Attractions and Places To See in Santa Clara County - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Santa Clara County, located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area, offers a diverse range of experiences. This region, encompassing much of Silicon Valley, features a mix of historical landmarks, natural retreats, and modern technological centers. Visitors can explore varied landscapes, from urban environments to extensive parklands and trails.
Best attractions and places to see in Santa Clara County
- The most popular attractions is San Francisco Bay Trail, a…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
San Tomas Aquino Creek
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Junipero Serra Boulevard
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Car traffic is everpresent on this route, and it can get …
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Sleeper Park
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Lupe the Mammoth
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Memorial Church
Highlight • Religious Site
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Guadalupe River Trail, Park & Gardens
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Alum Rock Park
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Palo Alto-Los Altos Bike Path
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San Francisco Bay Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Route 9
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Popular around Santa Clara County
Bay Area Ridge Trail — Circumnavigating the San Francisco Bay
Bay Area Ridge Trail — Hiking the backbone of The Bay
Chasing flow in the Bay Area
Classy road bike rides on the SF peninsula
Hiking in Santa Clara County
Road Cycling Routes in Santa Clara County
Cycling in Santa Clara County
Running Trails in Santa Clara County
MTB Trails in Santa Clara County
Gravel biking in Santa Clara County
Other adventures in Santa Clara County
Tips from the Community
The Palo Alto-Los Altos Bike and Pedestrian Path, also known as the Hetch Hetchy Trail, is a well-maintained multi-use route that connects Los Altos Avenue to Arastradero Road. It’s popular for biking, running, and hiking, offering scenic views and access to parks like Terman Park, Bol Park, and Barron Park Donkeys. The trail includes a mini library and is part of Henry M. Gunn High School's recommended walking routes.
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The San Francisco Bay Trail is a flat, paved trail that runs along the border of the bay. It is a great place for a run because it is traffic free and has great views.
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A charming small park with trails winding around gardens and grassy areas, featuring benches and a water fountain.
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The SF Bay Trail crosses over the San Tomas Aquino Creek, offering an option to pass under Highway 237. This section of the trail provides a scenic route with multiple paths for cyclists and hikers to explore. San Tomas Aquino Creek, a 16.5-mile stream flowing from El Sereno mountain through several cities before reaching the Guadalupe Slough. This creek has played an important role in historical land grant boundaries in the 1850s. While it has seen habitat changes, native fish species, such as rainbow trout, persist in the creek, and in 1996, a large Chinook salmon was seen.
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A charming small park with trails winding around gardens and grassy areas, featuring benches and a water fountain.
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Alum Rock Park, established in 1872, is one of California's oldest municipal parks, spanning 720 acres. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and family picnicking with amenities like picnic tables, barbecue pits, restrooms, and a playground in the mid-canyon area. The park is wheelchair accessible and open daily from 8 a.m. to half an hour after sunset, a great spot to explore year-round.
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Lovely shortcut from LA to PA. A couple of things to watch out for: 1) near the LA end, the trail crosses a street. It's a cul-de-sac so traffic isn't an issue but the nearly curb shaped 'ramps' are worth noting. Also be careful going over the bridge as sightlines are limited and there could be other users
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular outdoor activities and trails in Santa Clara County?
Santa Clara County offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The San Francisco Bay Trail is a popular choice for biking and walking, offering nearly eight miles of scenic routes through wetlands. For cyclists, Junipero Serra Boulevard provides a paved bike lane for its entire length, and the Palo Alto-Los Altos Bike Path is a well-maintained multi-use route. You can also explore the San Tomas Aquino Creek trail, known for its wildlife and scenic paths.
Are there historical sites to visit in Santa Clara County?
Yes, Santa Clara County is rich in history. You can visit the iconic Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, known for its unique architecture. The Mission Santa Clara de Asís, located at Santa Clara University, is a significant historical and cultural site. Other notable historical landmarks include the Peralta Adobe, San Jose's oldest standing building, and the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, which delves into California's mining past.
What attractions are suitable for families with children?
Families will find many engaging attractions. California's Great America and South Bay Shores Waterpark offer thrilling entertainment. For younger children, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area in Milpitas is an indoor LEGO playground. Natural areas like Alum Rock Park and Guadalupe River Park & Gardens provide family-friendly trails and picnic spots. Don't forget to visit Lupe the Mammoth, a fun man-made monument.
Where can I find cultural attractions or museums in the area?
Santa Clara County boasts several cultural institutions. The Tech Interactive in San Jose offers an intriguing look into innovation, while the Computer History Museum in Mountain View and the Intel Museum explore the region's tech heritage. For ancient history, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose houses a large collection of Egyptian artifacts. Art enthusiasts can visit the San Jose Museum of Art, Triton Museum of Art, and De Saisset Museum.
Are there any challenging hiking or cycling routes?
For those seeking a challenge, Route 9 offers a long and increasingly challenging climb for cyclists, with exhilarating descents. For hiking, you can explore more demanding trails within the Santa Clara County Parks or Open Space Authority Preserves, which feature diverse landscapes and varied terrain. You can find more challenging hiking options in the Hiking in Santa Clara County guide.
What are some unique natural features or parks to explore?
Beyond the well-known trails, Santa Clara County offers unique natural features. Alum Rock Park, one of California's oldest municipal parks, provides diverse landscapes for hiking and picnicking. The Ulistac Natural Area in Santa Clara showcases a vibrant array of the region's flora. Open Space Authority Preserves like Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge are known for rare serpentine grasslands and are biodiversity hotspots, especially during wildflower season.
Are there any dog-friendly parks or trails?
Yes, many parks and trails in Santa Clara County are dog-friendly. Sleeper Park is noted as a dog-friendly location. Many of the Santa Clara County Parks and Open Space Authority Preserves also welcome dogs, often with leash requirements. Always check specific park rules before visiting.
What are some good options for easy walks or wheelchair-accessible paths?
For easy walks and accessibility, the San Francisco Bay Trail is a flat, paved, and wheelchair-accessible path. Alum Rock Park also has wheelchair-accessible facilities and trails. The Guadalupe River Trail, Park & Gardens offers paved trails suitable for leisurely strolls. You can find more easy options in the Easy hikes in Santa Clara County guide.
Where can I find unique viewpoints or scenic spots?
Santa Clara County offers several scenic viewpoints. Alum Rock Park and San Francisco Bay Trail provide picturesque views. For higher elevations, Mount Hamilton, the highest peak in Santa Clara County, offers breathtaking vistas. Open Space Authority Preserves like Sierra Vista and Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve also provide stunning views of the diverse landscapes.
What are some popular shopping and dining destinations?
For upscale shopping, dining, and a vibrant atmosphere, Santana Row in San Jose is a popular choice, often hosting events. San Pedro Square Market, also in San Jose, offers a lively food and social scene with various eateries and vendors.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking in Santa Clara County?
Yes, Santa Clara County has a variety of mountain biking trails. Many of the county parks and open space preserves offer trails suitable for mountain biking, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. You can explore routes like the Canyon Trail, Indian Creek, and Black Mountain loop. For more detailed information and specific routes, refer to the MTB Trails in Santa Clara County guide.
What are some notable architectural landmarks?
Beyond the Winchester Mystery House, Santa Clara County features several architectural gems. Stanford University in Palo Alto is a prominent landmark with impressive architecture, including the Memorial Church. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in downtown San Jose is the oldest church building in the area, dating back to 1791. The Harris-Lass House Museum in Santa Clara is another example of 19th-century Italianate style architecture.
Most popular routes in Santa Clara County
Most popular attractions in Santa Clara County
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