Daycation to the 49ers Museum at Levi’s Stadium

A must-see for any die-hard Niners fan.
Janet Fazio

“Champions behave like champions before they are champions. They have a winning standard of performance before they are winners.”  – Coach Bill Walsh

SANTA CLARA – Football season is still months away, and sadly there’s no guarantee how this year’s 49er team will fair, but if you find yourself longing for their winning ways of the past, a trip to the 49ers Museum in Santa Clara is just what the doctor ordered.

Located at Levi’s Stadium, the 20,000 square foot museum features 11 galleries, interactive displays, an education center and a game room for kids of all ages.

Watch the 20 minute history of the 49ers movie to set the tone for your visit. Narrated by Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jed York, and Eddie DeBartalo, Jr. among other 49er greats, and featuring sound clips from former San Francisco mayor Dianne Feinstein, the movie will transport you back in time, remind you of past tragedies, allow you to revisit the great victories, but most of all, this short documentary depicting the heritage of the 49ers will inspire you.

The movie exits right into the Edward J. Debartalo, Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame gallery, where life-size statues of 49ers from throughout the decades are on display. Interactive touch screens will tell you the background of each of the legendary 49er Hall of Fame members.

Continue throughout the museum where all of Jerry Rice’s 206 touchdown reception footballs from his 16 year career with the 49ers hang from the ceiling. Learn about the rich history of the 49ers and their impact on San Francisco, see the actual Vince Lombardi trophies and Super Bowl rings, and watch “The Catch” as many times as you please. Lockers from Kezar stadium are on display, as are historic programs, playbooks and jerseys.

Downstairs, kids can try on helmets and pads and find their inner football player, cheerleader and broadcaster.

An interactive educational center welcomes around 20,000 kids each year and uses football statistics and plays to teach math skills, leadership and more. Visit the website for information on class fieldtrips. 

Food and drinks aren’t allowed or served in the museum, but Bourbon Pub, also located in the stadium, is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30am-9pm. In addition, there are several casual and fast food options within a mile or so of the stadium.

Public tours of the stadium are held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tours include a 90-minute guided tour of the stadium and admission for a self-guided tour of the 49ers Museum. Tours are $30 per person.

If you go: The 49ers Museum is located at Levi’s Stadium on Tasman Drive in Santa Clara. It’s open year-round, Monday-Thursday, 9:30am-2:30pm, Friday-Saturday, 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. Check online for blackout dates. Museum admission is $10-$15. Children under 4 are free. On non-event days, park for free in Yellow Lot 1, 2, 3 or Red Lot 1. For more information, visit LevisStadium.com.

Janet Fazio writes ‘Your Town Daycation’, a monthly feature in the print edition of Your Town Monthly. This article was originally published in the July 2016 issues.