It may seem like Paris just packed up its podiums yesterday, but the 2024 Summer Games are long gone and the 2028 Olympics are ready to go for gold. In less than two years, sun-soaked Los Angeles will welcome thousands of elite athletes and millions of spectators, becoming the first United States city to host the Summer Olympics three times.
Destination & Travel Theme
Destination: Los Angeles, California, United States (with events also in Oklahoma City)
Travel Theme: Sports Travel, International Major Event, California Vacation
Recommended Duration: 1-2 weeks depending on which events you want to see
Event Dates:
- Olympics: July 14 – July 30, 2028
- Paralympics: August 15 – August 27, 2028
Key Venue Information
The 2028 LA Olympics will showcase over 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports across 80+ venues in the Los Angeles area and Oklahoma City:
- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: Opening ceremony and track & field (first venue to host three Summer Olympics opening ceremonies)
- SoFi Stadium: Swimming competitions – largest venue in Olympic history
- Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area: Skateboarding, BMX freestyling
- Crypto.com Arena (Downtown LA): Gymnastics
- Long Beach: Sailing and rowing
- Trestles Beach (San Clemente): Surfing
- Oklahoma City: Softball and canoe slalom (sustainability initiative using existing venues)
Ticket Information
- Registration opened January 14, 2026, closes March 18, 2026
- Random selection lottery: After registration closes, organizers randomly select applicants for purchasing windows
- Not selected? You get automatically registered for future ticket lotteries
- Ticket prices start at $28, with one-third of all 14 million tickets priced under $100
- Secondary ticketing: If you don't get selected in the initial draw, check AXS and Eventim (official resale platforms)
- Expect popular events to sell out quickly – register early!
Arrival & Transportation
Flying In
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Primary international gateway – expect big crowds during Olympics
- Alternative airports: Consider smaller regional airports to avoid crowds:
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Getting Around LA
- LA is infamous for traffic congestion – driving may be the slowest option during the Olympics
- Plan to use:
- Public transit
- Rideshares
- Official Olympic shuttle services between venues and accommodation
- Union Station is LA's major Amtrak hub connecting to San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, and beyond
- If you're going to Oklahoma City: fly into Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
Visa Requirements
Same as for any trip to the United States:
- Your passport must be valid for six months after you plan to leave the US – for the July 2028 closing ceremony, your passport shouldn't expire before January 2029
- Visa Waiver Program citizens: apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure
- All other visitors: apply for a tourist visa at a US consulate well in advance – application fees are high and interview wait times can be months long
- Canadian citizens don't need a visa or ESTA for stays under 90 days
- Mexican citizens need either a tourist visa or Border Crossing Card if arriving by land or sea
Accommodation Tips
- LA is sprawling – research travel times between your hotel and the venues you want to attend
- Opening ceremony at LA Memorial Coliseum: Look for hotels in Downtown LA
- SoFi Stadium events: Opt for accommodations closer to Culver City/Inglewood
- Official hospitality packages: On Location (LA28's official provider) offers upscale packages including tickets, hotel, and transportation – options from $1,000 for basic packages to $10,000+ for private suites
- Start booking August 2027 for best selection – competition for the best locations will be intense by spring 2028
- Expect the average international spectator to spend around $5,000 total including airfare, lodging, and tickets
Things to Do Beyond the Olympics
While you're in Southern California, don't miss these classic LA experiences:
- Visit the Getty Center for world-class art with stunning hilltop views
- Surf or sunbathe at one of LA's famous beaches like Malibu or Santa Monica
- Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from LA to San Francisco for one of the world's great road trips
- Explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the iconic Sunset Strip
Final Planning Checklist
- Register for ticket lottery by March 18, 2026
- Check passport expiration date – renew if needed
- Apply for necessary visas well in advance
- Book accommodation 12-18 months before the games (around August 2027)
- Book flights early for better selection and prices
- Research travel times between venues and plan your transit strategy
Original article from Lonely Planet, compiled and structured for Tourants Travel Guides.
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