27+ Things to Do in Santa Clara [2025]

Table of Contents

• Museums

• Outdoor Activities

• Food Markets and Dining

• Tours

• Art

• Shopping

Just an hour south of San Francisco and nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is a hub of innovation, history, and outdoor adventure. From fascinating museums and stunning outdoor activities to diverse dining options and cultural experiences, this city has something for everyone. 

Museums

Find fascinating museums in Santa Clara, filled with history, science, and technology. It’s not so much a matter of which you should visit, but how much time you have.

1. Visit the Tech Interactive

Dive into cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits at this family-friendly museum in San Jose, less than 15 minutes from Santa Clara. Perfect for curious minds and tech enthusiasts.

2. Discover the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Also in San Jose, this museum is home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America. Here, visitors can uncover the mysteries of a civilization that shaped history.

3. Explore the de Saisset Museum

Open since 1955, this local gem showcases rotating exhibits of contemporary and historical art, offering something fresh every visit. The free museum is located on Santa Clara University's campus. 

4. Visit the Computer History Museum

In Mountain View, just 20 minutes from Santa Clara, you can immerse yourself in the evolution of technology at this iconic museum featuring milestones from early computing to AI.

5. Visit the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles

Celebrate the artistry of quilting and textiles with exhibits that highlight intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage at this museum that was founded in the 1970s. It is the first of its kind in the US to feature textiles and quilts as its singular focus. 

Outdoor Activities

Like much of California, Santa Clara offers an array of parks, trails, and scenic spaces that cater to nature lovers and adventurers, not to mention an ideal climate. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors as a form of wellness or just as another way to get to know the area better. 

6. Stroll Through the Japanese Friendship Garden

Okayama, Japan and San Jose are sister cities. Be transported to East Asia as you find peace and serenity amidst the beautiful pathways and picturesque views of this traditional Japanese garden.

7. Take a Day Trip to the Muir Woods National Monument

Put on your hiking shoes and get ready to discover the majesty of towering redwoods and scenic trails a short drive from Santa Clara.

8. Hike Up Nearby Mission Peak

Enjoy sweeping Bay Area views of Mount Hamilton, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mt. Tamalpais, and the Sierra Nevada from the top of this popular hiking destination. Opt for the lesser-known Chabot Trail for a quieter experience.

9. Explore Coyote Hills

Get lost in the scenic beauty of this park in Fremont, known for its wildlife, historic trails, and serene bay views.

10. Take a Drive Over to the Mystery Spot

Opened in 1939, the Mystery Spot is a quirky attraction where you will experience optical illusions and strange phenomena (like defying gravity) just 30 minutes from Santa Clara.

11. Explore Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve

Escape to this rugged park for hiking, wildlife spotting, and rolling green hills. Check out their monthly events calendar for group hikes, workshops, bird walks, and more. 

Food Markets and Dining

Santa Clara’s dining scene blends global influences with local flavors, creating a foodie’s paradise with tons of bars, restaurants, and cafes to choose from. Thai, Italian, and seafood are popular options here, in addition to pho, Japanese, Indian, and more in the South Bay. 

12. Try Local Cuisine at the San Pedro Square Market

Indulge in a variety of cuisines from local vendors at this bustling market in nearby San Jose. Here you’ll find fish and chips, Philly cheesesteaks, gelato, Peruvian food, tacos, and more. There is also a taproom, a tequileria, and a whiskey bar inside the market. 

Visit the San Pedro Square Market here.

13. Try Well-Known Boba Spots

Quench your thirst with creative bubble tea flavors at popular spots like Hey Tea, Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea, TP Tea, and Ten Ren Tea in the South Bay area. Some popular choices include green tea, taro, strawberry milk, roasted oolong, and others. 

14. Explore Santa Clara’s Wineries

Discover exceptional wines and the region’s rich winemaking history on a tour of local vineyards. There are over two dozen to choose from in the Santa Clara Valley and each bring unique varietals and vintages to the table.

15. Visit the Santa Clara Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm you can shop for fresh produce, enjoy food trucks, and discover unique artisan goods at this lively market. There are also prepared foods available like tamales, pupusas, tacos, falafel, and drinks like coffee and kombucha. 

Tours

Santa Clara offers unique tours of major tech landmarks, local attractions, and more.

16. Take a Guided Tour of Levi’s Stadium

Step behind the scenes of this iconic sports venue, from locker rooms to VIP areas. Home to the San Francisco 49ers, it’s easy to get here on game days via public transportation if you’re not already in Santa Clara.

17. Go on the San Jose Street Art Walking Tour

Explore vibrant murals and street art while supporting local artists through this self-guided walking tour accessible via a free mobile app. Beginning on the San José State University campus, “Public Art as Resistance in San José” highlights sculptures, graffiti, and the city’s diversity. 

18. Check Out the Apple Park Visitor Center

The only part of the Apple Park campus open to the public, the Visitor Center is considered an architectural extension and a place to learn, explore, and shop. Don’t miss the cafe’s roof terrace that offers views of the campus and the picturesque rolling hills nearby.

19. Take a Ghost Tour of San Jose

You might not think of the South Bay when you think of ghost tours, but they are certainly a thing here. Explore haunted buildings (old hospitals, saloons, and mansions) and hear eerie tales of the city’s history.

Find more information here.

Arts

One of the best ways to get to know a city is to explore its arts and culture. Santa Clara’s colorful arts scene includes galleries, performances, cathedrals, and events.

20. Explore St. Joseph’s Cathedral

In the Santa Clara Valley you can marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about the history of this gorgeous cathedral, which is also recognized as a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

21. Visit Montalvo Arts Center

In San Jose, this nonprofit center for the arts includes an arts center, park, hiking trails, and Italian Mediterranean Revival mansion called Villa Montalvo. Stroll through serene gardens, enjoy outdoor sculptures, or attend a performance at this historic villa.

22. Visit the Art Ark Gallery

Discover contemporary art by local and regional artists in this intimate gallery setting in the  Martha Gardens Arts District. Since 2006, the organization has been presenting exhibitions meant to engage, educate, and inspire the public. Check the website as hours can change, or visit during the First Friday Art Walk. 

 23. Explore Stanford’s Art Exhibits

An art museum on Stanford’s campus with 24 galleries and 15+ special exhibits yearly, the Cantor Arts Center offers a diverse collection, including works by Rodin. Nearby gardens add to the peaceful experience.

Explore Stanford Gardens with this guide.

24. Attend a Performance at the California Theatre

Built in 1927, this historic, 1,122-seat theatre is the perfect place to catch a concert, theater production, or ballet. 

Shopping

No trip is complete without a little stroll around the local stores. Here are a few areas with the best shopping.

25. Shop Around Santana Row

With over 50 shops, 30 restaurants, and a six-screen movie theater, Santana Row is one of Silicon Valley’s favorite places to enjoy live music, gourmet dining, and boutique shopping. The outdoor mall is surrounded by gardens, parks, and plazas. 

26. Explore Japantown

There’s lots to see in San Jose’s Japantown. Visit quaint shops and authentic eateries in this charming cultural district that’s known for its regional Japanese fare and Hawaiian diners. In addition to food and shopping, you’ll find cool galleries, karaoke bars, and the Japanese American Museum here.

27. Dining and Shopping at Westfield Valley Fair

This massive indoor shopping center offers dining, entertainment, and endless retail options. It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day. 

Book Your Santa Clara Stay with Placemakr

With so much to do, Santa Clara makes for a perfect getaway. Whether you’re exploring museums, hiking scenic trails, or indulging in local cuisine, you’ll for sure find something to love.

Make your visit even more memorable by booking your stay with Placemakr. Our Santa Clara pop-up apartment-hotel features full kitchens, in-unit laundry, coworking spaces, and more, making it the perfect home away from home for a short or long term stay. 

Find your ideal stay with Placemakr here.