SAN JOSE, Calif. — Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheatre is arguably the top concert venue in the Bay Area.

First off, it’s the region’s biggest dedicated concert venue, with the ability to hold some 22,000 fans.

Also, since opening in 1986, the open-air theater has hosted some of the world’s top acts. In 2024 alone, Shoreline has hosted the likes of Santana and Counting Crows; Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and Brittney Spencer; Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett and Morgan Wade; and New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Here are some details you need to know about Shoreline

Address and info

Shoreline is located at 1 Amphitheatre Parkway in Mountain View. Find tickets and show schedules at LiveNation.com.

Configuration

The venue is split into two main areas — the reserved seating sections near the stage and the general admission lawn area in back. The lawn area tends to be the vastly more affordable option, but it also places you pretty far back from the musicians.

2024 concert highlights

This season features an wide array of entertainment, including such top shows as NorCal country star Jon Pardi on Sept. 27; hard rockers Korn and Gojira on Oct. 6; pop singer Meghan Trainor on Oct. 18 and the multitalented Danny Elfman on Nov. 3.

Items allowed into venue

—Small clutch (6-by-9 inches)

—Clear, plastic, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12-by-12-by-6 inches

—Cameras – nonprofessional only, no detachable or external zoom lenses

—Signs 8.5-by-11 inches or smaller only

—Small blanket or towel

—Sealed bottle of water (not frozen) under 20 ounces

—Empty refillable plastic water bottle (no glass or metal)

Items not allowed into venue

—Large or oversized bags, including luggage, duffel bags, or large/industrial/camping-sized back packs (Any bag larger than 12-by-12-by-6 inches will not be permitted). Any bag larger than a clutch must be clear.

—Chairs/lawn chairs

—Weapons and sharp objects of any kind

—Alcohol

—Illegal drugs/substances

—Glass containers of any kind

—Coolers

—Pepper spray

—Laser pointers

—Binoculars

—Animals (service animals are permitted; emotional support animals are not permitted.)

—Fireworks

—Blankets larger than 6-by-6 feet

—Umbrellas

—Tripods

—Banners

—Balls or Frisbees

—Selfie sticks

—Video cameras / GoPros / iPads

—Glow sticks

—Stollers, baby carriers or wagons

—Beverages other than a sealed (not frozen) bottle of water up to 20 ounces

—Flyers and stickers

—Musical instruments

—Fan signs larger than 8.5-by-11 inches

—Cameras with detachable lens or manual external zoom

—Aerosol products/cans

—Bota bags

—Costumes that resemble public safety uniforms (police, SWAT, fire, security or medical) in any way

—Drones, remote-controlled aircraft, toys

—Eye drops

—Gas masks

—Glass, cans, cups or coolers

—Helium balloons

—Large chains or spiked jewelry

—Laser pointers and air horns

—LED gloves or LED microlights used for light shows

—Liquid makeup

—Markers, pens or spray paint

—Massagers

—Over-the-counter medication

—Pacifiers

—Pets

—Professional photo, video, or audio recording equipment (no detachable lenses, tripods, big zooms or commerical-use rigs)

—Stuffed animals or dolls

—Tents, large umbrellas, chairs or blankets

—Toy guns, water guns, slingshots

—Unsealed tampons or pads (upon entry)

—Wind chairs, sofas

—Gang actvity; including but not limited to wearing or displaying gang clothing and/or indicia.

—Offensive clothing

Parking and transportation

Basically, everyone who goes to Shoreline drives and parks at the venue’s massive parking lots. General parking is free, but folks can pay to park in the VIP/premier lots which are significantly closer to the theater entrance. There is ADA parking in lots A, C and D.

Concert traffic at this venue can be intense, especially on a weeknight for a sold-out show. Give yourself plenty of time when driving to Shoreline. Our recommendation: Leave for the concert at least two hours before show time — even if you’re only coming from a few cities away. It’s once you get to Mountain View that the traffic really becomes an issue.

Some people park elsewhere and then walk into show. We’ve done that, too. But be very careful about parking somewhere you shouldn’t (like the nearby movie theater parking lot). You don’t want walk back from that cool Phish or REO Speedwagon show to find out that your car has been towed.

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