Santa Clara, CA is known for its pleasant weather throughout the majority of the year and for its active population who loves to participate in outdoor activities and athletics. Whether running, cycling, or playing team sports, the South Bay has an above average amount of active-lifestyle residents. When you are looking for a baseball/softball field, or a basketball court to play a game with friends or rent for your next tournament or little league game, Santa Clara has many to choose from. We’ve compiled a quick guide to a few of the local favorites.

Baseball/Softball Fields for All Ages

Santa Clara residents (particularly the younger ones) have a passion for baseball. Perhaps owing in part to the professional baseball teams in the area, there never seems to be a shortage of teams and/or games going on in Santa Clara. Below are a few of the favorites when it comes to playing ball in the city of Santa Clara.

The Elmer Johnson Ballfield is located on the Buchser Middle School Campus and is available for rent for private or community team use. It’s fully equipped with lighting for night league play and can be rented with a quick phone call.

Mission Sports Complex is a jointly funded project hosted on the Mission College Campus that can accommodate baseball, softball, and various other sporting events and is available for rent as well.

Twin Creeks Sports Complex in nearby Sunnyvale has 10 lighted softball/baseball fields available to all ages for games, practices, and more.

Elmer Johnson Ballfield – Buchser Middle School, 1111 Bellomy St., Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 615-3160

Mission Sports Complex – 3000 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408)988-2200

Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park – 5049 Centennial Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408)615-3140

Lou Verra Field – Ravizza Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051

The Positive Pitch  - 2415 De La Cruz Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408)981-8530

Twin Creeks Sports Complex – 969 Caribbean Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94089 (408)734-0304

Basketball Courts in Santa Clara, CA

Central Park is one of the largest public parks in Santa Clara, and is home to public basketball courts and other athletic venues for those looking for recreation. A favorite of locals, this park can get busy if you’re looking to shoot hoops.

Earl R. Carmichael Park is known as Home of the Homestead Little League, and is a popular park for basketball and other activities. This 10.5 acre park also has plenty of room for a picnic or other activities.

Named for an outstanding and community-minded 13 year old that lost her life in a traffic accident, Jenny Strand Park is a small neighborhood park complete with courts and a children’s play area.

Lick Mill Park is a more rural feeling park thanks to the easement along the hetch-hetchy right of way. This park is a larger, full featured park with basketball courts, picnic areas, and much more.

Central Park – 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95051

Earl R. Carmichael Park – 3445 Benton St., Santa Clara, CA 95051

Bracher Park – 2560 Alhambra Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95051

Homeridge Park – 2985 Stevenson St., Santa Clara, CA 95051

Jenny Strand Park – 250 Howard Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95051

Lick Mill Park – 4750 Lick Mill Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054

Steve Carli Park – 1045 Los Padres Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95050

The city of Santa Clara provides residents with an extraordinary variety of opportunities when looking for bike trails, bike friendly road routes, hiking trails, and similar spaces for those who would like to exercise in more solitary ways as well. To check out the other athletic and recreational opportunities in Santa Clara, click here.