prepare for the weather as LA is notoriously stuffy in the summer months, with soaring temperatures and hot and dry conditions. Peak temperatures last from 1st July to 30th September, with an average daily high of above 27 °C. The hottest month of the year in Los Angeles is August, with an average high of 29 °C and a low of 19 °C. So pack lightweight clothing and stay hydrated! 

FAQs 

When is the opening ceremony? 

The Games kick off at the SoFi Stadium on Friday 14th July 2028 where the much-anticipated opening ceremony will showcase cultural performances, a parade of nations, and an awesome firework display. 

When is the closing ceremony? 

Concluding the Olympic Games 2028 is a huge celebration of all the athletes and their achievements, which will be held again at the SoFi Stadium on Sunday 13th August 2028. This event also marks the handing over of the official Olympic Flame to Paris, the host city for the 2032 Games. 

Do I need car hire? 

Los Angeles is a large city that is very often heavy with traffic but has reliable and inexpensive public transportation, so hiring a car may not be essential until you need to drive further out to other areas of California. If you’re planning a multi-centre trip, consider booking your car hire on the day you leave LA so you can continue your journey in style and comfort. 

What travel documents will I need? 

As it currently stands, UK citizens will need a valid biometric passport to enter the USA as well as an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) under the U.S Visa Waiver Program if the trip doesn’t exceed 90 days. 

How do I register for tickets? 

Firstly, you'll need to register for the LA28 Ticket Draw, which opened on 14th January 2026 and closes on 18th March 2026. The organisers will then randomly select candidates for a designated sales window. Sales for visiting fans begin mid-April; if you aren’t selected, you'll automatically be registered for future ticket pools. Keep checking LA28's website for subsequent ticket drops and act fast because popular events are expected to sell out. 

Don't be disheartened if you’re not selected for a ticket drop. At previous Olympic Games, millions of tickets often remain unsold even a few days before the opening ceremony. 

Discover our latest Los Angeles holiday deals and start planning your California escape today.