The heart of famous Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, California is on the cutting edge of technological advancement. At the same time, it enjoys a history almost as old as any city in America. Strolling the streets of the Old Quad or exploring the Mission Santa Clara will give an appreciation for the city’s rich history, while the modern, energetic vibe is a testament to its exciting future.
Long before the rise of the tech industry, Santa Clara was a center for winemaking, its soils and climate the perfect mix for European strains to take root and flourish. While the city limits don’t extend to the coastline, more than a dozen appealing beaches aren’t far away and make a relaxing way to spend time while visiting the city.
Here’s your guide to getting the most out of a weekend getaway to Santa Clara, CA!
Local Food and Drink
Piatti – an authentic pizza oven is the star of this family-style Italian trattoria.
Straits – a modern Asian-influenced restaurant that has a nightclub vibe.
Tomatina – enjoy California wines in the relaxed setting of this Italian-inspired restaurant.
Birk’s Restaurant – California cuisine is the star of this bistro restaurant, making full use of local beef and seafood.
Local Attractions
Levi’s Stadium – Catch a game at the home of the San Francisco 49ers. It’s also host to many other sporting events like soccer and college football.
California’s Great America – Over 100 acres of roller coasters and rides make this theme park a thrilling way to spend the day.
SAP Center – Hockey fans will want to arrange their schedules around a game here, home to the recently created San Jose Barracuda AHL team.
Santana Row – The perfect destination for a little retail therapy, this charming shopping zone has dozens of shops, restaurants and spas and is the perfect spot for a lively stroll.
Local Accommodations
Hotels in Santa Clara CA provide guests with an exciting locale rich with both history and modern attractions, while also providing lodgings conveniently close to the action.
Hyatt House Santa Clara – With spectacular views of the valley and a coveted location right next to the Great America Theme Park, the Hyatt Houseis a popular place to stay in Santa Clara. Its central location is perfect to use as a base for exploring the area. It’s also just four minutes from the airport.
Days Inn Santa Clara – These budget lodgings near the airport boast a convenient location and a range of basic amenities, such as Wi-Fi and parking. It’s one of the better budget options for travelers.
Transportation Options
Fly – There are three area airports, with San Jose Mineta Airport being the closest to the city.
Ride – There’s a station near Santa Clara University for the commuter rail Caltrain. Two Amtrak lines, the Altamont Commuter Express and the Capitol Corridor, also make a few stops in the city. A light rail, the Valley Transportation Authority, offers both bus and rail options for local transportation to popular areas.
Drive – There are plenty of rental companies in the area and roads are easy to navigate, but visitors will want to avoid driving during peak commute times.
