Things To Do
in Santa Clara
Santa Clara sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, blending tech heritage with a family-friendly hometown vibe. It offers a compact downtown, quality parks, and easy access to both the Bay Area’s natural beauty and its high-tech attractions. The city acts as a convenient base for exploring nearby San Jose, Palo Alto, and Cupertino while maintaining a smaller-town feel.
Visitors can enjoy a mix of university ambiance, modern stadiums, and diverse dining in a welcoming, sunny climate.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Santa Clara Mission, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of California's missions. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding gardens, enjoying the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop by the nearby de Saisset Museum to appreciate local art and exhibitions.
For lunch, head to a local café to savor some delicious California cuisine, perhaps a fresh salad or a unique sandwich. Post-lunch, explore the Santa Clara University campus, known for its stunning Mission Revival architecture and vibrant student life. Wrap up your afternoon by visiting the Tech Museum of Innovation in nearby San Jose, where you can engage with interactive exhibits.
As evening falls, make your way to the Santana Row for a delightful dining experience at one of the many restaurants offering diverse culinary options. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the lively streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere filled with shops and entertainment. Finally, catch a movie at the luxury cinema or enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar with city views.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to California's Great America, the local amusement park filled with thrilling rides and attractions. Spend the morning conquering roller coasters and enjoying live entertainment, with the crisp morning air invigorating your spirit. Make sure to grab a fast pass to maximize your time on the rides.
After a morning of excitement, refuel with lunch at one of the park’s eateries, where you can enjoy classic amusement park fare like burgers and fries. Continue your adventure in the afternoon by exploring the water park section, riding wave pools and lazy rivers to cool off. Take breaks between rides to enjoy the live shows and character meet-and-greets for a full experience.
As the sun sets, experience the park's evening entertainment, including spectacular light shows and themed events. Enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants outside the park, offering a variety of cuisines to satisfy every palate. End your night with a stroll through the park to savor the colorful lights and festive atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-6 |
| 🚇Transit ticket (one-way) | $2-3 |
| 🏨Hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant tech culture and diverse dining; easy access to parks and outdoor recreation; compact downtown with walkable neighborhoods; strong safety and cleanliness; convenient transit links to San Jose and San Francisco.
- Limited nightlife within Santa Clara itself; traffic during peak hours can be heavy; high overall cost of living in the Bay Area; some attractions require driving to nearby cities.
Places to Visit in Santa Clara
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Moorish-influenced mission church with white stucco walls, red-tile roof, and tranquil surroundings—great for architectural shots.
Quads, palm-lined walkways, and historic buildings provide classic campus photography opportunities.
Modern lines and stadium lighting offer striking contrast against the surrounding hills.
Brick facades and historic storefronts along Santa Clara Street provide nostalgic urban photography.
Food in Santa Clara
Santa Clara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Flavorful horne and braised meat tucked into tortillas with salsa and onions; widely available at taquerías around Santa Clara.
Must-Try!
Hearty Vietnamese noodle soup featuring aromatic broth, rice noodles, and a generous assortment of herbs and lime.
Modern sushi options blending traditional techniques with innovative fillings often found in nearby sushi spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and on-site tastings in a family-friendly setting.
Seasonal outdoor vendors and rotating street-food options within the Santana Row area.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hello or smile; be respectful of personal space in public and during conversations.
Casual, relaxed behavior is common; keep noise to reasonable levels in residential areas and late at night.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Clara
Ensure a smooth experience
15–20% gratuity is standard in sit-down restaurants; tip bartenders and service staff accordingly; consider rounding up for good service.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments are common; carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with abundant sunshine; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon; stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Warm days with cooler evenings; pleasant for outdoor dining and walks; occasional windy conditions possible.
Mild and wetter months; temperatures typically range 40–60°F (4–16°C); bring a light rain jacket for showers.
Moderate temperatures with blooming gardens; great for outdoor photography and park visits; variable weather can occur.
Santa Clara at Night
Hiking in Santa Clara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Shaded canyon trails with scenic vistas and picnic areas near San Jose.
Rugged hillside trails in a nearby forested area with rocky outcrops and views.
Redwood-lined paths and foothill scenery within a short drive.
Airports
How to reach Santa Clara by plane.
Closest major airport, about 4–10 miles from downtown Santa Clara; convenient domestic flights with some international connections.
Major international hub about 40–50 miles away; accessible by car and rail.
Alternative Bay Area airport roughly 40–50 miles away; frequent domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large share of residents work in the technology sector, with a diverse mix of backgrounds.
A college presence alongside family-friendly neighborhoods and parks.
Significant Asian and Hispanic communities contribute to cultural diversity and a vibrant food scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Levi's Stadium hosts NFL games and events; home to the San Francisco 49ers.
Regional teams play in nearby venues; strong enthusiasm for the sport across the Bay Area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Clara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most venues can accommodate vegetarians; look for veggie bowls, tofu dishes, and egg-based plates, and ask for no meat broth or dairy where needed.