The FIFA World Cup is back in the Bay Area this summer.
Fans from around the world will be flocking to San Francisco and neighboring Santa Clara, California in the coming days to see if the U.S. men's national team can topple Bosnia & Herzegovina on July 1 and advance to the Round of 16.
But before then, visitors will have plenty of chances to experience all that San Francisco has to offer.
Things to Do During the World Cup in the Bay Area
Entrance to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Photo Credit: Adobe/wolterke)
The Bay Area will be in a frenzy all tournament long thanks to a slew of fan festival events taking place not only in San Francisco, but Oakland, San Jose, Redwood City and other parts of the region.
Travelers without a ticket can look forward to free community watch parties on giant screens, local food vendors showcasing global flavors, interactive soccer games and much more.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or making a return trip, the best way to experience San Francisco is through its unique and historic neighborhoods. Fisherman's Wharf and Nob Hill are two standouts but there's much to see and do in nearby areas like North Beach, Chinatown and the Mission District.
The city is also home to some truly iconic American attractions, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Nonetheless, visitors will also want to make stops at tourist-friendly spots like Union Square and The Painted Ladies, a row of iconic Victorian homes near Alamo Square.
Alcatraz Island (Photo via Lauren Bowman)
The best part about so many of the city's top sites is you can take your time to learn more with a guided tour.
For those staying close to the stadium in Santa Clara, highlights include California's Great America theme park, a plethora of museums like the Triton Museum of Art, in addition to can't-miss landmarks like the Mission Santa Clara de Asis and the Winchester Mystery House in nearby San Jose.
Where to Stay for the World Cup in San Francisco
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco is an easy choice for World Cup fans heading to the West Coast this summer.
Located along the Embarcadero, this 821-room hotel is just steps from the city's top attractions while offering exclusive access to a signature rotating Regency Club for celebratory drinks and eats.
Bay views from the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. (Photo Credit: Hyatt)
W San Francisco is also embracing the World Cup with special offerings that blend wellness, music and lively brunch experiences. In between matches, guests can take in rooftop views along with midweek DJ sets. Guests can also join the hotel's Run Club for a weekly running session every Tuesday from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Meanwhile, Hotel Zelos and Hotel Zeppelin in downtown San Francisco are offering a new Ultimate San Francisco Soccer 2026 Stay package featuring overnight accommodations; $100 in food and beverage credit for a three-night stay or $200 for five nights or more; complimentary breakfast, and complimentary parking.
Harbor Court Hotel and Hotel Fusion are two more great options in San Francisco.
The former boutique boasts historic charm as it was originally built in 1926 in Spanish Colonial Revival style and offers unobstructed views of San Francisco Bay, while the latter is located in Union Square, placing guests within walking distance of San Francisco’s top attractions, restaurants and public transportation.
What's more, Hotel Fusion's flexible room layouts are suited for both solo travelers and groups.
Other properties to consider include the Argonaut Hotel—a nautical-themed, family-friendly hotel in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf—The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square and Hotel Nikko.
What to Eat for the World Cup in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to some of the most unmistakable dishes in the country so World Cup fans will want to pack their appetite this summer.
Head to the aforementioned Fisherman’s Wharf for hearty classic clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls and fresh Dungeness crab that you can enjoy along the scenic waterfront while you watch the sea lions.
Sourdough clam chowder in San Francisco. (Photo Credit: f8grapher/Adobe)
In Chinatown, be sure to tour bustling Grant Avenue, where you'll find scrumptious dim sum, hand-pulled noodles and much more, on top of sweet treats from the fortune cookie factory.
Your taste buds will also be dancing in Japantown. Start your foodie tour at the Japan Center mall for ramen, matcha sweets and mochi treats. For a truly unique dining experience that the entire family or group will love, don't miss Hikari Sushi & Bar, the city’s first bullet train sushi restaurant.
San Francisco's Ferry Building Marketplace is another wise choice, as this food hall boasts local vendors serving grab-and-go bites, artisan snacks and a whole lot more.
Travelers to San Francisco for the World Cup can also capitalize on its proximity to California Wine Country. FIFA match ticket holders will receive 50 percent off Whitehall Lane's Winery Exclusive Flight, which includes five limited-production wines paired with a small cheese accompaniment, as part of a promotion with Napa Valley Vintners.
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