Best Ways to Experience the World Cup in the San Francisco Bay Area

As California continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, California Now host Josh Meyers heads to San Francisco to explore the energy, innovation, and community shaping this iconic World Cup host region.The journey begins at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where Meyers meets Stephanie Rogers, executive vice president of marketing for the San Francisco 49ers. From a rooftop garden overlooking the field, Rogers shares what fans can expect when the World Cup comes to town, highlighting the stadium’s cutting-edge technology and fan-first design. The two also take a walk through the 49ers Museum before diving into Rogers’ top recommendations for where to eat, explore, and experience the best of Santa Clara.Next, Meyers makes his way to McTeague’s Saloon in Lower Nob Hill to meet Zach Holman, president of the San Francisco chapter of American Outlaws, along with Vice President Jackie Choi. Inside the lively neighborhood bar, they break down what the grassroots soccer fan organization is all about and what makes watching a match with fellow fans so electric. The conversation covers the excitement building around the World Cup, how nonmembers can join in the fun, and their favorite local spots across San Francisco and beyond.The episode wraps in the historic Castro District at Rikki’s, where Meyers sits down with co-owners Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich. As the first women-centric sports bar, Rikki’s offers a welcoming, inclusive space for fans of all kinds. Thoe and Yergovich share the story behind the bar, why the Castro was the perfect home, and what makes the game-day experience there so special—right down to their favorite cocktails. The episode closes with Meyers joining fans to watch a U.S. Women’s National Team match.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers goes on location to experience the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles through the players, venues, and innovators shaping the city’s global soccer moment.The journey begins at Dignity Health Sports Park, home of the LA Galaxy, where Meyers meets soccer legend Cobi Jones. A three-time World Cup player, Jones reflects on the evolution of Major League Soccer, his most memorable moments on the global stage, and why Los Angeles has become a premier soccer city. The two continue their conversation on a walk through the stadium, where Jones shares plans for his upcoming statue and surprises Meyers with a jersey.Next, Meyers heads to SoFi Stadium to meet Tony Vroman, senior director of facility and campus operations strategy. At one of the world’s most technologically advanced stadiums, Vroman offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to host an event of this scale—from game-day experience to soccer tournament preparation—while the two step out onto the field.From there, Meyers visits the Bootsy Bellows Suite to catch up with Max Bretos, the voice of the Los Angeles Football Club. Bretos shares what makes attending an LAFC match is so electric, breaks down how the matches work, and highlights the city’s global appeal as a sports and entertainment capital.The episode concludes at Cosm on the Hollywood Park campus, where Meyers sits with Corey Breton, head of venues. Breton showcases Cosm’s immersive viewing experience and explains why it’s an exciting, accessible way for fans to experience soccer in L.A., complete with cutting-edge visuals, amazing food, and a buzzing atmosphere.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores a piece of coastal paradise on Catalina Island with Derrik Lang, senior features editor for the Auto Club of Southern California’s Westways magazine.Lang shares expert tips on how to get to Catalina Island via the Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer. The two explore must-see attractions like the iconic Catalina Casino—home to a rooftop ballroom, mini golf course, and roller skating rink—and dive into top things to do on Catalina Island, including snorkeling, scuba diving, ziplining, and horseback riding. Derrik also highlights cultural spots like the Catalina Museum for Art and History and local favorites like the famous Buffalo Milk drink, as well as his recommendations for the best restaurants and under-the-radar gems in Avalon.

On this special on-location episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers heads to the Eastern Sierra for a winter adventure at Mammoth Mountain—exploring the stories, landscapes, and personalities that make Mammoth one of California’s most iconic alpine destinations.The episode begins with a scenic gondola ride to the summit and the Eleven53 Interpretive Center, where Meyers meets the mountain’s VP Senior Advisor, Clifford Mann. With sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, Mann shares the fascinating geological and cultural history of the mountain. He also reflects on how the mountain, and the surrounding community have evolved into the place skiers and snowboarders love today.Next, Meyers clicks into his skis and heads out on the slopes with Mann for a guided run. Along the way, the two talk about Mann’s favorite runs and what makes skiing at Mammoth Mountain so unique for seasoned and beginner riders alike. The two finish the day at The Yodler Restaurant & Bar for a well-deserved lunch and some local history. Later, Meyers meets up with Woolly the Mammoth, the beloved mascot of Mammoth Mountain for some fast and furious tubing.On day two, Meyers trades downhill skis for cross-country gear at the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, where he joins professional runner Olivia Amber for a lesson in Nordic skiing. Amber explains how cross-country differs from downhill, walks Meyers through the basics of technique, and shares why Tamarack’s quiet forested trails offer one of the most scenic winter experiences in the Eastern Sierra.The adventure concludes with a journey into the region’s dramatic natural landscape at Convict Lake. There, Meyers meets Michelle Kelly, the Education and Events Manager with Sierra Forever and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association. Kelly explains the powerful volcanic forces that shaped the Eastern Sierra and the importance of protecting these remarkable environments. She also shares the Wild West story behind how Convict Lake got its name and how to enjoy the lake in winter and summer.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers sits down with two accessible travel advocates to explore the unparalleled experiences California offers for alltravelers—including those with mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, non-visible disabilities, and more.First up, Josh chats with Abbey Romeo, star of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum and autismawareness advocate, and Mary Romeo, Abbey’s cousin and travel companion. Abbey sharesfavorite experiences at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, saying, “I’ve tried thebutter beer—it’s a healthy alternative to ice cream.” Mary also applauds destinations thatprioritize inclusion. “[Disneyland’s] staff there are so well trained… they’re always willing to help and are super accommodating,” says Mary.The two also discuss Abbey’s love of California waterparks like Raging Waters and Soak City.“There’s a slide called Blacksnake Summit—it’s pitch black inside, and you can’t see anything!” Abbey recalls. She also reflects on performing with Kristen Bell and what Autism Awareness Month means to her.Next, Josh talks with Cory Lee, author of Curb Free with Cory Lee and founder of the Curb Free Foundation. Lee, who has traveled to 50 countries and all seven continents in a motorized wheelchair, shares how careful planning and optimism help him navigate travel challenges. He highlights California destinations like Yosemite, Disneyland, Long Beach, and Sonoma, praising accessible lodging, trails, and transportation. “Yosemite blew me away—it’s truly awe-inspiring, and the accessible trails let me feel like I could experience it fully,” Lee says.Lee also discusses his favorite California culinary experiences, standout hotel, and his nonprofit, which provides dream trip grants to wheelchair users. Finally, he imparts his best advice for destinations looking to improve their accessibility offerings.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers speaks with the woman responsible for packing the house for some of television’s biggest live shows.Meyers sits down with KC Cavarozzi, founder and fan experience expert at On Camera Audiences. Cavarozzi and Meyers reminisce about the joys and challenges of working behind the scenes at MadTV before pivoting to the dos and don’ts of being a great audience member— from bringing the right energy to avoiding all the wrong wardrobe choices.Cavarozzi shares her best advice on how to score seats to some of the hottest tickets in town, including Dancing with the Stars, Jeopardy!, and The Masked Singer. She also recounts memorable moments with Simon Cowell and breaks down what it takes to generate massive audiences for live tapings. “There’s not a job you can go to where you walk into work and there are 1,200 people clapping, cheering, getting hyped, and dancing,” she says.Along the way, catch bonus cameos from America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel, who shares what he loves most about sitting behind the judges’ desk, plus insider tips from The Price Is Right contestant producer Hannah Holub on how to “come on down.”

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers welcomes one of his oldest friends: actor, comedian, and writer Ike Barinholtz.The two look back on their early days performing together and how one unforgettable trip to Los Angeles convinced Barinholtz that California was home. “The L.A. I see every day, it's that Get Shorty, late nineties-ish L.A. I still see it through that lens, and I just fell in love with it,” he shares. Barinholtz reflects on his Emmy-nominated role in The Studio, followed by a hilarious only-in-Hollywood story straight from the show itself. He also talks about his love of trivia—from winning Celebrity Jeopardy! to teaming up with his dad to earn $1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. “It was a Scrabble question… We had two lifelines left, and one of them was ‘Ask the Host’ and Jimmy Kimmel, as it turns out, is a Scrabble freak,” Barinholtz says. A longtime Angelino, Barinholtz also shares some of his favorite things to do locally, including sunset visits to the Annenberg Beach House, hikes beneath the Hollywood Sign, and family outings to the Original Farmers’ Market. He also highlights beloved getaways like Santa Barbara, Mammoth Lakes, Solvang, and San Francisco. The episode wraps with a lively rapid-fire round.

On this special on-location episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers celebrates the 100th anniversary of America’s most legendary highway with a road trip across California’s stretch of Route 66.He kicks off the adventure in the Mojave Desert with Kyle Okura, keeper of Roy’s Motel & Café and the desert town of Amboy. Okura shares the remarkable father-son story behind preserving this Route 66 landmark—reflecting on its history, future plans for Roy’s, and why keeping travelers connected to the Mother Road still matters today. Meyers also hikes to the top of nearby Amboy Crater, one of the region’s most striking landscapes.Next, Meyers heads to Oro Grande to meet Elliot Flag, who carries on his father’s whimsical vision at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. Flag walks Meyers through the folk-art forest of colored glass and scrap-metal sculptures, telling the origin stories behind the ranch’s most memorable objects and celebrating the creativity that has made this stop beloved by Route 66 travelers.The journey continues to San Bernardino for a visit to Mitla Cafe, where Meyers sits down with co-owner Michael Montaño. Montaño shares the rich family legacy behind the restaurant his grandmother opened in 1937—a spot that famously inspired the very first Taco Bell. He discusses how the cafe came to be, his favorite menu items, and why Mitla remains an essential community gathering place along the historic highway.Finally, Meyers reaches the end of Route 66 sign at the Santa Monica Pier and takes a victory ride on the iconic Ferris wheel.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores San Mateo County, aka the San Francisco Peninsula, with two local experts.He starts off the episode chatting with Nick Calderon, director of Parks and Recreation for San Mateo County. Calderon shares recommendations for the area’s vast outdoor offerings. “You can start your morning on a remarkable run or bike ride along the bay and end your night sitting on the beach in Half Moon Bay or in the mid-coast area having some food or a drink.” From camping in San Mateo to hiking in Half Moon Bay and surfing Mavericks in Pacifica, Calderon shares some of his favorite, low-key spots for outside fun. Next up, Meyers dives into the peninsula’s food scene with SFGate food editor Jessica Yadegaran. “I would travel down Highway 1 and make my way to a cultural landmark, an institution…that is the most beautiful Taco Bell in the world.” From Pescadero to Woodside, Yadegaran plans a food lover’s three-day weekend through the peninsula, suggesting breweries, historic taverns, and one-of-a-kind eateries—plus memorable stops and excursions to enjoy between meals.  

On his debut episode of the California Now Podcast, new host Josh Meyers dives head-first into the weird and wonderful folklore that stretches across this state from the hub of spiritual tourism in Mount Shasta to UFO sightings in the Mojave Desert.  First up, Meyers chats with Zach O’Brien, founder of the digital publication Active NorCal. A Lemurian expert, O’Brien explains how Northern California’s mystical landscape inspires imagination and legend, noting that “as soon as you get into these different areas of Northern California — be it Mount Shasta, the Redwoods, or Lake Tahoe — there’s a palpable feeling, and so much can run wild in your imagination when you see these places.”The conversation then turns to one of the most enduring legends: Bigfoot. O’Brien also touches on Tahoe’s “Tessie” and where travelers can explore these myths firsthand. Next, Meyers heads south to the Mojave Desert to chat with Ken Layne, host of the radio show The Desert Oracle. Together, they break down the haunting story of Yucca Man. “Yucca Man is one name for a phenomenon that’s been experienced all over the world in wild, desolate places—eight feet tall, colorless, with glowing red eyes and a terrible roar,” Layne explains.  Layne also recounts a chilling close encounter of his own on a stretch of desert highway. “I slowed down, stopped, and those lights just sat there behind me — then backed away at impossible speed, eight miles down the grade in seconds.” The region’s otherworldly landmarks are also accounted for as Layne plots out some of more surreal spectacles tucked away behind the desert foothills, from the mysterious Giant Rock near Landers to the iconic Integratron in nearby Joshua Tree, a hand-built dome said (by some) to channel alien energy.