STAY CLOSE TO THE STADIUM: SOUTH BAY BASECAMPS
For fans looking to stay near Levi’s Stadium while enjoying a more relaxed pace between matches, the South Bay offers convenient home bases with easy access to game-day action and local flavor.
San Jose (10 miles from Santa Clara)
Only 10 minutes away from Levi’s Stadium, San Jose offers guests relaxing accommodations and a variety of activities in its busy and scenic downtown area. The Valencia Hotel provides a chic and elegant stay in a Spanish Revival setting, while Hotel De Anza combines Art Deco, plush beds and rich jazz music for a stay where history and comfort meet. For entertainment, guests can visit Santana Row for prime shopping and dining experiences, uncover architectural oddities at Winchester Mystery House, or tour PayPal Park, the home pitch for Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes.
Gilroy (30 miles from Santa Clara)
Gilroy provides an accessible and welcoming stay for World Cup™ fans. Gilroy’s Taco Trail and Ale Trail turn match days into a culinary adventure, pairing watch parties with local cuisine. Restaurants, breweries and sports-friendly venues featured on Visit Gilroy’s Sports Fan map make it easy to find where to stay, eat and catch the action—delivering a well-rounded World Cup™ experience that balances accessibility, flavor and community.
Morgan Hill (45 miles from Santa Clara)
Farther south, Morgan Hill offers a comfortable, small-town retreat. Fans can gather for games at local favorites such as Kelly Brewing Company, The Running Shop and Hops, or Parktown Pizza, known for its wall-to-wall TVs. Beyond the screen, the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Complex reflects the community’s love of the game with soccer camps, tournaments and celebrations.
HIT THE COAST: BEACHES AND REDWOODS
Northern California’s coastline is rugged, scenic and full of charming beach towns. Surf, hike or simply soak up the California sun while enjoying the region’s natural beauty.
Santa Cruz (31 miles from Santa Clara)
Combine surfing and redwoods in the iconic beach town of Santa Cruz. Watch experts ride the waves at Steamer Lane, explore the small Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Hike among towering trees at Big Basin, Henry Cowell or Forest of Nisene Marks. Stay near the beach at the new La Bahia Santa Cruz or at the Dream Inn, and enjoy dinner at Shadowbrook in Capitola.
Half Moon Bay & Pacifica (38 miles from Santa Clara)
Drive along the iconic Highway 1 to reach the charming coastal towns of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. Walk along sandy beaches, explore bluff-top trails or sample fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. These towns offer a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, with opportunities for surfing, tidepooling and unparalleled sunset photography along the rugged Northern California coast.
WINE COUNTRY ESCAPES: SIP AND UNWIND
No Northern California trip is complete without exploring the famed wine regions. From boutique tasting rooms to world-famous estates, wine country combines stunning scenery with unforgettable culinary experiences.
Sonoma County (90 miles from Santa Clara)
Visit towns like Petaluma, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa or Healdsburg. Taste your way through wineries offering Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and more. Families can visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, dedicated to the creator of Peanuts, while foodies can sample farm-to-table dishes at local favorites such as SingleThread and Valette in Healdsburg, Farmhouse Inn Restaurant in Forestville or Backyard in Santa Rosa. Stay in boutique hotels like Boon, glamp at River Electric or opt for a family-friendly option like the Flamingo Resort.
Napa Valley (90 miles from Santa Clara)
Explore Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville and Napa. Highlights include Castello di Amaroso, a medieval-style castle winery complete with a moat and tasting rooms, and a scenic ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. Indulge in world-class cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants like The French Laundry, and enjoy boutique hotels or resort stays nestled among the vineyards.
DIVE INTO HISTORY: SACRAMENTO & GOLD COUNTRY
Northern California’s cities and historic towns offer rich cultural experiences alongside modern amenities.
Sacramento (120 miles from Santa Clara)
Sacramento, California’s state capital, blends Gold Rush history with contemporary farm-to-fork cuisine. Explore the Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento’s wooden sidewalks and historic storefronts or the California State Railroad Museum. Sip craft beer, enjoy local coffee and dine at standout restaurants in downtown Sacramento.
Gold Country (150-180 miles from Santa Clara)
Step back to the Gold Rush era at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, where gold was first discovered in 1848, or Columbia State Historic Park, a preserved town with costumed locals and historic buildings. Nearby Nevada City charms visitors with its Victorian architecture, vibrant arts scene and walkable downtown, while Auburn, set along the American River, offers rich Gold Rush history, outdoor recreation and a lively Old Town district. These destinations provide an authentic glimpse into California’s past, paired with modern lodging, dining and amenities.
NATURE AND ADVENTURE: YOSEMITE AND LAKE TAHOE
For outdoor enthusiasts, Northern California offers epic landscapes, hiking, climbing and alpine lakes.
Yosemite National Park (160 miles from Santa Clara)
Experience the majesty of Yosemite with glacially sculpted granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant sequoias. Watch climbers scale El Capitan, hike among 500 sequoias in Mariposa, Tuolumne and Merced Groves, or join the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour for a narrated overview of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall. Gateway towns provide lodging, dining and easy access to park entrances.
Lake Tahoe (230 miles from Santa Clara)
Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake, offers outdoor adventure for all seasons. Hike stretches of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, kayak or paddleboard on the crystal-clear waters, or relax on sandy shores like Kings Beach and Emerald Bay Beach. Adventure seekers can try assisted climbing on Tahoe Via Ferrata above Olympic Valley. Stay in lively South Lake Tahoe or smaller towns such as Tahoe City and Truckee to maximize both water and mountain activities, while also enjoying local dining and craft beer.