TRAVEL
We have negotiated a special group rate at the Santa Clara Marriott of $174/night. This rate is available for nights booked between 3/14-3/17. The deadline to book at the group rate is Feb 23, 2024.
To request early check-in, please contact the hotel directly. They cannot guarantee availability in advance, but they will do their best to accommodate if requested while booking.
In order of proximity to the venue, we recommend the following airports to fly into the Bay Area.
- San Jose Airport (SJC): ~10 minutes away.
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): ~35 minutes away.
- Oakland Airport (OAK): ~45 minutes away.
Ubers/Lyfts are popular around the Bay Area and easily available most times of the day.
Public transit train systems around the Bay Area include BART, VTA, and Caltrain which are commonly used and can be a great way to see the whole Bay Area.
If you choose to rent a car, parking can be tricky in busy areas - street parking is typical. Be careful of not blocking a driveway. Important: do not leave any belongings visible in your car anywhere in the Bay Area - break-ins are common but are generally avoidable if your car is empty.
Within 15 minutes of the hotel
- San Pedro Square is one of our favorite places to hang out. It's filled with restaurants, a food hall, and occasional live music, making for great afternoon vibes.
- Great America is an amusement park that is minutes away from the Santa Clara Marriott. Perfect if you're looking for rides or rollercoasters that might give you a thrill.
- Hiking trails are abundant in the area. To name just a few nearby locations: Rancho San Antonio, Los Gatos Creek, Castle Rock, and Alum Rock Park.
A little further away
- Half Moon Bay is a beautiful town that offers breathtaking views of the California coastline. You can find some hikes and immerse in the natural beauty and enjoy local sightseeing.
- San Francisco, proper, has tons to offer. For a few ideas, consider walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, seeing the Palace of Fine Arts, and taking in a breathtaking view of the city behind the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park.
- Santa Cruz is yet another beach town: Hike amongst the redwoods at Henry Cowell State Park, enjoy some rides & snacks at the beach boardwalk, or check out the views at Panther Beach.
If you're looking for an excursion
- One of our favorite spots this time of year is Lake Tahoe. Skiers and snowboarders know it for world-class skiing. For others, the lake is gorgeous in the spring with snow-capped mountains in the background and crystal-clear water. Stop by Secret Cove.
- Drive south along Pacific Coastal Highway 1 towards Big Sur and Monterey. As you drive through the windy roads, you'll find some stops to check out the elephant seals - well-worth it. The cliffside views and the landscape is one-of-a-kind, particularly if you catch it at sunset.
If you'd like any help to brainstorm an itinerary, we'd love to give more recommendations. Please reach out to Anisha and Sid and we'll happily share more.