For those making the trip to San Jose for the 2016 MLS All-Star festivities, the main-event game at Avaya Stadium on Thursday, July 28 (7:30 pm ET, ESPN, UniMás, TSN) will certainly be the focus. But while you’re there, why not explore the many attractions that dot the South Bay? For hangouts both historical and hip, our city guide to San Jose has you covered. (Full schedule of All-Star Week events
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Avaya Stadium
The home of the San Jose Earthquakes, this is the epicenter of soccer in the city. Though modest in appearance, the venue sports some big-time amenities, including the TCL 4K Bar — the largest outdoor bar in North America — beneath the massive scoreboard, and an array of local food truck favorites along the fan-zone lawn. Be sure to check out the expansive views of all of Silicon Valley from the stadium’s top row. 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110;
sjearthquakes.com/avayastadium; 408-556-7700
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The Tech Museum of Innovation
Speaking of Silicon Valley, take some time to visit the Tech, adjacent to the Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose. Here, you can learn more about the rich history of the technological capital of the world, with hands-on, interactive exhibits that will keep you busy for hours. You might even want to stick around for an IMAX movie showing while you’re there. 201 South Market St, San Jose, CA 95113; thetech.org; 408-294-8324
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The SAP Center
Home to San Jose’s other professional sports team, the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, this indoor arena recently played host to the Stanley Cup Finals. Known affectionately as “the Shark Tank,” the venue is a quick hop, skate, and jump to the downtown restaurant and bar scene. Lace ‘em up and “check” it out. 525 West Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113; sapcenter.com; 408-287-7070
Image via Rookies Sports Lodge on Facebook
Rookies Sports Lodge
Head south from downtown, and you will find this mecca of sports memorabilia — and flat-screen TVs — in the tony Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose. Happy hours run every weekday afternoon from noon to 6 p.m., with soccer from around the planet on tap along with a tremendous selection of craft beers. Plus, Rookies is an official pub partner of the Earthquakes, so they have that going for them. 1535 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95125; rookieslodge.com; 408-445-2121
Image via the Britannia Arms on Facebook
The Britannia Arms
With three locations in the San Jose area, “the Brit” is an institution in the local soccer community. For many years, the Almaden Expressway location was the de facto headquarters of the movers and shakers in the scene. The downtown location, meanwhile, is relatively new, but it also boasts some soccer history — it hosted the Expansion Draft press conference following the Quakes return to MLS in 2007. From EPL in the morning to MLS late at night, there is always a game featured on the TVs, both inside and on the patio. Robertsville Square, 5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118; britanniaarms.com; 408-266-0550
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Children's Discovery Museum
If you have little ones in tow, this is the place to spend the afternoon. Kids will be mesmerized by the vibrant purple colors of the exterior, while inside they will love the many interactive exhibits. Best of all, they will be learning all along, but having too much fun to even notice. 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110; cdm.org; 408-298-5437
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Spartan Stadium
Though it’s a little off the beaten path, a pilgrimage to the Earthquakes’ first home is worth a detour. The stadium was built for football, not futbol, so the dimensions are a wee bit narrow. Still, it offered a tremendous home field advantage for the Quakes that helped them earn MLS Cups back in 2001 and 2003. Additionally, Spartan Stadium was home to the inaugural game MLS game in 1996, between the then-San Jose Clash and D.C. United. It also hosted the league’s All-Star Game in 2001. 1251 South 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112; sjsuspartans.com; 408-924-7589
Image via Gordon Biersch, San Jose on Facebook
Gordon Biersch
This restaurant and bar in downtown San Jose has been serving up hearty meals and delicious brews for nearly two decades at its signature location. The legendary garlic fries are not to be skipped, and they’ll go down smoothly with an ice-cold Marzen German-style lager. Best of all, they validate parking; that’s a bonus when visiting the hub of San Jose and the nearby South First Street entertainment area. 33 E San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95113; gordonbiersch.com/locations/san-jose; 408-294-6785
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Santana Row
Located within city limits, though far to the west of downtown, this shopping and entertainment district is the most popular hangout in San Jose. Sure, you’ll need a car to get there — this is true for getting almost anywhere in the South Bay! — but the countless dining and drinking options make it well worth the effort. The Yard House and Rosie McCann’s are a couple of favorites for soccer fans. 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128; santanarow.com; 408-551-4611
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Winchester Mystery House
One of the most bizarre bits of architecture you could ever visit, this 150-plus-room mansion was the work of Sarah Winchester, the eccentric heiress of gun magnate Walt Winchester. She had craftsmen continually work on the house for nearly 40 years, leading to miles of hallways, doors to nowhere, half-completed rooms, and, of course, countless staircases. This California Historical Landmark will leave you scratching your head in befuddlement. 525 South Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128; winchestermysteryhouse.com; 408-247-2000
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Apple Headquarters
While most lovers of Apple products will be satisfied with grabbing the latest iPhone at their local retailer, true devotees to the cult of Steve Jobs will want to visit the home of the biggest company on the planet. Shop in style among other Apple aficionados while also taking a walk around the tech giant’s campus. There’s nothing like picking your Apple right at the source. 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014; apple.com/retail; 408-606-5775
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Mission Santa Clara De Asis Historical Monument
Heading back in the direction of San Jose, stop by the campus of Santa Clara University for a visit to one of California’s historic missions. Founded in 1777, the mission now stands as the centerpiece of the university, and is used as the student chapel on campus. 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053; scu.edu; 408-554-4023
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Levi’s Stadium
From one place of worship, you can move on to the next Sunday destination, the home of the San Francisco 49ers. This $1.3 billion-dollar venue has quickly captured the attention of the Bay Area, and has played host to not only sporting events, like the recent 2016 Copa America Centenario and the NFL’s Super Bowl, but also to top-notch concerts, pro wrestling extravaganzas, and the NHL’s stadium-series outdoor hockey games. And even when there’s nothing to attend, tours of the facility can be arranged every day of the week. 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054; levisstadium.com; 415-464-9377
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Golden State Brewery
The closest brewery to Avaya Stadium is also one of the newest in the Bay Area, but the selections are top-notch. GSB has quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and its signature double IPA will be released ahead of the MLS All-Star Game. Stop in for a sampler of all the current beers on tap, and stick around for a game of pool or darts. Big-screen TVs complete the offerings, making GSB the perfect sports-watching venue as well. 1252 Memorex Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95050; goldenstate.beer; 408-727-2337
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In-and-Out Burger
No visit to the Bay Area — or California, for that matter — would be complete without a double-double animal-style burger and a heaping bag of fresh french fries. Good news for those visiting the stadium: There is an In-and-Out Burger stand right across the street. Does it get busy? Only when they’re open! 550 Newhall Dr, San Jose, CA 95110; in-n-out.com; 800-786-1000
Image via Jack's Bar on Facebook
Jack's Neighborhood Bar & Lounge
In San Jose’s sleepy Japantown neighborhood, Jack’s is the official bar of the local American Outlaws chapter, and has thus cemented itself as a top soccer bar. Limited occupancy adds to the atmosphere, as USA game days can pack the place in no time, but the ample big-screens make catching the game a breeze. 167 East Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95112; jacksbarsanjose.com; 408-287-5225
Image via San Pedro Square Market on Facebook
San Pedro Square Market
Lastly, this relatively new shopping and dining district north of downtown is quickly gaining a following among city denizens for its many offerings. Live music is played throughout the summer months, and during the MLS All-Star festivities, it will serve as the main event center. Considering the post-game buses from Avaya Stadium make San Pedro Square Market their main stop, it also serves as the perfect location to keep the party going long after the final whistle. 87 North San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110; sanpedrosquaremarket.com; 408-444-7227
