49ers game help!

Question

Hi all!

We are visiting in September for the Jaguars vs 49ers game. What's the best hotel nearby? The 2 closest Hyatt Regency and Hilton Santa Clara are already booked. Looking for somewhere family friendly with restaurants in walking distance.

Is it worth renting a car? We get in late Friday night and leave Monday morning. We'd like to do some sightseeing Saturday if anything is worth seeing.

Also does anyone know about he on field access tickets through Vivid Seats? It seems they don't tell you your seat section before purchasing.

TIA!

Answer

It sounds like you’re looking forward to a great weekend in Santa Clara for the 49ers game! Since you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel with dining options nearby, and wondering about renting a car and sightseeing, I’ve got some suggestions that should help with your plans.

Hotel Recommendations:
Since the Hyatt Regency and Hilton Santa Clara are already booked, here are a few alternative family-friendly hotels nearby with dining options and easy access to Levi's Stadium:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Clara – This is a great family-friendly option, offering spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool. It’s also close to Levi’s Stadium, so you can easily get to the game. There are several restaurants in walking distance and the hotel is well-reviewed for its service and amenities.
Hotel Valencia Santana Row – A little further away (about 10-15 minutes by car), but this upscale hotel offers stylish rooms and is located in the Santana Row shopping district, which has plenty of dining options and fun things to explore. It’s a bit more of a luxury option but a nice place to unwind after the game.
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas – Located a short drive away, this hotel offers great amenities, including a pool, restaurant, and easy access to major highways for exploring. It’s another solid choice for families.

Renting a Car:
Since you’ll be in Santa Clara from Friday night to Monday morning, and you’re looking to do some sightseeing on Saturday, renting a car could be worthwhile, but it depends on how much you want to explore. Here’s a quick breakdown:

If you plan to explore outside Santa Clara: Renting a car makes sense. You can visit nearby attractions like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose (about 10 minutes by car), or the Winchester Mystery House (15 minutes away). You could also visit nearby parks like Almaden Quicksilver County Park for hiking or exploring the history of the old mining areas.
If you plan to stay local: You might not need a car. Santa Clara and San Jose have good public transit, and if you're mostly planning to explore around Levi’s Stadium and Santana Row (great for shopping and dining), you could easily use Uber/Lyft or public transportation.

Sightseeing Recommendations for Saturday:
There are plenty of interesting places to explore in the area, especially if you're up for a little adventure. Here are a few ideas:

California's Great America – A theme park located near Levi’s Stadium, it’s an easy and fun option if you’re traveling with kids. It offers rides, a water park, and live shows.
Santana Row – A trendy shopping district with high-end boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Great for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and dining.
Winchester Mystery House – An iconic mansion with a fascinating history. The tours of this quirky, haunted house are both informative and fun.
San Jose’s Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum – If you enjoy history, this museum offers a fascinating collection of Egyptian artifacts and is just a short drive from Santa Clara.

On-Field Access Tickets through Vivid Seats:
Vivid Seats offers various types of tickets, including some with on-field access. However, as you’ve noticed, they typically do not disclose the exact section until after purchasing, which can make it tricky to know what you’re getting into. If you’re okay with a bit of uncertainty and excited about the possibility of being close to the action, it could be worth it. Just make sure you check the reviews or ask the seller about the seating area beforehand. If you’re specifically looking for a premium experience, you might want to check with Levi’s Stadium directly for any available VIP or premium seating options.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, I’d suggest renting a car if you plan to do more sightseeing beyond the stadium. However, if you’re mainly focused on the game and nearby attractions, you might not need one. As for the hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Clara would be a solid option that is family-friendly and offers plenty of dining choices nearby. I hope this helps with your plans, and you have an amazing time at the 49ers game!

49ers game help!

More Santa Clara Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions