Santa Clara: Discover Nature, Culture and Museums

At Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, the four-mile Arrowhead Loop Trail passes rare serpentinite rock outcrops. Grassland and woodland characterized by oaks and California bay laurels define the route. The preserve lies on the western edge of Coyote Valley, which forms a greenbelt between San José and Morgan Hill. The preserve also offers opportunities for birdwatching, including sightings of red-shouldered hawks, golden eagles and yellow-billed magpies.

Trails and Landscapes

Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve has more than 25 miles of trails through the preserve and the adjoining county park. A three-mile loop in Rancho San Antonio Preserve follows a creek through a fern-lined canyon, climbs through chaparral to open meadows on the middle ridge, and returns to Deer Hollow Farm. During regular opening hours, you can take a self-guided tour of the farm and see farm animals, a garden cared for by volunteers, and an orchard. Opening hours may change; check them before your visit.

Henry W. Coe State Park protects 87,000 acres of scenic hills and ridges in the Diablo Range. The park welcomes backpackers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and day hikers. In spring, wildflowers include California poppies, lupines, goldfields, baby blue eyes, mariposa lilies, larkspur, wild hyacinths and Ithuriel’s spear. Bloom times may vary from year to year.

The two loop hikes described here differ in length: three miles at Rancho San Antonio Preserve compared with four miles on the Arrowhead Loop Trail. Their landscapes also offer different highlights: one route winds through a creek canyon and across chaparral to open meadows, while the other passes serpentinite outcrops through grassland and woodland.

History, Museums and Interactive Attractions

Mission Santa Clara de Asís is the eighth-oldest of California’s original 21 missions. History Park offers another perspective on the past: its 14-acre site includes original and reconstructed homes, businesses and landmarks that bring the history of the Santa Clara Valley to life. On a guided tour, you can explore how people worked and lived in San José between 1850 and 1970. Tour times may change. The park also has operating streetcars; their operating details may change as well.

The first floor of the Chinese American Historical Museum explores the experiences of Chinese Americans in the Santa Clara Valley, from the mid-19th century to the present day. The Japanese Friendship Garden is modeled after Korakuen Garden in Okayama. These cultural attractions offer different perspectives, from life in the Santa Clara Valley and California’s mission history to garden design inspired by Japan.

The Winchester Mystery House is a Victorian mansion that Sarah Winchester had built over 36 years, from 1886 to 1922. The Mansion Tour takes visitors through 110 of the 160 rooms; tour details may change. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America. All museum tours are self-guided, and a free museum app is available. As visitor procedures may change, check the latest information before your visit. Rosicrucian Park is also home to the Rosicrucian Labyrinth.

Technology and creativity take center stage at Pixel Playground at The Tech Interactive: visitors create animals from building blocks to train artificial intelligence, design and test a roller coaster, or paint with digital brushes. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is home to more than 150 exotic, endangered and rescued ambassador animals. The zoo also participates in Species Survival Plan programs.

Discover more destinations: Campbell, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill, San José, Los Altos, Saratoga, San Martin, Coyote, Los Altos Hills, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View

For the broader travel overview: California.