Things To Do
in Cupertino
Cupertino is a suburban city in Silicon Valley best known as the headquarters of Apple and a hub for global tech talent. It combines high-tech campuses with quiet residential neighborhoods, well-maintained parks, and excellent public schools. The city offers a diverse culinary scene driven by its large Asian and international communities, alongside easy access to nearby outdoor recreation.
While convenient to San Jose and other Bay Area destinations, Cupertino is relatively car-oriented with pockets of walkable commercial centers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and artisan coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the historic downtown area, where you can admire charming architecture and visit quaint shops. Don’t forget to stop by the Cupertino Historical Society to learn about the rich history of the region.
Enjoy lunch at a popular local eatery, trying out some of the diverse culinary offerings that Cupertino has to offer. After lunch, explore the beautiful Memorial Park, where you can relax by the lake or take a walk along the pathways lined with trees. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a bike and ride along the nearby Stevens Creek Trail.
As the sun sets, head to a rooftop restaurant for dinner, where you can savor delicious cuisine while taking in panoramic views of the Silicon Valley. After dinner, catch a live performance at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing local talent and various productions. End your evening with a nightcap at a cozy bar, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner, fueling up for a day of exploration. After breakfast, head to the nearby Rancho San Antonio County Park for a morning hike. The trails offer stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and a chance to spot local wildlife.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. Afterward, consider visiting the nearby Deer Hollow Farm, where you can learn about sustainable farming and meet friendly farm animals. Take your time exploring the trails, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of the landscapes.
As dusk approaches, return to Cupertino and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant. Relish seasonal dishes that highlight locally sourced ingredients. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk at the Cupertino Civic Center Plaza, enjoying the illuminated fountains and art installations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-6 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (in bar) | $6-9 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Safe, family-friendly community with excellent public services
- Easy access to Silicon Valley tech hubs and innovation centers
- Diverse, high-quality dining options and cultural variety
- Proximity to excellent hiking, parks, and outdoor spaces
- High cost of living and expensive accommodations
- Car-dependent in many neighborhoods with limited late-night transit
- Limited nightlife directly in Cupertino
- Occasional poor air quality during wildfire season
Places to Visit in Cupertino
Visit one of these nice places.
Modern architecture, landscaped plazas, and reflective glass offer clean, minimalist shots—best in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
Rolling hills, oak woodlands, and farm scenes provide nature and wildlife opportunities; golden hour produces warm tones on the ridgelines.
Vineyards, rustic barn buildings, and hillside vistas are great for landscape and sunset photography.
Well-kept gardens, public art, and open lawns are good for family-friendly and community-focused shots.
Water reflections and tree-lined slopes create peaceful compositions, especially in calm weather.
Food in Cupertino
Cupertino Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Popular Cantonese-style dim sum and roast meats are widely available at local restaurants and specialize houses in the area—great for weekend brunches.
Must-Try!
Interactive Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurants are common and excellent for groups; try marinated short ribs (galbi) and banchan sides.
Taiwanese-style bubble tea and fruit teas are everywhere—perfect for a mid-day refresh after exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held seasonally (often Sundays at Memorial Park), this market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, prepared foods, and occasional food trucks—try seasonal fruit and local pastries.
Larger farmers' markets and night markets in nearby cities showcase street food, international pastries, and pop-up vendors if you’re willing to drive a short distance.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for business and social appointments—punctuality is appreciated in professional settings.
Maintain personal space, use polite language, and avoid intrusive questions about income or job status.
Cupertino is culturally diverse—respect dietary practices, languages, and customs; calling out inclusivity is welcomed.
Phones and devices are ubiquitous—be mindful of camera and recording rules at private offices and campuses (e.g., Apple Park).
Safety
Tipping in Cupertino
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill at sit-down restaurants; tip 1–2 dollars per drink at bars, and 10–15% for delivery depending on service. Taxi and rideshare drivers typically receive small tips; round up or add 10–15%.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is still accepted in many places but less frequently; keep some small bills for markets or tip jars.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, dry weather with daytime highs often in the upper 70s–80s°F (25–30°C); ideal for hiking but bring water and sun protection. Summer can also bring poor air quality occasionally during nearby wildfire events.
Mild temperatures and lower crowds make fall a pleasant time for outdoor activities; leaves can change color on higher ridges and mornings may be cool.
Cooler and wetter season with daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C) and most of the annual rain—rare light frost but no regular snow. Bring a rain jacket for occasional storms.
Temperate and often lush after winter rains; wildflowers appear on local trails and the weather is comfortable for hiking and picnics.
Cupertino at Night
Hiking in Cupertino
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trail network, varied terrain, wildlife viewing, and Deer Hollow Farm—good for hikes of all lengths and family outings.
Rolling vineyard landscapes, orchard trees, and quieter trails with scenic overlooks—pleasant for moderate hikes and picnics.
Reservoir views, rolling hills, and trails suitable for hikers and mountain bikers; good for half-day excursions.
Higher-elevation trails with expansive views and seasonal wildflowers—drive a bit farther for longer, more rugged hikes.
Airports
How to reach Cupertino by plane.
Closest major airport (~10–20 minutes by car in light traffic). Offers domestic flights and some international connections; easily reached by car, shuttle, or rideshare.
Major international airport (~35–60 minutes by car depending on traffic). Offers broad domestic and international flight options; reachable by car, Caltrain + shuttle, or BART (with transfer).
An alternative Bay Area airport (~45–75 minutes by car). Sometimes easier for certain domestic flights; accessible by car or regional transit with transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cupertino has large Chinese, Taiwanese, Indian, and other Asian communities, which shape the cultural, culinary, and linguistic landscape.
Many residents work in technology and related industries; the area has a high proportion of STEM professionals and highly educated households.
The city is home to many families attracted by top-rated schools, parks, and family-oriented services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Youth and adult recreational soccer are very popular; nearby professional MLS team San Jose Earthquakes draws fans from Cupertino.
San Jose Sharks (NHL) are the local professional hockey team and a major draw for fans in the region.
Road cycling, trail running, and organized community runs are common, using local parks and Bay Area routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cupertino.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available—many Asian restaurants offer tofu dishes and vegetable noodles; specify no fish sauce in southeast Asian cuisine.
Gluten-free choices exist but are less ubiquitous; many restaurants can accommodate requests, and rice- and vegetable-based dishes are common—always mention allergies to staff.
Halal and kosher options are more limited in Cupertino proper but available in neighboring cities like San Jose and Fremont; Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants may offer halal meats—ask directly.