Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara is a city with a population nearing 125,000, situated in Santa Clara County, approximately 75 kilometers south of San Francisco.

Founded over 200 years ago as a Spanish Mission, the city is now renowned for its vibrant technology sector, commonly recognized globally as Silicon Valley.

While many football enthusiasts are already aware, it may surprise some to learn that this relatively small city is home to the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers.

Visitors to Santa Clara will find a plentiful array of activities within the city limits, ensuring that they remain engaged and entertained throughout their stay.

1. Levi’s Stadium

With a capacity approaching 70,000, Levi’s Stadium located on Marie P. DeBartolo Way in Santa Clara ranks among the leading professional football venues in the United States.

The San Francisco 49ers host their home games here; in addition, the stadium serves as a site for diverse annual events during the off-season, including high-profile concerts.

Taking a family to a football match may not be the most economical choice, but for individuals who have yet to experience a professional game, it represents an electrifying event that could justify the expenditure.

Regularly scheduled guided tours are available, and there are numerous bars and restaurants surrounding the stadium that cater to visitors year-round.

2. Ulistac Natural Area

Despite the city’s considerable population and the associated hustle and bustle, the Bay Area hosts numerous urban parks and natural reserves, making it easy for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoors.

The Ulistac Natural Area, located on Lick Mill Road, spans over 40 acres and comprises a diverse range of habitats.

This natural refuge, which flanks the Guadalupe River, supports a wide variety of flora and fauna adapted to its riparian environment.

It is particularly favored by bird watchers and features a network of well-marked nature trails equipped with informative signage.

3. Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival

Art and wine hold significant importance in California, and there is no better way to appreciate both than by attending the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival.

This event takes place in the city’s Central Park and showcases nearly 200 vendors from across the nation selling exquisite artwork and crafts, gourmet food, and a wide array of California’s finest wines.

Proceeds from the festival benefit local community initiatives. It is scheduled during early fall when the weather in central California is ideal for outdoor festivities.

Moreover, highlights include live performances and various art-related activities designed for children.

4. The de Saisset Museum

Though often unrecognized by individuals outside West Coast art circles, Ernest de Saisset was one of the preeminent artists of the Bay Area during the 19th century.

A French immigrant, Saisset attended Santa Clara University, where he pursued painting in his youth.

The museum dedicated to his legacy, situated on the university’s campus, houses a collection of more than 100 of his most notable creations.

It serves as both a historical and artistic venue, also featuring works from European and American artists dating back several centuries.

5. Intel Museum

Intel stands as a formidable leader in the technology sector, having facilitated many significant advancements in computer hardware over the years.

The Intel Museum is located on the premises of the company’s global headquarters in Santa Clara, welcoming the public on a regular basis.

Even individuals who may not be technologically inclined will find it an intriguing destination, suitable for an hour or two of exploration.

Far from being mundane, it offers numerous interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages, making it an excellent choice for families with young children.

6. Santa Clara Farmers’ Market

There is truly no better way to engage with local residents, enjoy delightful weather, and access a plethora of unique products than by visiting a farmers’ market.

The Santa Clara Farmers’ Market operates year-round and features a diverse array of offerings, from seasonal produce and artisanal baked goods to health and beauty products and prepared meals.

Conveniently located on Jackson Street near the downtown area, visitors can anticipate discovering different selections with every visit.

Spending a few dollars is an excellent means of supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs, and visitors are encouraged to ask for recommendations regarding attractions and activities in the area.

7. California’s Great America

While California is home to numerous theme parks, California’s Great America stands out as the definitive option for visitors to Santa Clara.

Located on Great America Parkway just outside the city, this park offers an abundance of rides, dining opportunities, activities for children, and a water park that is particularly popular during the hot summer months.

Although Great America tends to attract large crowds during peak seasons when families are on summer vacation, many visitors have noted that wait times for attractions remain manageable.

As a result, many families opt to allocate an entire day to their visit to maximize their enjoyment without unnecessary travel time.

8. Mission Santa Clara

Mission Santa Clara represents one of the city’s foremost historical attractions, conveniently situated on the campus of Santa Clara University.

Established by Franciscans in the 1770s to disseminate Christianity among local Native American populations, the mission faced numerous challenges, resulting in its relocation from the original site.

Throughout the years, the mission came under the stewardship of the Jesuits. Although it no longer fulfills its initial mission, it now operates as both a museum and chapel accessible to the public.

9. The Triton Museum of Art

While visitors often come to the Triton Museum of Art to appreciate its collection, the remarkable modern architecture of the building itself typically leaves a lasting impression.

The museum’s exhibits showcase works from a variety of artists nationwide, with a particular emphasis on pieces inspired by local people and landscapes created by Bay Area artists.

The expansive grounds include an outdoor sculpture garden covering nearly seven acres and a historic home from the mid-1860s, regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of American historical architecture in the region.

The museum is found on Warburton Avenue, with most patrons spending several hours at the site.

10. Santa Clara Players

The Santa Clara Players have been part of the community since the early 1960s, begun by a group of local artists presenting small performances.

Now, nearly seven decades later, they continue to thrive, offering an annual repertoire ranging from dramatic theater and mystery to satire and comedy.

This community theater group, supported by talented volunteer performers, is committed to delivering high-quality, family-friendly entertainment at accessible prices.

Located on Don Avenue in Santa Clara, they also provide numerous volunteer opportunities for aspiring actors and stage technicians.

11. Central Park

With expansive open areas, Central Park in Santa Clara serves as a key destination for active visitors seeking to optimize their limited vacation time without traveling far for attractions.

Prominently located on Keily Boulevard, the park offers ample parking and includes a variety of outdoor amenities and recreational options.

From tennis and basketball to softball, lawn bowling, and an extensive playground, there are countless opportunities for amusement on-site. For those seeking a leisurely afternoon, facilities include a lake, built-in BBQs, and public restrooms.

12. The 49ers Museum

Even if one is not in Santa Clara during the regular football season, the stadium and the 49ers museum provide enjoyable experiences for sports enthusiasts.

Situated within Levi’s Stadium, the museum comprises nearly a dozen distinct galleries that are accessible to the public year-round.

This venue offers both an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Beyond football, the exhibits explore topics related to science, technology, and art, captivating both younger and older audiences.

Most guests begin with the introductory video in the visitor’s center prior to exploring the impressive collection of trophies, footballs, and Super Bowl artifacts on display.

13. The Santa Clara Fire Museum

The Santa Clara Fire Department traces its origins back to the 1850s when it was established.

The museum is currently housed on Walsh Avenue within an unused training facility behind the city’s contemporary fire station.

It boasts an impressive array of equipment and historical artifacts that offer visitors insights into the lives of fire and rescue personnel throughout history.

Among the notable exhibits is a meticulously restored Model-T fire truck, which served for two decades beginning in the 1920s.

Knowledgeable local volunteers regularly conduct programs intended to educate the public about fire safety and prevention topics.

14. Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History

The Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History is operated by a local historical society and is situated in the depot of a former railroad on Railroad Avenue in Santa Clara.

Like many local historical attractions, the museum is staffed by volunteers passionate about sharing their knowledge and guiding first-time visitors through the exhibits.

The collections feature a variety of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, including signals, safety equipment, and historical photographs over a century old.

The museum is regularly open to the public and maintains a comprehensive library of literature pertaining to the development of railroads and local history.

15. Voyager Coffee

Although established in 2016, Voyager Coffee is committed to the exceptional service of its clientele.

This commitment is reflected in their offering of premium coffee, alongside a welcoming environment that fosters connections among patrons with similar interests.

The diverse coffee collection features internationally inspired flavors, often infused with elements such as orange essence and cherry blossom water.

For those who prefer traditional coffee, various standard brews are also available.

In addition to coffee, they serve fresh pastries, baked products, tea, and other non-coffee beverages.