Super Bowl LX is descending on Levi’s Stadium, and while the rest of the country argues about quarterbacks and commercials, let’s talk about what really matters: where to eat. Santa Clara and the South Bay have a lot more to offer than tech offices and sad hotel breakfasts. Whether you’re a visiting fan or a local dodging crowds, here’s your cheat sheet to flavor. 🍣 Rantei Japanese Cuisine – Franklin Square, Santa Clara Vibe: Cozy, casual, borderline addictiveGo For: Chicken Katsu, sushi rolls, and your new weekly ritual Tucked near the Santa Clara Mission and University, Rantei is one of our all-time favorites. We’ve eaten here more times than we…
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The Real Guide to South Bay Hikes & Nature Escapes
When visiting the San Francisco Bay Area for a major event, whether it’s the Super Bowl or the FIFA World Cup, or something else entirely – it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and forget to explore what else the region has to offer. Santa Clara County and the Greater Bay Area are packed with incredible outdoor escapes just a short drive from Levi’s Stadium. If you’d like to take a break from the roaring crowds and traffic, we’ve compiled a helpful guide highlighting some of our favorite local hikes and nature spots to help you make the most of your trip beyond the big game. So if…
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The Real Guide to Visiting the SF Bay Area for Super Bowl LX 2026
If you’re lucky enough to have scored tickets to Super Bowl LX 2026 at Levi’s Stadium, congrats. You’re about to experience one of the most misunderstood corners of California. This isn’t LA. This isn’t “San Francisco, but cheaper.” This is Silicon Valley, aka the South Bay—home of nerds, artists, small businesses, surprise microclimates, & 13 wildly different cities coming together as one metro area for the big game. And this is your insider’s guide, timed for the Super Bowl and possibly helpful for the FIFA World Cup tourists too. Expect real talk, myth-busting, and deeply biased opinions from these two locals who’ve survived rush hour, tech bros, and BART expansions…
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Haunted Places & Dark Tourism in the San Francisco Bay Area
It’s that time of year again, when the air turns crisp and shadows stretch more than they should. Cobwebs, fog machines, and ominously positioned skeletons transform neighborhoods into elaborate theatrical sets. That time of year when the candy flows freely, and children, and more than a few adults, roam the streets in delightfully spooky disguises and costumes. Truly, the season for ghoulish parties and haunted hijinks. But here in the San Francisco Bay Area, haunted history stays hidden in the shadows. It whispers through local graveyards, clings to condemned buildings, and echoes off the walls of places where tragedy once made itself at home. These aren’t just mere tourist stops—they’re…
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Mount Umunhum & The Tower of Doom, San Jose, CA
What is that ominous-looking cube on the mountain in South San Jose? Perched atop Mount Umunhum (pronounced: oom-un-hum), a mysterious concrete cube stands watch, overlooking Silicon Valley. If you’ve ever wondered about the “Tower of Doom” as we’ve been lovingly calling it, you’re not alone. Locals also refer to it as “the Cube” or “the Box”. But whatever you want to call it, we were determined to see what it was! After a little snooping around, we found the road that leads to the site, so we hopped in the car and ventured to the summit of Mount Umunhum to uncover its mysterious secret. What to see once you’re on…
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Exploring Mission Santa Clara & SCU: From Chapel Bells to Robot Librarians
When a friend mentioned a new exhibit at the De Saisset Museum on the Santa Clara University (SCU) campus, we figured — why not check it out? What started as a casual trip to a local museum, turned into a full-on afternoon adventure: history, innovative technology, fearless squirrels in impeccably kept gardens, and ice cream tacos. YES, ice cream tacos. Living in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, we’re never far from historical sites, landmarks, or hidden wonders waiting to be explored. Whether it’s a centuries-old Spanish mission or a cutting-edge university campus, there’s always something new to discover – sometimes right under our noses, or even better, both in…
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Lassen Volcanic National Park: A Bay Area Summer Escape
Craving a summer escape from the Bay Area’s heatwaves and bustling crowds? Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a refreshing alternative! Just a breezy 4.5-hour drive north, Lassen greets you with a stunning blend of volcanic wonders, crystal-clear lakes, and tranquil surroundings. Perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, and simply unwinding in nature’s embrace, Lassen is an ultimate summer retreat for Bay Area residents. Curious about what’s in store? Buckle up, because this post will explore the park’s top highlights, share practical tips for your visit, and reveal the secrets to crafting an unforgettable Bay Area getaway. Chester: Your Basecamp for Lassen Adventures Driving from the SF Bay Area? Make the most…
