SoFi Stadium is an incredible event venue that was opened in Inglewood in late 2020. The stadium hosts the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, concerts, and other events. Sofi Stadium hosted the 2022 Superbowl and is going to be the venue of the 2022-2023 College Football Playoff National Championship as well as some matches of the 2026 World Cup and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympics.
With all these incredible events slated in the next couple of years, anyone planning their trip should include some other nearby activities as well. These are some of the best things to do near SoFi Stadium. If you are looking for accommodations in the area, check out my guide on where to stay near Sofi Stadium.
Getting Around Sofi Stadium
The area around Sofi stadium is not very walkable so I would recommend renting a car for the duration of your trip. Los Angeles is notorious for being very spread out and you’ll be much happier with your own set of wheels since it will be easier to get to all the activities and restaurants you’re interested in.
Parking for events at SoFi Stadium is all done through their lot but you may find it easier to use a rideshare app if you’re staying closer to the stadium. Public transportation is a decent option in the area but I would try to stick to only using it during the daytime and rideshare at night.
If you want to find the best place to stay near SoFi Stadium based on location, you can use this handy map:
Tour SoFi Stadium
One of the best things to do near SoFi Stadium is actually inside the stadium itself! That’s right, you can get a behind-the-scenes tour of LA’s newest (and arguably most impressive) sporting venue. The basic tour is one hour and includes a guided tour of the stadium as well as its impressive art collection. But to really step up your experience, consider the combination tour that includes a once-in-a-lifetime tunnel run as well as access to the field and locker room.
For an amazing value, you can grab the GoCity Los Angeles Explorer Pass to get you on the tour. The $49 combination tour is included on the pass, and for just $34 more you can choose another awesome activity like touring Warner Brothers Studios or going whale watching from San Pedro or Long Beach. You’ll save even more by choosing more than two activities or opting for the All-Inclusive Pass (some of those include Universal Studios).
Have a Bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Playa Del Rey neighborhood of Los Angeles and is a quick drive from the area around Sofi Stadium. The beach features over 3 miles of gorgeous shoreline, an RV park area, and is one of the few Los Angeles beaches with fire pits.
It’s always fun to get a bonfire together in one of Dockweiler’s many fire pits and enjoy the beach in that way. Bring hotdogs, smores, and be sure to arrive early to get a fire pit. The famous Marvin Braude bike trail system also runs through Dockweiler and a bike ride is another great way to experience this beautiful beach.
Sample Randy’s Donuts
Randy’s Donuts is one of the most instantly recognizable Los Angeles food landmarks. The massive donut that adorns the roof is famous and has been in all sorts of TV shows and movies that take place in Los Angeles including Waynes World and Iron Man. If you are visiting Sofi Stadium, definitely stop by and get a donut. The donuts are very delicious and theres more to the place than just the massive donut on the roof. They have a wide variety and some delicious flavors so make sure to try multiple options!
California Science Center and Natural History Museum
Located just north of Sofi Stadium, near USC, the California Science and Natural History Museum’s are two of the best museums to visit in the area. Both museums are really big with tons of fun exhibits to check out. They share a campus to its easy to walk between them. You could spend all day at these two museums and the air conditioning makes it a great way to beat the heat.
Each museum has a few notable highlights. The Natural History Museum is known for its excellent dinosaur exhibit. In the spring there’s also a wonderful butterfly enclosure (which requires timed tickets). The basement features a solid cafeteria and an inquiry-based space for kids to explore local ecology.
The California Science Center is home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is always a draw! Just outside of the main building is an IMAX theater showing a rotation of science-focused movies.
One nice bonus? The California Science Center is free to enter! You’ll just need to pay for parking (unless you take public transportation). The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is a member of the ASTC Passport program, so you can bring your membership card from a local science museum back home to gain free admission there as well.
Stroll in the Exposition Park Rose Garden
Right next to the California Science Center and Natural History Museum is the Exposition Park Rose Garden. The garden is beautiful and very well maintained which makes it a great place to go on a walk through. USC is also right across the street so after a walk in the garden, be sure to check out the campus of the Trojans and the incredible Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This area around USC has a lot of great things to do and is a fun place to spend a day during your trip to Sofi Stadium.
Explore the Kennth Hahn State Recreation Area
One of Los Angeles’ best kept secrets is the expansive Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. This 401 acre state park has over 7 miles of walking trails, a pond stocked with fish, and a beautiful Japanese garden. Bringing a picnic to the park is a great way to spend a day and enjoy the great views the park has to offer. There are tons of picnic tables and barbecue pits for groups which make it a great space to have a barbecue. If you are looking for a great outdoors space by Sofi stadium, Kenneth Hahn State Park is a perfect option.
Planning your trip to SoFi Stadium area
Looking for more things to do near SoFi Stadium? You’re just a quick jump from Downtown LA!
If you’d like an itinerary style guide to Downtown, check out this day trip guide I made here!
Trying to decide where to stay near SoFi Stadium? Check out these quick picks:
- Sonder Lum – closest hotel to SoFi Stadium
- USC Hotel – just a few miles from SoFi, and close to all the campus action
- 3 bedroom bungalow – nice residential neighborhood of Windsor Hills