Board games like Monopoly and chess are classics that still retain modern-day charm and popularity, especially in the Bay area where these games can be found in epic proportions. With giant game pieces and playing fields included, we’re sure you’re dying to try these big attractions out for yourself. Here are three Bay area spots where you can find your next mega-sized gaming adventure.
Monopoly in the Park
Monopoly is perhaps the most popular board game played across the globe. Its rules are simple: attempt to own as much property as you can and collect free money along the way. And what better way to play than with giant wearable game tokens and dice all on a 930-square-foot custom granite game board. There are also game referees on-site to oversee the game from start to finish.
Monopoly in the Park first debuted at the 1992 San Francisco Garden and Landscape Show but made its way to San Jose in 2002. Its current home is near the Children’s Discovery Museum and is the perfect backdrop for family and friend get-togethers. You can also bring your own folding chairs and tables to enjoy a picnic or simply lounge about.
Furthermore, this attraction holds the sole title for officially licensed monopoly game board of its kind in the world and even landed in the Guinness Book of World Records for its impressive size. It also received an Excellence Award for Best Attraction in 2015 by the Silicon Valley Concierge Association.
Santana Row Chess Plaza
San Jose’s Santana Row is a quaint and charming square lined with high-end retail shops, boutiques, and eateries. It’s also home to a colossal chess board and matching white and black pieces within the 300 block.
You’ll also notice adjacent tabletop chess boards and chairs for those who prefer a classic-sized game. Either way, we’re sure you’ll agree the flowering pot arrangements hanging from nearby street lights and calming ambiance make this Santana Row attraction all the more inviting.
The Playroom at Hotel Zetta San Francisco
We head out of San Jose for our final entry on the list: the Playroom at Hotel Zetta San Francisco. This modern gaming space is located on the hotel’s second floor and offers a chic and comfortable play space for guests. Here you’ll find normal-sized amenities like a pool table, ping pong, shuffleboard, Connect Four, and several gaming consoles. These are, however, overshadowed by the Playroom’s larger attractions, which include a 30-foot Plinko game wall and giant Jenga setup.
As you lounge atop low-seated sofas or near classic tables and chairs, you’ll find the hotel’s Playroom an ideal indoor retreat for Bay area gamers. Furthermore, Hotel Zetta offers a special Borrow Bar program where guests can rent equipment like laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, or virtual reality hardware to enjoy in the lounge or in the comfort of their room.
If you’re looking to enjoy a classic board game with a giant-sized upgrade, these top three Bay area locations can guarantee an experience like never before!
Photo by HarshLight | Licensed under cc BY 2.0
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