n 2026, all eyes will turn to Santa Clara, California, as it hosts the nation’s biggest football championship at Levi’s Stadium. But beyond the bright lights and roaring crowds, this Silicon Valley city reveals a sophisticated side that discerning travelers will love. Think Michelin-starred restaurants, boutique wineries, world-class hotels and cultural landmarks that tell the story of California’s past and present. Nestled in the heart of Northern California’s tech corridor, Santa Clara blends innovation with rich history and scenic beauty. Whether you’re traveling for the championship game or planning a high-end getaway any time of year, Santa Clara offers a seamless blend of sport, sophistication and California lifestyle that lingers long after your visit.
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Where to Stay: Elegant Accommodations in Silicon Valley
Santa Clara and its neighboring cities offer some of the Bay Area’s most luxurious hotels, each combining comfort, style and elevated amenities.
- Four Seasons Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto – A contemporary retreat just 20 minutes from Levi’s Stadium, featuring a serene spa, rooftop pool, curated dining and easy access to championship golf courses.
- Nobu Hotel Palo Alto – Located in downtown Palo Alto, this chic boutique property blends Japanese-inspired design with Nobu’s world-famous dining experience.
- Rosewood Sand Hill (Menlo Park) – Nestled against the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Forbes Five-Star resort offers expansive views, refined dining and a destination spa beloved by Silicon Valley elite.
- Canyon Ranch Woodside – A holistic wellness sanctuary tucked among redwoods, about 35 minutes from Santa Clara, offering immersive health programs, spa treatments and restorative nature escapes.
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Gastronomic Delights: Fine Dining in Santa Clara & Beyond
The Santa Clara culinary scene is as diverse as Silicon Valley itself — combining global flavors with California’s signature farm-to-table philosophy. Whether you’re looking for Michelin-starred prestige or locally loved fine dining, here are top spots within easy reach:
- Adega (San Jose) – San Jose’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Adega serves authentic Portuguese cuisine in a refined, contemporary setting.
- Le Papillon (San Jose) – A Silicon Valley institution, offering classic French fine dining with a seasonal, chef-driven menu and polished service.
- Madera (Menlo Park) – Located at the Rosewood Sand Hill, this Forbes Four-Star restaurant highlights California cuisine with sweeping views of the Bay Area.
- The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse (Palo Alto) – A seafood-focused fine dining restaurant that blends modern elegance with Japanese-inspired flavors.
- Cetrella (Los Altos) – An elegant Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, balancing rustic flavors with modern sophistication in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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Cultural & Recreational Highlights
Luxury travelers can balance game-day energy with cultural exploration and leisurely pursuits.
- Mission Santa Clara de Asís – On the Santa Clara University campus, this historic Spanish mission (founded in 1777) offers a tranquil glimpse into California’s past.
- Triton Museum of Art – Showcasing contemporary California art, with rotating exhibitions and a sculpture garden.
- Levi’s Stadium – A state-of-the-art venue hosting NFL games, concerts and special events — including the 2026 football championship.
- Westfield Valley Fair – A premier luxury shopping center featuring designer boutiques, upscale dining and curated experiences.
- Golf & Outdoor Leisure – Championship golf courses nearby, plus options for private helicopter tours, vineyard picnics or scenic drives through the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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Nearby Escapes: Wine Country & Coastal Retreats
Santa Clara’s location makes it easy to explore Northern California’s most iconic escapes.
- Santa Clara Valley Vineyards – Intimate wineries perfect for private tastings and curated vineyard tours.
- Napa & Sonoma Valleys – World-famous wine regions within a 90-minute drive, ideal for day trips or luxury overnights.
- Half Moon Bay – Coastal luxury with spa resorts, oceanfront dining and rugged Pacific beauty.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea – A charming seaside town filled with art galleries, boutique shopping and gourmet restaurants.
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Santa Clara may be best known for its stadium, but its combination of culture, cuisine, wellness and wine country access makes it a year-round luxury destination. Whether you’re coming for the 2026 championship or a weekend escape, Santa Clara delivers an unforgettable mix of California elegance and Silicon Valley energy. Reach out to your expert advisor to plan your visit to Santa Clara.
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