Game Day Guide: What to Do Before and After a 49ers Game in Santa Clara

By Ben Landis, Marketing Manager

A 49ers game day at Levi's® Stadium isn’t just about watching football — it's an all-day event full of excitement! Whether you're gearing up before the game or celebrating afterward, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Clara. This is your roadmap to an unforgettable experience, featuring the best places to eat, tailgate, and relax before and after the game.

Ready to make your 49ers game day epic? Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for the perfect pre-game and post-game plans in Santa Clara.

Stay at a Santa Clara Hotel for the Full Experience

First things first, if you’re making a weekend out of your trip, there are plenty of great hotel options close to Levi's®  Stadium.

• Hilton Santa Clara: Right next to Levi's®  Stadium, the Hilton is a top choice for fans wanting to stay close to the action.
• AC Hotel Santa Clara: For a chic vibe, AC Hotels Santa Clara is known for its sleek design and cool atmosphere.
• Hyatt Regency Santa Clara: This upscale hotel offers the convenience of a short walk to the stadium, plus premium amenities — ideal for fans who want to balance game day excitement with some relaxation.
• Avatar Hotel Santa Clara: Recently remodeled, Avatar Hotel blends Palm Springs art-deco vibes with modern flair. A short walk away from Levi’s®  Stadium, it offers a unique, playful atmosphere with a stylish and Instagram-worthy aesthetic. It’s perfect for fans looking for a fun stay close to the game-day action.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! Here is a full list of our recommended Santa Clara Hotels.

We have more than four hotels in Santa Clara (we promise!), but why not browse through our carefully curated list to find the one that’s just your vibe. No matter where you stay, these hotels offer convenience and comfort, and you’ll be close enough to the action.

(AC Hotels Santa Clara)

Hotel Activations: Game Day Events You Can’t Miss
Some of our Santa Clara hotels are going above and beyond to enhance your game day experience with special events and activations:
i. Hilton TailG8 (Three Hours Before and One Hour After the Game)
The Hilton TailG8 event is a must for any 49ers fan. With their TailG8 food truck, live DJ, and VIP bottle service area. (Please contact Hilton Santa Clara for more information: 408-330-0001), you can start your game day right here and return for the post-game festivities.

(TailG8 Truck at Hilton Santa Clara)
ii.AC Santa Clara Tailgate Party
The AC Hotel also hosts a game day tailgate event in their front lounge, featuring curated cocktails, live DJs, and BBQ. It’s perfect for fans looking for a more laid-back but still exciting atmosphere before kickoff. Learn more here.

iii. Embassy Suites Santa Clara Game Day Experience
Embassy Suites Santa Clara introduces a 49ers-themed grass wall at the lobby entrance, decorated with balloons and a neon "Embassy Suites Santa Clara Silicon Valley" sign — a perfect game day photo spot. The decor will change for each home game, and the bar will feature rotating Gold Bar Whiskey cocktails for the 2024 season:

September: Gold Rush, Golden Bloody Mary
October: SF Spritz, Whiskey Sour
November: 49ers Old Pal
December: Faithful Old Fashion

Bar hours will adjust based on game times, with early openings for early games. (Contact Embassy Suites Santa Clara for more details.)

(One of Embassy Suite's Gold Bar Whiskey drinks.)

Pre-Game Must-Dos

Before cheering on the greatest football team of all time — the San Francisco 49ers — there’s plenty to do around the stadium to get you in the game-day spirit.

1. Grab a Bite at a Local Santa Clara Restaurant

Before cheering on the greatest football team of all time — the San Francisco 49ers — there’s plenty to do around the stadium to get you in the game-day spirit.

No game day is complete without a solid pre-game meal. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Santa Clara has a variety of nearby spots to fuel up before heading to Levi’s®  Stadium. And while you’re rooting for the 49ers, you’ll also be supporting the local community — from small business owners to the staff they employ. So remember, every dollar spent goes beyond just your meal, helping to uplift the local economy and support the people who make Santa Clara such a great place to visit.

Santa Clara Square (1.5 miles from Levi’s Stadium): If you’ve got a little time, check out Santa Clara Square’s diverse dining options. Grab some upscale tacos and a craft cocktail at Puesto (2752 Augustine Dr #110, Santa Clara, CA 95054) or enjoy local craft beers and bites at Barebottle Brewing Company (2520 Augustine Dr Suite 120, Santa Clara, CA 95054).

Experience Fan-Favorite Eats: If you're short on time and want something quick within walking distance of the stadium, these fan favorites have you covered. Stop by Iguanas Burritozilla (4300 Great America Parkway #116, Santa Clara, CA 95054) for hearty burritos and other delicious Mexican dishes, or grab a pre-game slice at Pizza My Heart (4300 Great America Pkwy #148, Santa Clara, CA 95054).

(Iguanas Santa Clara)

2. Tailgate at Levi's®  Stadium Parking Lot

Tailgating at Levi’s®  Stadium is a tradition that brings 49ers fans together for a true football experience. Bring your friends and make some new ones over your shared love of football. The parking lots open 3.5 hours before kickoff, so get there early to claim your spot and start grilling!

• Tip: Bring your own BBQ, drinks, favorite Niners decorations, and chairs to set up a proper tailgate, but remember — tailgating wraps up at kickoff. Once the game starts, the parking lots close for tailgating, so plan accordingly.

For more information on the Tailgating please visit Levisstadium.com


(49ers Fans tailgating at Levi's Stadium)

3. Join the Hilton Santa Clara’s TailG8 Party

If you’re looking to tailgate but don’t have your own set up, the Hilton Santa Clara TailG8 party is where you want to be. Open 3 hours before the event, and one hour after, it is located next to the stadium in Hilton’s parking lot. They host a full-blown pre-game bash featuring the TailG8 food truck, live DJ, and a VIP bottle service area. (upon request, contact the Hilton Santa Clara Team.) It's the perfect spot to meet up with fellow fans, enjoy some good vibes, and get hyped for the game.


(VIP Area at Hilton's TailG8)

4. Visit the 49ers Museum

Before heading to your seat, immerse yourself in 49ers history at the 49ers Museum, located inside Levi's® Stadium. The museum is open on game days (starting 3 hours before kickoff), giving fans a chance to explore the rich history of the team. From iconic moments to in-depth exhibits, it’s a great way to appreciate the legacy of the 49ers.

• More Info: You can find museum details and tickets here — 49ers Museum

5. Touchdown at the Red Zone Rally at California's Great America
The Red Zone Rally at California's Great America is the ultimate pregame party for 49ers fans! Held in a spacious air-conditioned pavilion, attendees enjoy an all-inclusive experience featuring delicious food and drinks, including beer and wine, for three hours before kickoff. The event includes live entertainment, interactive games, and access to the Flight Deck roller coaster, making it a fun-filled way to gear up for the game. For more details, check out the Levi's Stadium website.

Post-Game Fun

Just because the game ends doesn’t mean the fun has to. Whether you’re looking to outwait the traffic or celebrate a big win, here’s how to keep the excitement going after the final whistle.

1. Head Back to Hilton’s TailG8

Once the game ends, the party continues at Hilton’s TailG8 for an extra hour! It’s a great way to dodge the traffic and keep the good times rolling. Whether you're celebrating a win or decompressing after a tough loss, the TailG8 after-party is a convenient spot to hang out, have a drink, and enjoy the post-game atmosphere.

• Why Go: You’re already right next to Levi’s Stadium, so you won’t have to worry about traffic. Plus, the after-party gives you a chance to keep the energy going with fellow 49ers fans.

2. Grab Drinks or Food at Santa Clara Square

If you’re not quite ready to head home, Santa Clara Square offers a few great post-game options for food and drinks. You can head over to Puesto for tacos or Barebottle Brewing Company to enjoy some local craft beers.

• Keep in Mind: These places close around 9-9:30 p.m., so they’re better suited for day games rather than Sunday, Monday, or Thursday Night Football matchups. (Check the business hours for each place.)

3. Explore Santa Clara’s Bar Scene

For those wanting to venture a bit farther, Santa Clara has a couple of solid bar options about five miles from the stadium. While they’re not the closest, they’re worth checking out if you want to experience the local scene:

• The Sportsmen's Lounge: A classic dive bar with plenty of TVs for post-game recaps.
• Taplands: A local favorite for craft beer enthusiasts, Taplands offers a wide selection of beers on tap and a laid-back atmosphere.

Please drink responsibly. Arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare or taxi service if needed.

Wrapping Up Game Day in Santa Clara

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just along for the ride, Santa Clara has everything you need to make your 49ers game day memorable. From pre-game tailgating and post-game parties to great hotel experiences and local dining options, there’s no shortage of ways to enhance your visit.

So next time you’re headed to Levi’s Stadium, use this guide to make the most of your day — and Go Niners!