Your Handy California Guide for the Super Bowl Season

With all the hype and excitement that surrounds the upcoming Super Bowl, planning should start as early as now. The biggest sporting event will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, as mentioned in our previous Super Bowl FAQ blog. For California residents, finding the best things to do in California during the Super Bowl season is easy. But for spectators who reside outside, there are some important things to know about the Golden State.

True enough, California is more than just the Hollywood glitz and glamour. It's an interesting state that offers so many fun things that spectators of all ages can enjoy. Here's a guide to help you enjoy California before planning your trip for the biggest sporting event of 2026. Read more.

What makes California "golden"?

California got the nickname "Golden State" because of the Gold Rush that kicked off in 1848. It's also tied to the bright yellow color of the state flower, the poppy, and the golden grasses that cover the hills during summer.

Cali, as the natives fondly call the state, is also home to golden opportunities. With lots of multinational companies spread throughout its urban areas, it's indeed a goldmine.

Transportation in Cali.

California's transportation options are quite the mix! It's definitely a car-focused culture, but in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco, there are really good public transit systems, such as buses and trains, so getting around without a car is relatively easy. Besides, there are plenty of trains and bus services that connect the different cities and hot spots across the state, making it easier for everyone to travel around.

Will transportation be convenient during the Super Bowl?

Now this is where things get a bit tricky. While the transportation options in California are considerably robust, the Super Bowl season affects their availability.

When the Super Bowl rolls around in California, expect some serious traffic jams and stress. To keep things simple and avoid parking headaches, public transit, shuttles, and rideshares are definitely the way to go. Local transit agencies often boost their services, but be prepared for some delays, especially after the game wraps up. Many people opt for taking the LA Metro or special shuttles, while some prefer private or group rides, which are quicker but tend to dig deeper into your wallet.

The best ways to go to Levi's Stadium for the Super Bowl.

Getting to Levi's Stadium for the Super Bowl depends a lot on where you're starting. But you might want to consider public transport, since traffic can be a real hassle. Here are some options you can choose from.

• Caltrain + VTA: Take Caltrain from San Francisco to Santa Clara Station, then switch to VTA light rail or a shuttle to get to the stadium.

• VTA Light Rail: This direct route serves the greater South Bay area, with Great America Station located right at the stadium.

• VTA Bus: VTA city buses have stops located at the intersection of Tasman Drive and Great America Parkway.

• Capitol Corridor Train: You can use this option for direct service to Santa Clara-Great America Station, benefiting access to the stadium area.

• Shuttle/Party Bus: Think about using a shuttle service from places like San Francisco to reduce the hassle of driving and costly parking. Some services provide a fun, social atmosphere for pre-game travel.

So, your question might be: Is it possible to drive to Levi's Stadium? The answer is yes. But if you wish to avoid the agonizing traffic jams, make sure to leave 4 to 5 hours before the event kicks off. And nope, we are not exaggerating with this. You really need that much time to skip the menacing road boo-boos.

Weather in California - to bundle up or not?

The typical weather in California is a Mediterranean climate, featuring hot, dry summers and cooler, wet winters, especially on the coast.

February in California has pretty different weather, depending on the area. If you're in the north, you can count on it being cool and rainy. Down south, it's generally a lot milder. Plus, the mountains are getting their share of snow. Since this is the wet season, especially in Northern California, rain is definitely on the table. Pack a hoodie or a sweater. If you have something that features your favorite team's logo, that's even better.

Also, keep in mind that Levi's Stadium is an open-air stadium. Bringing a small umbrella or a hat won't hurt, just in case it rains.

One more important thing - is California expensive?

Let's hold hands as we tell you this. California is indeed an expensive state. From housing to daily cost of living, the Golden State is one of the most expensive states in the U.S. When exploring California during the Super Bowl season, it's always best to bring a couple extra bucks to maximize your experience.

But is it possible to spend less in Cali?

Well, of course! You can save money and spend less while exploring California by doing things in advance. What does this mean? Purchasing tickets in advance and booking hotels ahead of time are sure-fire ways to save money. Instead of shedding extra dollars eating out, you can also bring home-cooked meals and snacks.

Planning to make the most of your time in California? Securing discount tickets to your favorite theme parks is the way to go! Most theme parks are also offering Super Bowl deals and discounts, so don't miss out on huge savings!

More cool experiences to enjoy apart from the big game.

Alas! We're done learning all the essential stuff about California for the Super Bowl season. But if you're one of those who can't get enough of the Golden State's charm, we got you. Apart from the highly anticipated ball game, here are some unmissable experiences in California.

• Enjoy a Private E-Bike Tour of Venice Beach and Santa Monica!

• Discover the enchanting charm of Santa Barbara for a blissful getaway.

• Saddle up for an exhilarating horseback ride in Cambria.

• Go kayaking at Morro Bay.

• Have fun with your favorite Disney characters at Disneyland® Resort.

• Get up close and personal with rare wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

• Marvel at the beauty of marine life at SeaWorld San Diego.

California is known for its outdoorsy lifestyle. So, if you love to explore areas you've never visited before, the Super Bowl season might be the perfect time for you to do so! We will be listing more interesting and fun activities to do in California, so make sure you follow our blog.

Are you ready for the ultimate sporting event in 2026?

When the holiday rush is over, the focus will move solely to Super Bowl LX. Get ready for this exciting event and make sure to secure all the tickets, passes, and reservations you need. Working on these things ahead of time will save you from all the headache and hassle of Super Bowl season. This includes sky-high prices and those bad, bad scalpers.

Let's make your Super Bowl LX experience stress-free and unforgettable! Follow us for more informative blogs before the ultimate sporting event kicks off. See you at the games, see you in California, FunExplorers!