San Francisco Bay Area
USA
Levi's Stadium
Getting There
VTA Light Rail and Caltrain serve the area. BART connects SF to Milbrae, then Caltrain. Complex but works.
Weather & What to Pack
Warm days, cool nights. San Francisco proper is foggier. Santa Clara is sunnier.
Where to Stay
San Jose
$$$Tech hub, close to stadium
San Francisco
$$$$Iconic city, 45 min from stadium
Palo Alto
$$$$Stanford area, upscale
Santa Clara
$$Stadium location, affordable
Recommended Hotels
Hilton Santa Clara
$$$Closest full-service hotel to Levi's Stadium with stadium views and heated pool
Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
$$$High-rise with panoramic views, EVO Restaurant, and heated pool
Tetra Hotel
$$Park & PreGame package with parking, breakfast, and light rail passes to stadium
Local Soccer Culture
Insider Tips
- 1
Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara, NOT San Francisco. It's 45 min to an hour from SF. Big distinction.
- 2
If you want SF proper, stay there and take Caltrain to the game. Worth the commute for the city experience.
- 3
San Jose (SJC) airport is much closer to the stadium than SF (SFO). Consider flying into SJC.
- 4
SF is cold in summer. "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" - Mark Twain probably.
- 5
Wine country (Napa/Sonoma) is a 1-hour drive from SF. Do a day trip.
- 6
Tech bro jokes aside, SF has incredible food diversity. Mission District for Mexican, Chinatown for dim sum.
Bars & Restaurants
Maggie McGarry's
Liverpool supporters bar, proper Irish pub
Kezar Pub
SF sports institution. Gets packed for big games.
Mad Dog in the Fog
British pub, good for Premier League
La Taqueria
Best burrito in America (per 538 analysis)
Swan Oyster Depot
Counter-only oyster bar since 1912
Tartine Bakery
SF bakery institution. Morning buns are legendary.
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Oysters and bay views
Pre-Game Spots
Santana Row
1 mileOutdoor mall near stadium with restaurants and bars. Walking distance.
Downtown San Jose
5 milesEarthquakes territory. San Pedro Square has bars.
Ferry Building (SF)
45 milesIf staying in SF, enjoy the city, then Caltrain to game.
Must-Try Local Food
Mission Burrito
SF-style burrito - giant, foil-wrapped, everything inside.
Sourdough Bread
SF has been making sourdough since the Gold Rush. The tang is real.
Dim Sum
SF Chinatown is the oldest in North America. The dim sum is legit.
Cioppino
Seafood stew invented in SF by Italian fishermen.
Fan FAQs
San Francisco or San Jose?
Stadium is in Santa Clara (near San Jose). SF is 45-60 min away. Stay in SF for experience, San Jose for convenience.
How do I get to Levi's Stadium?
Caltrain from SF to Santa Clara + VTA light rail OR drive. SJC airport is closest. BART doesn't go to the stadium.
Is SF really cold in summer?
Yes! 60-65°F with fog. Bring layers. "Karl the Fog" is famous. Santa Clara (stadium area) is warmer.
Napa or Sonoma?
Napa is more famous, Sonoma is more chill. Both are 1-hour drive. Do a day trip if you have time.
Budget Tips
- Stay in Oakland - cheaper, BART to SF in 15 min
- SF Muni day pass covers buses and light rail
- Mission burritos are $10-15 and huge. Skip fancy restaurants.
- Free stuff: Golden Gate Park, Dolores Park, Chinatown walking, Baker Beach
- Ferry Building farmers market (Sat) is free to browse
Hidden Gems
- Sutro Baths ruins - remnants of old swimming complex, stunning ocean views
- Dolores Park - SF's living room. Bring a blanket and people-watch.
- The Wave Organ - sound sculpture by the bay. Weird and wonderful.
- Clement Street - Richmond District's "other Chinatown." Less touristy, great food.
Local Lingo
Local Voices
Insider tips from the fans who know San Francisco Bay Area best
The Faultline
@faultline1974San Jose Earthquakes Supporter Group
“Levi's is corporate, but the tailgate will be pure Bay Area. Find us in the lot - we're bringing the drums. Also, stay in downtown San Jose, not SF. It's 10x cheaper and way closer to the stadium.”
Brandi Chastain
@brandichastainUSWNT Legend & Bay Area Native
“The Bay Area is where American women's soccer was built. I grew up playing here. Hit up the youth soccer fields in Palo Alto on a Saturday morning - the talent pipeline is incredible.”
Mission District Miguel
@missionmiguel_sfSF Food & Soccer Creator
“The Mission District in SF goes CRAZY for Mexico matches. Hit up any bar on 24th and Valencia - La Taqueria for the super burrito, then walk to El Rio for the match. Best atmosphere outside LA.”
Emily Zhang
@emily_bayarea_soccerTech & Soccer Content Creator
“Caltrain from SF to the stadium is the move. Sit in the club car, grab a beer, enjoy the ride. Way better than fighting 101 traffic. Plus you can explore San Jose after - downtown is actually fun now.”
Matches in San Francisco Bay Area
Save Money
Stay in San Jose and save ~$40/night
Highlights
- Tech capital of the world
- Diverse food scene
- Golden Gate, Alcatraz nearby
- Wine country day trips