Santa Clara is blessed by some of the most comfortable weather in the U.S. all year round. In the summer, residents will tell you that it’s time to get outside and enjoy the parks. With the sun blazing and many playgrounds, pools, and public sports areas and public parks available, Santa Clara is the perfect place to enjoy a day in the sun.

Santa Clara has an impressive number of City-maintained parks available for residents to enjoy. With more than 39 public parks to choose from (many more if you count the county and state parks nearby), residents and visitors can enjoy a picnic, shaded walks along the many area creeks, and/or the playing fields for softball and other sports.

Most all of the parks have adequate restroom facilities and many have fire pits and/or picnic tables for you to host gatherings and events. The more popular parks can fill up quickly, so if you are looking to have a larger gathering of friends and family for a party or other occasion, reserve a spot through the Parks and Recreation Department. Reservations are available to all Santa Clara residents here.

There’s Nothing Like a Picnic with Friends

Summertime practically begs for picnics, and Santa Clara has its share of perfect picnic spots complete with shaded tree lined benches, and nearby pools and game spaces to enjoy the lazy afternoon. The next time you’re looking for an outdoor venue in any neighborhood in Santa Clara to have a picnic, consider these public parks.

Central Park

909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95051

This 52 acre park has something for everyone with group and individual picnic facilities, playgrounds, amphitheatre tennis and basketball courts, and a swimming pool. With ample space for people to roam around, this is the perfect place to have a large group gathering or a quiet and romantic picnic for two. With a shaded walk along the creek and room for children to play after lunch, this park has all the amenities you’ll need for an afternoon in the sunshine.

Henry Schmidt Park

555 Los Padres Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95050

This eight acre park is popular amongst Santa Clara residents, but isn’t without its more private areas as well if you’d like a bit of peace and quiet. Featuring plenty of athletic and play areas for the more active in your group, it also hosts group picnic areas and a “wall of fame” with pictures of the many achievements of local sports hero Henry Schmidt.

Lick Mill Park

4750 Lick Mill Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95052

A large 10.5 acre neighborhood park, Lick Mill is easily accessible by light rail and by foot from a downtown area for those who would like a more accessible park option in the summertime. With complete facilities and amenities and a long stretch of secluded area for park visitors to stroll through this park is a local favorite.

There are parks and community centers available for every possible type of event, and Santa Clara residents will tell you that they have been enjoying the wonderful facilities provided for these events for many years and that they are continuously being improved and upgraded.

For a full listing of Santa Clara City Parks, click here.

To reserve space or rent an entire Santa Clara facility, click here.