When North America hosted the World Cup, 11 US cities took center stage on the global sports map. The final whistle’s been blown, but these vibrant metropolitan areas remain top-tier travel destinations. The tournament highlighted how seamless it is to combine major sports hubs with family-friendly getaways. Looking for your next family vacation spot? Start here with our destination guides to America’s former host cities.
Highlights
- 11 US cities cemented their status on the global athletic map as World Cup host destinations.
- Perennial world-class destinations like Los Angeles, New York and Miami attracted throngs of international fans, drawn to iconic museums, Pacific and Atlantic beaches and chef-driven dining.
- Extended trip itineraries (10+ nights) remain the best way to explore these major gateway cities when paired with nearby regional road trip destinations.
Communicate for Less
This section is sponsored by Visible by Verizon, a simple, lower-cost wireless phone service that works around the world.
Travel requires a lot of planning: booking transportation, rooms, rental cars and figuring out how to keep everyone connected. Visible by Verizon works well for travelers who want flexibility at home and abroad. It works across the U.S. at a super affordable price:
- There are no surprise add-ons. The entry plan starts at $25 per month, including taxes and fees.
- There’s no contract, so you have complete flexibility while planning upcoming trips.
- It works on your 5G phone. Or you can buy a new one through Visible.
- The service is reliable. Visible runs on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE network.
- All plans include unlimited data, talk, text and hotspot. That makes it easy to stream video, share photos, navigate and stay connected on the go. The base plan includes hotspot speeds up to 5 Mbps. Upgraded plans run faster and will not slow down when the Verizon network is busy.
- Calls to Canada and Mexico from the U.S. are included even in the basic plan.
- There’s a 15-day free trial so you can see how it works before you buy, without ever handing over your credit card information.
New York/New Jersey
As the stadium that hosted the World Cup Final, MetLife Stadium holds a permanent place in global sports history. While the tournament energy was unforgettable, the New York metro region remains a perennial bucket-list destination for travel, culture and iconic sights.
If you’re coming to the New York metro area for World Cup matches, you’ll be delighted by the skyline view from the Jersey side. It can’t be beat. In the city, do all the things: go to the top of the Empire State Building, visit the Statue of Liberty, stand under the giant blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History, see a Broadway show and row a boat on the lake in Central Park. It’s all that and more.
If you have time for more, head to the Atlantic Ocean beaches in the Hamptons. Prefer shaded outdoor spaces? New York has state parks. Lots of them. Bring your hiking boots and explore the Catskills or Adirondacks.
Are you ready to explore more? Let us inspire you!
Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s role on the world stage highlighted its deep historic roots and modern culinary power. Philadelphia is ideal for history buffs, especially as America celebrates 250 years of independence. Base yourself in Philly’s Center City and explore Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market between matches. Extend the trip with an easy Jersey Shore beach add-on or a Brandywine Valley countryside escape that extends into Delaware.
Boston
Boston offered a quintessential New England experience during the games and remains a top destination for historical tours and coastal getaways. Walk the Freedom Trail and watch the Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park, America’s oldest baseball park. Then, venture beyond the city for salty-air adventures and coastal charm. Quintessential Atlantic Ocean destinations are easily accessible from Boston, including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Newport. And, if you need more lobster, Maine and Acadia National Park are a road trip away.
Houston
Houston highlighted its global diversity, vibrant food scene and classic Texas charm during the World Cup. Explore world-class museums and the city’s legendary food scene, from Tex-Mex to Gulf-fresh seafood. Lean into Houston’s Space City identity with a tour of the NASA Space Center. Then head south for breezy beach time in Galveston. If you have extra days, venture into Texas Hill Country for rolling vineyards, wildflower-lined highways and charming small towns.
Miami
Miami’s vibrant energy made it one of the most dynamic host cities, and the Magic City continues to draw visitors with its blend of international culture and oceanfront glamour.
Soak up the Florida sunshine on Miami’s South Beach and check out iconic examples of Art Deco architecture. The Wynwood murals are fun to explore and photograph. Catch the rhythm of the city in Little Havana, where the best bite is a classic Cuban breakfast. You’re not far from the vast, 1.5 million-acre Everglades, Orlando’s Walt Disney World and Universal Studios and the southernmost point in the US, Key West.
Dallas
Dallas proved to be a powerhouse host city, blending its signature ‘Cowtown’ spirit with world-class sports facilities. Visit the interactive Perot Museum of Nature and Science and catch a ride on a vintage McKinney Avenue trolley through town, a fun way to explore on wheels. You’ll find animals at the Dallas Zoo, lots of local eats at the bustling Dallas Farmers Market and art to admire in the world-class arts district.
Kansas City
Kansas City won over fans during the World Cup with its legendary barbecue, rich musical heritage and welcoming Midwest spirit.
Wander through the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and stroll through redeveloped Union Station with its kid-friendly science center. Nights are made for music in KC; you’ll find classic jazz at The Blue Room at 18th and Vine. Kansas City is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring America’s heartland, including Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore and the Badlands.
Seattle
Seattle delivered an unforgettable Pacific Northwest backdrop during the games, combining urban buzz with dramatic natural surroundings. For the most amazing 360-degree view, head to the top of the city’s Space Needle. Time your visit to the Pike Place Market correctly and you might catch a flying fish from one of the fishmongers.
The city’s zoo and rose garden are popular with families. Whale watching is an unforgettable coastal activity and the Pacific Northwest’s forests and mountains provide epic landscapes for hikers to explore. For a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, pair your World Cup match with one of the many Alaskan cruises that depart from Seattle.
San Francisco
The Bay Area showcased postcard views and California charm during the tournament, remaining a bucket-list destination for coastal road trippers. Get ready for iconic sights, from the orange span of the Golden Gate Bridge to charming cable cars zig-zagging through hills.
Bike or walk across the bridge, have chowder in a sourdough bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf and take a ferry to the infamous prison, Alcatraz Island. Don’t miss Chinatown’s vibrant streets and the historic Presidio. Yosemite National Park, the giant California redwoods and Napa’s vineyards are great side trips from the City by the Bay.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles brought classic Southern California sunshine and star power to the World Cup stage, and it continues to shine as a top family destination. LA has golden beaches, world-renowned museums and legendary film-related attractions like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Kitschy must-dos include placing your hands in your favorite actor’s prints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Watch surfers in Santa Monica (the end of Route 66, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026), explore funky Venice and luxe Beverly Hills.
Indulge in everything from tacos to upscale cuisine. Remain alert. You never know if you’ll bump into a celebrity. Popular road trips from LA include heading south to San Diego, north to California’s Central Coast and west to Palm Springs and Las Vegas.
Atlanta
Atlanta showcased its warm Southern hospitality and rich cultural heritage during the games. Home to the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta remains one of the most accessible travel hubs in the country. And it’s home to the World of Coca-Cola.
Walk in the historic footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn about the Civil Rights movement in the US. Stroll leafy neighborhoods and BeltLine trails between meals at chef-driven Southern restaurants and global food halls. Have extra time? Escape to the mountains along the Tennessee/Georgia border for waterfall hikes or check out Savannah and coastal retreats like Jekyll Island.
World Cup US Host Cities Travel Guide FAQ
Eleven US metropolitan areas hosted matches during the tournament: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Miami, Dallas, Kansas City, Seattle, San Francisco/Bay Area, Los Angeles and Atlanta.
Yes! Many of the venues, such as MetLife Stadium, NRG Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium, host major sporting events and concert tours year-round. Additionally, soccer fans can visit key national heritage sites like the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas (near Dallas).
Absolutely. Most of the host cities feature dedicated family attractions within easy reach of the main downtown areas. Examples include the Perot Museum in Dallas, science centers in Kansas City, theme parks near Los Angeles and Miami and interactive historical stops along Boston’s Freedom Trail.
Bundled attraction passes—such as CityPASS, which is available in cities like New York City, Dallas and Seattle—offer discounted entry to major landmarks, museums and observation decks.
SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.
Related Reads
