Sunday's matchup between the Patriots and 49ers is sure to be an exciting one. As a homecoming game for Tom Brady and Julian Edelman, who both hail from the Bay Area, the Patriots are expected to have a large fan presence despite being 3,000 miles from home.
Those traveling to the Bay Area this weekend have San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Jose to explore, so Lifestyle is here to help.
go to the game
If you still haven't gotten your tickets to the game, check out the 49ers website for available seats. Season ticket holders can check out the NFL Ticket Exchange, as always, to see what's available. Be sure to keep up with the 49ers website for game day information and updates.
meetups
Patriots Nation is expected to turn out in droves to the team's first trip to Levi Stadium. Whlie some of the events being organized through the Patriots Tailgate Group on Facebook have sold out, it is a great place to connect with Patriots fans who are hitting the road all season long. Members of the group will be touring Levi Stadium on Friday, and while tickets for their private tour are gone, you can sign up for your own tour of the facility here. Saturday night before the game, some Patriots fans will be getting together at Little Lou's (2455 S. Winchester Blvd., Campbell; 408-796-7852). The social will run from 7 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 19, and there will be raffles and live music.
eat
Between San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Jose, there is no shortage of incredible places to eat. Those looking for a sweet and adventurous breakfast only need to check out Psycho Donuts. With locations in both San Jose and Santa Clara, you won't want to miss their crazy flavors and gourmet donuts, like the "Cereal Killer" and "Rocky Road."
The Boiling Crab (71 Curtner Ave., San Jose; 408-297-2322) offers hearty seafood dishes in a fun and casual environment. It may not be Manhattan, but Bilbo's NY Pizza (5754 Santa Teresa Blvd. Ste. B, San Jose; 408-229-2271) is serving up city slices on the West Coast for those craving pizza. Those looking to try out California style burritos can check out Iguanas (330 South 3rd St, San Jose; 408-271-9772). The family owned spot uses fresh ingredients to serve up monster dishes, including their famous Burritozilla, a whopping five pound burrito for the brave and very hungry. For standard bar food with an old western spin, check out The Old Wagon Saloon (73 N. San Pedro St., San Jose; 408-9719346).
If you're making the trip up to San Francisco and looking for a great barbecue spot, check out 4505 Burgers & BBQ (705 Divisadero (at Grove St.), San Francisco; 415-231-6993). La Taqueria (2889 Mission St., San Francisco; 415-285-7117) was named America's Best Burrito by FiveThirtyEight in 2014. It's no frills, and down to business for those who are serious about their burritos. When the craving for something sweet hits, ice cream is sure to do the trick. While in San Francisco, check out Bi-Rite Creamery (3692 18th St., San Francisco; 415-626-5600) to satisfy the craving.
play
San Francisco is a day trip away from Levi Stadium, and if you're in the area for a long weekend, it'll definitely be worth the trip. The city is home to some incredible landmark attractions that are must sees for any first time visitors. Whether you take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, hike through Muir Woods National Monument or check out the Golden Gate Bridge in person, you can't go wrong with these San Francisco sites.
Fans of "Full House" won't want to miss a chance to see the famous home of Danny Tanner, Uncle Jesse, D.J. Steph, Michelle and company. "The Painted Ladies" are iconic. The brightly colored houses are the highlight of "postcard row" and makes for the one of the city's most photogenic spots. San Francisco also has family friendly museums, like The Exploratorium.
Levi Stadium is also a short drive from San Jose, so those looking to stay closer to the football action can explore this city, as well. San Jose is home to the Winchester Mystery House. The 160-room mansion was home to Sarah Winchester, and the home's architectural quirks (doors that open to nowhere or to walls, for example) are a phenomenon worth seeing. With miles of winding hallways, it's best to stick with the tour guide on this one. Alum Rock Park is a great spot for those trying to soak up the California terrain.
SLEEP
For those looking for a place to stay close to Levi Stadium, there are a number of options for you. The Hilton Santa Clara (4949 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara; 408-330-0001)is less than a mile away from Levi Stadium. The Crowne Plaza - San Jose-Silicon Valley (777 Bellew Drive, Milpitas; 408-321-9500) and Larkspur Landing Milpitas (40 Ranch Drive
Milpitas; 408-719-1212) are both within a few miles, as well.
If you'd rather stay in the heart of San Francisco and make the drive to the stadium, check out Hampton Inn San Francisco Downtown Convention Center (942 Mission Street, San Francisco; 415-546-3110)and Stanford Court Hotel (905 California Street – Nob Hill, San Francisco; 415-989-3500).
More information
http://www.sftravel.com/
http://www.sanjose.org/
Do you have tips for those traveling for an upcoming road game? We want to hear them! Send your favorite places to eat and things to do in Patriots road trip cities to **Lifestyle@Patriots.com**.
