Summer travel is still popular, but high costs are increasing the appeal of local outings, day trips and staycations to Southern California families.
Travel trends nationwide suggest more people are staying close to home this year due to higher oil and gas prices. Some 71 percent of Americans plan road trips for summer vacations, according to Hilton's 2026 Trends Report. Another study, by Bank of America, found consumers are responding to higher gas prices by taking fewer trips, reducing travel budgets, cutting back on accommodations, or choosing destinations closer to home.
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We've rounded up 15 events that are worth staying home for in Southern California:
Comic-Con International
- When: July 23-26
- Where: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego
- What: The pop culture convention offers celebrity panels, movie and TV previews, screenings, presentations, autograph sessions, and collectibles and merchandise.
Day Trip Festival
- When: June 27-28
- Where: Long Beach
- What: The two-day festival will feature house and techno music.
FIFA World Cup
- When: Several dates in June and July
- Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
- What: California will host a total of 14 World Cup matches at Los Angeles Stadium at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and San Francisco Bay Area Stadium at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Hard Summer Music Festival
- When: Aug. 1-2
- Where: Hollywood Park, Inglewood
- What: The two-day music festival will feature a mix of electronic dance music, techno and hip-hop music.
Into the Horizon Music Festival
- When: June 27-28
- Where: Waterfront Park, San Diego
- What: This two-day music festival will feature multiple stages and electronic music.
Lost In Dreams Festival
- When: July 11-12
- Where: Los Angeles State Historic Park, Los Angeles
- What: The electronic music festival will feature a lineup of future bass, melodic dubstep, and vocal-driven dance music.
Main Street Summer Soulstice
- When: June 20
- Where:Main Street, Santa Monica
- What: The event will feature live music, kid-friendly activities, vendors and more.
OC Fair
- When: July 17-Aug. 16
- Where: OC Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa
- What: The fair will feature headline concerts, exhibits, carnival rides and food vendors.
Ramona Country Fair
- When: July 31-Aug. 2
- Where: Ramona Outdoor Community Center, Ramona
- What: The fair will feature a cornhole competition, live music, carnival games, rides, western shows and more.
San Diego Brew Festival
- When: Aug. 8
- Where: NTC Park, San Diego
- What: The 15th annual festival will feature more than 70 breweries, 200 beers, 10 food trucks, as well as cover bands and lawn games.
San Diego County Fair
- When: June 10-July 5
- Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar
- What: The fair will feature concerts, exhibits, rides, food competitions and vendors, and a Fourth of July fireworks show.
San Diego Summer Arts, Crafts and Food Market Fest
- When: June 12-14
- Where: 2688 E Mission Bay Drive, San Diego
- What: The free festival will offer a wide variety of handmade creations, artwork and crafts from local artisans and makers.
Scoop Ice Cream Festival
- When: June 28
- Where: 30th Street and North Park Way, San Diego
- What: The eighth annual festival will bring together more than 30 local ice cream, gelato, paleta and frozen treat makers for an afternoon of sampling, family-friendly fun and giving back.
Summer Arts Fest
- When: June 13
- Where: North Promenade, Liberty Station, San Diego
- What: This one-day festival will feature in-studio workshops, live painting demonstrations, and a curated art market featuring local artists.
The Venice Fest
- When: June 20
- Where: Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, Los Angeles
- What: The one-day festival will transform the neighborhood into a multi-block open-air experience featuring multiple music stages, curated food offerings, a VIP social garden, a kids and family zone, wellness programming and more.
Are you planning an event this spring or summer? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!