23 best things to do in Santa Clara in 2026

Where is Santa Clara?

Santa Clara is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, right in the heart of Silicon Valley. Bordered by San Jose, this city is famous for its global tech hubs, and Sunnyvale, a major innovation center known as the birthplace of the video game industry.

As of 2026, about 130,000 residents call Santa Clara home, and this number is growing, according to the official statistics. The sunny Santa Clara is just a 45-min drive from the “Golden City” (San Francisco). 

Now, when we say Santa Clara is “sunny,” we really mean it. The city has about 300 days of sunshine per year, earning it the nicknames “The Mediterranean of the West” and “Valley of Heart’s Delight.” The latter nickname comes from the early 20th century, when the area was the world’s largest fruit-growing region. The consistent sunshine was perfect for the massive orchards of apricots, prunes, and cherries that filled the valley before it became a tech hub. Even though office buildings have mostly replaced the trees, the name stuck. 

If you ask the locals what the nickname for Santa Clara is, they’ll likely also mention “The Mission City.” The name goes all the way back to the founding of Mission Santa Clara de Asís in 1777 (a Spanish outpost founded as part of California’s early religious and military trail). 

It’s essentially the birthplace of the city, and even though it’s been rebuilt a few times after fires and earthquakes, it still sits right in the middle of the Santa Clara University campus. We’ll cover it as a place to visit below. 

How to get to Santa Clara

Santa Clara is relatively easy to get to by most modes of transport, including plane, train, and car. Let’s look at your travel options. 

Getting to Santa Clara by plane

The nearest airport to the city is the San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), roughly about 5 miles away from the city center. Another option is flying to the Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is something you may want to do if you’re planning a bigger trip (like seeing both the “Golden City” and Silicon Valley). 

SFO is about 30 miles north of Santa Clara, but it’s often the go-to for travelers who want to hit iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge before heading down to Santa Clara for a game at Levi’s Stadium. It’s also usually the better bet if you’re flying in from overseas, since it has way more international flights than the smaller San Jose airport.

And if you’re visiting Santa Clara from abroad, make sure you’ve packed mobile data for your trip. Data roaming in the USA can be expensive (and everywhere else, to be honest). As long as your phone is eSIM compatible, the easiest and most affordable option will be getting an eSIM for the USA. 

With Saily, you can pick plans that work for any trip — from four-day getaways to month-long adventures. Just get the Saily app, pick your plan (from 1 GB to unlimited data), and enjoy easy internet access from the moment you touch down in Santa Clara. Easy! 

Getting to Santa Clara by train  

If you prefer traveling by train, you’ll be pleased to know that Santa Clara is actually one of the best-connected cities in the area. The city has two main stops — the Santa Clara Transit Center (a historic 1860s train station right across from Santa Clara University) and the Great America Station, which puts you right next to Levi’s Stadium and the amusement park, two of the main Santa Clara attractions. 

Depending on where you’re starting, you can catch Caltrain (the main commuter train running from San Francisco) or the Amtrak Capitol Corridor (the regional line connecting from Oakland or Sacramento). 

Choosing the train is a solid way to skip the famously soul-crushing Highway 101 traffic. Both Santa Clara stations link up directly with VTA light rail and bus service, which makes it easy to finish your trip and get to your hotel or a tech campus without needing a car. Alternatively, once you’re in town, you can get around using ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft. Since it’s a city busy with tech commuters and business travelers, finding a driver is easy 24/7. That said, keep in mind that Santa Clara is pretty spread out, so you may need to wait about 10-15 minutes for the driver to turn up. 

Getting to Santa Clara by car 

Reaching Santa Clara by car is also super easy — the city sits right at the intersection of several major Silicon Valley highways (including US-101, I-880, and SR-237). Drivers will be pleased to know Santa Clara is actually a very car-friendly city with wide roads and generally plenty of parking at hotels and shopping centers.

That said, “easy to reach” doesn’t always mean a quick trip. If you’re coming from San Francisco or the East Bay during rush hour, expect that 45-minute drive to easily double. If you’re coming down from the city and have a bit of extra time, take I-280 instead of the 101. It’s a much more scenic drive through the foothills and usually a lot less stressful than the standard commute. Just keep an eye on the clock (traffic usually peaks between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM).

Top Santa Clara attractions

Although it may not be as popular as the neighboring tech hubs of San Francisco or San Jose, Santa Clara has plenty of its own cool stuff going on. You’ve got must-visit Santa Clara tourist attractions such as the state-of-the-art Levi’s Stadium and the Intel Museum, as well as unique spots that give it its own flavor — like a 32-foot stainless steel statue watching over the freeway and a legendary donut shop that hasn’t changed since 1959. Let’s look at the best things to do and places to visit in Santa Clara in more detail. 

Levi’s Stadium

If you’re a sports fan, Levi’s Stadium is probably already on your radar. As the home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, this massive venue can seat around 68,500 people and is known for being one of the most high-tech stadiums in the world. 

The stadium has a serious resume for hosting the world’s biggest events — it just hosted Super Bowl LX, where the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots, and the halftime show featured an incredible performance by the global star, Bad Bunny! 

In 2016, it also hosted Super Bowl 50, a historic “Golden Anniversary” game where famous quarterback Peyton Manning won his very last game before retiring. 

But the stadium isn’t just about football — it often transforms into one of the best concert venues in the country. The stadium is a favorite stop for the world’s biggest stars — we’re talking massive, sold-out shows from icons like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Coldplay. Seeing a show here with 60,000 other fans under the California sky is an experience you won’t forget.

Because there is almost always something big happening, a quick pro tip is to check the official events calendar at levisstadium.com before you finalize your travel dates. Whether it’s a world-tour concert or a high-stakes match, you’ll want to know what’s on the schedule so you can grab tickets early or plan your route around the crowds.

California’s Great America

If you’re looking for a serious adrenaline fix, California’s Great America is worth a visit. This massive 100-acre theme park has been a Santa Clara staple since 1976, and it’s the kind of place where you can really feel the history mixed with modern-day thrills.

The real daredevils will want to check out the RailBlazer. It’s a single-rail coaster (meaning you sit all by yourself with nothing but the track beneath you — it’s intense!) that hits 52 mph and features three inversions (a fancy way of saying it flips you completely upside down). 

If you’re a fan of that classic “stomach-in-your-throat” feeling, there are two other rides you can’t miss — the Gold Striker and the Demon. Gold Striker is an award-winning ride — it has been ranked as one of the top ten wooden coasters in the world by the Golden Ticket Awards multiple times. It’s loud, fast, and starts with a massive drop into the world’s longest initial tunnel on a wooden coaster. Unlike newer rides that feel a bit too smooth, this one gives you that wild, rattling intensity that makes wooden coasters so much fun (or not, depending on how much of an adrenaline seeker you are). 

Then there’s the Demon, which is a total blast from the past. It’s famous for its two giant vertical loops and a double corkscrew that whips you through a jagged rock cave. It’s got that old-school steel charm and some “demonic” theming that makes it a must-ride every time you visit.

In the summer, make sure you check out South Bay Shores — a huge water park right inside the main gates of Great America. Your ticket should cover it, so you can hit the high-speed drop slides or just drift down the lazy river if you need a break from the coasters. 

To keep your wallet happy, definitely buy your tickets for Great America online in advance. They usually start around US$45, which is a huge save compared to the US$85 you’d pay at the front gate.

Mission Santa Clara de Asís

If you’re looking for a change of pace from the roller coasters, head over to Mission Santa Clara de Asís, a beautiful historic church located right in the heart of the Santa Clara University campus. 

Remember the nickname we mentioned earlier — “The Mission City”? This mission is where Santa Clara gets its name from. Missions were essentially historic settlements established in the late 1700s. At that time, Spain sent priests and soldiers to California to build these outposts to expand the Spanish territory. 

This specific site, founded in 1777, was the eighth of 21 missions built across the state. It’s a pretty cool spot to visit because you’ve got this 250-year-old church and its original gardens standing right next to all the high-tech buildings of Silicon Valley. Even if you’re not a history enthusiast, the grounds are worth a walk (especially on a sunny day). And don’t miss the 140-year-old wisteria arbor and the rose garden, which are perfect for photos when in bloom.

The best part? The mission is completely free to visit! It’s open seven days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM, making it an easy stop during your trip. Just keep in mind that it’s an active church, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure there isn’t a private event or a wedding scheduled during your visit.

Explore museums and culture in Santa Clara

Santa Clara isn’t only about football and roller coasters — you’ll also find a surprising number of museums that cover everything from the history of Silicon Valley to local California art. This variety is exactly what makes Santa Clara sightseeing so interesting — you can jump from high-tech exhibits to quiet galleries in the same afternoon. Here are the Santa Clara museums we’d recommend visiting. 

Intel Museum

If you’ve ever wondered how the tiny chips inside your phone or laptop are actually made, the Intel Museum is the place to find out. It’s a 10,000-square-foot space dedicated to the history of computer chip innovation, and the company behind it all. Since this tech museum is located right inside Intel’s global headquarters, it’s about as close as you can get to the “brain” of Silicon Valley.

What makes this museum great is how interactive it is. You aren’t just looking at old circuit boards behind glass — you can see what it’s like inside a “clean room” (an ultra-sterile factory where chips are made). You can even try on a “bunny suit,” the head-to-toe protective gear workers have to wear. It’s a fascinating look at how technology has shrunk from the size of a room to something that fits in your pocket, with the hands-on exhibits suitable for all ages. 

The museum has free admission and is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. 

Triton Museum of Art

For a total change of pace, head over to the Triton Museum of Art. Specializing in contemporary and historical works by California artists, the museum is a great place to experience the creative side of the valley without the massive crowds you might find at larger city museums.

The exhibitions change throughout the year, so there’s always something new and fresh to see. Outside of the galleries, you’ll find a lovely seven-acre sculpture garden that’s perfect for a quiet stroll. The museum is free for all and open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4:30 PM. 

de Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University

And if you’re a fan of classic art with a twist, check out the de Saisset Museum, hidden away in the Santa Clara University campus. The name itself comes from Isabel de Saisset, a member of a wealthy local family who founded the museum in the 1950s to honor her brother, Ernest, a talented painter and SCU alum. 

The museum is one of the few places where you can jump from 500-year-old Renaissance paintings to iconic modern photography by Andy Warhol in the same afternoon. Since it’s a bit of a local secret, you can actually get close to the art without peering over someone’s shoulder. 

Aside from the art, the museum has a permanent collection of California mission artifacts that give you a real sense of the valley’s roots. If you’re visiting, make sure to also take a relaxed walk through the university’s historic grounds. 

Like the rest of the museums on our list, the de Saisset Museum is free. 

49ers Museum

The 49ers Museum at Levi’s Stadium is a must-see, and you definitely don’t need to be a football expert to enjoy it. This isn’t just a room full of jerseys — it’s a massive, 20,000-square-foot space where the history of the San Francisco 49ers (the resident team) really comes to life. 

The best part is the Super Bowl Gallery, where you can get a close look at five shiny championship trophies and the diamond rings that go with them! You can also snap a photo with life-sized statues of famous players or play some games in the interactive fan zone. It’s a great way to get a feel for the local sports scene right where all the action happens on game day. 

Outdoor activities in Santa Clara

If you love spending time outdoors, Santa Clara is the perfect place to visit. With the city’s famous 300 days of sunshine, most locals spend their time outside rather than being stuck indoors. Whether you’re into casual strolls, high-energy sports, or just want a nice spot for a weekend picnic, Santa Clara activities really take advantage of that Mediterranean weather. Ready to soak up some vitamin D? Let’s look at the best outdoor activities in Santa Clara. 

Central Park

This 52-acre park is the heart of the city’s outdoor scene. Stretched out along Saratoga Creek, it has a little bit of everything — a lake full of ducks and geese, basketball courts, and even a dedicated lawn bowling green! It’s a massive space, so even on a busy weekend, you can usually find a quiet picnic table under the trees.

The park is also home to the Magical Bridge Playground — an inclusive space designed so that everyone can play together, whatever their age or ability. It’s full of inventive structures and sensory zones that make a standard swing set look a bit boring.

Santa Clara’s Central Park is also home to the International Swim Center, where Olympic legends like Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz once trained. If you’re visiting in 2026, you’ll see some major changes happening as the city is currently in the middle of a US$24 million project to completely rebuild it. While the pools are closed for construction right now, it’s still worth walking by to see the “training ground of champions” as it gets ready for its next chapter.

Ulistac Natural Area

If you want a break from the city, head over to Ulistac Natural Area. This 40-acre preserve sits right along the Guadalupe River (which flows from Santa Cruz Mountains all the way into the San Francisco Bay). It’s actually the last patch of undeveloped land in Santa Clara, giving you a rare look at what the area looked like long before the tech companies moved in.

The Ulistac Natural Area is a peaceful escape where you can wander through seven different local landscapes, including wetlands and oak woodlands. The trails are flat and easy — ideal for a casual walk or some birdwatching. In fact, more than 180 species of birds use this area as a “rest stop” during their long migrations! 

If you’re visiting in the spring, the butterfly and hummingbird garden is a highlight, usually buzzing with life and filled with California poppies. Visiting the Ulistac Natural Area is completely free, so don’t miss out on this peaceful escape from the city. 

San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail

San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail is a paved, 12-mile path that’s ideal for walking, running, or biking through Santa Clara. The trail is flat and easy, making it a favorite for families or anyone who wants a scenic route without having to deal with steep hills. Since it’s completely separated from car traffic, it’s a very safe and relaxing way to see the city.

If you’re heading to a 49ers game, this trail actually leads you right to the gates of Levi’s Stadium! It’s one of the most popular ways for locals to get to the stadium on game day while avoiding all the traffic and parking fees.

Shopping and dining in Santa Clara

So, what do you do in Santa Clara after you’ve explored the stadium, museum, rollercoasters, and parks? Check out the local food and shopping scene, of course! 

Whether you want to browse high-end boutiques or find the best hidden gems for dinner, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Clara today that revolve around great food and an even better atmosphere.

Westfield Valley Fair

If you feel like doing some damage to your wallet, Westfield Valley Fair is the place to go. It’s a huge mall (one of the busiest in the state) with over 200 stores. While it is a global chain, it is one of the main attractions of the Santa Clara shopping scene. 

It has all the big luxury names, plus all the standard retailers you actually shop at. The food is the best part: With over 70 places to eat, it’s way better than your typical mall food court. A few places worth checking out: 

• Din Tai Fung. Their soup dumplings (wontons) are incredible, but be ready for a bit of a wait.

• Eataly. A massive Italian market great for grabbing a coffee, a pizza, or even just wandering around. 

• Baekjeong. This Korean BBQ joint is loud and high-energy, which makes it fun for a night out with friends.

Santana Row

Right across the street from Valley Fair is Santana Row — an outdoor, Mediterranean-style strip that’s perfect if you want to get some fresh air while you shop. 

It feels a bit more upscale, with plenty of boutiques, wine bars, and alfresco dining. It’s one of the best spots in town for an evening stroll or just grabbing a drink and people watching. 

If you’re looking for a place to hang out after dinner, this is usually where everyone ends up! 

El Camino Real — the culinary epicenter

If you’re a bit of a foodie, you’ll definitely want to visit El Camino Real. This stretch is the heart of the food scene of Santa Clara, and it’s home to “Koreatown Silicon Valley,” one of the biggest Korean communities in the country.

You’ll find pretty much any kind of cuisine along this road, but the Korean food is the real standout. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few places to consider. 

• Jang Su Jang. A Michelin-recommended restaurant serving up Korean BBQ and traditional soups.

• Silla. A great, classic restaurant if you’re looking for a good variety of traditional Korean dishes.

• Paik’s Noodle. Go here if you’re craving Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) or Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork).

• BN Chicken. Their specialty is ginseng chicken soup — it’s incredibly comforting, especially on a cooler day.

Santa Clara Farmers Market

If you’re visiting on a Saturday and want something a little more low-key, head over to Franklin Square for the Santa Clara Farmers Market. It runs all year round, and is a great place to soak up the community feel and see the local farmers in their element. 

The market is completely free to browse and walk around. You’ll find everything from super fresh local produce to handmade crafts and even live music! Whether you’re actually grocery shopping or just want to sample some local snacks, it’s a nice break from the busier shopping centers and a great way to support the local food vendors. 

Things to do in Santa Clara at night

If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Clara at night, you’ve got a great mix of options — whether you’re down for a lively night out or something a bit more casual. If there’s a home game, you absolutely have to experience a 49ers night game or a concert at Levi’s Stadium. The atmosphere is electric — the whole stadium lights up the sky, traffic freezes on Tasman Drive, and you can hear the roar of the crowd all the way from the parking lots! 

For a classic dinner-and-drinks vibe, just head to Santana Row we’ve mentioned before. Its lively evening scene makes it one of the best spots around, with a great collection of cocktail bars and lovely outdoor patios. 

If you’re a craft beer fan and looking for something fun midweek, check out Trivia Night at Barebottle Brewing Company. And hey, if you just want to do some serious evening shopping (and maybe some of that incredible food court damage we mentioned earlier!), Westfield Valley Fair stays open late.

Things to do in Santa Clara with kids

Bringing the whole family along? Finding things to do in Santa Clara with kids is actually pretty easy. The city has a good mix of major theme parks, indoor racing tracks, and completely free, open spaces, great for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers who want to climb every single thing they see or teenagers who need a bit of excitement to crack a smile, Santa Clara has plenty of options. 

Now, we’ve already talked about California’s Great America and the Intel Museum, but they’re worth a quick second shout-out in this section because they’re a big hit with kids! Between the water park and the hands-on science exhibits, you could easily build a whole trip around just those two.

But if you want to mix things up and try something else, here are a few other great spots to check out:

• Magical Bridge Playground. Tucked inside Central Park, this is definitely not your basic neighborhood park with a single rusty slide. It’s a massive space with custom slide zones, interactive musical elements, and big treehouses that are perfect for toddlers up to around age 10 or 11. What makes it really stand out is its unique, inclusive design — it was built to ensure kids with special needs can play seamlessly right alongside everyone else.

• K1 Speed. If you have older kids or teenagers who are starting to complain about standard sightseeing, book a race here. This indoor track uses all-electric go-karts that hit up to 45 mph. It’s fast, a little loud, and a fun way to settle any sibling rivalries. They also have junior karts for shorter kids, and since it’s indoors, it’s a perfect backup plan if the afternoon heat gets to be too much.

• Ulistac Natural Area. When everyone just needs to step away from screens and burn off energy at a slower pace, pack some snacks and head over here. It’s a peaceful nature preserve where you can turn a casual walk into a mini safari. Challenge the kids to spot some of the 180 bird species that visit the area, or check out the butterflies in the hummingbird garden. Best of all, the paths are completely flat and stroller-friendly.

Free things to do in Santa Clara

Let’s be honest — a trip to Silicon Valley can easily get expensive. The good news is that there are many free things to do in Santa Clara, including some of the attractions we’ve already covered!  

For a completely budget-friendly day, mix and match the cultural spots and parks we looked at earlier. The Intel Museum, the Triton Museum of Art, and the de Saisset Museum don’t cost anything to enter, and you can explore Central Park or the Ulistac Natural Area for zero dollars as well. The Santa Clara Farmers Market on a Saturday morning is also completely free to enter. 

Beyond those spots, here are a few other free things to add to your list:

• Walk the Santa Clara University campus. While we talked about the Mission Santa Clara de Asís earlier, the entire surrounding university campus is beautiful and completely free to walk around. We’ll cover the campus walk in a bit more detail below. 

• Explore the local public art. Take a quick driving or walking tour to see some of the city’s cool installations. Keep an eye out for the Agrihood Mural, which celebrates the valley’s farming history, and the Nebula Rider near City Hall—a striking, 32-foot stainless steel sculpture that looks awesome when it’s lit up at night.

Unique things to do in Santa Clara

By now, you already know about Santa Clara’s massive stadium, its high-tech corporate giants, and its thrill-inducing roller coasters. But what about the spots that give this city its actual soul? If you want to step off the beaten tourist path and see the town through a local’s eyes, these unique, character-filled activities deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Walk the Santa Clara University campus

We already mentioned that this campus is home to the historic mission, but the whole area is worth a walk just for the atmosphere. It’s actually California’s oldest private university (founded way back in 1851), and it looks beautiful. Think classic California architecture with red-tiled roofs and cool arched doorways. Plus, they have 20 Division 1 sports teams, so it’s a fun spot to catch a game if your timing lines up.

Discover Silicon Valley’s tech heritage

You can’t really visit Santa Clara without soaking in the tech history. Beyond the interactive exhibits at the Intel Museum, it’s fun to just drive or walk past the massive global headquarters of companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and ServiceNow. Walking among these giant glass buildings gives you a cool, surreal feeling that you’re standing right where the modern digital world is built.

Harris-Lass Historic Museum

If you want to see what Santa Clara looked like before the tech companies took over, head over here. This is the very last preserved farm site in the city, giving you a quick look into the area’s fruit-growing past. You can check out an old Italianate-style house, a barn, a summer kitchen, and a tank house. It’s a pretty neat contrast to all the modern tech offices nearby.

Explore the Victorian homes of Old Quad

Right around the university is the Old Quad, which is the city’s oldest neighborhood. It’s a great place for a casual stroll to look at the pretty Victorian and colonial homes and check out some independent local shops. While you’re exploring, make sure to look for Stan’s Donuts. They’ve been serving the Bay Area since 1959, and grabbing one of their famous fresh-glazed donuts is a total rite of passage.

Day trips from Santa Clara

One of the best things about staying in Santa Clara is how close you are to... well, everything. If you have an extra day or two and want to check out more things to do in Santa Clara County and the surrounding Bay Area, you have some world-class options right on your doorstep. Pop these spots on your radar:

San Francisco

About 45 minutes north via the US-101 or Caltrain, the “Golden City” makes for an easy day trip. You can easily spend a day checking off bucket-list spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz. If you’re a first-time visitor to the States, the whole region is full of must-see landmarks — check out this guide on the best places to visit in the USA to help map out your trip.

San Jose

San Jose, the biggest city in Silicon Valley with a great downtown vibe, borders Santa Clara and is only a 10 to 15-minute drive away. You can explore the exhibits at The Tech Interactive, visit the San Jose Museum of Art, or grab lunch in historic Japantown. If you’re around during hockey season, try to catch an NHL Sharks game at the SAP Center. 

Santa Cruz & the Pacific Coast

If you’re wondering how far Santa Clara is from the beach, you’re looking at a scenic 45-minute drive southwest through the mountains (about 30 to 45 miles). Santa Cruz is a classic California beach town where you can ride roller coasters at the famous Beach Boardwalk, watch local surfers catch waves, or hike through giant redwood forests. If you’re a first-time visitor trying to map out a larger journey, a coastal drive here is easily one of the best places to visit in the USA.

Stay connected in Santa Clara with Saily

If you’re flying into Silicon Valley from abroad, you’ll probably need some mobile data so you can stay connected and navigate the cities in the U.S. with ease. A great solution is getting an eSIM data plan — then you can stay connected without having to look for a SIM card vendor or swap the eSIM on your phone. 

If you’ve never used it before, you might be wondering how an eSIM works. It’s actually pretty simple since it’s already built into your smartphone! And all you need to do is get an eSIM data plan with an eSIM app like Saily. 

The first time you use it, you’ll need to install your eSIM via the Saily app (but don’t worry, it’s not complicated — we’ll take you through the steps in the app). Once installed and set up, your eSIM data will simply activate when you arrive in the U.S. 

Saily has many U.S. eSIM options available — from 1 GB to unlimited data. To get set up before your trip, simply download the Saily app and select a plan depending on how much data you think you’ll need. Complete the simple steps in the app — and you’ll be ready to connect the moment you land!