WHAT and WHERE... here and there!

Rita
WHAT and WHERE... here and there!

Food Scene, Shopping, Cinema, & Outdoor Fun

The Rivermark Plaza has restaurants (Piatti’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Easterly [Chinese], Premiere Pizza, and others), Peet’s and Starbucks coffee shops, a yoga studio, a Safeway grocery store, and a wide open space called Live Oak Park where people come to play and enjoy the outdoors--go for a leisurely or brisk walk around the park, fly a kite on a windy day, play soccer, throw a frisbee, or just sit and watch people. The Northside Branch Library is located next to Live Oak park and is open 7 days a week. There are EV charging stations in its parking lot. Community events such as educational and cultural presentations, children's shows, and many other fun activities are held here. 3945 Rivermark Plaza, Santa Clara, CA 95054 510-770-9798 Library - 695 Moreland Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-615-5500
Rivermark Plaza
Rivermark Plaza
The Rivermark Plaza has restaurants (Piatti’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Easterly [Chinese], Premiere Pizza, and others), Peet’s and Starbucks coffee shops, a yoga studio, a Safeway grocery store, and a wide open space called Live Oak Park where people come to play and enjoy the outdoors--go for a leisurely or brisk walk around the park, fly a kite on a windy day, play soccer, throw a frisbee, or just sit and watch people. The Northside Branch Library is located next to Live Oak park and is open 7 days a week. There are EV charging stations in its parking lot. Community events such as educational and cultural presentations, children's shows, and many other fun activities are held here. 3945 Rivermark Plaza, Santa Clara, CA 95054 510-770-9798 Library - 695 Moreland Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-615-5500
The Mercado Plaza not only has a state-of-the-art AMC cinema, but it also has a TJMaxx Home Goods store, full-service and fast-food restaurants (Tomatina, In-n-Out, Malaya, World Wraps, and others), Starbuck's, Jamba Juice, and a Walmart grocery store. Go check out what's showing on the big screen...go shopping...pamper your taste buds, or just sit outside with your favorite drink and enjoy the day! AMC Theatres - 3111 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-919-0282. TJMaxx Home Goods - 3201 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-980-9607
Mercado
3159 Mission College Boulevard
The Mercado Plaza not only has a state-of-the-art AMC cinema, but it also has a TJMaxx Home Goods store, full-service and fast-food restaurants (Tomatina, In-n-Out, Malaya, World Wraps, and others), Starbuck's, Jamba Juice, and a Walmart grocery store. Go check out what's showing on the big screen...go shopping...pamper your taste buds, or just sit outside with your favorite drink and enjoy the day! AMC Theatres - 3111 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-919-0282. TJMaxx Home Goods - 3201 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-980-9607
Santa Clara Square is home to several gourmet restaurants such as Flemings, Il Fornaio, Puesto, and others. Whole Foods, Starbucks, Bare Bottle Brewery, Lula’s for some delectable chocolates, Sur la table where the discriminating cook shops for the latest in kitchenware, hair salons, and a yoga studio are just a few of the many shops doing business here. it is also a base of operation for some high-tech companies. 2772 Augustine Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054 949-339-1033
Santa Clara Square Marketplace
2702 - 2782 Augustine Dr
Santa Clara Square is home to several gourmet restaurants such as Flemings, Il Fornaio, Puesto, and others. Whole Foods, Starbucks, Bare Bottle Brewery, Lula’s for some delectable chocolates, Sur la table where the discriminating cook shops for the latest in kitchenware, hair salons, and a yoga studio are just a few of the many shops doing business here. it is also a base of operation for some high-tech companies. 2772 Augustine Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054 949-339-1033

Sports and Special Events

Watch your favorite team play and win!...or attend a musical concert by famous celebrities. As the home of the San Francisco 49ers, it has a museum dedicated to the team's history. Try the Bourbon Steak for a dining experience, or the Bourbon Pub for watch parties when the 49'ers are not hosting a game. 4900 Maria DeBartolo Way (cross street is Tasman Avenue), Santa Clara, CA 95054 1-415-464-9377
398 locals recommend
Levi's Stadium
4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way
398 locals recommend
Watch your favorite team play and win!...or attend a musical concert by famous celebrities. As the home of the San Francisco 49ers, it has a museum dedicated to the team's history. Try the Bourbon Steak for a dining experience, or the Bourbon Pub for watch parties when the 49'ers are not hosting a game. 4900 Maria DeBartolo Way (cross street is Tasman Avenue), Santa Clara, CA 95054 1-415-464-9377
If soccer is your sport, the San Jose Earthquakes’ Avaya stadium is less than 4 miles down the road. It is also a venue for other special events such as Beer and Bacon (craft beer and bacon eating contest), Hearts and Soles (race), and others. The San Jose Earthquakes is an American professional soccer team based in San Jose, CA. For more information, check out their website at Sjearthquakes.com.
58 locals recommend
Avaya Stadium
1123 Coleman Ave
58 locals recommend
If soccer is your sport, the San Jose Earthquakes’ Avaya stadium is less than 4 miles down the road. It is also a venue for other special events such as Beer and Bacon (craft beer and bacon eating contest), Hearts and Soles (race), and others. The San Jose Earthquakes is an American professional soccer team based in San Jose, CA. For more information, check out their website at Sjearthquakes.com.

Commune with Nature

The Ulistac Natural area is adjacent to the Guadalupe River trail that is a favorite for outdoor activities such as biking, running, and walking. 4901 Lick Mill Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-615-2260
9 locals recommend
Ulistac Natural Area
4901 Lick Mill Blvd
9 locals recommend
The Ulistac Natural area is adjacent to the Guadalupe River trail that is a favorite for outdoor activities such as biking, running, and walking. 4901 Lick Mill Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-615-2260
This county park is a favorite spot for bird watching, biking, and walking or hiking. The park is open from 8am to sunset, and the marina has a boat launch pad for non-power boating as well as power boating. Public boat tours are also conducted here. There is a boardwalk, and paths that once were levees used to hold salt from the salt marshes. There are restaurants in the area that have been serving the community since the time when Alviso was its own independent city prior to becoming a neighborhood of San Jose. If dining 'al fresco' is your preference, the park has a picnic area. The marina meets the southern end of the San Francisco Bay. 1195 Hope Street, Alviso, CA 95002 408-262-6980.
23 locals recommend
Alviso Marina County Park
1195 Hope St
23 locals recommend
This county park is a favorite spot for bird watching, biking, and walking or hiking. The park is open from 8am to sunset, and the marina has a boat launch pad for non-power boating as well as power boating. Public boat tours are also conducted here. There is a boardwalk, and paths that once were levees used to hold salt from the salt marshes. There are restaurants in the area that have been serving the community since the time when Alviso was its own independent city prior to becoming a neighborhood of San Jose. If dining 'al fresco' is your preference, the park has a picnic area. The marina meets the southern end of the San Francisco Bay. 1195 Hope Street, Alviso, CA 95002 408-262-6980.
A rose by any other name smells just as sweet! If you love and appreciate the beauty of this wonderful floral specimen, a trip to the Rose Garden is a must. Bring a picnic basket! The garden is maintained by volunteers year round and their dedication is shown in the manicured grounds and the well-tended plants. This is the perfect place to see the different varieties and assorted colors of this showy bloom. It is located in the Rose Garden district of San Jose in the 95126 zip code residential neighborhood.
60 locals recommend
Municipal Rose Garden
1649 Naglee Ave
60 locals recommend
A rose by any other name smells just as sweet! If you love and appreciate the beauty of this wonderful floral specimen, a trip to the Rose Garden is a must. Bring a picnic basket! The garden is maintained by volunteers year round and their dedication is shown in the manicured grounds and the well-tended plants. This is the perfect place to see the different varieties and assorted colors of this showy bloom. It is located in the Rose Garden district of San Jose in the 95126 zip code residential neighborhood.

Science and Technology

Visit the Intel Museum at their world headquarters in Santa Clara and find out the significance of high-technology in the Bay area. 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-765-0503 Hours: 9:00am - 6pm (Please call in advance to confirm hours of operation)
9 locals recommend
Intel Museum
2200 Mission College Boulevard
9 locals recommend
Visit the Intel Museum at their world headquarters in Santa Clara and find out the significance of high-technology in the Bay area. 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-765-0503 Hours: 9:00am - 6pm (Please call in advance to confirm hours of operation)
An imposing building with a very eye-catching signage is where the history of computing—beginning with the abacus to the more modern computers—is on exhibit. It was established in 1996 in Mountain View, California, and it presents stories such as the growth of the internet, the pioneers in the industry, and historical objects that revolutionized the Information Age and its indelible contribution to society. 1401 N Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94043 650-810-1010
255 locals recommend
Computer History Museum
1401 N Shoreline Blvd
255 locals recommend
An imposing building with a very eye-catching signage is where the history of computing—beginning with the abacus to the more modern computers—is on exhibit. It was established in 1996 in Mountain View, California, and it presents stories such as the growth of the internet, the pioneers in the industry, and historical objects that revolutionized the Information Age and its indelible contribution to society. 1401 N Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94043 650-810-1010
A place to visit if you’re into hands-on experience! The Tech Challenge is not a contest. Teams participate to learn about how a “device” is engineered and awards are given based on, among other things, the design process, and performance. Grade school and high school students form the teams. Awards are presented to the best teams at the end of the event. All are encouraged to attend including teachers, parents, and the public. 201 S Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113 408-294-8324
267 locals recommend
The Tech Interactive
201 S Market St
267 locals recommend
A place to visit if you’re into hands-on experience! The Tech Challenge is not a contest. Teams participate to learn about how a “device” is engineered and awards are given based on, among other things, the design process, and performance. Grade school and high school students form the teams. Awards are presented to the best teams at the end of the event. All are encouraged to attend including teachers, parents, and the public. 201 S Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113 408-294-8324
The museum is not as extensive in square footage, but it has a lot to offer about the history of naval aviation and aircraft. There are tours conducted by very friendly and knowledgeable docents. If vintage aircraft excites you, visit Moffett Field in Mountain View, CA
14 locals recommend
Moffett Field Historical Society Museum
500 Severyns Ave
14 locals recommend
The museum is not as extensive in square footage, but it has a lot to offer about the history of naval aviation and aircraft. There are tours conducted by very friendly and knowledgeable docents. If vintage aircraft excites you, visit Moffett Field in Mountain View, CA
Here’s another museum dedicated to aviation. This museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian. It has hands-on exhibits that include interactive experiences. There are exhibits with flight simulations, storm making, real-time air traffic, and so much more! If your travels include a drive on highway 101 towards the city of San Carlos, CA, a visit to this museum would be a wonderful detour...just give yourself plenty of time to really appreciate the experience.
38 locals recommend
Hiller Aviation Museum
601 Skyway Rd
38 locals recommend
Here’s another museum dedicated to aviation. This museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian. It has hands-on exhibits that include interactive experiences. There are exhibits with flight simulations, storm making, real-time air traffic, and so much more! If your travels include a drive on highway 101 towards the city of San Carlos, CA, a visit to this museum would be a wonderful detour...just give yourself plenty of time to really appreciate the experience.

Art and Culture

The Museum's Mission as shown on it’s website-- The Triton Museum of Art is a vital community resource that provides accessible exhibition and education programs, which promote a broad range of contemporary California art. Through our multi-faceted programs, we bring together the culturally diverse population of the Greater Bay Area to foster a better understanding of art and its role in building a strong community. 1505 Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95050 408-247-3754
15 locals recommend
Triton Museum of Art
1505 Warburton Ave
15 locals recommend
The Museum's Mission as shown on it’s website-- The Triton Museum of Art is a vital community resource that provides accessible exhibition and education programs, which promote a broad range of contemporary California art. Through our multi-faceted programs, we bring together the culturally diverse population of the Greater Bay Area to foster a better understanding of art and its role in building a strong community. 1505 Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95050 408-247-3754
This museum is located on the grounds of Santa Clara University. It was opened in the early 1950’s for the last member of a French pioneer family, Isabel de Saisset, who bequeathed her estate to the university. It has a permanent exhibit on the history of California featuring Native American art and artifacts, as well as the Mission Collection. It tells the history of the founding of Mission Santa Clara de Asis along with beautiful artifacts of the time. Together with the historical exhibits are ever changing exhibitions showcasing works by under-recognized artists. Hours of operation are limited so call ahead of time.
De Saisset Museum
500 El Camino Real
This museum is located on the grounds of Santa Clara University. It was opened in the early 1950’s for the last member of a French pioneer family, Isabel de Saisset, who bequeathed her estate to the university. It has a permanent exhibit on the history of California featuring Native American art and artifacts, as well as the Mission Collection. It tells the history of the founding of Mission Santa Clara de Asis along with beautiful artifacts of the time. Together with the historical exhibits are ever changing exhibitions showcasing works by under-recognized artists. Hours of operation are limited so call ahead of time.
Located in the city of San Jose, it is home to the biggest collection of Egyptian artifacts in Western North America. Immerse yourself in the ancient civilization of Egypt during the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. Museum Hours Wednesday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Tuesday: Closed 1660 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126
105 locals recommend
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
1660 Park Ave
105 locals recommend
Located in the city of San Jose, it is home to the biggest collection of Egyptian artifacts in Western North America. Immerse yourself in the ancient civilization of Egypt during the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. Museum Hours Wednesday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Tuesday: Closed 1660 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126

Historical Landmarks

The Agnews Development Center was first established in 1885 as a medical facility for the mentally ill. The site underwent several renovations through the years. In 1997, it was registered with the National Register of Historical Places. Eventually, the old buildings were torn down to make way for what is now the Oracle Campus, but the old Spanish Revival edifice still stands. 4000 Lafayette Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Agnew
The Agnews Development Center was first established in 1885 as a medical facility for the mentally ill. The site underwent several renovations through the years. In 1997, it was registered with the National Register of Historical Places. Eventually, the old buildings were torn down to make way for what is now the Oracle Campus, but the old Spanish Revival edifice still stands. 4000 Lafayette Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Established by the Franciscan order, this Spanish Mission was the second in the San Francisco Bay Area and the first Mission in California named after a female saint. The rebuilt structure is located on the grounds of Santa Clara University. Besides holding masses and weddings, the Mission is also used for musical concerts by the Santa Clara Chorale. The intricate designs and religious paintings on the ceiling and the altar are typical of early church architecture. The Mission is at the intersection of Palm Drive and Alviso Street of the University of Santa Clara 500 El Camino Real, CA 95053 408-554-4000
12 locals recommend
Mission Santa Clara de Asis
12 locals recommend
Established by the Franciscan order, this Spanish Mission was the second in the San Francisco Bay Area and the first Mission in California named after a female saint. The rebuilt structure is located on the grounds of Santa Clara University. Besides holding masses and weddings, the Mission is also used for musical concerts by the Santa Clara Chorale. The intricate designs and religious paintings on the ceiling and the altar are typical of early church architecture. The Mission is at the intersection of Palm Drive and Alviso Street of the University of Santa Clara 500 El Camino Real, CA 95053 408-554-4000
This is the sole survivor of the third Spanish mission compound dedicated in 1784. The Adobe house is a state landmark, being one of the last surviving Adobe in Northern California. It was constructed with adobe bricks and a tile roof, and was part of the Mission Santa Clara Rancheria where married neophyte Indian couples were housed by 1798. In 1913, the Santa Clara Woman’s Club purchased the house along with the 60’x147’ parcel of land around it. In 1914, during a grand civic ceremony, the Adobe was opened as the clubhouse of the Woman’s Club. The club replaced the old earthen floor with wood. In 1958, additional renovations were done that included a carved wooden door, a Spanish tile floor, a meeting room, kitchen, and restrooms in the rear of the house.
Santa Clara Woman's Club Adobe
3260 The Alameda
This is the sole survivor of the third Spanish mission compound dedicated in 1784. The Adobe house is a state landmark, being one of the last surviving Adobe in Northern California. It was constructed with adobe bricks and a tile roof, and was part of the Mission Santa Clara Rancheria where married neophyte Indian couples were housed by 1798. In 1913, the Santa Clara Woman’s Club purchased the house along with the 60’x147’ parcel of land around it. In 1914, during a grand civic ceremony, the Adobe was opened as the clubhouse of the Woman’s Club. The club replaced the old earthen floor with wood. In 1958, additional renovations were done that included a carved wooden door, a Spanish tile floor, a meeting room, kitchen, and restrooms in the rear of the house.
This museum is named after the two families who resided here from 1865 to 1985. It was built in the Italianate style. It was the last farm site in the city of Santa Clara. In 1987 it was sold to the city of Santa Clara by the last owner—under market value—with the stipulation that it be designated as a historic site. It is now a venue for weddings, as well as the Historic Tea event.
Harris-Lass Historic Museum
1889 Market St
This museum is named after the two families who resided here from 1865 to 1985. It was built in the Italianate style. It was the last farm site in the city of Santa Clara. In 1987 it was sold to the city of Santa Clara by the last owner—under market value—with the stipulation that it be designated as a historic site. It is now a venue for weddings, as well as the Historic Tea event.
Got time on your hands?...visit this historical landmark in San Jose. It was designated CHISL in 1974. It is a Victorian-Queen Anne architectural building that used to be the residence of Sarah Winchester, widow to the maker of the once famous Winchester repeating firearm. She was obsessed with the number 13, and recurrence of this number theme and spider web motifs occur throughout the house, as well as design oddities such as doors and stairs that go nowhere! The Halloween tours are popular to locals and visitors alike. Join a mansion tour of the Winchester Estate and see the beauty of its Victorian-Queen Anne style. 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose CA 95128 408-247-200
302 locals recommend
Winchester Mystery House
525 S Winchester Blvd
302 locals recommend
Got time on your hands?...visit this historical landmark in San Jose. It was designated CHISL in 1974. It is a Victorian-Queen Anne architectural building that used to be the residence of Sarah Winchester, widow to the maker of the once famous Winchester repeating firearm. She was obsessed with the number 13, and recurrence of this number theme and spider web motifs occur throughout the house, as well as design oddities such as doors and stairs that go nowhere! The Halloween tours are popular to locals and visitors alike. Join a mansion tour of the Winchester Estate and see the beauty of its Victorian-Queen Anne style. 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose CA 95128 408-247-200

Theme Park

California’s Great America is a local attraction that has been in Santa Clara for several years. Visitors from far and near come to enjoy the various fun-filled activities that the park offers. If you happen to be in town on the 4th of July, you've got to see the beautiful fireworks display! 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-988-1776
299 locals recommend
California’S Great America
4701 Great America Pkwy
299 locals recommend
California’s Great America is a local attraction that has been in Santa Clara for several years. Visitors from far and near come to enjoy the various fun-filled activities that the park offers. If you happen to be in town on the 4th of July, you've got to see the beautiful fireworks display! 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-988-1776