With nearly twice as many professional teams as any other state, California is big league all the way. The Golden State is also home to legendary and cutting-edge stadiums and fields, from San Diego’s Petco Park to the Pasadena Rose Bowl and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
But the state’s sports scene goes far beyond national league football, baseball, and basketball, with a diverse lineup of world-class showdowns throughout the year. Whether you're a fan of mainstream sports or looking for something unique, California offers a plethora of exciting events. From surfing competitions and tennis tournaments to cycling races and quirky local footraces, there's always something happening in the Golden State.
U.S. Open of Surfing
Summer
Every summer, Huntington Beach—fittingly nicknamed Surf City USA—famously hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing, the world’s largest surfing competition. This weeklong event not only showcases elite surfing but also includes BMX and skateboarding competitions, making it a must-visit for action-sports enthusiasts.
California’s Premier Golf Tournaments
AT&T Pro Am Golf Tournament
January–February
The prestigious AT&T Pro Am Golf Tournament, held each winter at Pebble Beach in Monterey County, pairs professional golfers with celebrities like Bill Murray, Jason Bateman, and Justin Timberlake, who have played in recent years. This tournament not only showcases top-tier golfing talent but also offers spectators a chance to witness their favorite stars compete on one of the world's most iconic courses.
Farmers Insurance Open
January
At the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course, golf's elite compete against the coastal backdrop of La Jolla and the Torrey Pines Nature Reserve. Held in January, this PGA Tour event is renowned for its challenging course and scenic views, making it a favorite tournament among players and fans alike.
World-Class Tennis and Pickleball
BNP Paribas Open
March
The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, near Palm Springs, is one of the premier tennis tournaments outside of the four Grand Slams. The sport's big names compete in a stunning desert setting, too: the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the second-largest outdoor tennis stadium in the world.
OWL APP Newport Beach Open
California has become a hotbed for pickleball, and the OWL APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) Newport Beach Open is a testament to the sport's growth. This event attracts top picklers, dinkers, and bangers from around the circuit, competing in various categories. Pickleball enthusiasts will love watching this high-level competition in Newport Beach, one of California’s classic beach towns.
High-Octane Racing
Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals
Throughout the year
Have a need for speed? California hosts several major motorsport events throughout the year. Sonoma Raceway boasts high-speed thrills, hosting big-time races such as the annual Ferrari Challenge North America and the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals. A local favorite, the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals draw thousands of spectators to the wine county racetrack, whose hilly road course features hairpin turns and 160 feet of total elevation change.
King of the Hammers
January–February
For thrill seekers interested in extreme off-road racing in winter conditions, King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley offers a unique blend of rock crawling and desert racing. Held in February, King of the Hammers sees more than 530 teams competing before more than 80,000 fans and is largely regarded as one of the toughest one-day, off-road races in the world.
Breeder’s Cup
November
The location rotates each year, but San Diego County’s Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and the Santa Anita Park in Los Angeles County are frequent hosts of the Breeders’ Cup, which awards the richest horse racing purse in North America. During other times of year, you can watch the horses and place your bets during the regular racing seasons at the tracks in Del Mar and Acadia.
Unique Races and Quirky Events
Kinetic Grand Championship
May
The Golden State’s sports scene includes a variety of unique, only-in-California events that showcase the free spirit and creativity of its residents. Consider the Kinetic Grand Championship in Humboldt County: Dubbed the “triathlon of the art world,” this race features wacky amphibious vehicles that combine engineering ingenuity with artistic flair. Held over Memorial Day weekend, this three-day, 50-mile race challenges participants to navigate their human-powered sculptures over land, water, mud, and sand.
Bay to Breakers
May
San Francisco's celebrated Bay to Breakers is one of the oldest and most unique footraces in the country. Typically held on the third Sunday in May, this 12k starts along the San Francisco Bay and finishes at the Great Highway along the Pacific Coast. Tens of thousands of elaborately costumed participants race along a city-slicing route past landmarks such as Golden Gate Park.
Calaveras County Fair’s Jumping Frog Jubilee
May
For the amphibian-loving sports fan (yes, they are real), the Calaveras County Fair’s Jumping Frog Jubilee celebrates Mark Twain's famous short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." This nearly 100-year-old Gold Country tradition features frog jumping competitions where participants aim to make their frogs leap as far as possible. The current jump record is held by “Rosie the Ribeter” at 21 feet and 5 3/4 inches. The cash prize for breaking the world's record is $20,000.