Your Guide to a California CrossFit Games Vacation

For the first time since 2016, the CrossFit Games are coming back to the West Coast! In July, the 2026 CrossFit Games will descend upon San Jose, California, and the SAP Center for the biggest CrossFit competition of the year. The Masters CrossFit Games will kick things off, taking place July 21-23, followed by the Teenage, Adaptive, Individual, and Team CrossFit Games from July 24-26. 

Additionally, the 2026 CrossFit Owners and Coaches Conference, presented by Hustle Up, will take place July 22-25, at the Signia by Hilton in San Jose. For coaches, owners, and their staff, the OCC is the ultimate team-building experience for CrossFit affiliates ahead of the 20th year of the CrossFit Games. Bring your team together to grow, level up your business, and get reenergized and inspired by the work you do every day.

Year after year, spectators come in droves to support their favorite athletes and witness the competition for the Fittest on Earth in person. San Jose has much to offer the energetic CrossFit community by way of beautiful weather, outdoor activities, and top-tier food and drinks. The area around the SAP Center — affectionately nicknamed The Shark Tank as it’s well-known home to the San Jose Sharks hockey team — is packed with activities and flavors that match an active lifestyle. Get ready to move well, eat well, and make the most of your trip in 2026. 

Explore San Jose

Walk, Bike, or Run the Guadalupe River Trail — Just steps from the SAP Center, the Guadalupe River Trail runs for miles along the river, offering a scenic route shaded by trees with plenty of spots to pause and take in the view. It’s great for a walk or run along the tree-lined route. If you prefer wheels to sneakers, e-bike and scooter rentals make it easy to cruise the trail while still soaking in the scenery.

Stroll Through San Pedro Square Market — A 10-minute walk from the SAP Center brings you to San Pedro Square Market, one of San Jose’s most vibrant food halls. Grab a wood-fired pizza, fresh poke bowl, or tacos loaded with flavor. If you’re in the mood to celebrate after a day of spectating, local breweries, wine bars, and live music keep the energy high.

Grab Some Goodies on Santana Row — In the mood for some shopping? With more than 2 million square feet of shops, restaurants, a cinema, and a hotel, Santana Row is a vibrant, sunny strip of town offering a European-inspired walkable design. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a good cup of coffee or a new outfit for the next day’s events. 

Visit the Rose Garden — Two miles from the SAP Center is the Municipal Rose Garden. This historic 5.5-acre garden is home to more than 3,500 rose shrubs in full bloom during spring and summer. It’s a relaxing spot for visitors who want a dose of nature and color without leaving the city. Bring some snacks, kick off your shoes, and soak up the California sunshine.

Drop In to a CrossFit Gym

San Jose, California, is just over 32 miles from Santa Cruz, California, the birthplace of CrossFit, and home to dozens of CrossFit gyms. Here are the ones closest to the SAP Center. 

CrossFit Silicon Valley — 1.1 miles from SAP

CrossFit Clay — 5 miles from SAP

CrossFit Myo — 6.3 miles from SAP

CrossFit Milpitas — 7.9 miles from SAP

CrossFit Almaden — 7.5 miles from SAP

CrossFit Kindred — 7.3 miles from SAP

CrossFit Coyote Valley — 11.1 miles from SAP

CrossFit Campbell — 7.8 miles from SAP

CrossFit Standard Strength — 6.7 miles from SAP

Sundown CrossFit — 3.1 miles from SAP

NorCal CrossFit — 13.8 miles from SAP

CrossFit Palo Alto — 13.6 miles from SAP

Fuel Up at Local Favorites

After a day of watching the fittest compete, spectators in the area will be delighted by the diverse and delicious dining options available. Whether you’re looking for a quick, fresh bite or a celebratory, upscale meal, this selection of local favorites has something for every palate.

Aloha Fresh — A light, revitalizing experience, you can’t go wrong with Aloha Fresh, serving up vibrant Hawaiian poke — a perfect blend of fresh fish, rice, and crisp toppings.

Taqueria El Abuelo — Authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a wide variety of traditional favorites.  

Sen Dai Sushi — Authentic Japanese cuisine featuring traditional and creative sushi rolls, along with tempura and teriyaki, served fast in a basic setting. 

ShaQ  — Serving up the aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean, with options that are both fulfilling and healthy. 

Morton’s Steakhouse —  Award-winning food and wine menus and superior service. Enjoy USDA prime-aged beef, fresh seafood, and more.

Family-Friendly Suggestions

Traveling with kids? The CrossFit Games are a family-friendly event! San Jose has many kid-friendly things to do to keep your kiddos entertained and squeeze out that last bit of energy after a day of spectating. 

The Tech Interactive — ​​The Tech Interactive is a family-friendly science and technology center in the heart of downtown San Jose. Our hands-on activities, experimental labs, and design challenge experiences empower people to innovate with creativity, curiosity, and compassion.

The Children’s Discovery Museum — Kids lead the way at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, exploring and discovering through open-ended, play-based learning. Over 150 hands-on exhibits and programs in the sciences, humanities, arts, nature, and health spark curiosity and ignite family fun where children build life skills in creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence. 

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk — The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is recognized as the best seaside park in the world. This vibrant, bustling amusement park is renowned for its great rides, remarkable history, spectacular beach setting, and friendly attitude. Enjoy rides suitable for young children to older teens, mouthwatering carnival bites, and sunshine by the sea, just a 40-minute drive from the SAP center. 

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo — Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a 16-acre zoo and amusement park in San Jose, which originally opened in 1961. The family-friendly rides provide something for everyone. The littlest ones will squeal with delight at Granny Bugs, older kids will revel in a spin on the Pacific Fruit Express roller coaster, and the whole family will enjoy the iconic Danny the Dragon train ride.

San Jose offers plenty to keep active spectators happy. With its blend of outdoor trails, diverse food options, and lively downtown atmosphere, your trip to San Jose can become the vacation of the year. Ready to plan your trip? Check out the San Jose Sports Authority website for even more places to stay, shop, dine, and make the most of your experience. 

Make It a California Vacation

Staying longer and interested in maximizing your trip? Check out these destinations that are just a drive away and offer more of what makes the California coast and bay area special. 

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art — One of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the United States.  Enjoy seven gallery floors of awe-inspiring art, grab a bite to eat, and shop the museum store.

Golden Gate Bridge — Each year, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge attracts more than 10 million visitors to take in its tremendous 746-foot-tall towers, sweeping main cables, signature International Orange color, and Art Deco styling. It is a sensory experience featuring color, light, and sound.

California Academy of Sciences — Amazing animals, inspiring science, and family fun — all in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

Muir Woods — Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, this primeval forest is both refuge and laboratory, revealing our relationship with the living landscape. 

Napa Valley — Adventure and indulgence. Start your mornings with a ride along the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a scenic path winding through vineyards and charming towns. Break a sweat hiking Skyline Wilderness Park, then recover with a soak at Calistoga Hot Springs. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch or explore tasting rooms in Yountville and St. Helena. 

Yosemite — Awe-inspiring landscapes and all-day movement. Tackle iconic hikes like Yosemite Falls or Half Dome. Spend your afternoons rock climbing, trail running, or cycling the valley floor beneath towering granite walls. Unwind with a hearty meal at The Ahwahnee Dining Room or explore nearby towns like Mariposa for laid-back local food and charm. 

The Ranch Tours — Information coming soon on how you can visit the iconic Ranch in Aromas, California, the birthplace of the CrossFit Games. 

Getting to San Jose

As a convenient gateway to Northern California and the Silicon Valley region, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the best destination airport for your trip. Just minutes from downtown San Jose, SJC provides nonstop service to over 40 domestic and international destinations and is the closest airport to the SAP Center.

Fueled by a culture of innovation, SJC is the Bay Area’s easiest and most dependable airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate, and location. 

We can’t wait to see you in San Jose!