San Jose Sports Itinerary

Fly, Stay and Play in San Jose

With shorter lines, less hassle, and an overall smoother travel experience, flying into San Jose Mineta International Airport is remarkably convenient, especially if you're headed to a game or checking out the local attractions in San Jose. Located just minutes from downtown, SJC offers quick access to major sporting venues, world-class shopping, tech hubs, and cultural attractions. 

Whether you're in town for sports, business, or leisure, flying into SJC ensures a stress-free journey where you can Fly, Stay, and Play. 

Soccer Season

If you arrive in San Jose any time between the spring and the fall, there’s a good chance you can catch a weekend soccer game at PayPal Park. Home to the San Jose Earthquakes of the MLS and Bay FC of the NWSL, PayPal Park opened in 2015 as the new home for the Earthquakes, who have had professional soccer roots in San Jose dating all the way back to 1994. Bay FC, as the newest member of the NWSL, has also called the stadium home since their first season in 2024.

Located directly across from the SJC airport, the venue’s passionate fans and high-energy atmosphere make watching a soccer game seem like one big party. 

Dining and Attractions near PayPal Park 

 

Dining

• Luna Mexican Kitchen: Located on the historic Alameda, this is a cozy spot near PayPal Park serving authentic Mexican dishes and a great brunch.
• Jackie’s Place - North: A welcoming, family-friendly restaurant known for its hearty Southern comfort food and flavorful barbecue that is sure to leave you with a full belly.
• Palermo Restaurant: This cute, Sicilian‑style Italian cuisine is perfect if you’re looking for comforting pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a charming outdoor patio experience.  
• La Victoria Taqueria: Nicknamed “La Vic’s” by locals, this family-run taqueria has six locations and is famous for its hefty burritos, late‑night hours, and its signature “Orange Sauce”, which is beloved by students and locals alike. We recommend attending the location on W. Santa Clara Street so that you can take in the local nightlife and nearby shops, restaurants, and bars near San Pedro Square. 

Coffee and Matcha for Caffeine-Seekers

• Academic Coffee: A specialty cafe with two locations that uses flavorful coffee beans and is known for crafting a variety of delicious matcha flavors, including a seasonal banana matcha that sells out in a hurry.
• Chromatic Coffee: Located in the suburban neighborhood of Willow Glen, this locally‑roasted specialty cafe features strong, flavorful coffee that will give you the caffeine kick you need after an early-morning flight into SJC.

Attractions

• An eight-minute drive from PayPal Park that is a stylish outdoor shopping and dining district offering upscale boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. Explore all the shops, then check out the nearby Winchester Mystery House  and Valley Fair Shopping Mall.
• Japantown: This area of San Jose offers a vibrant blend of cultural heritage, local shops, authentic Japanese cuisine, art galleries, and community festivals celebrating Japanese-American traditions. Stop by Roy’s Station for a delicious cup of coffee, then make your way to the famous Santo Market for fresh poke. Or, if you prefer nightlife instead, stop by 7 Bamboo Lounge to grab a drink and sing some karaoke.
• San Jose Rose Garden: The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden offers a peaceful and colorful escape from the city with thousands of blooming roses spread across beautifully manicured grounds that are taken care of daily. The area is also walking distance from the unique Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the historic Alameda neighborhood, which is full of shops, restaurants, and breweries.

Hockey Season
 

If you’re in San Jose from October - February, you can catch the excitement of live hockey with a San Jose Sharks game at the SAP Center (aka the Shark Tank), or a San Jose Barracuda game at Tech CU Arena. San Jose often hosts “Hockey Days in San Jose”, where the Barracuda and Sharks play on the same day on Saturday’s, with one team playing early in the afternoon and the other team in the evening. 

 

Whether you're cheering on the NHL or AHL team, the high-energy atmosphere, great food, and passionate fans make it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Check the Barracuda and Sharks’ schedules to secure your tickets. 

 

Pregame/Postgame Attractions near SAP Center
 

Dining

• San Pedro Square: A vibrant marketplace that has something for everyone. Filled with multiple bars, restaurants, sweet treat shops, and outdoor seating – perfect for large groups, pregame bar crawls, and food-seekers. Take a stroll down Sharks Way for a 10-minute walk to the SAP Center.
• Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life: A historic local favorite for BBQ and drinks, just a short walk from the arena. 

Breweries and Wineries

• Floodcraft Brewing: Have a beer at Whole Foods. This lively local brewery features rooftop seating and offers a wide selection of craft beers, all just steps away from the Shark Tank.
• Hapa’s Creekside: One of the newest brewery locations in San Jose. This pregame spot is just a short stroll away from the SAP Center, offering locally brewed craft beers, outdoor seating, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for Sharks fans, opposing fans, and visitors of San Jose.
• Coterie Winery: For the fanatics who want a laid back pregame vibe that includes wine tasting and small snacks. Enjoy this urban winery that is just blocks away from SAP Center. Note: Check business hours before attending, as Coterie often only operates during weekend hours).

Pregame/Postgame Attractions near Tech CU Arena
 

Dining

• Just a five-minute drive from Tech CU Arena is Little Saigon - a vibrant cultural and culinary hub just minutes from Tech CU Arena. Offering a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese restaurants, cafes, and shops, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal after the game. 

Breweries

• Narrative Fermentations: Located just a few minutes from Tech CU Arena, this is a great stop on the way to the Barracuda game! Featuring a rotating selection of craft beers and local food trucks on the weekend, it’s a fan favorite for hockey lovers and locals alike.
• Clandestine Brewing: A five-minute drive and just over one mile away from Tech CU Arena, this craft brewery is known for its amazing experimental beers and fan-friendly, welcoming taproom atmosphere with a peaceful outdoor patio. 

Family-Friendly Attractions

• Japanese Friendship Garden: Located within historic Kelley Park, this beautifully landscaped garden features koi ponds, bridges, and traditional Japanese design, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of San Jose and a great place for lovely photos.
• History Park San Jose: A unique open-air museum located within Kelley Park, featuring a recreated historic town with original and replica buildings that showcase San Jose’s diversity, history, and culture.
• Happy Hollow: A perfect pregame or postgame destination if you’re bringing little ones to the game. This is a beloved family destination, combining a charming zoo with kid-friendly rides, interactive play areas, and hands-on educational exhibits. 

 

Other San Jose Landmarks

• Tommy Smith and John Carlos Olympic Protest Statue: Located on the San Jose State University campus, this statue honors the two athletes’ iconic 1968 Black Power salute at the Mexico City Olympics - a powerful tribute to their ongoing fight for social justice.
• San Jose Sports Mural Art Work
• "Faithful to The Bay" 49ers Mural: Created by The Illuminaries and located on the corner of South Montgomery St. & W. San Fernando St.
• "Victory Salute" (Olympic Black Power): Created by Rigo 23 and located on Tower Lawn at San Jose State University
• Sharks Community Murals: A collection of community art found around San Jose, done in collaboration with Local Color
• "Bleed Teal": Located on teh back side of Whole Foods at 777 The Alameda, created by Nychos
• "Five Skaters": Located at 525 W. Santa Clara St.
• San Jose Earthquakes Murals: A collection of murals across San Jose that represent the soccer club and its rich heritage and history. 

 

Gameday Transportation Made Easy
 

San Jose offers a convenient public transportation system, including VTA light rail and bus services, making it easier than ever to navigate the city without a car. Key venues like PayPal Park, the SAP Center, Levi’s Stadium, and downtown event spaces are easily accessible, and with connections to Caltrain, Bart, and Amtrak via the San Jose Diridon Station, it's also simple to travel to and from surrounding Bay Area cities for major events and day trips.

 

If you’re driving, find one of San Jose’s 100,000+ parking spots through ParkSJ, with up to 90 minutes free at select garages. For more information on the ease of getting around San Jose, click here.