Bocce is loved by people of all ages. Competitors or teams lob a total of eight bocce balls as close as possible to a smaller white ball called the ‘pallino.’ It is estimated that the game originated in Egypt in 5200 BC. It is still played today all over the world — the second most played ball sport, behind soccer. Here are the best places to play bocce in the
San Francisco Bay Area.
Aquatic Park Bocce Ball
Park
Aquatic Park Bocce Ball
Aquatic Park Bocce Ball is perfect for beginning bocce ball players. There is a helpful attendant on duty to explain the rules of the game. The cost to rent equipment is low, and people can bring their own food and beverages. When they are finished with the bocce ball courts, they can check out the other features of Aquatic Park, such as a small beach, a museum, and a paved trail for biking and or running.
Aquatic Park Bocce Ball, Van Ness and Beach, San Francisco, CA, USA +1 415 447 5000
The Hidden Vine
Wine Bar, Pub Grub, $$$
The Hidden Vine
The Hidden Vine is a wine bar in the Financial District that offers a large selection of wines from different regions each month. Customers can choose from over 180 wines, with 40 available by the glass. There are also small plates for customers to enjoy while they play on the outdoor bocce ball court behind the venue, which can be reserved by the hour.
The Hidden Vine, 408 Merchant St, San Francisco, CA, USA +1 415 674 3567
Stock in Trade Indoor Bocce Ball Court © Courtesy of Stock in Trade
VIE Winery
Winery
VIE Winery
VIE Winery on Treasure Island has an oceanfront view with two outdoor bocce ball courts that rent by the hour on Saturday and Sunday. There are picnic tables next to the courts, so that customers can enjoy wine. The venue is dog friendly.
VIE Winery, 400 California Ave, San Francisco, CA, USA +1 415 756 1791
Campo di Bocce
Park, University
Campo di Bocce
With locations in Los Gatos and Livermore, Campo di Bocce’s courts rent per hour and a half, and there is a flat rate for each person. Along with local tournaments, Campo di Bocce of Livermore hosted the 2016 United States Bocce Championships. Campo di Bocce is also great for dinner and appetizers, as it serves delicious Italian cuisine while guests wait to play on one of the venue’s several indoor and outdoor bocce ball courts.
Campo di Bocce, 565 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA, USA +1 408 395 7650
Campo di Bocce, 175 E Vineyard Ave, Livermore, CA, USA +1 925 249 9800
Bar Bocce
Bar Bocce is known for its back patio, which has a fire pit as well as a free bocce ball court. This restaurant and bar offers beer, wine and delicious food, including one-of-a-kind sourdough pizza and a selection of garden salads. Bar Bocce is also located on the waterfront, with views of Richardson Bay from a small beach beside the bocce ball court and the patio area.
Bar Bocce, 1250 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA, USA +1 415 331 0555
