California is home to a huge number of challenging, scenic and internationally -renowned triathlons, which is why it’s no surprise that more than 4,000 have taken place in the past decade alone. The mix of swimming, cycling and running has been growing in popularity across the USA and it shows no signs of slowing down.

The Golden State hosts triathlon events year round at all standard distances including Sprint distance, Olympic distance, ITU Long, Half-Ironman and Full/Ironman so no matter what your level, there’s a great selection for any ability. You can choose your distance of choice across a diverse range of terrains and locations like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, meaning however you want to take on the challenge, California is the place to chase your goals!

If you’re new to Triathlons and not sure how to get started, we recommend taking a look at top beginner events like the Pasadena Triathlon. If you’re wanting something iconic, there’s Californian events with ocean swimming like the Santa Cruz triathlon or the world famous Escape From Alcatraz race.

Even if you’re a pro and looking for your first Super Sprint triathlon or a hardened triathlete looking for a Double Ironman distance event, you’ll find the most comprehensive list of Triathlons in California at findarace.

Check out our exhaustive 2026 - 2027 California Triathlon calendar list below, and use our month, distance and terrain filters to find your next challenge.