Summary
If you’re looking for a place in the Bay Area to attend an outdoor concert, Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View may be just the place for you. It’s a beautiful venue, featuring a large, tent-like structure over the stage, located on the shores of the southern San Francisco Bay.
The Venue and Crowd Factor
With 6,500 fixed seats and lawn seating that brings its capacity to 22,000, this outdoor amphitheater can accommodate a large audience. In fact, you’ll appreciate the two large video screens, allowing a close-up view of the performers, regardless of your seating location. Otherwise, you might need a telescope just to catch a glimpse of the stage actions.
The advantage of its size is that you typically don’t feel crowded at many shows. However, the most popular acts can attract large crowds, leading to heavy congestion on a limited number of city streets, often resulting in traffic standstill for miles.
Likes and Dislikes
Shoreline Amphitheater is a delightful venue to visit on a warm summer evening, not only culturally but also meteorologically. The Bay’s natural air conditioning ensures comfort by showtime, even on hotter days.
However, it is not without its drawbacks. Despite its positives, it receives low ratings from some attendees. Their biggest complaints often revolve around the lack of enforcement regarding cigarette and cannabis smoking. On the contrary, if a performer requests it, the staff will actively eject anyone seen holding a cell phone, which can disrupt the concert experience. Additionally, traffic congestion when entering or exiting is a common grievance.
Tips for Shoreline Amphitheater
- You can bring low-backed beach chairs to the lawn, as long as the seat height is no more than 9 inches off the ground. On-site rentals are also available. For most shows, blankets are allowed, but be aware that the lawn can sometimes become annoyingly crowded.
- Sunscreen may not be necessary as the sun typically sets before the show, but insect repellent is recommended.
- While tailgate picnics are prohibited, you may bring snack foods or picnic items in one clear, plastic gallon-size bag per person, along with one gallon of factory-sealed bottled water (also one per person). Alcohol and cans or bottles are not permitted.
- To save money, consider skipping the alcohol. If you choose to purchase alcoholic beverages, expect to show ID with each transaction.
- Leave “professional” cameras, video equipment, and recording devices at home.
- No pets are allowed, except for registered working animals.
- For some events, a designated Family Zone on the lawn is available, where both smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To expedite entry, avoid bringing large bags. Instead, minimize your belongings to essentials in pockets or a small clutch bag. Both gates have a No Bag/Express Entry lane available.
- Download the Live Nation app onto your mobile device for comprehensive event details, including tickets, directions, updates, parking information, and the option to pre-order food.
- For popular shows, aim to arrive as early as possible. Commuter traffic can worsen on weekday nights, so allow yourself ample time for parking and entering.
- If you’re interested in purchasing merchandise, allocate extra time for that as well. There are only two merchandise areas, which often experience lines that feel longer than the concert itself.
- Exiting Shoreline can be just as frustrating as getting in. Rather than rushing out immediately, take a moment to enjoy the water bottle and snack you wisely brought, share your experience on social media, chat with your friends, or simply relax until the traffic alleviates.
Tickets and Reservations
The amphitheater has 6,500 reserved seats available. Tickets can be purchased for fixed seats located in either the lower or upper levels.
The lawn area accommodates an additional 15,500 people, seated on the grass. Seats in this area are generally more affordable, and many are situated just a few feet further from the stage than the fixed seats. If opting for lawn seating, be sure to arrive as early as possible.
Shoreline also provides VIP seating options, which you can find detailed on their website. Purchase your Shoreline tickets online through Live Nation.
For concerts likely to sell out quickly, come prepared by reviewing a seating chart beforehand to choose your preferred seating. Regular attendees suggest that section 202 often provides the best sound, although section 102 is ideal for a closer view of stage performers.
To avoid additional surcharges, tickets can be purchased in person at the Shoreline box office during limited operational hours, which can be located in the A to Z information on their website.
If tickets are sold out, consider checking Stubhub or contact the box office at 650-967-4040 to inquire about released House seats.
What You Need to Know About Shoreline
The current season’s schedule and more information can be found at the Shoreline Amphitheater.
Shoreline Amphitheater is conveniently located 10 miles north of San Jose and 35 miles south of San Francisco at One Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View.
Parking is included in your ticket price, making it beneficial to utilize their parking lot. VIP parking is available for an additional fee.
