Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Cupertino, CA

Cupertino is a city with a population of approximately 60,000, located in the San Francisco Bay Area of Santa Clara County. It is recognized globally as the headquarters of Apple Inc. and is one of the pioneering cities of Silicon Valley.

Cupertino’s strategic position at the edge of the Santa Clara Valley, near the Santa Clara Mountains, provides convenient access to outdoor recreational opportunities and breathtaking vistas.

The city is also conveniently situated near major urban centers, with San Jose only ten miles away and San Francisco approximately 45 miles distant.

Cupertino boasts numerous dining establishments, cultural attractions, and shopping venues, including The Oaks Center, Cupertino Village, and The Marketplace. Within city boundaries, over 150 acres are designated as parkland.

Throughout the year, Cupertino hosts a variety of festivals and events, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Lunar New Year Unity Parade, the Diwali Festival, the Moon Festival, and the Cupertino Silicon Valley Fall Festival.

Here are 15 of the most notable activities to enjoy in and around Cupertino, California.

1. Learn About Local History at the Cupertino Historical Society Museum

The Cupertino Historical Society Museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into the city’s rich history.

The museum’s primary objective is to collect, preserve, and showcase various artifacts related to the city’s heritage. As visitors explore the exhibits, they will encounter numerous items reflecting different facets of life in Cupertino over the past century.

Displays include artifacts related to industry, homemaking, education, and early settlement in the region.

2. Drop into the Apple Park Visitor Center

Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Cupertino is home to numerous tech firms, notably Apple Inc.

While Apple’s global headquarters is an expansive complex that is primarily restricted to visitors, a designated visitor center on the campus allows tourists to learn more about the organization, its products, its history, and its culture.

The campus itself is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, serving as an exhibit in its own right. Inside the visitor center, there’s a shop offering Apple merchandise and products.

Additionally, the on-site café provides snacks, light meals, and beverages, perfect for a break during your exploration of the grounds.

3. Kick Back in Cupertino Memorial Park

Cupertino Memorial Park is a well-frequented municipal area because it offers facilities suitable for visitors of all ages.

This 28-acre expanse features picnic areas, a baseball field, tennis courts, and a gazebo overlooking a picturesque pond. The amphitheater hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Shakespeare in the Park during summer.

While exploring the park, visitors can also find the Cupertino Veterans Memorial, honoring local military veterans.

4. Have an All-American Meal at Eureka

If you seek a warm, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy classic comfort food, Eureka is a top choice in Cupertino.

The menu features a diverse array of items, including gourmet burgers, appetizers, salads, wings, nachos, sandwiches, and signature entrees. The beverage selection includes an extensive collection of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails made from natural ingredients.

Moreover, Eureka boasts the city’s premier whiskey bar, and its patio is pet-friendly.

5. Play a Round of Golf at Deep Cliff Golf Course

Deep Cliff Golf Course is a meticulously maintained, award-winning course that caters to players of all skill levels. This 18-hole facility includes a driving range, an expansive putting green, and a pro shop. Instructional lessons are available.

The DC Tap House specializes in traditional American fare and features a broad selection of local craft beers and artisanal cocktails.

6. Admire Beautiful Art at the Euphrat Museum of Art

The Euphrat Museum of Art showcases a diverse range of local artworks through various exhibits, serving as a hub for both artists and art enthusiasts to find inspiration and acquire knowledge about artistic endeavors.

Throughout the year, the museum offers a variety of events, such as lectures, workshops, and educational programs tailored for all age groups.

7. Learn About the Night Sky at the Fujitsu Planetarium

Fujitsu Planetarium, located on the Cupertino campus of De Anza College, ranks among the most modern and largest planetariums in the region, providing a unique experience for visitors.

Inside, the planetarium features an interactive display with a cutting-edge laser show, accompanied by sound effects and vivid visuals projected onto a dome towering 50 feet high.

8. Check out the Cupertino Square Certified Farmers’ Market

The Cupertino Square Certified Farmers’ Market is a weekly event, operating year-round, regardless of the weather.

Visitors can explore a variety of local products, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and berries sourced from nearby farms, as well as homemade baked goods, hot food options, gourmet bread, and honey.

Entertainment is also provided for visitors of all ages, featuring live music performances.

9. Attend a Wine Tasting at the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards

The region surrounding Cupertino provides optimal conditions for grape cultivation, essential for wine production. Since the 1970s, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards has been offering wine tastings in their elegant tasting room.

Visitors can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere within the historic Fruit House to sample local wines; each tasting consists of five selections that are updated weekly.

10. Spend a Day Outdoors at Castle Rock State Park

Visitors do not have to travel far from Cupertino to discover a pristine natural environment that feels secluded from urban life.

Castle Rock State Park is just a half-hour drive away and offers natural landscapes characterized by expansive green spaces, dense forests, and stunning views, perfect for an escape into nature.

Outdoor activities include hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing, with 34 miles of trails showcasing various natural features, including coast redwood trees and diverse plant species.

Climbers will find a multitude of rock formations and caves to explore, such as Castle Rock.

11. Enjoy Locally-sourced Coffee at Paper Moon Coffee Co.

Proudly recognized as one of the premier coffee roasters in the area, Paper Moon Coffee Co. offers more than just exceptional coffee; it provides a cozy and inviting environment for individuals of all backgrounds to relax and savor a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

At Paper Moon Coffee Co., coffee beans are roasted in-house, and ingredients are sourced locally to reflect sustainable practices.

Traditional staples such as Espresso, Café Au Lait, Cappuccino, lattes, and Americanos are available, along with a wide selection of dessert coffee beverages and sweet treats.

12. Explore the McClellan Ranch Preserve

Originally a horse ranch in the early 1900s, McClellan Ranch has transformed into a living history museum encompassing original structures, a nature museum, and a community garden.

As you traverse the preserve, you will view the fully restored original ranch house, milk barn, and livestock barn, along with a replica blacksmith shop.

Hiking is a favored activity here, offering opportunities to spot various bird species, as well as deer, coyotes, and bobcats.

Throughout the year, the preserve hosts numerous events, including nature classes, educational programs, and guided hikes.

13. Get A History Lesson at the California History Center

California possesses a rich and intriguing history; regardless of your level of interest in history, the extensive collection of historical artifacts in this building is sure to engage your curiosity.

The center is home to a variety of exhibits that celebrate the state’s history and culture, and visitors can access a library containing archives and historical texts.

14. Visit the Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve

The Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve offers numerous attractions for visitors. This site takes its name from the Picchetti family, who immigrated from Italy in the 1870s.

Visitors can explore the historical homestead and the Picchetti Winery, where they can unwind while sampling exquisite wines.

Additionally, there are several hiking trails, including the Zinfandel Trail, offering breathtaking views of South Bay and traversing hillside orchards and forested areas.

15. Take a Trip to Hawaii at Coconut’s Fish Cafe

At Coconut’s Fish Cafe, patrons experience an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere without leaving Cupertino. This casual, family-owned establishment pays homage to the Hawaiian islands through its diverse menu.

Upon entering, guests feel transported to the tropical archipelago, surrounded by vibrant colors, traditional music, and uniquely designed surfboard tables.

The establishment features a delightful selection of healthy and flavorful dishes, including family recipes, homemade coleslaw, and signature sauces.

Additional offerings include appetizers, soups, salads, tacos, seafood, pasta, rice dishes, and traditional Hawaiian specialties.