A Soccer Fan’s Weekend on the California Coast: A 3-Day Itinerary at Viceroy Santa Monica
Travel
A Weekend at Viceroy Santa Monica at a Glance
- Location: Santa Monica, California
- Perfect for: Active escapes, architecture and design aficionados, major league sport fans, anyone who wants to find themselves at the intersection of art, culture, and laid-back California lifestyle.
- On-property highlights: Sugar Palm Santa Monica, beach yoga, in-room spa services, two on-site pools and six open-air cabanas, immersive classes and workshops, and original artworks that reflect the creative soul of the locale
- Nearby: Venice Canals, the iconic Muscle Beach, the Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Los Angeles Stadium, the Santa Monica Pier, hiking and nature trails, seemingly endless stretches of soft sandy beaches, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and Rodeo Drive.
Santa Monica is quintessential California—where sand, sun, and infinite blue horizons exist alongside vibrant culture, avant-garde art, and a devotion to well-being. For the discerning traveler seeking to pair the high-octane thrill of a soccer match with the laid-back rhythm of Southern California, Viceroy Santa Monica offers an effortless, unexpected sanctuary away from the frenetic energy of the crowds.
Set just steps from the Pacific Ocean, this sophisticated retreat is designed for those who crave community but also seek tranquility. Whether you are arriving from across the globe or across the country, this weekend itinerary is curated to balance the passion of the pitch with the restorative power of the coast.
Day One: Embracing the Coastal Rhythms
Arrival
From the moment you step out of your car, it becomes clear that this is a place deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings.
Toast to the weekend with a welcoming glass of chilled bubbly, letting the anticipation of what’s to come build as you settle into a spacious, sun-drenched room. Take in the expansive views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and feel an undeniable sense of ease wash over you. The abundant light, richly layered natural elements, calming blues, and sunny yellows invoke a sense of laid-back luxury and set the tone for the days ahead.
Evening
Spend an unhurried first evening under the bright blue skies at Sugar Palm, where the eclectic décor, social atmosphere, indoor/outdoor seating, and creative cocktail menu provide an authentic Southern California welcome. You might try an In Full Bloom or Flor de Reposado—each beautifully highlights the region's bright citrus and floral flavors. Prefer something zero-proof? The Pineapple Jalapeño Norita offers a rich complexity of flavor, plus a little extra kick.
As the sunset starts to light up the sky in vibrant hues of yellow and orange, move to a seat at the wraparound bar where your evening unfolds alongside buzzing conversations and an extensive drink menu. When you’re ready to eat, the menu is locally-inspired and made for sharing; a freshly made Margherita Girl pizza from Pizza Girl® is the perfect balance of simple ingredients and traditional preparation.
Day Two: Discover the Sights, Sounds, and Flavors of SoCal
Morning
The best way to explore the coastline is on two wheels, so pick up one of the complimentary bicycles available for guests and take a short ride north along the winding boardwalk toward the legendary Santa Monica Pier. Soccer fans should pencil in a stop at the Pitchside Club for game-day activations, special appearances, and exclusive merchandise.
As the morning progresses, trade the boardwalk for the Pacific Ocean. You can embrace the iconic Southern California lifestyle and paddle out with the local experts at Coyote Surf & Skateboarding School, who will have you popping up safely and feeling the stoke in no time. Not feeling so adventurous? Claim a spot on the warm sand and watch the seasoned locals ride the swells. The rhythmic crashing of the waves provides a moment of serene contemplation before your onward journey.
Continue your ride toward the eclectic, bohemian enclave of Venice. Lunch awaits at Gjusta, an artisanal bakery, grocer, and deli that captures the authentic, vibrant flavor of the region. Freshly baked breads, made-to-order sandwiches and bagels, and local produce make the perfect meal to refuel after a busy morning and immerse yourself in the local culinary scene.
Afternoon
Spend the early afternoon exploring the design-forward boutiques Burro and Huset alongside independent galleries like El Canto or Art Unified along Abbot Kinney Boulevard or the head to the refined, tree-lined storefronts of Montana Avenue to browse at Brentwood General Store, Curated Los Angeles, or Hummingbird. For the ultimate luxury shopping experience, the palm trees and global fashion houses of Chanel, Hermas, and Loro Piana on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills are a short journey away.
Before heading back to the hotel, dive straight into the heart of the international soccer tournament's fan culture at the Venice Beach Fan Zone experience. Venice’s famous boardwalk is a bohemian melting pot, and the addition of the Fan Zone will elevate the atmosphere even more with interactive exhibits and live music.
Return to the serene sanctuary of Viceroy Santa Monica for a restorative late-afternoon swim. For those closely following the afternoon matches, reserve a private cabana for an exclusive watch-party experience. Enjoy uninterrupted views of every minute of play on a private screen, complemented by poolside cocktails and freshly crafted bites delivered right to your lounge chair.
Evening
Contrast the excitement and activity of the day with a slower-paced evening to really immerse yourself in the yin and yang of California living. Indulge in a private, in-room massage experience by Soothe. Expert therapists and custom treatments will melt away the tension of the day, restoring your body and mind in the complete privacy of your room.
For dinner, SELINE offers a dining experience that is carefully curated to foster connection from start to finish. Specializing in incredibly fresh, sustainable, local ingredients, the tasting menu dinner here is an exploration of Southern California’s culinary bounty, beautifully presented and expertly paired with fine wines.
It’s finally time to make your way to the state-of-the-art Los Angeles Stadium to witness the magic live on the pitch. The roar of the crowd, the brilliant green of the grass under the floodlights, and the remarkable skill of the world's best players create a spectacle that is unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated excitement, shared with tens of thousands of fellow enthusiasts from around the globe.
Day Three: Capture a Last Moment of Shoreside Serenity
Morning
After the intense emotions and late-night celebrations of match day, allow yourself a slower start. Begin the day with a complimentary yoga session hosted by Beach Yoga SoCal followed by one last swim in the pool.
Afternoon
Spend the rest of the day immersing yourself in the region's deep cultural history. A short drive up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway leads to the spectacular Getty Villa. Modeled after a first-century Roman country house, you’ll find an extraordinary collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities housed here. Wander through the meticulously manicured gardens, admire the intricate architecture, and take in panoramic coastal vistas from the museum's elevated vantage point.
If the call of the ocean is too strong to resist on your final day, spread out on a stretch of pristine sand for a few hours. With the sand beneath your feet and the rhythmic sound of the waves, you’ll be able to find a moment of tranquility as the Pacific stretches endlessly before you. Spend the last hours of your weekend reflecting on the matches, the meals, and the moments of quiet.
At Viceroy Santa Monica, each visit is always unique, yet consistently rooted in effortless elegance and deep connection. Whether cheering from the electric stands of Los Angeles Stadium, toasting to a victory from a private poolside cabana, or finding inner peace during a morning yoga session on the beach, this is where the palpable excitement of a global soccer tournament meets the timeless ebb and flow of the California coast.
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