Santa Clara Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, food scene, accommodations, and tips for traveling to Santa Clara, California with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Santa Clara

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is a bustling city in the South Bay region of the Bay Area in California, United States of America. It is home to world-renowned tech companies, but it also boasts of a rich history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Santa Clara

Here’s a list of top places to visit in Santa Clara:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mission Santa Clara de Asís - A historic Spanish mission, originally built in 1777 and rebuilt in 1926, is a cultural icon of Santa Clara. The mission is the centerpiece of the Santa Clara University campus and hosts numerous events throughout the year.

  • Intel Museum - Visitors can delve into the latest technology through interactive exhibits and experience Intel Corporation’s evolution ever since it was founded here in 1968.

  • Triton Museum of Art - This museum showcases rotating exhibits of contemporary California artists as well as a permanent collection of local favorites.

  • Harris-Lass Historic Museum - This Victorian house museum provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Harris and Lass families, who were the first settlers in the Santa Clara Valley.

Natural Attractions of Santa Clara: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Central Park - Located in the heart of Santa Clara, this 52-acre park offers amenities such as picnic areas, sports facilities, a lake, playgrounds, and trails, and is ideal for a relaxing day out with family and friends.

  • Henry Schmidt Park - A beautiful park with walking trails and a pond that is home to ducks and geese, provides serene views, perfect for meditating or reading a book.

  • Baylands Park - A regional park located in nearby Sunnyvale in the San Francisco Bay area, it has miles of nature trails, picnic areas, and a lake.

  • Levi’s Stadium - Home of the San Francisco 49ers, this stadium also hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events throughout the year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Clara

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and looking to explore the scenic beauty of Santa Clara, then here are some of the best hiking and biking trails you must check out.

  • Coyote Creek Trail - A 15-mile-long trail that runs from Morgan Hill to San Jose, with fantastic views of the natural beauty of the region. It is also a multi-use trail, ideal for biking, jogging, and walking.

  • San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail - A popular trail among bikers and runners, this 9.6-mile trail that starts in Santa Clara and runs through San Jose to Cupertino, provides a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike.

  • Almaden Lake Trail - Located in the Almaden Lake Park in San Jose, this 1.2-mile trail encircles the beautiful lake and offers scenic views of the park.

  • The Los Gatos Creek Trail - A 9.7-mile trail for walkers and bikers that runs from downtown Los Gatos to San Jose, packed with scenic attractions and exciting food options.

Best Things to Do in Santa Clara: Activities and Tours

Santa Clara offers visitors a plethora of activities to do and tours to embark upon. Here’s a list of things you must experience in Santa Clara:

  • Great America Amusement Park - This amusement park offers fun-filled rides, water parks, live entertainment, and tasty treats, making it an ideal outing for families.

  • California’s Great America Tours - Guided park tours that provide an insider’s perspective on the park’s history, design, and operation.

  • Nine Lives Art Gallery - This gallery features rotating exhibits of various artists from around the Bay Area.

  • Bay 101 Casino - Featuring poker, blackjack, and other casino games, it provides a thrilling night out for those who love to gamble.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Clara

If you’re planning to stay for a week in Santa Clara, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Plan
Day 1 Explore the Santa Clara University campus and visit the Mission Santa Clara de Asis.
Day 2 Head to the Harris-Lass Historic Museum and learn the history of the city.
Day 3 Spend the day at Levi’s Stadium.
Day 4 Go hiking in the Almaden Lake Park.
Day 5 Visit the Triton Museum of Art and the Intel Museum.
Day 6 Take a tour of Great America Amusement Park.
Day 7 Go shopping for souvenirs at the Santa Clara Square Market.

Food and Drink Scene of Santa Clara

The diversity of cultures in Santa Clara offers a wide selection of different cuisines for foodies. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages to sample:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ramens Nagi - A popular ramen restaurant that features authentic Japanese comfort food.

  • Taco Grill - A casual Mexican restaurant with delicious tacos and burritos.

  • Grill ‘Em - A burger joint that serves custom-made burgers to satisfy any taste buds.

  • Tang Gong B.B.Q. - This Chinese restaurant serves tasty skewers perfect for sharing.

Local Beverages

  • Das Brew - A popular local brewery offering a variety of craft beers.

  • Chromatic Coffee - A local coffee shop that serves freshly roasted coffee and other beverages.

  • Jelly Belly Factory - A chocolate and candy factory that also offers free tastings of their iconic jelly beans.

Where to Stay in Santa Clara: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Santa Clara offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Santa Clara Marriott - A luxurious hotel with modern rooms and amenities, conveniently located near the city’s popular attractions.

  • The Plaza Suites - A suite-style hotel featuring a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast.

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Clara Silicon Valley - A popular hotel offering spacious two-room suites and complimentary breakfast.

  • European Guest House - A budget option with clean and comfortable rooms and a homely atmosphere.

What to Buy in Santa Clara: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Santa Clara offers a variety of souvenirs and local products you can take back home with you. Here are our top picks:

  • Jelly Belly Jelly Beans - A popular candy that is made and distributed locally.

  • Santa Clara University Merchandise - A variety of merchandise items featuring the university’s logo and colors.

  • Silicon Valley Tech Gadgets - A wide selection of tech gadgets and accessories are popular souvenirs for tech enthusiasts.

Local Culture and Customs of Santa Clara

When visiting Santa Clara, it is essential to respect the local culture and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • The city is known for its diverse communities, and visitors are expected to be respectful to everyone.

  • Tipping is customary in restaurants, and 15-20% is a standard tip.

  • The local language is English, but travelers may also encounter Spanish and other languages commonly spoken in California.

Best Time to Visit Santa Clara

The best time to visit Santa Clara is during the spring (March-June) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are less. However, the city is a year-round destination, and visitors can enjoy the summer festivals, winter sports, and other seasonal events throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Clara

Here are some things to do and not do when visiting Santa Clara:

Do:

  • Visit the popular attractions such as Mission Santa Clara and Great America Amusement Park.

  • Try the diverse cuisines and local beers.

  • Take part in local events and festivals.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public areas or on hiking trails.

  • Rely on public transportation too much, consider renting a car.

  • Be rude or disrespectful to the locals.

Safety and Health

Santa Clara is a safe city for tourists. However, visitors should keep in mind the following measures for safety and health:

Safety in Santa Clara

  • Keep your valuables in a safe place.

  • Be cautious while driving, obey traffic laws, and watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists.

  • Take extra precautions when hiking or venturing out into natural areas.

Health in Santa Clara

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

  • Wear sunscreen and hats to protect yourself from sun damage.

  • Seek medical assistance if you have any injury or feel unwell.

Getting to Santa Clara: Transportation Options and Logistics

Santa Clara is conveniently accessible by air, bus, and car.

Airports Near Santa Clara

  • San Jose International Airport (SJC) - Located about 5 miles from downtown Santa Clara

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - Located about 32 miles from Santa Clara

  • Oakland International Airport (OAK) - Located about 40 miles from Santa Clara

Bus Stations Near Santa Clara

  • Santa Clara Transit Center - Located at 100 Railroad Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

  • San Jose Diridon Station - Located at 65 Cahill Street, San Jose, CA 95110

Other Options

  • Car rentals and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in the area.

How to Get Around in Santa Clara

Here are some options for getting around Santa Clara:

  • Car rentals: You can rent a car from the airport or in the city.

  • Biking and walking: Rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.

  • Public transportation: Santa Clara is well-connected by buses and light rail.

Where to Go Next from Santa Clara: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some places to explore outside of Santa Clara:

  • San Jose - A neighboring city known for its technology hotspot, diverse culture, and rich history.

  • San Francisco - The iconic city, known for its cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.

  • Santa Cruz - A coastal city known for its beaches, boardwalk, and amusement park.

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium - A world-famous aquarium located in Monterey, California.

Conclusion

Santa Clara is a vibrant city packed with attractions, entertainment, and natural beauty that captivates visitors and keeps them coming back for more. With this comprehensive travel guide, you now know the top places to visit, activities to do, accommodations to stay in, and much more. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and head to Santa Clara for a memorable vacation.

A statue of Saint Claire, the city's namesake, stands in Civic Center Park, near city hall. A statue of Saint Claire, the city's namesake, stands in Civic Center Park, near city hall.