Finding things to do in Santa Clara is not as difficult as choosing from the many options available when you have some free time. Whether you are looking for nightlife and culinary adventures in the evenings or a day-time trip or sporting event, there are an abundance of choices for entertainment and recreation in Santa Clara, California. There's something for every interest, and you’ll be sure to find an activity that will delight you.

Visitors and residents can enjoy the best of Santa Clara because they are able to enjoy a variety of activities from exercise and nature activities at the many city parks, historical and educational exhibits at any of the area museums, and a night of entertainment and dining at local restaurants all in one day if they choose. From professional sporting events to fine dining, Santa Clara has it all.   

Historical and Cultural Activities in Santa Clara

Santa Clara has a rich history dating back to the late 1700’s, before California was even a part of the United States. There are many museums, exhibits, and buildings of historical significance that help illustrate different eras of this long history. Perhaps the most famous, is the iconic Santa Clara Mission located on the campus of the Santa Clara University campus. The mission will give you a glimpse into the past of Santa Clara, and the Bay Area as a whole. If you are looking for more artistic and cultural entertainment, take a look at the De Saisset or Triton Museums of Art and see world renowned collections of paintings and sculpture. Within easy driving distance are the Iris and B. Cantor Center for the Visual Arts at Stanford University, and the San Jose Tech Museum, both with world-renowned collections. 

Santa Clara Dining and Nightlife

Santa Clara offers a spread of dining choices that is unparalleled almost anywhere else in the world. With flavors from almost every culture, diners have a huge variety of cuisines available to them. Whether you are in the mood for casual Asian fare such as noodles, or a more upscale fine dining experience, downtown Santa Clara has restaurants that can fit your palette and budget. For those who would like the evening to keep moving after dinner is over, Santa Clara has nightclubs and bars that will keep the party going all night. From sports bars and pool halls to dance clubs and live entertainment, Santa Clara gets you right in the action and keeps the fun going.

Outdoor Activities in Santa Clara

The San Francisco Bay Area is famous for its biking, running, walking, and other active experiences. Take a look at the many choices for a bike ride in one of the Santa Clara's parks, or a run along one of the wooded trails. Get a tee time at one of the many local golf courses, or swim a few laps in one of the public swimming pools. If you’re looking for sports and active recreation, Santa Clara is the place to go.

Professional Sporting Events in Santa Clara

If you want to see a game, Santa Clara is close to many professional sporting events nearby. With more than10 major professional sports teams in the Bay Area, you won’t have far to go to see your sport live. The South Bay is famous for being home to the training facilities and headquarters of the San Francisco 49ers, and is slated to be the home to a new stadium for the team (and possibly the Oakland Raiders as well). The local favorite San Jose Sharks hockey franchise plays in nearby San Jose, as well as a host of professional soccer and arena football teams. Other area teams like the World Champion San Francisco Giants, are a short drive or train ride north from Santa Clara. 

Easy Day-Trips from Santa Clara

One of the most attractive aspects of the San Francisco Bay Area is the ease of getting to seemingly different places easily. If you are looking for fun and exciting day trips departing from Santa Clara, you will be able to get to almost any seasonal activity from snow and mountains to the ocean, with a bit of Wine Country in between. Beachgoers can get to Santa Cruz and its famous Beach Boardwalk or over to the Monterey/Carmel area with its refined shops and restaurants within a short drive. Getting up to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe is just a few short hours' drive as well. For a full Wine Country experience, the Napa and Sonoma Valleys are an easy drive north and will transport you to the heart of the California Wine Country experience.