37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (2024)

The top stops along the way from San Mateo to San Jose (with short detours) are Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Winchester Mystery House, and University of California, Berkeley. Other popular stops include W Cliff Dr, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and San Francisco Premium Outlets.

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University of California, Berkeley

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Public university

Sights & Landmarks

The University of California, Berkeley is a renowned public university located in the city of Berkeley overlooking San Francisco Bay. The campus boasts impressive beaux arts architecture and wooded areas, with a rich history dating back to its establishment. Students here are known for their academic excellence as well as their activism and social justice initiatives. The city of Berkeley itself is colorful and eclectic, home to numerous vegan and vegetarian restaurants, street performers, and unique shops.

Beautiful university! Love the Belinda Gates summer program (Duke Engage- where students spend the 8 weeks immersing in civic activities around the world) which is free to all Duke students!

Gary B — Google review

I love the beautiful greens in the open. Plenty of places to sit and relax no matter the day. Very diverse fun and loving. It makes me care more overall about the bigger picture I'm life.

Marisol A — Google review

One of the nicest campuses I've seen. Nice architecture and lush green lawn. Beuatiful libraries, life science building and clock tower.

Paul A — Google review

The university has adopted a policy of “all gender” bathrooms where a majority of bathrooms on campus are shared by people of the opposite sex. This policy leaves a majority of students feeling uncomfortable and unsafe while attending their biological needs. Endangering people in the name of inclusivity achieves the exact opposite effect

Zain Z — Google review

We truly appreciate your insights and will use them to continuously improve our services. Your input helps us strive for excellence and ensures that we meet and exceed your expectations. We look forward to serving you better in the future. Thank you for choosing us!"

Muhammad A — Google review

Great place to drop your life savings and get your ungrateful kid an "education" that will leave them in a lifetime of debt and misery, while they develop a drug habit and get their heart broken by some activist or something. big fun

P. I — Google review

Very significantly historic university. There is many good stories to everything from the floor to the structure of the buildings. Students here achieve academic excellence and fight for what they believe. Students here fight for justice and come together to be able to do so.

Guadalupe G — Google review

So far it's not bad. Wifi is spotty on campus. The weather here is nice though.

Steven D — Google review

Racist school. Look up Seth Smith, a former student at this school and see how Berkeley reacted to this situation. Truly amazing how poorly they handled a star student being murdered in cold blood. In particular a man and woman named STEPHEN C. SUTTON and CAROL CHRIST, deserves punishment for the inappropriate email sent to students. Do NOT attend this school

Christian C — Google review

Berkeley's campus rises like a beacon amidst the concrete jungle. I love the East Coast neighborhood mixed with the small town comfortability vibes this place gives. You can beat the international diversity of students at this institution.

Panama F — Google review

I was considering giving UC Berkeley, where I completed my undergrad degree a higher rating, but everything that happened was too much. The academic aspect of the school is amazing, it is where people can greatly enhance their knowledge at just about any topic. The security aspect on the other hand is a disaster, especially downward from sather gate. In the past few years, I was been hit on the street once for no reason, saw someone burning himself on the street, and experienced library attacked by mad homeless, not to mention that two friends of mine had experienced armed robbery, and 80% of the people that I know had their car Windows broken on the street at least once. The criminals were never caught, all we can expect is another Berkeley warn me.

666 — Google review

The campus is beautiful and in a decent location not too far from San Francisco. The students are very passionate about what they do and it seems that the school really cares about providing students with clubs, services, and classes that can truly benefit them. It would be an honor to attend this school. A+ from me. Only downside is that it was hard to find good restaurants around there. And I watched a guy get arrested on campus so that was interesting. They don't really have parking options. It's a walking school for sure. The nature and campus is welcoming, gorgeous, and an overall peaceful atmosphere. Truly a beauty.

Olivia Y — Google review

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a prestigious public research university in Berkeley, California, United States. Here are some critical points about UC Berkeley:1. Foundation: UC Berkeley was founded in 1868 as the flagship institution of the University of California system. It started due to the merger of the private College of California and the public Agricultural, Mining, and Mechanical Arts College.2. Public Research University: UC Berkeley is a leading public research university known for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and commitment to social impact. It is one of the top-ranked universities in the world.3. Academic Excellence: UC Berkeley offers undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business, and public policy. It is particularly renowned for its programs in engineering, computer science, economics, and the physical sciences.4. Campus: The UC Berkeley campus is situated on 1,232 acres in the San Francisco Bay Area, overlooking the city of Berkeley and the surrounding hills. It features a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, gardens, and recreational facilities.5. Research: UC Berkeley is a major research institution, conducting groundbreaking research across diverse fields, from fundamental science to applied technology to social sciences. It is affiliated with numerous research centres, institutes, and laboratories, including the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.6. Notable Alumni and Faculty: UC Berkeley has produced numerous notable alums and faculty members, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, Turing Award winners, MacArthur Fellows, and leaders in academia, business, government, and the arts. Some famous alumni include Steve Wozniak, Jennifer Doudna, and Gordon Moore.7. Social Activism and Free Speech: UC Berkeley has a long history of social activism and free speech advocacy. It was the centre of the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s and continues to be a hub for political and social activism.8. Diversity and Inclusion: UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a diverse student body and faculty representing various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. It offers extensive support services and resources for underrepresented minority students.Overall, UC Berkeley is widely regarded as one of the top public universities in the world, known for its academic excellence, research prowess, and commitment to social impact and innovation.

Dr. M — Google review

GO BEARS! Oh, wait, that's not a review. That's a statement of fact. I was at cal in the early 80s. I have nothing but fond memories. I made some great friends. The only thing I can really say negative is that the campus wasn't so clean.

Eric S — Google review

I really wish I had done my undergrad somewhere else. I was so miserable. And basically taught myself the whole way through it. I got financial aid tho that’s where my second star comes from 😆

David S — Google review

As an alumni, it's always great to go on campus and see the upgrades. Go Bears!

Angelica C — Google review

I swung by this university purely as a tourist, and I gotta say, I was seriously blown away by the architecture and the beauty of the campus. If you ask me, this is exactly how all campuses should be planned out. Honestly, if I were a student, I'd be absolutely more than happy to call this place my school.

Ivan C — Google review

Beautiful campus. We did a tour a few years back and was blown away. Had a picnic here during sunset before heading back to busy San Francisco. The two things I remember the most are the library and the clock tower. They had some art around the campus which I thought was super cool. I come from a very art driven town (or used to be) and it is awesome to see art for all to see.

Bella P — Google review

3.5

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4.5

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University Avenue and, Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

(510) 642-6000

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Tilden Regional Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

Tilden Regional Park is a beautiful park in the East Bay that offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and golfing. There is also a botanic garden and a lake for swimming.

Came here with family and friends last Sunday afternoon. A beautiful park. Lots of fun things to do whatever you're interested in.We went on a little steam train ride with my 1-year-old niece. She loved it as did her family of adults.There are some great picnic areas, both sunny and shady spots.We rode the merry-go-round and we enjoyed one of the trails that gave us some great views of San Francisco.Well worth the time to visit this spot.Everything seems to be well maintained and staff was very friendly.

Jennifer N — Google review

Beautiful park with beautiful views of San Francisco and surrounding areas. A very short drive from Berkeley. Has big areas for picnicking with animal farms for kids enjoyment. Many hikes in this area. Do carry a map of the park trails as it is very easy to get lost.

Sai P — Google review

Tilden regional Park is a world class park. This park is a must-see for locals and tourists alike. You'll find everything ranging from model trains that the family can ride on to a miniature farm for the kids to visit animals, oh and adults can visit the animals too. There's tons of hiking and some of the best views of the San Francisco Bay area.

Scott — Google review

I drove a long way to visit this place and I was disappointed.Construction fences and garbage everywhere. I thought the entire area was low-budget and barely cared for.I bet nature was nicer before humans arrived here.

Chester C — Google review

Always great trails to discover and hike. Spring has wonderful flowers, sometimes a little water running...

Manning S — Google review

We made a picnic at a space called nook, wonderful weather at mid may!Then we visit the carrousel it is so fun! For children and adults

Cecilia S — Google review

Kids friendly park. There are some activities like steam train, Merry go round and view points to cover one day.

Aneesh V — Google review

It's very hard to impress me, but this park is impressive. Diversity, something for everyone. I'm proud to help East Bay Parks to help and build more access trails for people to enjoy. The botanical garden is a gem. I'm looking forward to their plan sale. Narrow gauge train rides, the swimming lagoon, the golf course, horse rides, picnic areas and redwoods- they have it all.

G B — Google review

Went hiking today, on this rainy day. Actually, we went to see a waterfall, and saw two waterfalls. We also saw 2 coyotes, and we saw them mid-day. We only saw one other person walking around.

JOANN S — Google review

Grizzly Peak is one of my favorite top hikes in the Berkeley area.There are multiple trail passes to get up to the peak.I used neighborhood parking near the Claremont Hotel.There’s very limited spots, butI got lucky, & found one, it helped that I got there in the early AM.My hike was over 6 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.It was a good workout, as there were some steep parts.The trail was mostly shade and just some sun.It is my favorite because I hike through woods for most of the trail. I saw a lot of different wildflowers, birds, & butterflies.It was very quiet, and there were not that many hikers.The more I climbed up, the better the view got, and the less hikers around me so it’s very peaceful.This is one of the best breathtaking views of the Berkeley Hills, the Bay Bridge, the SF Bay, the GGB, the Richmond Bridge, and even parts of the ocean in the distance.Too bad Grizzly Peak is locked behind a fence due to the tower on top.Anyway, I highly recommend a good pair of hiking shoes, trekking poles, water, some snacks, and sun protection.I plan to come back here at "Dusk" to catch the Sunset and the Lights coming on over the City...

Tina N — Google review

The trails are somewhat maintained and the views are really nice. Looks like a great place for kids with the merry go round. The bathroom is really clean with normal flushing toilets and a hand dryer. Would have given 5 stars but getting to the park is pretty scary because of all the hills you must traverse.

Freckles R — Google review

Always so beautiful. Parked and watched the night sky through the sun roof of my car. It's stunning. Great hiking trails around the area. Camping sites as well. I highly recommend thus if your looking for a beautiful drive, beautiful scenery, deer sightings and even a golf course.

Melia B — Google review

Awesome park. Me and my big brother went to the park the very next day after the rain and were able to behold some beautiful mushrooms hiding on the ground. Don't forget your hiking boots it'll be a great workout.

Bishal P — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563, USA

(510) 544-2747

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37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (14)

3

Telegraph Ave

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Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Telegraph Avenue is a notable roadway that runs from the historic downtown of Oakland to the University of California, Berkeley. The area around this 4-block hub is known for being a bustling center for university life. This street has played an important role in the cultural history of the Bay Area and has become synonymous with activism, music, and art. It is well-known for its unique shops, restaurants, cafes, and bookstores that attract both students and visitors alike.

3.0

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California, USA

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University of California Botanical Garden

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Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Garden

The University of California Botanical Garden is a botanical garden in Berkeley, California which features a very diverse collection of plants. It has 34 acres and is one of the most romantic places to go for a walk with your partner.

Great day to spend the day out and learning about nature. The volunteers and staff are so knowledgeable about the gardens! It was such a great experience running into them and learning great stories of how plants are acquired and brought into the gardens.

Cecilia G — Google review

One of the most beautiful botanical gardens I've been to. Arboretum are my favorite things, and it's great to see the wide variety of plants available here. The place is spacious and you can get lost here in the different regions for the whole day if you wanted to. Loved that it isn't just a flat garden and there's areas that almost feel like you're hiking in a national park. Definitely would reccomend checking out the carnivorous plants, the giant cactus, and smelling all the sweet flowers while waking around.

Helen H — Google review

Incredible spot to experience nature in full bloom. Beautiful vistas throughout the walking trails some of which are steep and unpaved. Amazing collections of flora from around the globe. Didn’t even make it to the California section saved for next visit.

Richard T — Google review

The garden is beautiful, but very small. $15 is quite expensive, if you are used to free entrance to botanical gardens in Europe. Be careful the garden is almost impossible to reach by foot (there is no sidewalk along the street, such a shame). If you are looking for a relaxing afternoon this place is worth a visit.

Maximilian G — Google review

We loved it here! Make sure you have plenty of time to walk around. Some botanical gardens are more of a park but this is definitely more of a hike through most of the sections. Some of the paths are rocky and steep so if walking is harder for you, some places might be inaccessible. Overall, amazing and large garden with a super nice staff.

Brianna D — Google review

Gorgeous place and very refreshing. It's practically a your around the world. It's also not crowded and I really love how wild the place can be at times, being located in a mountain and having different relations. There are also spawning orange-bellied minizillas in a very clear pond and Jumanji sized aloes. Love it.

Nicolo D — Google review

We didn’t book online before we came and had no problem getting in. Beautiful gardens, well maintained and very well curated. Loved that the majority of plants were labelled. Great views across the bay and beyond. Highly recommend here if your into cacti, ferns and succulents! Its also a lovely place for a walk and a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Nice little shop too.

Alison B — Google review

It is a 34 acre botanical garden. There were different types of vegetation. From Asia to Africa to Australasia, Mediterranean and California, all of them were very well maintained.It’s a good hike as well. You would need to spend at least 2-3 hours if you want to see all of them. For a detailed visit, it can easily go up to a whole day. I will suggest getting something to munch on and water to drink for a picnic like trip.

Manisha C — Google review

You really can’t beat the view out to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Farallon Islands resemble a battleship from this angle. This locale has such a concentration of plants like no other place I’ve experienced. The old world roses were amazing and the history told from this vantage was enlightening. I’ll have to admit that their Japanese garden was too small but I have seen some of the best in America. I’d like to go back and see their greenhouses. My trip around California highlighted Ms Julia Morgan’s splendid architectural wonders. She had some influence here as well, albeit on a smaller scale than the Hearst Castle. Bezerkely was as fun as the old days. The streets haven’t gotten any straighter or flatter over the years. Thanks goes to my zigzagging google partner for getting me to Alameda from here. That was a strange route but better than any interstate.

Judson C — Google review

An amazing spot to spend some time among nature in Berkeley! Make sure you block out enough time, you can spend hours and hours here and not see everything.There's every kind of plant or flower you could imagine, including a whole garden section just for herbs! The greenhouses are a good first visit, since you might not want to walk through them if you're already warm from walking the grounds 😛The nearby parking lot always seems to have spots when we go.

Paul H — Google review

Botanical garden in Berkeley is amazing. What are my favorite ones so far lots of walking and feels like you’re on a little hike or you have nice views of the bridge. The staff was very friendly very warm. Then make sure to check out the gift shop because it’s a fun time say hi to the attendee for me please.

Anthony C — Google review

i’m a student at UC Berkeley so i get free entry into the botanical gardens. they are very beautiful and the gift shop is nice. the bathroom was also very clean which is always a plus. i will definitely come back here since it is free to me.

Spencer B — Google review

Beautiful spot for spotting a wide array of plants from around the globe. Bring your walking shoes for sure - the terrain is hilly.

Jen S — Google review

Loved walking around the UC Berkeley botanical garden..A treasure in San Francisco Bay area with plants from around the worldCheck out the spiral aloe.. it's breathtaking..I so appreciated the fall foliage from North Carolina.. it took me right back to my time in NC.

Div M — Google review

I was pleasantly surprised how large this place was. Even with the Redwood Grove closed for a private event this place was big. I visited during spring and it looked like everything was blooming. Flowers everywhere. The pathways and trails are very well maintained and easy to walk on. The whole experience felt like going through a lush garden. As a plus, there’s a nice little view of the bay from the garden.

Thomas P — Google review

The Sundays in March 2024 have been outstanding days to see the colors evolving in the gardens, with an amazing display in the South Africa hillside gardens!The Tropical Plant Building is still under construction for seismic retro fit as well as an updated landscape design! The prospects for an amazing feature is in process!There are a couple of other areas that are carefully being updated in the Garden too. If you haven't been there in awhile, time to visit and enjoy the wonderful specimens from around the world!The Julia Morgan building open and availble for events!

Erik H — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

(510) 643-2755

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Japanese Gardens

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Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

This 3+-acre botanical garden features traditional Japanese arrangements, a teahouse & a koi pond.

Beautiful place to go for looking at a large variety of trees. Handicapped accessible paths. Pavilions to sit in for shady quiet moments, though I don't think any of them are easily accessed for persons with mobility issues. It's not a sprawling place with acreage, but they maximize their space with lots of paths weaving around the garden. There are places to sit, some in shade, and it's easy to socially distance or find a quiet place to just sit and take in the nature. Parking is limited, but there are handicapped spaces available. The entrance is not clearly marked and can be confusing, but it is the pathway closest to the street. I think they may have an indoor museum or gift store, but I'm not entirely sure since it was closed when I arrived. If you're looking for something that doesn't take a lot of time, this is a good choice. You can walk this at a leisurely pace and be out in less than an hour, or you can take your time and stay an entire afternoon just sitting and taking in fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Katherine R — Google review

This garden is one of the beauties for Hayward. Its a very peaceful place with lush green forest. It is a very well maintained and to your utter surprise has very little trek. I liked it for if you want to spend some nice sunny afternoon with some great views.

Saveena W — Google review

Such an amazing garden! Free to walk around, peaceful and beautiful. If you're in the area, go see it!

Rachel S — Google review

This is a perfect place for meditation. It's quiet, calm and peaceful!! Where you could sit down and listen to nature noises. And don't forget to bring a little bit of bread to feed the fish..🙂

Rosie M — Google review

Pretty nice place for taking pics or stop by. It is a small garden and it’s free! Not busy area, but could not find a public restroom. They have deers appear at the creek :)

Yoyo Y — Google review

Nice relaxing spot, for a quick stroll and sit in shaded/ covered areas. Did not find/ see the turtles but the fish kept the kids entertained. Would not recommend planning a trip specifically for this ( as we did out of curiousity ) but do stop by if you are in the area. The trees are shaped nicely with the wooden resting places but not sure if this was enough to qualify as Japanese. ( Am not an expert so judge for yourself ) ;)

Siddhartha J — Google review

The Japanese Gardens are a pleasure to stroll the winding paths and watch the koi in the pond. There are several gazebos, including a nice one overlooking the pond, where you can sit.There aren't any picnic or playground facilities in the gardens.Parking is next to the Hayward Senior Center.

Peggy K — Google review

Free entrance, nice place to walk around, and great place to take pictures.

D G — Google review

Small stroll area to walk in a beautiful scenic location. Ample parking available outside, very peaceful and solace

Gautam S — Google review

Came here today with some friends to relax, hang out, and do some art. It's nice and relaxing as we sat under one of the overlooks. We could hear the water from the creek and the frogs croaking. Everything was super cute and well taken care of. Plenty of photo opportunities. We even got to witness what was probably a quinceñera photo shoot. I will say, everything remains lovely as long as you don't look at the creek where tons of garbage is strewn about. Also there were no bathrooms. Koi fish pond was full of coins which surprisingly hasn't made the fish look sick yet. Maybe put a sign up that says don't throw coins in the pond?

Anna O — Google review

Beautiful place to visit amidst the city. Small trails around with serene spots in between to sit and relax. The park is maintained well and free for public to visit. Found plenty of parking on a week day. There were some koi fish in the ponds. Great location to take prom photos as well if you are looking for something in the city. It’s a family friendly place. Definitely recommend to visit.

H V — Google review

It's a small garden which one can walk in 15 min. Simple walking zone with some Japanese trees. Not worth visiting from far places. Good for locals & surrounding area.

Pramod D — Google review

Very tranquil and fun to walk through. Well cared for as well!DO NOT FEED THE FISH.

Tyler D — Google review

What a pleasant surprise! We stumbled on this beautiful Japanese garden as we were looking for a place to walk around in Hayward. It is small, but very well taken care for. Can get a bit busy. Did I mention entrance is free?

Alex Z — Google review

Nice place to drop by and enjoy nature. There are a number of benches throughout. You can stroll through in 30 mins or meander for as long as you want. No entry fee, great spot to visit for all ages.

Rose T — Google review

Great garden inside the city. Spotted some deer. Nice places to sit and watch the fish. The only eyesore is the trash you see falling of the cliff on the other side of San Lorenzo Creek (visible from the look out)

Ajinkya T — Google review

A wonderful and serene garden. Free admission, a nice way to spend an afternoon with children or a significant other.

Amber S — Google review

I really like this place. It's a great place to visit if you just want to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Has lots of benches and It's wonderful. There's even koi fish in the pond to look at. It's a nice cool little place for a visit. I mean there's not much to do but it's still nice to see the fish an plants. Also it's free to visit which is really great.

Kajdien A — Google review

Go during peak fall time. Extremely pretty + free. Very peaceful if other visitors allow.

Andrew Y — Google review

What a beautiful garden to commune with the trees, the sky, our ancestors, koi and all of God's magnificent creation.

Julia F — Google review

4.6

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4.5

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22373 N 3rd St, Hayward, CA 94546, USA

(510) 881-6700

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6

Iron Horse Regional Trail

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Outdoor Activities

Hiking Trails

Iron Horse Regional Trail is a 30-mile paved pathway that attracts hikers, cyclists, joggers, and horseback riders. It follows the route of the former Southern Pacific Railroad and offers a flat terrain suitable for various activities such as biking, skating, or strolling with a stroller. The trail starts from Dublin Bart station and extends through San Ramon and into Danville, offering changing scenery along the way.

ReaL awesome clean site

Ali K — Google review

The trail is fine, neither the best nor the worst walking trail through a suburban neighborhood that you will find. The bordering trees keep early evening temperatures comfortably low. The entire trail is 40 miles long and used to belong to the Southern Pacific Railway. The section in Walnut Creek is not something you would come from out of town to walk, but if you are visiting friends or staying in a nearby hotel it is a pleasant path to stroll along.

Robert I — Google review

Great trail for biking with little kids

Steve Z — Google review

Great Trail to ride bikes or walk/run. Lots of animals to watch and trail goes very far.

Amber L — Google review

Started from Dublin side. I was intrigued when seen this in Walnut Creek When going to the dentist. My husband and I walked it a little after trying a few ways to access it. I say either Whole foods car park or Civic Park best of places to park your car Sorry this is not a history because I am only new here. You can look it up. From the aspect of a cyclist it's okay. Long stretches of trail without traffic is really nice. You have to cross several upon several stop 🛑 signs and need to stop / or roll. Can be confusing in places where trail continues at some crossings / where there is alot of traffic. As a cyclist be mindful of others on trail a call out or bell is good when passing pedestrians and people with dogs or children. I did not see many facilities on this trail like restrooms or water. Maybe I am wrong in this concern. Walnut Creek part ends with a cycle through the city. It's possible to continue on to end the trail which is a few more miles. It's be nice to have more signage / shops that are closer to trail essentials water and snacks. Just from my viewpoint this is my recollection. Also if going on whole trail it's much hotter inland and probably a good idea for layers of clothing and sun protection. Water.

Alexandra W — Google review

From Pleasanton/Dublin BART station, exit to the Dublin side and continue on Iron Horse Pkwy (exiting BART across the rd you will see a green sign). Take that until you come to a T intersection. Go Left and it will run you on to the official trail just after a big park on the left...the trail is paved and heads North...more frequent signs appear as you get closer.

MJ — Google review

Good trail ride

Terry L — Google review

A beautiful trail. We started from Dublin Bart station. This part of the trail doesn't have much shade, but as you go along crossing San Ramon, and into Danville, the scenery changes. It's an urban trail that crosses many roads and shopping centers, but generally a nice flat ride on a bike. Much can be covered depending on the weather. We did 12.5 miles, then had a picnic lunch in Danville and then back again, a total of 27 miles. It was a good fun ride.

Lisa H — Google review

4.7

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4.5

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California, USA

7

Stanford Theatre

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Movie theater

Concerts & Shows

Theaters

Stanford Theatre, located on University Avenue in Palo Alto, is a historic independent movie theater that first opened its doors in 1925. After nearly 40 years of entertaining the community with Hollywood movies, it underwent restoration in 1987 by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The restoration brought back the theater's original grandeur from the Golden Age of Hollywood and reinstated a weekly lineup of classic movies.

What a fun experience watching James Stewart in a movie theater built in the 1920s. Plenty of parking nearby. Comfortable seats. And a good discount opportunity for tickets.One adult ticket is $7, but the better deal is to buy a Gift Certificate for $24, which is good for four admissions. If you’ll be in the area for more movies, save a dollar on each ticket by getting the gift certificate.A great date night.

Ariel J — Google review

This is the best thing in Palo Alto and it isn't close. It is also the best time you can have in Palo Alto and it is again not close. It is beautiful, the movies transport you back in time, and the organ player is fantastic. It has a soul.The large popcorn is only $3, a small is $1. Mind-blowing.

Marcus F — Google review

It a neat experience to watch a movie here specially now that they have a Cary Grant film festival! You can pickup a schedule at the front in the ticket booth however; I wish they had created a QR code for the schedule so we could pre-pay for tickets!!

David M — Google review

The Stanford Theatre Foundation is dedicated to bringing back the authentic movie-going experience of Hollywood's Golden Age. Classic Hollywood directors never intended you to watch their pictures on a video screen in your living room (or while jogging). The magic of the movies depends on a larger-than-life image and the shared reactions of a large audience.The Stanford Theatre first opened in 1925, and it served for decades as Palo Alto's premier movie house. Most classic films played here on their initial Palo Alto engagements.The Stanford Theatre first opened in 1925, and it served for decades as Palo Alto's premier movie house.In 1987, after a blockbuster Fred Astaire Film Festival, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation bought the theatre and restored it to its original splendor. It is now owned and operated by the non-profit Stanford Theatre Foundation, presenting classic Hollywood films.The renovated Stanford Theatre quickly became America's most popular place to watch classic Hollywood movies. More people saw Casablanca here on its 50th anniversary in 1992 than anywhere else in America.Most classic films played here on their initial Palo Alto engagement. The following schedules were compiled from ads in the Palo Alto Times.

Rugby — Google review

Such a cool place to see a real flicker show (that would be Reel to reel) where you can see the lines in the movie (so cool) tonight we saw James Stewart in the After the thin man. The move was a murder mystery, who done it, comedy. Soo funny.The inside of the theatre is so beautiful, brings you back to the times when watching a movie was a lot more than sitting in a seat. After the 5:40 show they have a person playing A Wurlitzer organ in front of the main curtains.The inside is very nostalgic with lots of old movie posters throughout. They also have a concession stand and when you buy the tickets it’s old-school with one person in the middle of the aisle behind a glass partition. I’ll be back for sure.

Henry M — Google review

All ages enjoy this marvelous theater! It is beautiful. They have pipe organ entertainment before and after the 7:30p.m. show. Prices for tickets, food and beverages are lower than any other theater. The staff is friendly and welcoming.Next to the lobby is a film museum featuring posters and photographs, along with original newspaper clippings from the early days of this historic venue.They print a program of their calendar which patrons can receive by mail or pick up in person. Your favorite movies of all time are waiting for you to see them on the big screen, just as they were intended to be seen. You will also discover obscure gems that no one even knows about these days. Be careful to arrive early, as there are no previews and the films start exactly on time.The seating is old-fashioned, red velvet slip-up seats in long rows with no drink cups, very close together, but good seats are always easy to find. No pre-ordering though, just first-come, first-served. I hope you love it as much as I do. I travel almost 100 miles round trip to enjoy this very special spot in the Bay Area.

Deborah W — Google review

The theater is open again and glorious!! What a joy to be in that magical space: plush seats, luxurious curtain, delightful black and white films (I Ain't No Angel with a very young Cary Grant and very funny, smart Mae West and Blonde Venus with Marlene Dietrich). And the organ! Love that the audience applauds the film and the music. Old-fashioned, civilized, home town sweet.So grateful for this treasure!

Caryn Y — Google review

Recently visited the Stanford Theater in Palo Alto, and it's truly a cinematic treasure. This beautifully restored venue offers a nostalgic journey into the golden age of cinema.The selection of films is impressive, ranging from timeless classics to lesser-known gems. The theater often hosts themed film festivals, adding an extra layer of excitement for cinephiles. The quality of projection and sound enhances the overall viewing experience, making it a haven for those who appreciate the art of film.

Krussh — Google review

Stanford Theatre is a live museum of movies. Classics from the "golden era" are constantly on rotation. The functional Mighty Wurlitzer is played live during intermissions, as well as on Wednesday silent films. In fact, you can visit a display museum before or between shows.During the school year, I would bring my daughter here on some Wednesdays just for one show and experience the Wurlitzer. But if you have three hours between 5:50pm and 11pm, the theatre offers double feature every day on three show slots for only $7. (If you don't mind watching one film twice - or if that first one is particularly appealing, you can stay for all three shows.) Concession is also much, much cheaper than in any commercial theatre.Yes, the theatre is now run by a nonprofit that also engages in preserving and restoring films. Come often and you may watch newly restored movies live that you cannot get anywhere else.Located in the centre of downtown Palo Alto, easy nearby parking, and walking distance from Caltrain station all make it a very appealing place to visit. And revisit. And revisit. Oh, did I mention that the interior is meticulously preserved and maintained? A stroll inside the building is itself a rich experience. (Don't know what a Wurlitzer is or never heard one played? You owe yourself a trip down here.)

Yuan L — Google review

Love, love, LOVE. If you are looking for an old-fashioned movie theater full of sentimental movies, this is THE place! It is stunning inside, and my favorite is to listen to the Wurlitzer Organ play between movies. Is it only $7 a movie, and you can get $1 popcorn! Nostalgic and great place to see classics.

Anne C — Google review

I love it here so much, I wish Stanford Theatre were a food instead of a Spanish-style movie palace and I would eat only it all day. 7 bucks for two flicks. Give me a BREAK!!!!!!!!

Rebecca T — Google review

Fabulous going-back-in-time experience. Visited during the Hitchco*ck season and was struck by how good spirited the audience were, enthusiastically applauding as the titles came up. Beautiful venue, fantastic value.

Adam H — Google review

Cool atmosphere, very cozy!Prices are super nice, large popcorn is only 3 dollars 🥰

Priya D — Google review

We are loving the Cary Grant/Alfred Hitchco*ck festival and look forward to going back to see more movies hereTickets are very reasonably priced and the seats are comfortable. Film and sound quality are good.I think this is a fabulous gem on the Peninsula.

Terri M — Google review

Watched Alfred Hitchco*ck's The Birds and it was amazing! Atmosphere was beautiful, concession snacks were great and it was an amazing experience all around.

Charlotte V — Google review

4.9

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5.0

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221 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

(650) 324-3700

8

Hoover Tower

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Sights & Landmarks

State archive

Hoover Tower is a prominent feature of the Stanford College Campus, located in the California Bay Area. Standing at an impressive height of 285 feet, it boasts an observation deck and exhibits showcasing Hoover memorabilia. Although COVID restrictions may affect access to the tower, there are many other free art exhibits on campus for visitors to enjoy.

It is amazing place you must visit , the Hoover Tower and the museum in it , the area outside, the fountain, trees , everything beautiful, I recommend visiting this place , it’s free , parking available, even you can swim at the fountain :)

Nadia A — Google review

Go up with the elevator and enjoy a 360° view over the Campus and far inside the land. The tower has to exhibitionhalls, one about the live of President Hoover. The visit is free. Open till 16h.

Manuel G — Google review

The Stanford College Campus is outstanding. Stanford is a top California Bay Area College. The Stanford Campus has many free art exhibits spread out through out the landscape. Including, Hoover Tower. Unfortunately for us, when we arrived the tower was closed due to COVID restrictions.. While on campus, we did learn that the Leland Stanford Museum is free of charge. We had an amazing experience at Stanford and we recommend a visit.

Eddie V — Google review

Nice view if Stanford campus

I S — Google review

Thanks for updating your holiday hours on Google, Stanford.👎It's always nice to walk through the rain and see the Hoover Tower closed when you get to the door - when your Google profile says you're open.Thought you guys might be a little more current on technology 😎

Kent M — Google review

You need to pay a ticket but you don't have a place to leave your bag securely. And you cannot take it on the lift.

Albert — Google review

Lovely area. Attended the Hoover Institution Education Summit 2022. Great work being done by HESI and CREDO to improve the lives of children by way of High Quality Education. The research they offer on K-12 Education modes & policies are great to know and use.

Christina L — Google review

Nice view. Students can get on the tower for free by showing ID.

Jinheng X — Google review

If you happen to visit Stanford you can get the entire campus view from here .4$. For the elevator at the towerAmazing views .Avg time spent 30-45min

Prabhava B — Google review

One of male employee is very rude.We are a group of four adults, carrying a baby. He enforced us storing our bags in an open cabinet, told us it is “the policy” to leave bags behind but they are **not** responsible for them. We don’t think it is safe enough so we had to leave two persons behind to watch for the bags while other people in the group going up, while waiting in the lounge I sat down on a chair next to the cabinet, but was asked to stand up, I asked why I’m not allowed when it’s so obvious that putting a chair there is for people to sit on, he told me it is “the policy”.When I thought it is the end of the story, the male employee keeps coming back and checking on us, making us feel we’re some kind of criminals, saying stuff like “I’m not being difficult but there is a policy”. Ok i got it but why repeating it? We felt so uncomfortable at the end and returned the ticket instead.

Xiaofen W — Google review

So beautiful. It's definitely worth going up the tower and taking up the view.

Marilyn S — Google review

Amazing view of a beautiful campus. Bring your coat to the top cause it gets windy up there. Be aware that you can't take any large bags to the top, and there are no lockers or anything there. So your large camera bags and such may be an issue. Staff was really cool and knowledgable. Was a bit bummed to not be allowed to take photos inside because it's really cool in there, not sure why they are like that, kind of a silly rule. Overall though I am glad we went up to the top!

Warhawk76 — Google review

A must see when visiting the campus. The nearby fountain complements the tower nicely. The stairs in front of Stanford Memorial Auditorium building are a great spot for pictures with the tower and the fountain.

Tomáš G — Google review

Hoover tower is a must visit if you are at stanford campus. It has an amazing view of the whole university and if the weather is clear it will be a very good idea to go anjoy the view. Bear in mind that there is an entrance fee to go to the top unless a student from Stanford can come with you; then entrance is free (One student can take 5 people with them to the top for free)

Konstantinos B — Google review

4.5

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4.5

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550 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

9

Birthplace of Silicon Valley

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Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Educational sites

Historic Sites

The Birthplace of Silicon Valley.. Every IT person should visit this humble beginnings of HP!

Mohan K — Google review

Great historical curio stop in nice neighborhood in Palo Alto. Very humble beginnings, as that garage looks tiny! There is a plaque on front lawn detailed the birth of HP. At time of my visit both house and garage look freshly painted. Nice neighborhood for a walk also among craft homes and sycamore trees.

Mark L — Google review

amazing

Studentin — Google review

Very easy parking and no one else was there.

Chang L — Google review

Doors are closed and there is nothing visibleI wish I could go in

Nasrin I — Google review

Pretty cool place, reminds people the start of the silicon valley

Chao Z — Google review

Fun to see where great things happened!

Kris B — Google review

You cannot go inside, its a private owned residence

Ivan B — Google review

Its interesting to learn this place is the birthplace of Silicon Valley as the first tech company was located here at 391 San Antonio Road. This metal sculpture is a beautiful reflection of a semiconductor and a landmark and you should definitely read up on the history and come visit this area.

Josh F — Google review

The HP garage never made silicon chips. This location had a building that did. Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory391 San Antonio Road, the Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory Thus for the birth place this location. HP garage was just the inspiration to bring the talent to the area.

Dan C — Google review

Was part of a tour from HP. Very cool slice of history

Glenn G — Google review

I bring friends here to show how Silicon Valley all started

Andreas R — Google review

4.7

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4.0

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〒94301 California, Palo Alto, Addison Ave, USA

10

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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State park

Nature & Parks

California's oldest state park offers backpacking, mountain biking & other outdoor activities.

Very scenic road trip. We loved our trip there. Don’t forget to stop at sunset vista point. You will see lot of road bikes and many racing motorcycles. Many sports cars also go there.

Biswajit M — Google review

To say I was able to finally go to see the California Redwoods makes me so happy! Our visit was shortly after they re-opened the forest after the fires in 2020. It is still so beautiful I can't imagine what it must have been like before the fires. The damage is evident in most areas, but to see the growth and resiliency of the forest coming back is a welcoming sight. At this time, you do need to make a reservation as they are limiting the amount of people and have limited parking space at this time - SO PLEASE CALL BEFORE HAND to make sure you can get in to see the forest!

Kathleen C — Google review

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a natural gem nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California.Enchanting Redwood Forest: Big Basin Redwoods State Park is home to ancient and majestic coastal redwood trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old and reach staggering heights. Walking among these towering giants is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The serene and tranquil atmosphere created by the dense forest of redwoods offers a sense of peace and connection with nature.Scenic Hiking Trails: The park offers a variety of well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all levels of hikers. From leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, there are options for everyone. The trails wind through lush fern-filled canyons, cross sparkling creeks, and lead to picturesque waterfalls. Each step reveals new wonders of nature, making the hiking experience unforgettable.Diverse Flora and Fauna: Big Basin Redwoods State Park is teeming with diverse plant and animal life. Besides the magnificent redwoods, the park is home to a variety of ferns, wildflowers, and other unique plant species. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a range of animals, including deer, squirrels, birds, and even the elusive banana slug. Exploring the park offers an opportunity to appreciate the delicate balance of nature.Waterfalls and Creeks: The park features several beautiful waterfalls, such as Berry Creek Falls and Silver Falls, which cascade down moss-covered rocks and create a soothing ambiance. The glistening creeks meander through the forest, providing tranquil spots to relax and immerse oneself in the peaceful sounds of nature.Campgrounds and Picnic Areas: Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers well-equipped campgrounds and picnic areas for visitors who want to extend their stay. Camping amidst the redwoods under a starry sky is a magical experience. Picnic areas provide a lovely setting for enjoying a meal surrounded by nature.Educational Opportunities: The park offers interpretive programs and guided hikes led by knowledgeable park staff. These educational experiences provide insights into the history, ecology, and conservation efforts of the park. Learning about the significance of preserving these ancient forests enhances the overall visit.Tranquil Atmosphere: Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a place where one can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. The peacefulness and tranquility found within the park's boundaries allow visitors to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate.Conservation Efforts: The park plays a vital role in the conservation of old-growth redwood forests. Efforts to protect and preserve this natural treasure ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate and benefit from its beauty.In conclusion, Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers a captivating experience for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking solace in the embrace of ancient redwoods. With its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and opportunities for outdoor activities, the park is a sanctuary where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of one of California's most cherished natural wonders.

Vikram S — Google review

97% of Big Basin was affected by a devastating forest fire. After having been closed for a few years, the park is once again open. As you walk the trails, you can see the remains of the massive devastation. However, what is most evident is the fact that the redwoods are extremely resilient. Many are fully gutted from fire but yet still are living. It's a true testament to the power of the redwoods. Though the forest is much more sparse as a result, what visitors can take away is the awe in the refusal of the mighty redwoods to be destroyed by even a massive forest blaze.5 x 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

Wes I — Google review

We haven’t been here since before the fire in 2020. It is sad to see the remnants of so many burned and fallen trees but also inspiring and astonishing to see the many trees recovering. We came for the 5 mile loop hike past Ocean View Summit, what a great hike. We’d like to give a big shoutout to Erin at the visitor center for her helpful advice and things to look for on our hike.

Patrick D — Google review

We were doing a day trip from Danville to Santa Cruz. Included in that was a stop at Big Basin Redwood. I did minimal research on the park before leaving. Saw that some areas were open. I did not pay much mind to what. We were taking my handicapped brother to do the handicap accessible trail by the visitors center. Little did we know that the park had been seriously damaged by a wildfire in Aug 2020. As we headed into the park via the north entrance hwy a sign said road closed in 4 miles. We proceeded onward anyway. The further we went down the hwy the more fire damage you saw. When we got to the road close part you could see extensive fire damage to the redwood trees/Forrest. But it was beautiful and enlightening. We stopped the car and walked around. Walking around you see the beauty of the burnt trees. The new growth of branches/leaves, and at the base of the trees. Loved it even though we did not make it to the main area of the park.

Ray R — Google review

It’s a bummer that fire ripped through the Redwood forest but it was still neat to hike through, there are only 2 trails open right now, I took the long trail up the mountain that meets up with a fire road then hiked up to the upper most point. You get a 360 degree view of nothing but mountains and forest all around you. It was foggy when I went so I couldn’t see the ocean but it’s to the west, I’m definitely looking forward to going back in spring to see the place re greened.

Aleks L — Google review

We loved walking through the state park! We completed the Redwoods loop and the moderate hike to the Ocean View Summit and back. Seeing the effects of the 2020 fire really put an appreciation for the area in perspective. We only wish we could have seen prior to 2020 to fully understand the difference.

Amanda F — Google review

This park is in recovery from a devastating fire. The facilities are very limited. Despite this, the staff were very helpful, the temporary facilities were respectable, and the open trails were enjoyable. But it is hotter than you'd expect so prepare. The lack of canopy cover since the fire leaves hikers exposed to the sun. There is no water here so you must bring your own.My 4 star rating simply reflects that it isn't quite ready for the number of people that were visiting the day I went, not a knock against the staff or the park itself.

Elizabeth W — Google review

If you're looking for a fun place to hike, you have found it. The redwood trees are still amazing, even after the fires. There are very easy trails along with some on the intermediate scale, so be sure you're prepared. It also helps and is very important to pay and get a parking reservation in advance to be sure you're able to enter.

Neal J — Google review

It’s a very beautiful state park. Went there post lunch and it was too sunny to hike. So we just went on a drive. Make sure to have motion sickness pill as the roads were too steep and curvy. The entire drive was beautiful with lush green and tall redwood trees. The route that we drove led to a reservoir and we relaxed a bit. It’s a good drive in bay area and an amazing place for hiking enthusiasts.

Sharadha R — Google review

Please be forewarned that the entire park is currently closed to visitors following a recent major forest fire. This prohibition includes pedestrians.

Mary O — Google review

The park provides a different hiking experience where you can a see a redwood forest in the healing process after the devastating wild fire. Online reservations are required for parking inside the park. The park rangers were very nice and explained the open and closed areas. As of August 2022, only 2 trails are open, the redwood loop trail and the dool trail. Took the dool trail to the ocean view summit and enjoyed the hike. Make sure to bring water and sun hats since the trail isn’t shaded.

Ahmed N — Google review

Sad to hear that these trees were caught wild fire. When went and saw all the trees were black in color, burnt.But it’s really good to have some time spent here with giant woods.The experience was really good. The trail is simple to complete and will see many big trees in the path.The park assistants were also very friendly and will guide you clearly.It was not crowded and parking was available.

Santosh T — Google review

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is an absolute gem nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of California. As an avid nature lover and explorer, I was captivated from the moment I set foot in this majestic haven. This review hardly does justice to the breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring experience that awaits you at Big Basin.First and foremost, the park's crown jewels are undoubtedly its ancient and towering redwood trees. Stepping into their midst felt like entering a realm of giants, as these magnificent giants stretched skyward, their enormous trunks cloaked in vibrant hues of green. The sheer grandeur and age of these trees left me in complete awe, igniting a sense of wonder that is rare to find in today's fast-paced world.The trails within Big Basin Redwoods State Park offer a myriad of unforgettable adventures. Whether you're a casual stroller or a seasoned hiker, there are trails suited to every skill level. I highly recommend embarking on the Skyline to the Sea Trail, which takes you on a mesmerizing journey through dense forests, babbling brooks, and scenic vistas that seem like they've been plucked straight from a postcard. Every twist and turn along the trail offers a new revelation, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.The park's commitment to preservation and conservation is truly commendable. The well-maintained facilities, informative signs, and knowledgeable park rangers all contribute to a memorable and educational experience. I had the pleasure of joining one of the guided tours, where the ranger's passion for the park and its ecosystem shone through. Their wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna, and history of the area enriched my visit and left me with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature.If you're seeking solitude, Big Basin Redwoods State Park has plenty of quiet spots where you can reconnect with yourself and nature. There's something inherently calming and rejuvenating about sitting beneath the towering trees, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves and the symphony of birdsong. It's a sanctuary away from the chaos of everyday life, offering a much-needed respite for the weary soul.Camping enthusiasts will find Big Basin Redwoods State Park to be an absolute paradise. The campgrounds are well-maintained and offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature. Falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the forest and waking up to the fresh scent of pine is an experience that words can hardly capture. Additionally, the park's proximity to nearby attractions, such as the Pacific coastline and other state parks, provides ample opportunities for exploration beyond its borders.In conclusion, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is an absolute must-visit for anyone who seeks a true connection with nature. Its ethereal beauty, ancient redwoods, diverse trails, and commitment to conservation make it a five-star destination. Prepare to be humbled by the grandeur of nature, find solace in its tranquility, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Sayak D — Google review

One of the most stunning state parks in California, the main park area was devasted by fire in August 2020 leaving all buildings and campsites destroyed, and most of the trees charred. Run the clock forward 3 years and you can see the forest in active regeneration. Most all of the redwood branches were burned off except for a few of the highest. You can see in the photos new bushy growth from the trunks and upper branches and new baby trees reaching 6-10 feet in height. Very nice experience hiking the limited set of trails that have reopened.

Philip L — Google review

Never in my life have I felt the true power of the phrase "Wild and Wonderful." I felt so truly connected with nature here, and I think this is what heaven must be like. There's no pressure to buy things, parking was streamlined, and the option of trails ranged from easy to all-day. The rangers were kind and knowledgeable. The bana slugs were bountiful! (I saw 25 on the redwood trail alone!) The fences marking the trails often blended into the wildlife, so it really felt like you were wandering through the most majestic woods on earth. I left my heart here, and I can't wait to come back.

Emm F — Google review

Every weekend we go to a different park! And this one is sure to be one of our favorites! You can walk in the sunshine during the cold weather, and take refuge on the shady trails during the heat.Also liked that there are so many trails, so we won't get around all the options in one or two days. Will definitely go back there many more times! Highly recommended

Priya D — Google review

One of the most underrated State parks in California! It was incredibly beautiful & well maintained! We took a 3-hour trail & loved it!

Ron — Google review

Grateful I am to visit this epic state park. At first I thought it was closed due to the fires but just took the chance and make my way there. It’s amazing to see the drastic change and a beautiful Redwoods regrowth. These trees are truly remarkable. The contrast between green and black has made the state park even more unique.

Nas S — Google review

Very interesting but ofcorse sad to see what happened to this grand wilderness during the fire which started by lightnings in 2020 and kept on for 2 years! All buildings at the park as well as 1000 homes in the area were destroyed. A very nice lady from Boulder Creek told us the story and explained the history of this very large forest and how is was effected by the fire and how it will slowly recover. She also told us she herself was evacuated from her home for 3 months. Some of the trails are still closed and you cannot reach any of the waterfalls at the moment.

___C___ — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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California, USA

(831) 338-8860

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11

Blackhawk Museum

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Museum

Specialty Museums

Research library & museum featuring historic & vintage cars in sprawling, contemporary digs.

My two favorite type of museums, a natural history museum and cars all in one!!!! Great great collection of both. Never heard of this museum before, just found it by chance while looking up museums in the City. Skip the City traffic and comes to beautiful CA rolling hills which is where this hidden gem is located.

Marisa — Google review

Absolutely amazing! My kid loved it so much. He especially likes the Ancient China exhibit. It is unique and can barely be found anywhere else. The demo of the Forbidden City is so eye catching and impactful. Love there.We spent 3 hours there. I hope we could have more time since there is so much fun to explore.

Zhongqi L — Google review

The museum is great. We liked the car exhibition very much. And younger children adored animals and fish. I have photos only of the car one. Highly recommend this place, good day with a family.

Oleksandra A — Google review

Wonderful place! The vintage cars are a treat to watch! Kids will enjoy the animal world too. You will enjoy more if you are history buff, especially in the Wild West section where they detail American history.Tickets are also nominally priced. Adults pay $15 and kids go free! All in all, a nice place to spend time on a weekend with family!

Pavan M — Google review

This place never disappoints. We were pleasantly surprised with the new wildlife area. Not sure when it opened but it was new to us. So many different things to explore here that I did not get pictures of. I really enjoyed the little display of old makeup compacts as well.

Natasha M — Google review

This place is really cool with many different artifacts and vehicles from all over the world. They have a very cool western and animal exhibit.

Greyson C — Google review

Very elegant picture and exhibitation in the "into China", "the world of nature" and the "Spirit of the old west world". You cannot tell those arts are real or fake. The museum is not crowded at weekend. It is a great place for older people and young kids to learn the history and culture from the other side of the world. Thanks to the creator of the museum.

Liang T — Google review

A great place to go during a rainy day. I took my family here for the first time and I was thinking about springing for a family membership but the animal part was scary for the kids. Not to say that it wasn't great or beautiful because it truly was! But they just weren't comfortable due to it, I think it being so dark. But the kids are free and the adults were $15 a piece.

Vanessa C — Google review

this is a wonderful place for all car enthusiasts. auto exposure is gorgeous . other expositions are also worth a visit: the history of western exploration, see Chinese terracotta warriors 👌💪 take your children with you, they will like it

Vladimir M — Google review

Best of its kind collection of vintage cars. Should not miss visiting if you are visiting bay area. Also the section displaying African and Chinese culture/history is amazing. Visiting from India with passion for cars it was a quality time spent on Sunday.

Pranay M — Google review

Pretty great museum! I can’t believe they have so many exhibits. From vintage cars to wild animals. From western cowboy to Indian. They also have a big “into China” room. A great place for all years of kids. Will come again soon.

Yoyo Y — Google review

Absolutely a hidden gem of a museum! Not just a showcase of antique cars, but has a terrific area showcasing fish, animals, birds, butterflies, & moths from all over our planet in displays showcasing their natural habitat. Plus additional rooms showcasing African art, and Chinese works of art. They have an upstairs exhibit too, but it was too close to closing to find out what was up there. You have to visit this museum to experience it for yourselves. We went on a Friday afternoon (closes at 5pm). Check for what days this museum is open before going.

J. R — Google review

This museum is amazing! It has so many beautiful and valuable items. Not only super cars, but also historical items and great demonstrations. This museum is great for family and kids. We really learned a lot from it. Strongly recommend this museum to everyone!

Rui D — Google review

The museum is great, it has a great collection of cars, art from Africa, spirit of the old west, into China, world of nature, if you want to tour the entire museum go early because there is a lot to see.

Klever B — Google review

Awesome museum, lots of stuff to see and learn about! The car collection was hands down one of the best parts of this visit. I was surprised with how big it was and how eye-catching some things were. I would definitely recommend this museum. The car collection & the China exhibit were hands down my favorite parts of this visit.

Michelle C — Google review

Loved the cars, Interesting artefacts of African art and the old west, as well as some good bits of Chinese history

Shilov M — Google review

This is one of a kind museum and a must visit! They have an amazing collection of cars, a wildlife exhibit unlike I’ve seen elsewhere with a huge variety of animal exhibits up close, a massive and awesome section on America’s history of the West, and dedicated galleries on China and Africa.

Priyank M — Google review

4.8

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4.5

(374)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (82)

3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville, CA 94506, USA

(925) 736-2277

12

Central Park

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Mentioned on

8 lists

Park

Nature & Parks

Lakeside park with a golf course, 4 playgrounds, boat rentals, a fishing area, picnic sites & paths.

A very big park in the area and have a lake with beautiful view. Plenty of playgrounds but also many people visiting, plan your trip ahead to have parking space. The water park is still closed at the moment, a good place for family and friends to hang out for outdoor. Thumbs up if helpful :)

MJ ( — Google review

I’ve lived in fremont for 18 years and Lake Elizabeth park is amazing. It’s in front of my house and beautiful in every aspect. I go there for morning and evening walks and it just makes me happy and relaxed. It has a breathtaking view and people come from far away just for this park and I’m lucky to live right in front of it. It’s huge beautiful has everything and I love it. People come here for all type of occasions like water peddling and parties. There are different playgrounds across the park. It has everything you need. Everything about this park is perfect.

Nazia K — Google review

The park was absolutely beautiful, and it provided a fantastic experience, especially in the early evening. Finding it was a breeze, and there was ample parking available. I particularly enjoyed the small dock area and the various water activities offered.The weather was delightful with sunshine and a pleasant breeze. We encountered an abundance of wildlife, including geese, birds, and even a few raccoons. Lake Elizabeth was impressively large, but we managed to walk around it a few times.The park was bustling with people, creating a lovely and lively atmosphere. I wholeheartedly recommend it to others!

Nixon C — Google review

I lived in Fremont for 2 years but never discovered this park until I moved and got back to visit! Where had I been?? This is the park I would go to walk my dog every week if I ever known about.I lived closer to Alameda creek trails, maybe that’s why! 😆It’s beautiful here tho, especially the lake and the Mission Peaks view behind!

Kanya L — Google review

I love coming to this park even before my sons were born. Both are now in high school and we sill come here when we get the chance. We have so many good memories in this park and I'm glad it still is well maintained to this day. Biking or walking around the lake is our favorite family activity. I also love watching the birds and ducks here.

MomZee J — Google review

This park is having wonderful walking strip about 2 miles along the banks of Elizabeth lake. Water birds like duck , Pelican etc are moving in the lake and it is very soothing for mind as you move along the walking strip

Chandraguptha R — Google review

A versatile spot whether you want to spend a quiet evening gazing at the geese or want an energizing workout of a few miles around the lake or have a fun-n-frolic picnic with family and friends or read a nice book under the shade.There are picturesque views of lake, mission hills, birds and a variety of trees that you might want to click for your photo album.For those interested, the Fremont Main Library is close by and also offers views of the lake area.Lake Elizabeth would rate as one of the top places of visit in Fremont.

Aequanimatas — Google review

I didn’t really like to stay in the park for too long since sunset was beginning. It’s a nice and beautiful park to go to. I usually go here since I live in Fremont.The course of this park is 2 miles when going around it. Really good for walking and jogging.People usually come here especially on the weekends to picnic and host parties. You really capture good sceneries here. Also, there are times that geese swing by to this park and it’s been like this for years.I highly recommend coming to this park as early as you can, because sunset comes in too early.

Ivan B — Google review

It’s a beautiful park in Fremont area. It is 2 miles loop around Lake Elizabeth which is good for walking/running. Plenty of space for Picnic in this park. Apart from too much crowd on weekends, this is our favorite park to get the steps in for a day.

Neha K — Google review

A very cute park with friendly people, some duckies and some aggressive geese 🙄 the park has a small lake overlooking the hills. There's plenty of parking and benches around the lake to sit and have your peace and quiet.

Sunita B — Google review

Great place to hike spring events. Was here recently to see the SF Unicorns to meet their fans. Hundreds of people attended the event. Great to meet the players and their family. Lots of parking.

Benjamin Y — Google review

Beautiful garden for people with kids and pets. Large garden! Don't forget to bring your smartphone or camera to capture beautiful moments with your loved ones!

Richard H — Google review

I had a wonderful time at this big park! The serene walk around the lake was truly refreshing. The natural beauty, lush greenery, and the calming presence of the lake made it a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful stroll, this park has it all. I can't wait to return and explore more of its scenic trails. A hidden gem in the heart of the city! 🌳🚶‍♀️🏞️

Stephanie L — Google review

As a nanny i enjoy finding different parks for my clients children to play in. The young 5yr old boy i brought here today really enjoyed himself alot!! The sabercat play area is awesome. Lots of intriguing ways to climb and awesome slides he said heehee. We will be adding it to our regular stops on our daily park travels.

Wendy L — Google review

Sprawling park by the lakeside with plenty of space and amenities to relax and enjoy with family/friends.This is a definite go to place in the Bay area if you wish to spend some quality time with family and friends. Many play places with amenities for children are available in different areas of the park. Also there are playgrounds for grownups to play outdoor games like soccer, volleyball etcToilets and drinking water facilities are available at different points in the park.This place is a paradise for walkers and cyclists. A brisk walk around the perimeter of the lake takes about 40 mins , cyclists will take much less.Highly recommended!

Subir D — Google review

It's a very big park and absolutely a beautiful place to hangout. There is kids play area and restrooms available at the park. The trial around the lake is beautiful during sunset. You can also enjoy the ducks and birds around the park and lake.

Mahesh A — Google review

Nice park for a picnic, waking around Lake Elizabeth (2 miles), relax in grass, seat in a bench and just observe the ducks in the water. View of the mountains, especially Mission Peak.

Vilma P — Google review

4.6

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4.5

(226)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (88)

40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538, USA

(510) 790-5541

13

San Francisco Premium Outlets

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Outlet mall

Shopping

Factory Outlets

San Francisco Premium Outlets is an outdoor shopping center located off CA-84 Exit 51. The mall boasts a wide selection of designer and brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories, and housewares from over 175 popular brands. Despite the occasional long lines due to short staffing at some stores, shoppers can expect to have a great time exploring the different shops in the mall. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes as this is a big outside mall with plenty of ground to cover.

Spacious outlet with so many brands which mostly have sizable stores and wide collections.The amenities are fairly good.Plenty of good deals especially if you’re VIP member.Easy to navigate through and plenty of parking.

Yousef A — Google review

One of the great places for shopaholics to come to San Francisco. We spent 3 hours here but still feel it is not enough. There are stores with items selling extremely attractive prices. But there are also famous brands that you queue to be served. Great shopping experience in a fun space. You can find here very delicious, tasty, and reasonably priced dishes.

Lee — Google review

San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore, CA is an absolute dream for those who love big brands at outlet prices.This place is a shopper's paradise! The selection of stores is incredible, with all the major brands you could ever desire. From high-end luxury labels to popular household names, you'll find it all here.The quality of the merchandise is top-notch, and you can trust that you're getting authentic products. The layout of the outlets is well-organized, making it easy to navigate from one store to another. The parking facilities are ample, and I never had trouble finding a spot, even during peak hours.San Francisco Premium Outlets has an impressive range of stores to choose from. Whether you're looking for fashion, accessories, footwear, or home goods, you'll find plenty of options to suit your taste. In summary, if you're a bargain hunter or simply enjoy shopping for big brands, San Francisco Premium Outlets is a must-visit destination.

Tung H — Google review

Had a great time going in and out of the different stores. This is and outside mall and the temperature was about 42 degrees so my jacket and face mask worked OK. Some of the shops had lines that you had to to wait in before being allowed in because the shops were short staffed. This is a BIG Outside mall so wear good walking shoes and be prepared to wait outside at some of the shops. Security wise I felt safe while walking around and enjoyed the sales that were going on. Am looking forward to going back there soon.

Robert R — Google review

Really a great place with lots of factory outlets. They have very good deals most of the time. They have decent parking spots so on regular days it is not too hard to find parking spots. It really gets crowded on special occasions so plan accordingly for those. Overall my experience was great in this place. You can bring your friends and family and have a super awesome shopping experience. They also have a play structure outside the mall. They also have lots of great options for dining, drinking etc.

Rajeev K — Google review

San Francisco Premium Outlets hosts some famous brands in Fashion, Apparel, Cosmetics, Home Stores, Eye Wear, Footwear, Gift Shops etc, such as Old Navy, H&M, Adidas, GUESS, GAP, Calvin Klein, Forever 21, Banana Republic, Aeropostale and more. We visit regularly and find more outlets being added every time. Cafes for a meal are such as Villa Italian Kitchen, Green Leaf's & Bananas as some have moved out. Parking is large, but it is still crowded on weekends or holidays.

V S — Google review

This is absolutely my favorite place to go shopping.I really like how you have all of the department stores all in one place, but what I really love is that you get to be outdoors enjoying the sunshine while having an espresso coffee.It’s one of those places where you see people from all over, and of course don’t forget the beautiful dogs with shoes and hats.

Alejandro G — Google review

It has Starbucks, restrooms, Gucci and Armani just to name a few. A playground and water fountains. Not to mention the great outdoors with palm trees everywhere. Come on down and enjoy.

Obaid M — Google review

Right off CA-84 Exit 51, impressive outlet featuring at least a hundred and seventy-five popular shoe, apparel & houseware brands.

B T — Google review

One stop shop for premium brands. Parking space will be tight during weekends. The connecting passages to shops are open to sky. Therefore if you are visiting during peak summer/ winter/ monsoon, take appropriate precautions.

Col I — Google review

A Shopper's Paradise: An Unforgettable Experience. I recently had the pleasure of visiting San Francisco Premium Outlet and I must say, it was an absolute delight! From the moment I stepped foot there, I was captivated by the area’s vibrant atmosphere and extensive range of stores. There were diverse range of stores, well-designed layout, variety of dining options. I highly recommend visiting San Francisco premium outlets to anyone seeking an unforgettable shopping experience.

Ayesha S — Google review

First of all, the total area is very large and there are many brands in the store, so it was fun to see and buy. It was the last weekend before the Christmas holiday, so there were a lot of people, and there were a lot of vehicles trying to enter from the moment they came out of the highway. In front of the popular brand store, you had to wait in line, and even though you were calculating, you had to wait in line, so you had to leave the items you wanted and turn around. You have to go in the morning to park, otherwise it's hard to find a parking space. At that time, it might be a way to do valet parking. It's $15.0.

Kai D — Google review

Shops are not under one roof - on rainy days you get wet walking from store to store.No free wifi and a small food court added to my disappointment.

Thomas — Google review

Do you like to shop? Do you like to shop all day? You're going to need a full day to visit over 180 outlet stores. There is a wide range of name brand items at discount prices. The mall has an upscale feel with spacious walkways and plenty of natural light. The selection of stores is impressive, with everything from fashion to home goods to electronics. If you want name brands without the price, this is the perfect place to shop. This is a great date spot. Peruse the stores while getting to know each other better. If you need a break from shopping, there's a food court to grab some lunch or a freshing beverage. IG: SACRAMENTOHONEY

Sacramento H — Google review

I have been to many outlets around the world; this one, indeed, is a real deal. Most of the brands are giving really good prices. Also, many brands can be found here.The place is big, yet organized and clean.The only con is the limited number of coffee shops and restaurants.

Akram A — Google review

This outlet store has a couple shops and it is worth going to. They give big discounts to branded shops and also has their cafeteria like popeyes and etc. Each store has free wifi and usually you only need to register to their websites which is linked to their wifi and opens up when you click it.

The A — Google review

The place is quite complete with so many brands. It is quite far outside SF but the access is easy with public transport (train and bus). Very convenient place for shopping branded items, but many stuff from premium outlets not available here.

Rustam E — Google review

4.4

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4.0

(615)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (94)

2774 Livermore Outlets Dr, Livermore, CA 94551, USA

(925) 292-2868

14

Mission San José

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Catholic church

Sights & Landmarks

Mission church from 1797 offering mass on weekday mornings, plus a history museum & gift shop.

Passing through San Jose, I was fortunate enough to attend morning Mass. I can't stress enough how welcoming and kind everyone was. Truly a special place, wonderful experience.

Jesse F — Google review

We are doing all of the missions in CA and this was our seventh one. It was lovely to view, I would say I liked the museum the best. So much history and so much fun, the gift shop was lovely as well. We did like the church, but, of course there were tours of kids in there and more visitors, so it kind of took away the magic, but it was very beautiful and we enjoyed viewing it all. The surrounding grounds are gorgeous to view as well.

Stephanie W — Google review

Small mission compared to the others. Colorful history of mission san jose from reconstruction, to reconstruction.

Town T — Google review

The Mission San Jose otherwise known as Misión del Gloriosísimo Patriarca San José. Is a wonderful place to visit. There is a fee to pay for entering ($10 adult, $7 children) but is worth it. Beautiful archeology artifacts and has a site to see a video. The Mission San Jose has a beautiful church, garden, and cemetery.

Carmen R — Google review

Amazing place to learn about the missions. The video was informative and the church was beautiful. Our family hopes to attend mass there soon.

Vicki R — Google review

I came here for my presentation, but it's a really beautiful and peaceful place to visit with your friends and family!

Landrino M — Google review

Cost is 10 dollars. We didn’t walk the museum but we did have time to visit the gift shop. This mission looks really nice on the outside. We didn’t have the chance to tour it due to time travel but it’s located in sAn Jose California. One of the Missions along the Mission route. Opened at 10am the morning we visited.

PJ — Google review

A must see in the Bay Area, especially with kids to learn about the Mission history in the Bay Area. Expect to spend about 2-3 hours. $20 for adults and $7 for kids.Museum has nice displays of life and times of Native Americans (Ohlone) of this region and the Spanish missionaries who baptized them. There is a video viewing room at the end, the 20 minute video is a must watch - pretty much gives you the background of all the Spanish names of roads/cities/landmarks in the Bay Area.From the museum gift shop you take the door to visit the rebuilt adobe-brick old church. Walking into this church takes you back 200 years. Such beauty and peace inside. We were there for Good Friday service and it was incredible to hear the live organ playing music that filled the inside of the church! A side door in the church takes you out to the 200-year old graveyard with tombstones from that era.

Ashwin N — Google review

Trying to decompress and chill after a long few night shifts out of town, plus wanted to read up on and see more of Fremont, CA.Staff was kind and I was the only person there when they first opened at about 09:15 or so... made for a very meditative ans serene experience to fully enjoy the mission without others interrupting the experience.I purchased a Souvenir shirt to support the mission in a small way and I belive the fee was $10 entrance, but the cashier gave a medical discount of $5 for me to pay instead (another reason why I decided to buy a shirt lol). Appreciated this gesture!Taking landscape photos that capture light and shadow or muted colors and focused foreground with unfocused background is my "happy place" I thoroughly enjoy capturing "moods" of old buildings, architectural beauties, and unique plant life... so I did a series of photos.Would definitely recommend this mission for school age tours, a family outting on a nice day, or for the individual looking to spend some time with their Maker. The garden and fountain is relaxing over a cup of coffee.Worth a road trip!

A S — Google review

Entrance cost: $10 adult, $7 children (6-12)

Daniel F — Google review

The history of the missions is incredible, both the good and the bad. This location delved into both without undue prejudice. The church is beautiful, and the museum was definitely worth the entrance cost!

Nick K — Google review

Wonderful staff. Great place to visit.

Zayra R — Google review

4.5

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4.5

(95)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (100)

43300 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539, USA

(510) 657-1797

15

Winchester Mystery House

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37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (103)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (104)

Mentioned on

+51 other lists

Historical place museum

Sights & Landmarks

The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling landmark built by Sara Winchester in the late 1800's. It is said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, and contains many strange features designed to confuse ghosts.

Cool tour. The tour guides were amazing. I highly recommend taking the extra tour after taking the first tour, it made the overall experience that much better. Gift shop to shooting range, axe throwing to house tour, this site holds a lot of adventure to be had.Warning: I and my guests experienced paranormal activity while in the house. My experience was not nearly as bad as my guests but be aware, paranormal experiences are possible and my not be suitable for all people.

Drew L — Google review

In March we took the House tour and loved it. We came back in July to take the Walk With Spirits Tour.We had a blast! We love the tours here. Staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. The house is amazing, great for those into history and spirits.We bought our tickets online prior, which made it so easy, no wait at all. Highly recommend all of the tours they offer here.

Sheri M — Google review

I absolutely love the house. It's cute, quirky, and inspiring. However the tickets were way overpriced, considering it wasn't even the whole house and the inside was incredibly hot (I get that AC is quite impossible but feel like some of the money on the ticket could be spent on more and better fans), and that the tour is quite short for the price (the turnaround rate is high, which again I get, but I wish we had more time to check out every room, instead of being rushed by the next tour.) Worth visiting and it was super fun, but get ready to spend.

Yu H — Google review

We were in San Jose for a concert and found the Winchester Mystery House while searching for things to do during the day, and I'm glad we did. The one hour tour was great, and our tour guide gave us some great history while injecting a lot of humor as well. It was a really good time, and we enjoyed learning about and seeing the house. All of the different features meant to confuse the ghosts were fun to see.(They were set up for a Halloween event, so some of my photos have those items in there that normally aren't set up.)

Jamie L — Google review

Definitely a must see in San Jose, I attended a walk with the spirits tour. It lasted around 1 hour, or guide Katy was kind and very informative. The tour takes you through a lot of the house and there’s tight spots where you have to duck and wear a hard hat. So if you have mobility issues it could be a little challenging. Theres also stairs to climb. But overall a great tour. My group had a lot of fun!

Kennedy F — Google review

It was interesting, the house was a novelty and a fun piece of history. Sarah, our guide, was nice and very knowledgeable. My other thoughts: the tour ran about 90 minutes, which was a little long for me at the end, though the most elaborate rooms are at the end so it ends on a high note. The price is very high, totalling $90 for the two of us. I've been to a lot of historic monuments, palaces, castles, etc. and that's the highest price I've ever seen. I don't think it's worth it-as a comparison, the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey is almost half the price. Interesting, but priced too high. Tickets sell out so you might want to reserve online.

Michelle M — Google review

We were there on March 12, 2024. Amazing house. We loved some of the woodworking details. Sarah had put a lot of thought into the details of the house. Some things weird, like stairs going up but nowhere, walls behind doors, etc. Our guide was knowledgeable. I would like to see a smaller group (about 4-5 persons less) so everyone can get into the rooms. Loved the bedroom areasIf you are in the area, you must visit. We enjoyed it.

Pam S — Google review

We did an afternoon tour on a weekday. Drove there and was able to purchase tickets for the next tour. Each tour lasted about an hour and it was packed with fun facts about the house.I highly recommend this tour. Very unique house full of mystery and history. My kids and I all enjoyed it. Our guide was awesome!

Sharon B — Google review

This place is amazing. We were fortunate to go during the narrow window of time when they were offering an extended version of the tour to areas that are usually off limits. Very cool. The tower room with the crazy acoustics was probably my favorite part. I love the entire house and property though. Fantastic experience. I'm so grateful that this place has been preserved. It's really cool.

James A — Google review

What a fun experience. The house is lovingly maintained and the grounds are exquisite especially the garden. It was fun to walk around after the tour. The tour guide was informative if not rehearsed but I guess that's to be expected after saying the same thing all day every day. Kind of funny to see this house and grounds smack in the middle of the city with condos and offices around but also loved the old photos of what the area looked like when it was originally purchased. Gift shop was well stocked with everything you could imagine. Fascinating story of Sarah Winchester.

Allison M — Google review

We had a wonderful time at this fabulous old home! Our guide Griffin was exceptional; kind, patient and very knowledgeable. The home itself is fascinating and beautiful, and the gardens are lovely! Buy tickets in advance and for first thing in the morning during the summer months as it does get hot!

Traci B — Google review

Loved our visit to this place! Me and my bestie have always wanted to see the Winchester Mystery House and it did not disappoint! Only thing disappointing was that urban sprawl has encroached upon the surrounding area and has the essence of putting this beautiful property in a little hole. My friend always imagined it as being away from the city and on its own little land high on a hill somewhere. But still, the mansion was cool and mysterious, even during the day. My friend said she felt anxiety in one of the rooms and, for some reason, the seance room was much colder than any of the other rooms. I thought a window was open, but there wasn't! Our tour guide had a dry humor, but it was appropriate for this kind of establishment. Slightly creepy, very interesting, and just the right amount of historical facts to make the tour enjoyable. Bring your walking shoes! This place was huge!

Theron L — Google review

For 13 years I've been waiting for this tour and it was worth every penny. The tour guide was fantastic, the gardens were easy to navigate and the gift shop was pretty alright. The gift shop was a tad expensive but if you want memorabilia it was perfect. I love this place and I hope to return another time.

Casey J — Google review

The Winchester Mystery House tour is amazing and so completely worth visiting! Our guide, Kai, was knowledgeable, captivating, and friendly. He shared facts, not fiction, while sharing the story of Sara Winchester's life. The house is a piece of fascinating, historic architecture, full of interesting tales and visuals. I would totally take this tour again, it was so fascinating I am sure I missed things because I was so enthralled! The gardens are beautiful and so peaceful to stroll through. We went on the regular tour but will definitely go back for the Candlelight tour! Oh! And the Menagerie of Oddities & Curiosities Market that was taking place was super rad with local artisans and artists, can't wait to go back!

Cami C — Google review

Impromptu visit on Saturday--reserve your tour ahead of time online. They seem to fill up fast!Wish the tours had a smaller group limit so that we could see a little more of the house and spend more time with tour guide.Overall, the home is amazing.If you enjoy Victorian design and stained glass, then this is a must see.Great way to spend some time in downtown San Jose if the weather is nice.Brenda was our guide and she was very friendly and hospitable.

Lauren B — Google review

Loved this place. The house and grounds are beyond stunning. Parking was easier than I expected and the tour guides were fun. I enjoyed learning about the history. We did both tours and felt the price for the explore more tour was not a great value, but the $ you pay helps fund the restorations needed so I'm okay with that. Also we arrived basically one minute before our scheduled tour and they were very accommodating and offered to change our time before I could even ask.

Charlie R — Google review

We toured on our weekend getaway. What an AWESOME experience! Very unique! Just wish there was a little more time in between rooms; not only for pictures but to allow the available presence(s) to come through more. Faces are within paintings/pictures in pictures. Definitely does not sell short of the energy in that building! Beautiful architecture! Captivating! Now, we just need a midnight tour or sleepover! ☺️

Elaina K — Google review

We were driving through and I wanted to stop to see it. I have heard so much about the house. My wife and just gone on the house tour and "spirits" tour several weeks before with her girlscout troop. The girls really enjoyed both tours. We walked around the grounds and gift shop, but did not go inside. It is a beautiful home. They do a great job taking care of it! It is amazing to think it used to be a working farm, surrounded by orchards. Now it is surrounded by office buildings and apartments. If you are in the area, you have to stop and see it.

Scott W — Google review

Historical aspects that were beautiful to see. Great tour guide with a sense of humor. We went in August so it was hot but we still enjoyed the tour. Lots of walking, lots of stairs, some original items, but most things were brought in to recreate the home dynamic. We definitely want to go back and see the other tour options.

Teasha V — Google review

Have never been here before so I will review everything I did individually….Oct 6- Unhinged experience VIP 930pmThis is a fun experience for kids, but pricey and in my opinion not worth the price.Oct 7- spirit tour 150pmFun and informative. Vic was a great host with a lot of stories and experience (I believe he has been there since 2018)Answered any and all questions- great host! A+Oct 8- mansion tourAlso fun and informative! Victoria was our host this day. It was only her second day and you would have never known it! She was wonderful. Answered all questions and was so much fun. Everyone truly enjoyed her, I feel she has a long time employment here (maybe even into the afterlife 🤣)I bundled the last 2 tours which made it a great deal. Also, these 2 tours take you to different parts and rooms of the house so I highly recommend doing both! I really loved all the stained glass in the house.

Robin M — Google review

A must-see experience for every fan of the eccentric or unusual or even Victorian architecture. It's difficult to convey my feelings about the Winchester Mystery House. I'm not a believer in spooks or spirits, so the exact reason why my memory of the house has lingered at the front of my consciousness for weeks after my visit is peculiar to put it mildly. My initial impression was simply how overwhelming the maintenance of the house must be on an ongoing basis. We paid for the 10:50 am "Guided Mansion Tour" on a Saturday. Tickets were $41.99 each. Our tour guide was Marissa, a lovely young lady wearing a period costume. She was professional, enthusiastic about the property (she referred to the Winchester House as a "home" throughout the tour), and a delightful host. We heard some of the other tour guides that overlapped ours due to the layout of the house, and I am pleased that we were lucky to be assigned Marissa for our tour. She was great! Highly recommended!!!

Lloyd I — Google review

We absolutely loved this house! Our tour guide Olivia Maldonado went above and beyond for our tour. We loved the architecture, history, "haunted" part and everything else. Olivia let us rest when my Make-a-Wish kiddo needed a break and we got to use ghost hunting tools in the house. We got to hear the history behind doors that lead to nowhere, the stairs that lead to nowhere, the number 13 throughout the house and so many more fun tidbits. Their gift shop is huge and super well priced. Olivia made the tour so enjoyable! 100% worth your time to go and enjoy as there's something for everyone.

Briana T — Google review

We made a detour on our camping trip on our way home from the Coast of California and visited the Winchester Mystery House. You must do this tour! You'll be telling friends forever that they should go too! After we had a really great lunch in town at an upscale Mexican Restaurant just a 5 min. Walk from there. Great day!

Shelley M — Google review

Creepy but fun! Definitely has spooky vibe, but we had a good time. We had a novice guide so she did her best. Would like to go back during October and do the nighttime tours! 👻

Sweet N — Google review

The Winchester House offers an unforgettable experience. The mansion's beauty is matched only by the quality of the guided tour. Each corner reveals intriguing stories, expertly explained by the guides. Exploring its mysteries is a true delight, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an enriching and captivating experience in history and architecture.

Clément M — Google review

My wife and I had the opportunity to attend a TAPS Paranormal investigation at the Winchester Mystery House. I have been to the Winchester house about 4 times with my first time being about 55 years ago, but never at night and in the dark. The event was top-notch with friendly staff and knowledgeable staff from TAPS West Coast. The TAPS crew were using a vast array of equipment, and each of the guests had their own K2 EMF detector. We went into areas previously unavailable to the public. If they ever offer this experience again, do it.

Phil W — Google review

Beautiful house. I did enjoy my tour guide, Milo. Very quirky and fun. Gets really into it and knew a lot of other facts not mentioned. Although the introvert in me wouldn’t mind a self guided mobile tour as well. Very touristy with the gift shop but I did get a shirt and magnet. Was a nice piece of history. The cool part of history. Was eye easy to buy tickets online and go right inside to the waiting area.

Allieya D — Google review

Emma. The tour guide was awesome and lovely to listen too Very outgoing and well prepared and spontaneous. Loved every minute was thrilling and exciting to learn very informative. Definitely recommend to take some time and take the tour of this beautiful home.Look forward to do the extended tour with spirits soon.

Triple777black — Google review

Experience: really good experience. The house is exactly how you would imagine, quirky rooms, strange staircases, lots of windows and very unique features.The tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable but he went too fast. As soon as he finished telling us about the area we were in, it was time to walk on to the next area. So there was not much time to take it all in.It would have been nice if he spoke just a tad slower and paused before moving on.In their defense though, there is ALOT of information to cover. The house has so much character.I recommend visiting if you have a spare couple of hours.

Holly B — Google review

I love this place. It's been twenty plus years since I've been over here so I thought I should check it out again. It's amazing how much you forget over the years. It's just a neat old quirky house. The story behind it really does enhance the experience. We only did the house tour because it was raining. Like I already said, I loved it. The guide was great and there was plenty to see. Would recommend. Not a lot of pics because I was too busy looking with my eyes.

Herb B — Google review

Well worth a trip to see the kooky Winchester mansion. It's well furnished, and the Christmas decorations were fun and fitting in the house. The multiple sets of stairs on the standard tour are worth consideration if you're going with children, seniors, or mobility restricted people. The tour is about a mile of walking. They do offer ADA tours as well.

Jessi H — Google review

4.5

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4.0

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525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

(408) 247-2000

I'll never travel to San Jose without this trip planner again

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I will never travel to San Jose without this app againAvailable on the App Store

16

Santana Row

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$$$$affordable

Shopping mall

Shopping

The shopping mall Santana Row is a popular spot for tourists in San Jose, filled with upscale shops and restaurants. The space is also home to public spaces where visitors can relax after exploring the nearby Winchester Mystery House.

Haven’t been here since the pandemic. Quite a few new stores and restaurants. The biggest change was near the Cinema Arts. A huge modern office building was built right next to it. Parking is no problem - at least during the weekdays. Love the seats near the Blue Bottle Coffee. Great to take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Bruce L — Google review

The cutest little strip!! Great eateries, lots of shopping options, live music on certain nights. There are tons of little dragging areas to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere. The streets were lined with Huge beautiful palm trees! Very lively place. Kid and pet friendly.

Sandra F — Google review

A happening place near Westfield Valley Fair Mall which has great dining and shopping options. This place comes alive in the evening with lively music, bustling cafes, bars, ice cream parlours and people wanting to have a good time.During Christmas time, this place is very beautifully decorated and the air is festive and joyful. Not to be missed!

Subir D — Google review

Very popular for the weekend! Many shops are closed early in the weekdays!Free parking is available and plenty full! But the weekends can be limited or difficult! !Lots EV parking spaces!

Steven C — Google review

Very nice place, during the day it is quiet and relaxing mode , but at night it is crazy and crowded, it is fun to try both times. Nice coffee, ice cream and restaurants

Hiba R — Google review

It’s a very manageable area to satisfy your retail therapy. Love the mix of stores. A bar in the midst of it all. Coffee and boba places in to quench your drink needs. A leisurely stroll is not too bad. Mixed residential area which is ideal if your pocket agrees. A quick hop to the freeway is also a plus. Very close to Winchester house for tourists to hit 2 birds w/ one stone.

Mhar A — Google review

This street has many high end brand shops and restaurants. Walking on this street is really nice and you can spend good time with music.

Santhu ( — Google review

Santana Row offers a unique blend of upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment in a visually appealing and vibrant setting. It's an excellent destination for a day of indulgence, whether you're looking to update your wardrobe, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere. The district's upscale offerings, beautiful architecture, and diverse range of experiences make Santana Row a popular choice for locals and visitors seeking a fashionable and enjoyable outing.

Pravallika G — Google review

Santana row is a hip upscale commercial and residential place which houses several bars and eateries. It is always well lit and a place to be on weekends. They always have some events going around in the main street. The place has several parking lots. The most accessible is the parking garage of Winchester Valleyfair mall...

Ruchita A — Google review

We just love this place. Such a cool vibe all over!They often host some local market events as well. Always clean and well decorated. The shops there are fantastic. Lots of great food and beverage options but also shopping. On the plus side the mall is like 10-15’ walking distance which makes it all so convenient. + free parking!

Anna K — Google review

Santana Row is Silicon valley's most popular outdoor destination for Shopping, Dining, living, and working.Surrounded by beautiful Landscaped gardens, sky high business buildings, plazas, and parks, it features over fifty shops, thirty restaurants, the Boutique Hotel Valencia, and a six screen movie theatre. In addition to Dynamic Shopping and Dining options, Santana Row also offers hundreds of Luxury rental homes, private owned Condos, and thousands plus of square feet class A office spaces. Thousands and thousands of Visitors came here to enjoy live music, Trendy Fashion shows, annual holiday events, yoga classes, and so much more other outdoor events! We came here to enjoy the best atmospheres, the Gorgeous Sunshines, and definitely the Charming beauty of this Row.

Thia L — Google review

Got to love Santana Row, and it has been refreshed with some cool shops and the food scene is always good. And I love the Blue Bottle they opened in the middle.Always a pleasure to walk around here, pick up coffee, and maybe eat something at one of the nice restaurants

Marzouq A — Google review

One of the most beautiful streets. Lot of brands and nice restaurants. Must visit! On most of the evenings you’ll find live music. Parking can be done in Westfield Valley Fair or at the parking lots available at Santana Row. Very kid and pet friendly and easily accessible for the disabled. Ther are chairs available where one can take break and sit! The palm trees add an aesthetic touch to this cute street!Currently the Christmas decorations are beautiful and dreamy!

Ashley R — Google review

I have yet to see a place that is a better envisioned suburban downtown than Santana Row. With its palm trees, it reminiscent of Socal because they have a lot of outdoor malls while we only have the Stanford shopping center.But Santana Row is slightly different for many reasons. Olsen Drive actually lets you be next to the road for a section that cars can't drive through and you can eat in many crowded outdoor restaurants with people squeezing close by on the sidewalk and people watch. Also, cars not included.Parking is ample and it is free. Four parking garages, street parking, outdoor parking lot, and even parking across the street where Cinemark used to be. Speaking of which, they also have that Cinearts theater which sometimes plays good indie movies.There is artifical grass in the Olin area that you can actually step on. There are some lounge type areas you can go to at night and dance. The restaurants, for the most part aren't great with the exception of a couple, but the chains are consistent. They all have ambience though, including the bars at Hotel Valencia where some interesting luxurious cars are parked.

Ally L — Google review

Ah, welcome to our charming upscale shopping and dining area! Where you can enjoy the exquisite thrill of wondering whether your car will make it through the evening unscathed. It's like a high-stakes game of "Will my vehicle survive this visit?" I must say, our local car thieves have impeccable taste, preying exclusively on the finest automobiles. So, if you're feeling lucky and want to test your car's resilience, this is the place for you! Just remember to bring your own security detail. Happy shopping! 🚗💼🛍️

Aashay S — Google review

Situated directly across from Valley Fair Mall, Santana Row boasts charming decor, adorned with quality hotels and restaurants. Lot the area is sectioned off to provide an excellent outdoor dining and shopping experience. And there is ample parking on the back lot

Subhankar D — Google review

A big community and wide range of shops with restaurants and open seating areas. It was a pleasant experience to chill in a good weather having a drink under the canopy. Parking is a bit hectic here in festive and holidays .

Jagadeesh R — Google review

I love this place I have been coming here for 15 plus years now. This place has great stores to shop at and tons of restaurant options to choose from! If you’re into cars there are always nice cars parked up on the strip from Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens and his other cool sports cars!! The landscaping here is absolutely amazing and is one of the main factors in my opinion of what makes this such a great place to visit!

Nick G — Google review

It's a sizeable shopping and dining hub, with eye pleasing architecture and nicely lit in the evening.

Anatoli R — Google review

This is such a fun place to visit when I’m in the area. Around Christmas time, the lights are gorgeous!!! Our favorite restaurant is Maggiano’s Italian restaurant. People watching is fun here too. I enjoy seeing the wide variety of visitors to the area too. Some people dress to the nines and others are dressed very casually. There is a large array of stores and events and we always have a good time here.

Nicole R — Google review

Upscale outdoor mall with many restaurants and stores, the center area has live music on occasion, tables to hang out, and a playground for the kids. Many other restaurants within walking distance. There's a parking garage on site which is free. Right across the street on Stevens Creek, there's the valley Fair Mall. Good place to go eat (lots of choices) on a hot summer night.

Daniel S — Google review

Just a great place to stroll with family in the day. Really enjoy the shops, dining and ambience. The Nightlife is electric!

Blaine C — Google review

4.5

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4.5

(604)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (124)

377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

(408) 551-4611

17

Municipal Rose Garden

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Garden

Nature & Parks

Park

The Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose is a 5.5-acre floral wonderland with over 250 different types of roses in bloom from April to November. It's popular among locals and wedding planners for its gorgeous location and beautiful blooms.

Parking was on street, but easy and close. It was easy to socially distance. There are tons of roses to see and the landscaping is beautiful. There's a wonderful fountain in the middle with lots of seating around it. Though there are a few other places to sit, finding something in the shade was very challenging. I think this place could use a little more signage for types of roses...don't need big signs, but little signs near the ground would be perfect. I have a fascination with taking pictures of roses, so this was an ideal place to get these kinds of photos. Great place to go!

Katherine R — Google review

I have been coming to this Lovely Municipal Rose Garden Every year for the last three years. The Garden is Absolutely beautiful filled with Delightful Fragrant and many Colorful Roses everywhere! Beginning of May is definitely perfect to visit this Garden. Everything is in full blooms!It is quite nice that this Rose Garden is free of admission so many people of all ages can visit this Garden and take plenty of Photographs for any occasions! It is definitely peaceful and very welcoming here! I truly enjoy coming to this Rose Garden.🦋🌷😍

Thia L — Google review

A beautiful, scenic rose garden in San Jose. Roses in all possible colors and sizes adorn this park. It's maintained cleanly and is filled with people performing photo shoots. An absolute treat for the eyes. There's a big lawn for half the park to have picnics and play. The rest is filled with the magnificent roses. There's ample street parking and to top it off, it's free entry as well.

Chetan S — Google review

“A Symphony of Blooms: The Enchanting Municipal Rose Garden”Nestled in the heart of San Jose, the Municipal Rose Garden is not just a garden; it’s a sanctuary where nature’s beauty is celebrated in every petal and leaf. With over 3,500 plantings and 189 varieties, this garden is a living rainbow of colors that delights the senses1.Visiting the garden, especially in the early days of May, is like stepping into a painting where the roses are the stars of the show. The fragrant, majestic roses are arguably at their most beautiful stage, creating a spectacle that’s both visually stunning and soul-soothing1.The garden’s rolling green lawns are immaculately kept, and the blooms are so vibrant they seem to dance in the sunlight. It’s a place where families come to create memories, where friends meet to share laughter, and where individuals find a moment of peace in the bustling city1.So, to all who seek a moment of tranquility or a feast for the eyes, come to the Municipal Rose Garden. Let’s cherish and support this blooming paradise, a testament to the beauty that can be found in our own backyard. Your visit promises to be a memorable one, filled with the scent of roses and the joy of nature’s simple pleasures1.Feel free to share this review to inspire others to visit and support the Municipal Rose Garden. It’s a local treasure that deserves all the admiration it gets! 🌹✨

Stinger T — Google review

A city park worthy of five stars! It's free, clean, safe and convenient for parking. It has several doors that allow you to enter and exit easily, but pets are not allowed in. I entered from the side with wisteria. Under the corridor covered with wisteria, I smelled the faint smell of soil and flowers, and looked at the green rose fields. At this time, the roses were not in bloom, and most of them were buds. Only occasionally, you will find a few scattered blooming flowers. There is a fountain around the railing in the garden. The water from the fountain shines brightly in the sun. The water in the pool is clean and clear. Due to the epidemic, people pay attention to keeping a safe distance. Some sit around the bench next to the fountain to bask in the sun, some sit under the blooming tree to enjoy the flowers, and some enjoy the rose fields while walking. They see those blooming flowers taking photos with their mobile phones ... Everything here feels so good! A place worth coming to! I will definitely come back in the near future, when the garden will be more beautiful and better!

Joanna Y — Google review

This place is amazing! We went on Memorial Day and every rose bush was in full bloom. Acres and acres of roses. Some taller than my mom and aunt. The breeze carried the lovely scent of roses. We loved smelling the roses. Instagram worthy photos everywhere. There were lots of people taking photos including recent graduates in their gowns. Others were having picnics on the grass. It was a lovely time and I honestly don't know why this isn't higher on visitor lists, especially because roses bloom from May to the fall. The volunteers who tend to this manicured garden must be angels. I can see why it won best rose garden.

Justin W — Google review

A very beautiful neighborhood rose garden built in 1931 and is one of San Jose's historic landmarks. There is a fountain in the center with rows and rows of roses of many different colors and varieties. There are also many arches great for taking portrait pictures. In May when the roses are blooming, many people come here to take graduation pictures and even wedding pictures. There are restrooms on site. Parking is available on the streets around the park.

Vincent L — Google review

One of my favorite gardens to visit. It offers beautiful backgrounds for wedding and other celebratory events. Make sure you don’t have to use the restrooms as they are highly hazardous and contaminated due to lack of hygiene and cleanliness.

Ajmal A — Google review

I am so glad and grateful to have this in San Jose for free. It’s a must-see for visitors and even a great weekly walk for locals. It’s larger than photography can capture! Plenty of free street parking around the perimeter because it’s in a residential area. Bring your own tissues/hand sanitizer because sometimes the bathrooms are out of stock.

Chelsea C — Google review

Had a great time walking around and seeing the roses! It was super sunny so bring a hat, the entrance is free and there is free street parking. We grabbed coffees from a near by coffee shop and took a stroll around the garden. The other side of the garden was open and there were lots of people enjoying the shaded parts of the garden. There was even a couple of people painting canvases of the flowers!

Iffat B — Google review

Fragrant, nice for mental health! Haha, this place was great, guess it's I'm the Rose garden district or something, but once you get to one of the gates it's a wonderful world full of many different varieties of roses. I parked on the southern most entrance on the street, easy enough to find parking, there was some broken glass, so obviously make sure you don't leave stuff out, but whatever. Seemed very well maintained and it was so pleasant to walk among the pathways of roses. Some were trellised and tall other were shrubs. Nice for taking photos. Plenty of space to find your own little area and a fountain in the middle. I believe the restrooms were closed at the time so they had porta potties.

Grace M — Google review

Cute and quiet spot to walk around and see many different colored roses. This place gets busy with families and photographers taking photo shoots, which takes away from the place a little bit.You won’t need to spend a lot of time here. Ten minutes max is probably fine.

Katie B — Google review

Gorgeous and larger than expected! People picnic, walk around, were just having a great time. Good vibes and beautiful flowers (April 18 2024).

Grace R — Google review

This garden was so much bigger than I expected. The flowers were so pretty but some were dying or haven’t sprouted. There weren’t that many people and it smells so good. The scene was relaxing and they have public restrooms! The parking is on the street so do be careful of on coming traffic. It’s worth going here not in the rainy season. Remember to wear sun screen!

MoonRule — Google review

Loved spending lunch time here. I walked around and smelled the roses. Nice benches to sit on. Be aware that the bathrooms are on opposite sides of the park (meaning women's and men's are separated at each end). Dogs are not allowed.

Dana R — Google review

The Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose is a serene oasis bursting with natural beauty. The vibrant colors and fragrant blooms create a mesmerizing experience for visitors. Whether you're a flower lover or simply seeking tranquility, this garden is a perfect escape. The well-maintained pathways and neatly arranged beds showcase an impressive variety of roses. It's a delightful place for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic.

Rajeev M — Google review

This beautiful garden in San Jose is at its peak in May. Lucky to have visited it during spring to see full blooms and a splendid display of large rose varieties. :) Must visit for people who love floral beds of colorful roses. Great for photography and picnicking. Grass could have been better maintained but the roses seem healthy. Place is nice and clean. Good for couples and families alike.

Ruchita A — Google review

Not the biggest or the best but a genuinely lovely place to relax. And I wasn't there when they were in full bloom. Different roses were all labeled and that was really cool. Passed by on accident but had seen it on Google and decided to stop, well worth the detour!

Christian M — Google review

This truly is the best rose garden in America. It has so many different roses so there are almost always roses in bloom after a rain until fall. But it isn't just a rose garden as there are places to sit and walk around and just talk with friends.

Thomas N — Google review

I felt like me and my girl got catfished by the most recent review of the place. So I'll try to reverse catfish by posting my review a bit later than when I came here. Either way, they plant a lot of different types of flowers here. I think we saw an easily countable number of flowers in bloom though, like 12 flowers when we were here though.

Khiem N — Google review

One of the best places in South Bay. Definitely a must visit garden especially during spring & summertime. You’ll be amazed to see the collection of roses.

Swapnil S — Google review

In the midst of business trip to San Jose, I stumbled upon the Municipal Rose Garden, a sanctuary of scents and serenity. Amidst fragrant roses, families and couples reveled in the beauty, their laughter echoing through the air. The fountain, a symbol of community, stood proudly amidst the blossoms. Under the warm sun and gentle breeze, it was a moment of tranquil bliss amidst the bustling city. Great spot for an impromptu picnic from the Italian- American grocery store down the street.

Comfy C — Google review

We had a few hours to kill in San Jose and this was a great stop. What an amazing park. Plenty of free parking as it is nestled in a neighborhood of very nice homes. The amount and variety of roses are truly amazing! A must see if you are in the area!

Steven P — Google review

So many beautiful roses can't wait to go back and see them all in bloom!

Desiree S — Google review

We visited in November, which should have been well past the prime blooming time, but we were amazed at the volume of blooms. This rose garden is huge! Anchored by a large fountain and reflecting pond, the garden offers lots of private areas for photos or just enjoying the blooms. We enjoyed comparing colors and picking our favorite fragrances. Special place!

Anne W — Google review

What a beautiful garden. A lot of variety of roses. Hybrid roasted also. Huge grounds and big trees. Entry is free. A very nice place to bring kids. A big are where the can play. Nice place to have picnic. Washroom available. 👩‍⚕️ making water taps are available. It also have a fountain right in the center of rose garden. Benches are placed around fountain to people to sit and enjoy.

Sunil K — Google review

Unbelievable!! The most beautiful place! Large garden to enjoy. Every plant is thriving and well maintained. Amazing!!

Nicole L — Google review

Been coming here for years. I'm a local who loves & appreciates the Rose Garden. Been coming to the Rose Garden throughout my entire life and bringing family & friends, too. It's always lovely and kept up. Smells amazing and eye candy for days. If appreciate the simple pleasures and find beauty in nature, then it's a must. There is also a lovely fountain.

Dara M — Google review

Pretty nice to walk through. Beautiful roses. A nice fountain. I understand the no dog rule but I would’ve liked to be able to walk through with the babies.

Allieya D — Google review

4.7

(6636)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (131)

4.5

(624)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (132)

1649 Naglee Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

(408) 794-7275

18

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (133)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (134)

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Museum

Archaeological museum

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in western North America. The museum has exhibits from pre-dynastic times through Egypt's early Islamic era, and also features a replica 18th dynasty Rosicrucian Peace Garden.

Very interesting museum. If you can’t go to Egypt anytime soon and really need to feed your curiosity about ancient Egyptians, this place will definitely help. They covered a lot, very well planned place. Amazing collections. Easily can spend a day. Outdoor gardens are amazing. It wasn’t that crowded at all. Ticket prices are fair and totally worth it.

Ru R — Google review

Recommend to download their app and get the audio tour. Description in museums are self-explanatory. Some portions of exhibition reminds of movie The mummy. They have nice outdoor spaces as well.

Sunita K — Google review

I didn't know this museum was here. Anywho, this place is awesome. It is surprisingly much larger than it looks from outside the compound. Inside the museum, there are plenty of authentic artifacts and relics to look at and to read about. The tomb replica were you walk-thru was a nice touch and gave it an immersive experience. Will definitely go back since it's local.

BikeTrails W — Google review

When 1st looking into visiting, google hinted at the average stay time of 2 hrs. I stayed nearly 5 hrs and really enjoyed both the grounds and the museum (I'm a bit of an art history nerd). They allow in & out privileges, too. Parking is free, easy, and nearby. The art is incredible.

Michon G — Google review

Great museum with many gorgeous artifacts. It was quite busy this Sunday, but we were able to see all exhibits at our leisure. Don't miss the tour through the tomb. It's worth your time. The exterior is absolutely wonderful.

Marion B — Google review

If you are in San Jose, this museum you should visit. It's a cool place for family too. If you drive to this museum, there are two free parking (on Chapman St) behind the museum. Must visit the garden, it is beautiful. The biggest hibiscus tree I have not ever seen. If it's your first time, please stop the section behind the reception. The video shows the introduction of this museum. I love the idea they have their own app. It's so interesting to learn from this app and visit every sections. My trip for this museum was around 2.5 hrs. Love it. Strong recommend!

Ella Z — Google review

I've been coming here off and on since I was a kid and honestly nothing has changed and that's totally okay because now I have my own kid and he was so excited to just be around somewhere that had what was to him "monsters". We explored inside first and then afterwards he got to do all the running around in the garden.

Vanessa C — Google review

This museum is a hidden gem and houses a wealth of history. My family and I visited late in the day and we were only able to see the main building. However, we did take a quick walk around the gardens which are beautiful. We will return to see the library next time.

Sydney H — Google review

Very Cool! Tons to see and read. Very Large Exihbit. Make sure you have at least 2 hours or more, to really see everything.The staff were professional and friendly.I highly recommend this museum for all ages. A great place to take your family.I recommend bringing ear pods or headphones, so that you can do the audio part, through your cel phone.Parking was pretty easy in the back. We went on the weekend.Enjoy.

Michael F — Google review

You could easily lose sense of time if you are here at Rosicrucian's. It is a quaint place , telling you the history of one of the oldest & very impressive civilization on earth ! They also conduct workshops to engage visitors of all ages. Fortunately, on the day of my visit they had mummification workshop, where folks were given a kit with fake organs to wear like a jacket and the experts explained the process of mummification. It was fun and very educational. The artifacts, slabs, sculptures and the overall experience is very authentic. Also enjoy their peace garden, just roam around and you would be transferred into another world.If you get tired or need to step outside for a hot beverage, there is a Starbucks just around the corner , roughly 200 ft down the road.You must plan your next visit soon.

Mahesh S — Google review

Great time, the self-guided tour was easy to follow. Accessibility can be a bit challenging, but they have ramps for all the stairs. The gardens are beautiful! So many ancient artifacts. The passport book is great for kids

Savvy R — Google review

I can say that I thoroughly recommend this museum for all groups of all ages. The curation is diverse and entertaining. There are guided and self-guided tours with a passport system to keep track of what you've done. There are interactive games for you to play and the area itself is free to browse.They maintain their grounds well, you can tell a lot goes into keeping this place looking prim and proper. There's complimentary parking on the side and ample street parking all around.

Khiem N — Google review

Highlight for me when visiting this museum? The Egyptian tomb beneath it. The audio gave a detailed explanation of what I saw on the walls. This museum has plenty of beautiful relics, models of archaeological sites, sarcophagus, and even an outdoor garden to enjoy. You won't regret visiting this museum of you are into Egyptian history.

Manny O — Google review

The tour of a replica Egyptian burial tomb was the best part. Very old aesthetic, inside the museum. A good amount of the museum is about death, coffins, and mummies. The lighting inside is very dim. The outside garden could be kept better. There are some nice Egyptian fixtures out there. Parking is free with a lot behind the building.

T. F — Google review

Pretty nice Collection! They have a helpful guided tour too. Wish they had lunch options on site and were stroller friendly.

Swetha C — Google review

My husband and I visited this museum about a year ago during our vacation. It was super interesting with lots to see and read inside. Also did the fun, little guided tour through the "tomb". The garden landscape outside was neat too.

Pineapple P — Google review

This museum is amazing. I highly recommend a visit. The gardens are so beautiful and peaceful, and the museum's exhibits are fascinating. The overall feel of the place is wonderful! The staff was really nice too. Thank you to the organization that offers this to the community. It is a thoughtful and treasured gift!

Michelle M — Google review

Amazing hidden gem in the heart of San Jose. I have lived in the area for years and never thought much of going to this. It looks small from the outside but like the ancient pyramids, there's more than meets the eye! There are actually several levels inside, including an underground tunnel and recreation of a tomb deep within the catacombs. The grounds are much more extensive than what can be seen from the street and are nothing short of spectacular, including sculptures, fountains and ancient Egyptian symbols hidden amongst the myriad trees and swaying Papyrus. I'm so glad I finally went with my family! It's also reasonably priced and they even offer discounts for students, veterans and more. Do yourself a favor and take a trip through ancient history to visit Egypt in your backyard!

Marc K — Google review

Fantastic collection of historic items and insightful remnants. Everything from collected pieces of tools and wares, to scale models of various buildings and temples, to even some full-body preserved remains. There's lots to see here, and it's all presented really well. There's also a guided walking tour through a mock-up of an Egyptian tomb, which is absolutely worth checking out (though it can be a bit claustrophobic in some areas). Absolutely worth the visit, and it's also worth it to check out the gardens outside the main building as well.

Nikolas H — Google review

Very nice place not to expensive$10 for adults over 18And discounts for children under 18 and college students or MilitaryWas pretty busy. But amazingALOT to see outside as well Friendship Gardens and Koi fish on the water. Very pleasant trip.

JR F — Google review

What a beautifully curated museum with fine attention to detail and thorough respect to all of the artifacts!There is literally so much to see and read! It took us about 3 hours to get through the in door portion of the museum.Please make sure to spend some time in the beautiful tranquil garden and relax, eat a picnic lunch or read a book. You won't regret it!

Brianna — Google review

This is our second time here and it was just as fun as the first time!! The exhibits are so informative and well laid out. We always learn something new!Must go into the Tomb it is so cool but a little dark to give the effect of being underground. So many details to look at. There is a room with diagrams of different life styles, like the queen in her room, or carpenters building, a family having dinner, etc. The details in the displays are so great and well done!Entrance cost $20 for two people and we spent a whole afternoon here. There are outside grounds you have access to before paying to enter the museum part. The outside grounds are beautiful, clean and relaxing. You could take a book and sit out there for hours!We will be back. Also staff was so friendly!

K M — Google review

Great museum to visit with kids! They have a passport book and stamps for kids to collect and it was fun way to keep them engaged.The highlight for me was the rock cut tomb! It felt very realistic and an experience that I wasn't expecting to get in a museum. We went on a weekday, and there was a guided tour of the tomb that I highly recommend!

Rashmi R — Google review

Great place for an Egypt enthusiast. I didn't see a gift shop, but we may have missed it. We enjoyed the indoor displays as well as the gardens. I'd highly recommend!

Teresa B — Google review

Educative museum that contains way more inside than what it seems on the outside, with an actual preserved mummy! The grounds are beautiful too with many paths through greenery. Can be quite busy on the weekends.

Bo Z — Google review

Best and one of the only Egyptian museums around. Many genuine artifacts. They have a very good current exhibition on Alchemy from the ancient world. $10 bucks gets you in so it's also one of the cheapest ways to spend a few hours.

Saiho K — Google review

The museum is very cool. Grandkids enjoyed it. The tomb tour was fun. Two tour guides did a very good job.But they need to hire a grounds keeper. Part of the experience is enjoying the outside areas. I couldn't because it is in such poor condition and the pond is so dirty. I was very upsetting to see the 2 Koi fish in disgusting dirty water. The peaceful garden was definitely not peaceful.

Kim S — Google review

4.6

(3161)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (140)

4.5

(934)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (141)

1660 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95191, USA

(408) 947-3635

19

Roaring Camp

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (142)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (143)

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Tours

Amusem*nt park

Roaring Camp is a family-friendly park that provides visitors with a train ride experience amidst beautiful natural landscapes. The park offers seasonal routes and organizes special events for its guests. One popular route takes visitors through the redwoods all the way down to Santa Cruz beach, conveniently stopping near the boardwalk. It is recommended to take the 10 am train and return at 4 pm to allow enough time to enjoy all of the rides at the boardwalk.

Wedding Day at Roaring Camp. See pics. Beautiful. I’ve never been here before, but what a cool experience! The wedding guests arrived and strolled through Roaring Camp until the wedding train was ready for boarding. Then we got on our private train and took a ride through the redwood forest to a small wooded clearing where a fairy tale ceremony took place. The weather was perfect, but perhaps I needed a warmer coat. This really was something to remember. After some champagne and pics we all boarded the train and headed back to Roaring Camp, where we attended the reception in Bret Harte Hall. By that time, Roaring Camp had closed to regular guests and the wedding attendees had the entire town privately. Very cool.

Marx M — Google review

GREAT!! A must do for families and individuals. Make sure you buy your tickets online and check in and pickup your boarding pass before boarding the train. We had to wait for several people to get off the train and go do this. The staff are friendly and Charles the Conductor provided full time education and entertainment. Thank you to him, Doug the engineer and George the steam guy(maintained the steam was at the right levels to keep the engine going). The tour was about 90 minutes and they take you through the beautiful Coastal Redwood trees hundreds of years old. They let you get off for about 8 minutes while they prepare the train for the return ride. The roots of these magnificent trees could go for thousands of years. The information provided on the regeneration of these trees and their ability to be fire retardant was fascinating. They offer a place to recharge with food, drinks and ice cream. Overall an excellent experience! It’s pricey like $100 for 2 adults and parking but worth it!

onthegoboomer — Google review

I visited Roaring Camp for the round trip train ride to the top of Bear Mountain and back. It was such a cute little cowboy town built to resemble a different camp. The weather really made it feel like we were no longer in the Bay Area until we boarded the train to travel into the redwood forest. I really enjoyed the conductor’s commentary about the history of the area and fun facts about the environment including the old tracks, the trees, and warnings of poison oak! It was really relaxing riding the train and breathing in the crisp air.Parking in the Roaring Camp lot is included when you purchase a train ticket online and it’s also right beside the redwood state park, so I enjoyed walking around both after returning from the train ride.

Melinda N — Google review

You like the train or not. It was a fun place for all ages!We visited this camp in a cold January Saturday morning, the temperature was in the high 40’s, but did not reduce the excitement and anticipation of the crowds!We was originally on the 12:00 PM train, but they were able to change us to the 10:30 one because we arrived early.The 120 years old Shay steam locomotive preformed flawlessly but we encountered a down tree about half way. It took four crew members and about 30 minutes with three chainsaw to clear the down tree.The narration alone the whole ride not only informative, also highly educational. They introduced the history of the camp, how the redwood forest grows and special species of the trees in this area!My wife and I had a lots of fun and looking forward to coming back in the summer time.

Steven C — Google review

This was a fun, educational, and easy activity to do with the family.Basically you book a ticket (or just show up on the property and buy a ticket there), and then board the train at your designated time.The train takes you through the redwood forests while the conductor talks about the history of the forest and steps taken to preserve its beauty. The whole ride takes about an hour.It goes pretty slow and there was plenty of space for passengers. All of the seating is along the side of the cars so everyone can get a good view.They do have one covered car but the rest are open with just a sun shade on top.The little town where the train picks you up is fun too. There is a general store there with souvenirs and candy/drinks. There are also bathrooms (that were exceptionally clean), and other activities like panning for gold.I believe you can also have birthday parties and weddings on the property.

Matthew L — Google review

Great experience and great way to see some of the redwoods and the mountain. Conductor was knowledgeable and made it fun. Good time for kids and adults.Tip: sit toward the back if you want to hear some of the facts that the conductor talks about. The engine is loud and drowns him out sometimes - even when it isn't blowing its whistle.

Matthew S — Google review

I don't write a lot of reviews, but this place is worth your time. Friendly staff, easy parking, good food, and the main attraction (the train ride) is incredible. Hands down the best way to roll to the beach. However, I recommend also doing the ride through the forrest. Very nice.

CHRISTOPHER A — Google review

This was our second visit. Last time we drove here and took the Forest Train, and it was awesome! A 90 minute round trip up into the mountains where the train uses switchbacks to gain elevation with a 15 minute stop at the top for photos and stretching.This time, we took the Beach Train from Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back. A 45 minute ride each way with a one hour layover at Roaring Camp, where you can eat, shop, listen to music, pan for gold, watch the trains switch, and check out the camp. Entry to Roaring Camp is free but train rides aren't. Check their website for schedules and prices. I highly recommend a visit!

Mark M — Google review

I took my girlfriend who has lived in the Bay area her entire life and has never heard of this place.It was such a fun ride and we especially LOVED how they are dog-friendly. The little town provided a full experience from food to their General Store to a Press Shop. There was a child's party and we could see their awe as the train came in. The staff was amazing and very knowledgeable. The grounds are clean, plenty of parking and the train ride intertwined thru the park.

Keith K — Google review

A wonderful day. We took the train through the redwoods down to the beach in Santa Cruz - and it stops right by the boardwalk. Definitely worth getting the 10am train there, and the 4pm return - so you have lots of time to do the rides at the boardwalk. It’s also fantastic watching the train make its way down the roads of Santa Cruz.

Ben M — Google review

Great place for families! We did the steam engine through the redwoods. We sat in the first car and it was great!!! You were able to have an unobstructed view since you sit in the middle and no one is in front of you. Make sure your little ones go to the restroom before the ride, otherwise you will spend your 10 minute break in the restroom line instead of enjoying the scenery and exploring. The guide was comical and had some good info. But don't worry, he doesn't talk the entire time! The BBQ place was closed, and the other food place didn't have a good selection of kids meals, which was surprising. The general store had all the souvenirs even little tiny redwood trees to take home and plant.

Stacy H — Google review

Great steamed train experience. Very chill and peaceful ride. We also saw the deer! The ride is ~75 mins and they gave you a 10mins break during the trip.We booked ticket online first then picked up at the station.

Starry Y — Google review

This place is absolutely gorgeous! The train ride was an amazing experience. There is a small 10-minute break to snap a couple of photos . You get to experience a lovely sight of the redwoods and while listening to a little backstory of the park and railroad. It is located on the state park grounds, which in itself is beautiful. The visitors center is a few steps away . There are beautiful walking trails to visit too. I took my 5 and 2 year old, and they loved every min of it . The trails were flat and safe for them to enjoy and also went crazy for the train!

Eliz D — Google review

We absolutely love the Roaring Camp Railroad, a highlight of our trip to California. The time spent on the railroad was time to relax and time to remember, wonder at the enormity of the surroundings and the effort in building the railroad through this country. Just a wonderful way to spend a day. Could not recommend any more highly.

Andrew E — Google review

We've been visiting Roaring Camp since our children were little. Now in their 30's, we have found memories of great times and train rides. So, when Thomas the Tank was featured this month, we had to go back and experience the joy of train rides. The Thomas and Percy trains are connected to a passenger train so you can ride into the Redwood Forrest. They had a large assortment of Thomas merchandise, BBQ & other foods. There was a guitarist playing kids songs. Both adults and kids were dressed for Halloween as well. After we rode the train we walked over to the Henry Cowell Redwood trail. If you're a train lover like my family, I would encourage you to take your family out to Roaring Camp in Felton, Ca.

Debra W — Google review

Overall neat experience to ride the steam train through the redwoods! A conductor narrates the history of the camp, railroad, and forest during the 75 min trip. You get to stop for a break to see 9000 year old trees. I got slightly bored during some parts since the train moves slowly and there wasn’t too much to see in the forest. The campgrounds were cool to walk around. You can get s’mores! Don’t forget to bring a jacket since it’s cold during winter!

Jen — Google review

This was a superb experience through the redwood forest in Santa Cruz county. If you are in the area and you have never done this, I highly recommend it. It is well worth the price. Make sure you make a reservation online. We made a reservation for the last train of the day. We did the redwood train and not the one that goes to the Santa Cruz boardwalk which looked amazing as well as we Saw that train pulling into the depot as our train was ending its tour. It was a really cool experience waving at all the folks on the other train coming in from the boardwalk. I think we will definitely try that one next time. The last train of the day was nicer as the park was not as busy. We also went during the weekday which helped. The history the conductor narrates and talks to you throughout the entire ride is really great. The history is just amazing. He played the violin when we stopped for our 10 minute break in the forest while the engineer checked the engine. The switchbacks on the railway were amazing. You can also see an old trestle that had burned down many years before. It was crazy to see that the train used to do such a tight hairpin turn on it. It was just so peaceful and beautiful. The train is in its 60th year though the redwoods. It is on a 99-year lease. I hope it stays in place far past 99 years. Such a superb and amazing experience. Highly recommend!

Dorena G — Google review

ℹ️There's no point waiting in line to board the train, BTW. (You can get on at any point. The beginning of the line isn't gonna board 1st)The overall experience was very mediocre, from the food to the ride.🚞 We did the diesel train. It drives you 40 minutes into the woods, stops, and returns, then you have lunch if you bought it.🥪 The Salami/Turkey w/ provolone cheese - was very dry. (the food building was closed, so you could only eat if you pre-bought your food).😊 I'll never return, thank you. It's not as fun and cool as the website advertised it would be.

Anastasia G — Google review

The train ride was an excellent experience. If the food spots were open we would have potentially given it 5 stars. We walked along the easy trail after the train ride and continued to admire the majestic beauty of the redwood trees.

Ayanaté G — Google review

What a cool place to walk through! We were here to visit Henry Cowell and walked through to Roaring Camp when we heard the train. We didn't take the train ride, but it looks awesome! The town is super cute, very picturesque with tons of activities and things to see for kids and families. Recommend checking this place out, even just for a walkabout and photo op!

Hannah E — Google review

Must visit place having such a nice and pleasant view of red wood trees . Best to picnic over here and have the best time around the trees . Would love to visit again and walk around the trees . The steam engine train experience was funny and amazing with a very good host

Sushmitha J — Google review

This is must go for locals and tourists. The train ride is spectacular and the views are unparalleled. Seeing the redwoods as you pass through the forest on a train is a magical experience. It was worth every penny, and the guide is incredibly informative and interesting to listen to as well.

Stephanie W — Google review

This is a family must do, must see. We came here with 70 teenagers on a tour and it had plenty of activities, awesome train ride. Very educational and ENTERTAINING!

Josh S — Google review

Breath taking place. Loved loved this place so much. Definitely going to have my dream wedding here. Place is beautiful, friendly staff and very clean and really well organized and perfect for a family trip or romantic getaway.

Joana — Google review

4.6

(3683)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (147)

4.5

(746)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (148)

5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018, USA

(831) 335-4484

20

Concannon Vineyard

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Winery

Food & Drink

Concannon Vineyard, located in Livermore, California, is a historic winery with a significant impact on the state's winemaking. It played a crucial role in introducing the important Cabernet Sauvignon to California by planting clippings from Bordeaux's prestigious Chateau Margaux and developing Clone 8, which now constitutes about 80% of all Cabernet Sauvignon in the state.

A pretty nice wine tasting experience from Bay Area without doing the Napa drive. This place is big, has super views and lots of outdoor seating. As it was windy, we chose to sit inside. Great place to have picnics in Summer as their lawns are big. We visited with friends and I highly recommend making reservations if you wish to spend sometime and hit up the wine tasting.Lots of parking available and drive wasn't that far from Pleasanton.

Pragati R — Google review

We were made very welcome even though we arrived very late for our reservation. We were given a taste of their Sauvignon Blanc right away and escorted to the patio where there were plenty of heaters to keep us toasty. Our server was well informed about the wines we tasted and actually brought us a Port and a sampling of another one of their Sirahs. I loved their Petite Sirah. We spent a wonderful couple of hours tasting some very nice wine. What could be better?

Darrell O — Google review

Probably the best wine tasting experience within a short driving distance of the Bay Area without going to Napa. This place is simply excellent with fantastic wines, indoor tasting rooms, outdoor patio seatings, a large grassy field where you can buy a bottle of wine and picnic with friends, and an outdoor wine bar.This is an excellent place to visit with friends. I recommend making reservations if you wish to sit inside or on any of the tables that are covered. However, the outside uncovered tables and the entire grassy field are completely open! When we came, we bought a bottle of white wine, brought a blanket, and just hung out and had a picnic. It was a great time.The facilities are super clean and the staff are really nice. Just be aware that sometimes people will book events here and you might not be able to stay as long as you want without a reservation, so take note of that and call ahead.There is plenty of parking here and it's pretty easy to get to. I'd recommend bringing sunblock if you plan on being outside. Also, bring a camera because there are some fantastic places to take pictures and you are welcome to walk around the immediate property to take photos!

Brendan — Google review

Their reserves are good, but being able to buy a bottle, sit on the lawn and eat lunch while the kids play on the grass is worth the visit.

Ssg V — Google review

Have a great weekend here with friends. Love the picnic area, our server Nick is friendly & professional, like his service!!

Jenny H — Google review

Beautiful Vineyard and amazing staff! Thank you for your education, hospitality, and delightful wines.

Dawn W — Google review

In addition to their great wines, we enjoy visiting Concannon Winery due to their friendly staff. My wife and I had a very nice time on our most recent visit, and Luella was a big part of that; she was super friendly, knowledgeable, managed the times perfectly between wines… ask for her on your next visit!

Germán R — Google review

Concannon Vineyard is situated in Livermore CA founded by James Cannon in 1883. Excellent vineyard supposed to be the 2nd biggest in California. Went there on 16th April on weekend. Is huge but at the time of my visit there was no grapes crop, may be not the season however the vinery was functioning. You can taste their wines and also purchase. Excellent wine to taste but if you are in a group of 8 or more then you have to take prior reservation or else you can walk in for tasting and purchase. There was a discount of up to 40% in purchase of 6 or more bottles of wine. Lots of place for sitting to consume your wine both inside and outside the billing. There's a big lawn with chairs and table for that. Excellent Vineyard.

Anilkumar D — Google review

It is always lovely to visit there. I have had membership over a year now and I'm very satisfied!Added on Oct 14, 2024I still have their membership and just went to their member release party. I love it here!!

Eunjee K — Google review

Great time at wine tasting. It being a Christmas from Mt daughter

June M — Google review

That's a solid winery and I would recommend going. Beautiful grounds for a picnic or some Instagram stuff if you're into that. I am not a wine connoisseur, so I won't pretend to know what I'm talking about. We got a bottle of white wine cause it was real hot out and I didn't hate it at all, that's a win!

DJJ — Google review

Busy busy busy. At the wine tasting room no one was there to tell us where to start, finally found a place by the counter and it was just several empty glasses no one was cleaning up. We moved from there because again no one helped us, by the third counter a lady told us somebody else will help us because she was waiting for a group, the guy tried to help but the cashier register didn’t work. We decided to go outside and more than 1/2 of the tables where reserved. We got a bottle of Chardonnay and it was ok not great.By the time we left it was extremely busy.

Erika S — Google review

4.5

(299)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (153)

4.5

(148)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (154)

4590 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550, USA

(925) 456-2505

I'll never travel to San Jose without this trip planner again

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I will never travel to San Jose without this app againAvailable on the App Store

21

SAP Center

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (162)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (163)

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Arena

Sights & Landmarks

The SAP Center is a huge indoor arena in San Jose, California that is well known for being home to the San Jose Sharks hockey team. It has also been used for large concerts and events, such as Disney on Ice when I was a kid. The arena always has a lot of excitement going on, and its perfect if youre looking for an unforgettable experience while in San Jose.

The SAP Center at San Jose is an awesome space/arena. It’s a nicely built facility for the San Jose Sharks 🦈 hockey team and it’s a great venue spot for the many concerts 🎶 that play there. The facility looks clean and operations are run well. There are plenty of parking options around the SAP center as well. Acoustics in the center are great for these concerts.

Clinton T — Google review

Absolutely amazing venue to host a party at. I was fortunate enough to spend the evening in one of the Penthouse Suites. The food was amazing with dishes of chicken, ribs, pork slices, and pizza. They waited until all the guests arrived and brought amazing platters of Sushi. There was a huge tub of delicious popcorn to snack on all game long.I went there for a Sharks game and was grateful to see them finish with a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. How wild is it to say I saw the Sharks battle the Jets on ice. A rather Shakespearean affair set up with a dramatic evening. All the world is truly a Stage and we are merely players as the playwright would say.I highly recommend obtaining a parking pass for the ABC lot because it made life so much easier pulling in and leaving. The people at the ticket were kind and courteous at the entrance and carried the smiles as we left as well. SAP Center really is a top notch venue for entertainment. It was my first, but it will not be my last time. Thanks for a great time.

Josh K — Google review

This is Sharks territory! I love SAP Center. I have never had a bad trip. I go at least once a year to a Sharks game with my lady and we have a blast. Just the vibe of the stadium and the fans gets even her going at a game. If you have never been. Go. Look up the next game and Go! I promise you'll be happy you did.

Jon W — Google review

I live just a short walk away and it’s a great venue. I’ve worked for venues for years and always feel safe here. The employees always pay attention to things around them. It’s just the right size that any seat is a good seat here. I’ve gone for a concert back in December, a hockey game, and Disney on ice. You can also pay a little less by going to the box office to buy tickets.Update: Watch out in what section you buy for. Sat in section 120 last night for Blink 182 and the leg room was worse then a spirit airline flight. I was in shock I’ve never seen a venue with leg room that bad. I don’t remember the previous event I attended having space that little. Will definitely make me think twice about coming to another show. If we’re paying the amount of money and fees we do to attend live events we should at the very least not feel like we’re sitting with our knees to our chests

Kennedy F — Google review

🎶 Luis Miguel’s concert at theSAP Centerin San Jose was anenergeticblend of versatility, passion, and timeless hits. His powerful vocals, stage presence, and visual spectacle left the crowd exhilarated. If you ever get a chance to see him live"🎉 Step into the SAP Center and get ready for a wild ride! From thrilling sports action to heart-pounding concerts, this place is buzzing with energy. Great views, tasty eats, and awesome staff make every visit unforgettable. Don't miss out – it's a must-visit spot for fun-seekers of all kinds! 🏒🎶"

Stinger T — Google review

Sharks for the win!! Goals! Such a fun venue. Whether you're coming for a game or a show, you’ll have a blast.They have lots of tasty food options. Today, I chose smoking pig BBQ. Burnt ends, baked beans, and cornbread. The Kernel has the best freshly popped popcorn.

MJ E — Google review

I was eating dinner at a local restaurant and noticed the Sharks were playing on TV. So after dinner I walked to the stadium, bought a ticket, and got to see the second and third periods! Good fun on a random adventure. Nice stadium too.

Ken S — Google review

We came to the SAP Center for a Bellator MMA fight and it was such a good time. We sat in section 128 and our view was great. Seats are comfortable and I like that the stairs are not steep. Parking for our event was $30. Plenty of food & drink concession stands. Restrooms have many stalls and are clean. Sound is great and the temperature is perfect. There was no staff guiding us to our seats so people were getting confused but it wasn't hard to find. Overall, we had a great experience at this beautiful venue.

Betty H — Google review

Watched the Jurassic World Live Tour here and it was awesome! Easy parking, clean seats and a great view.

Omar E — Google review

FANTASTIC time last night at the SAP Center (Shark Tank, for those of use from the SF East Bay) seeing Duran Duran!! Venue was great but I've been here before other events. This time tho, we paid extra for the "Jack Daniel's Lounge" before the show for a "special experience"w/food & drinks & early entry. We were celebrating our Birthdays. It was really worth it. Food was WAY better than I expected. They said "appetizers" on the ticket but what they served was more like a meal. Had a regular single bar, but also 3 "themed" drinks related to DD songs. And I have to say, our seats were EXCELLENT! (thank you, Ticketmaster 😉) As a LONG TIME DD Fan (since 1982), these were some of the best we've had in a long time. DD was EPIC & it was awesome seeing Nile Rogers & CHIC for the 1st time live.

Rochelle M — Google review

We had a great time at the SAP center. I like that its on the smaller side. All seats have been great. Monster Jam was the best!! The food is good and the staff at the SAP center always seem to be friendly and very helpful.

TheBayArea831 — Google review

I remember when it was built. I remember when the Sharks were born. I have been here for many epic hockey battles and many amazing concerts as well! And one really terrible one (Kanye West 🤮). All-in-all, though, I've had countless incredible times here. Great venue!

Wolfman B — Google review

What a beautiful building! I enjoyed my 1st hockey game here today. The weather was gorgeous. The seat tickets were cheap but extremely tight seatings. You'd have to get up for your neighbors to walk by. Other than that, the food was okay. There were plenty of drinks, alcohol and non alcohol. There were self checkout for some snack stations. There was plenty of vendors with merchandise to sell. There was even an ice cream and taco vendor. I will definitely be back with my kids.

Pachee T — Google review

The Sharks game was awesome! I loved how the arena really glowed with the lights, San Jose won 2 to 1, they played great music, and the arena itself was beautiful! Without doubt I strongly recommend going if you are in San Jose! Have a great day!🏒🥅❤️⛸️😃🦈🇺🇸

Jack C — Google review

A TIME WAS HAD!This is the second West Coast concert I've attended that features multiple artists. Whether you're sitting in the stands or on the floor, the sound is perfect. The security staff is professional, and the bathrooms were clean. The parking lot was super easy to navigate and exit from.I didn't eat this time, so I can't say anything about the food venues.I love this venue and will definitely return. 🎶 🎤 💃

Lorraine A — Google review

We had an amazing time watching Justin Timberlake. Everything was well-organized, and we didn't have to wait in any lines. Safe.

Caroline S — Google review

The SAP Center is such a great place to watch the Sharks play. Every seat has a very good view of the game.

Anthony B — Google review

Awesome place! My son and I went to watch SJ SHARKS. Highly recommend the brisket nachos at the BBQ place for snacks!! Don't forget vote!T🇺🇸R🇺🇸U🇺🇸M🇺🇸P 2024!!!!

Armando R — Google review

Really great staff here. They're fun and bounce well into any situation. The stadium has great viewing angles no matter what seats you get. The Sharks are currently tanking right now so, ya know, tickets are cheap. But they aren't tanking in the right way, so ya know, they're actually just legit bad. Either way, go here anyways, if only once.

Khiem N — Google review

Great venue, easy parking access, lots of things to do in and around the SAP Center. There was plenty of food & beverages options to choose from, we picked pizza and beers. Had fantastic seats for the Sharks Game! Lots of fellow fans were cordial and energetic, and We Won!!! Staff was attentive and very helpful. Definitely worth a trip!!!

Trevor Q — Google review

4.6

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4.0

(726)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (168)

525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

(408) 287-7070

22

The Tech Interactive

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Museum

Cultural center

The Tech Museum of Innovation is a popular museum in downtown San Jose with exhibits on cyber-security, app development and more. It's located next to the historic Montgomery Theater and is the perfect place for anyone interested in gadgets.

Really fun and highly interactive place with 3 floors, the first floor is the place to check-in either with your membership card, online or on-site purchase, IMAX, and the souvenir shop; the second floor with the exhibit of human body and organs, and other tech activities; the underground is a place that you may have experienced hand-made creativity and other games. Definitely is a ideal place for kids to releasing energy and to kill the time for at least 3 hours! After stamping on the card of the nearby parking lot next to the Marriott by the staff of the Tech Interactive, you will enjoy the most great deal with $5 a day for the parking! Strongly recommend this place.

Angel H — Google review

This is the best museum to visit with children on a rainy day. As an experiential museum, a wide variety of tech activities are possible. All-day parking in the attached parking lot is $5.

Irene K — Google review

Great place for all ages to learn and experience the beauty of science and technology. Fun, interactive exhibits including a challenge to build a contraption that catapults balls as far and high as you can. Awesome place. It also has a built in IMAX theater, but it doesn't play blockbuster type movies. Had a blast here.

Jay T — Google review

Had a great day! Lots of cool exhibits for the kids to inspire them to enjoy science. Our 8 year old grandson said that it was the best day! Parking is an adventure. There are a couple of lots that are $5 with validated with admission. The restaurant is reasonable and decent mix of food. Adults can get in free admission on the 1st weekend of the month with a Bank of America card. There are Groupon and Veteran discounts.

Christopher D — Google review

Came down as a chaperone for a school field trip. I do love science museums and this one was no disappointment. There was quite a variety exhibits to interact with I just wish we had more time.We took part in the physics roller coaster class that the kids really enjoyed. The living colors lab was also very insightful.If you for get to bring your lunch the cafe has plenty of options.

Jason ( — Google review

This is definitely an ages 5-15 place. They have a lot of interesting interactive exhibits focused on science related topics. This is definitely a great place to bring your kids.

Mr. G — Google review

Fun and educational for both kids and adults. The IMAX movie is awesome and worth revisiting.

Henry W — Google review

We bought tickets to see Beautifica, and the show was great. BUT, if you don't want to enjoy it, buy the normal tickets. You'll have to wait outside in a very long line to enter, and then wait even longer for people with VIP tickets to go in first. When you finally get inside, there are hardly any good seats left near the front.I understand the difference between VIP and regular tickets, but this was a terrible experience. I'll never go back. It felt very rude.

Mark H — Google review

We thoroughly enjoyed the interactive experiences here. It covers lots of important topics that other places don't have, such as environment protection and sustainability etc. A must if you have young kids visiting San Jose.

A K — Google review

If you come for a movie the parking and snack situations leave much to be desired. This is the only snack line and seats kinda gave me a headache :(

Mark T — Google review

I can’t entirely imagine what demographic this really hits with, but it wasn’t my husband and I and definitely isn’t toddlers.Some may say I should have known better, but from what I saw on the website- there were enough lights and electricity to make it seem interesting. My tech-centered husband was most excited, and he too was disappointed.With a Groupon, this cost over $80 for me, my husband and our toddler. I would say it was the equivalent of an expo with lots of booths and large posters of words to read. Go to learn something, don’t go for entertainment. That was our bad.We have a planetarium in our area at home that is free and infinitely cooler than this place. Needless to say, I’m disappointed.I’m sure someone out there would like it, but like I said- don’t go for the entertainment factor

Hilary C — Google review

Super cool with lots of hands on activities for kids

Helen M — Google review

Amazing local museum. We went during the week (but on the local schools' winter break) so it wasn't too busy. The "Solve for Earth" exhibit that launched last year is breathtaking. It was surprisingly emotional watching my young son "fix" the Earth by turning dials on the Connections Wall. Just really beautifully done.The museum seems a bit run down, we tried a number of things that didn't work, but it's so interactive and gets so much traffic that things are bound to break I suppose. Really glad we took the day to visit.I think the museum is really more of a sweet spot for 9-12 year olds (understanding most of the exhibits requires a lot of reading and the topics are quite complex), but we still got a lot out of it, and the space is fun to explore. Had it been any more busy it would have been a bummer because queues form at the most interactive exhibits even with relatively low capacity.Appreciated the little café as well so we could grab a snack!

E K — Google review

4.4

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4.0

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201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

(408) 294-8324

23

Natural Bridges Visitor Center

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Visitor center

Nature & Parks

Public beach

Beaches

This visitor centre has a lot of information about the local wildlife. Very interesting and informative! Has toilets and wifi.There is a small shop which can be quite pricy but if you can afford it, the money will hall the park!

Laurent B — Google review

Thankful for this small visitor center! Get some good facts and a good souvenir shop inside too. I would say this is a part of visiting this beach. Stop in!

Kenny M — Google review

One of the best place I traveled more then 20 times

Vijaya M — Google review

It’s a beautifully clean and tidy beach. Not too big in the area but good for anyone who loves the beach. If you love the beach and want a peaceful place to enjoy your beach time this is a must-visit place. Washrooms were okay, not bad not too good. But the overall experience is good and the view is just mesmerizing.

Prachi D — Google review

It was freezing and really windy the day my cousin and I went to visit. Because of the cold weather, we looked down onto the beach and took in the salty air and the coolness of the wind, instead of walking down to the sand.The view from up top was clear, a bit grayish, and really crisp, but it was still refreshing, just to be at a beach. It wasn't very crowded, some cars were using the upper lot as a turn out space.If I had a better camera or if the day wasn't so hazy, a better clearer picture of the two rock formation bridges would be visible.It really is a nice pleasant calm beach, the waves are low and smooth and parking was really easy, the day my cousin and I visited. We found parking really quick. There's a paid lot, a free lot with a small handful of spaces that overlook the beach, so you can stay in your warm car and still enjoy the view, and there's plenty of free street / residential parking.It's also a nice drive along the shoreline. If I still live in the Bay Area, I'd like to be able to return to the beach on a warmer sunnier day.

Pam — Google review

Nice place to walk and enjoy the peace. But the beach will close from 11am to 5pm, the parking lot was closed. But you may find a place along the street. Biking here is so fun with the different sceneries.

Angel H — Google review

Very good for all ages. I personally like the time during sunset. One thing to consider here is the weather is so unpredictable you can see some myst or clouds all of a sudden in between bright sunny day. Apart of this rest all are fine. You can do bird watching and hear the so many other birds chirping.I would love to see this place more cleaner.

Biswajit M — Google review

⛱️🌊🏄🥾🌼📷💡Here's a tip: walk off to the right of the beach, climb the ridge (it can be slippery at some points) and keep walking. You'll find a more secluded beach section down a bitPopular beach spot, with surfers and sail boats right off the shore. This beach is known for its natural stone arch. If you head towards the back you can find some nice trails with boardwalks through the park.

Austin W — Google review

Nice location with great views and hikes by the ocean! If you are in the area, should stop by and spend few hrs. I have heard sunsets at this point are great, but haven’t been here for sunsets.You are on your own without lifesavers on duty. But this beach isn’t so much for water play, due to the waves and water flow etc.The beach is pretty clean and rock formations are interesting as you walk around the beach.Santa Cruz is popular for boardwalk etc, but this place should be on the list for visitors.

Manish S — Google review

Beautiful formation of the rock...so photogenic...the walk along the Coastline to the lighthouse is very scenic. A good 4 mile easy walk round trip. Absolutely gorgeous coastline!

Ria — Google review

4.6

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4.5

(858)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (182)

2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

(831) 423-4609

24

W Cliff Dr

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Sights & Landmarks

Scenic Drives

Scenic Walking Areas

W Cliff Dr is an elongated pathway that runs alongside the shoreline, and displays elegant residences. It presents stunning panoramic vistas of the sea that are truly captivating.

4.5

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Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

25

Del Valle Regional Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

National Parks

Del Valle Regional Park is a sprawling natural reserve that provides a variety of recreational options such as hiking, camping, swimming, boating and fishing. The park boasts well-maintained trails and beaches surrounding a large lake with convenient boat launches. Additionally, the park features facilities for equestrian use and offers easy access to individuals with limited mobility.

Amazing views. The hike up to the hill to view the lake is steep. However you reach in about 30 mins and get this stunning lake view. Best time to visit is now. Very few parking spots and a lot of people park on the street which is not advisable and can lead to tickets. Would suggest coming early and parking only in designated areas.

Sanchita S — Google review

The grass is beginning to turn green, which indicates that spring is coming. Most of the time, the hills here are full of hay. The more rain in winter moistens the place, a lot of water has been drained from the reservoir. It is full of life and has pleasant view, including cows, deers, wild geese, turkeys, eagles, squirrels, and many water birds like herons. Today we were lucky to see the soaring bald eagle, which is the national bird of the United States.

Lei Y — Google review

Good view with lake and grassland! There is a small parking lot with availability of more than 20. But you may park on the opposite side of the road. Multiple choices for hiking, the main route is wide enough for the stroller. Besides, it’s a perfect place for walking a dog here, and also for kids at all ages. Mobile toilet and washing facility are available next to the parking lot.

Angel H — Google review

While the main entrance was closed due to washouts of trails from flooding, we found a nice open trail at the end of arroyo that landed us a piece of the lake. The trail was fairly easy, but we stayed on the main path and doubled back after reaching the lake instead of continuing on. Dogs can go off leash 200 yards from the trail head. Beautiful hike. Will definitely go back and explore a little more.

Christina B — Google review

Walked the East Shore Loop to Lake Del Valle, a 4.4-mile trail with amazing views. The trail has no shade, so it's best to go in cooler months. If you visit in summer, start early to avoid the heat.

Rajeev Y — Google review

Del Valle is a beautiful County park 🏞️. It offers day use, camping, hiking 🥾, swimming, boating, fishing and equestrian 🐎 use. There is easy access ♿ to persons with limited mobility. The marina and boat rentals are operated by a concessionaire. The marina store is well stocked. If you choose to rent a boat on their discounted offers make sure you ask and understand the convoluted prices that are not clear on the website. This park is a real gem 💎 in the east bay area.

James G — Google review

Nice Park with friendly staff but the patrons don’t clean up after their dogs, there’s a lot of poop everywhere. The picnic areas are plentiful, restrooms are clean and I live the fact that they have lifeguards.

Melissa L — Google review

The park is very beautiful with the amazing lake and mountain views. There are multiple trails for walking around the lake and on the mountains. There are also a marina where you can rent a kayak or boats. Definitely a nice place to have a fun day with your family and friends.

Ahmed N — Google review

My bike got beat up! 💓Beautiful views, multiple trails 👣Next time I return MTB I'll have a better bike! (Advanced trails, need good brakes!)For Kayaking I will touch the waters next week!Plenty of body water for fishermen.-Great spot right in between the bay and C.V*Begginers: Bring Plenty of H20 and Snacks-Hills are steep / Read the heat report the day prior of your hike 🚶‍♂️*MTB'ers: Good Brakes are a must, or you will risk crashing into a Cow 🐄😉, Trust me - It can happen!

RICARDO R — Google review

There is a parking lot where you can leave your car and walk along the trail enjoying the beautiful scenery. I advise you to take care of a hat and sunscreen, and water (of course) because there are few trees and shade. We hiked this trail with our dog and we're glad we spent time here.

Natali A — Google review

Great park! Dog friendly ($2 fee extra to the $6 entry fee). There’s even section where you’re allowed to have your dog off leash.The one downside is that, if you’re meeting people there, make sure to confirm your meeting spot ahead of time since you can enter to the south and to the north of the lake, and once you’re there, there’s zero cell reception until you get to the top of one of the hills.

Nathalie H — Google review

We opted for East Shore Trail to Venados group camp which is a 2.5mile hike. It was suitable for my toddler who loved hiking along the stream. Couple of picnic tables were also available on the way, but restrooms were not too tidy though. Plenty of parking spots were available.

Krishnapriya A — Google review

We have been using Del Valle Lake for all of our kayaking trips and also hiking the trails! It is so beautiful and serene on the lake but the trails can be hot and brutal during the summer! They do offer camping sites next to the lake but it is under construction after a bad winter, it’s closed until further notice ! It’s the best lake for kayaking and we’ve been coming here for years!

Elisabeth S — Google review

Good and decent place to visit. Especially the boating is awesome 👌🏻 kids will enjoy. Great view park too !! The restroom are clean and neat.

Shankari N — Google review

A wonderful family oriented place to picnic, hike, Kayak, canoe, fish, enjoy and learn about nature.It can get very hot in the summer and early Fall.Check website fir Kayak and canoe rental availability.Same w rules fir fishing and boating.Bathrooms near main entrance have changing areas.Good visitor center.Entrance gate line can be long.

Cynthia E — Google review

4.6

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4.5

(156)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (193)

7000 Delvalle, Livermore, CA 94550, USA

(510) 544-3146

I'll never travel to San Jose without this trip planner again

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26

The Mystery Spot

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Sights & Landmarks

Mysterious Sites

The Mystery Spot is an interesting tourist attraction in Santa Cruz that features illusions that seem to defy gravity. It's a circular area with tours and a gift shop where visitors can experience the strange effects of tilt-induced visual illusions.

Tour guide makes a TON of difference, since there are no self tour, the people that run this had to think of a creative way to make this from a meh experience to a wonderful and interesting one. Their script is spot on and their ability to get the audience involved is great, from getting you warmed up to comfortable in participating. Only thing is if they can reduce the party size so everyone can truly experience the “spot” and get to take photos too. I still give it a 5 star just for the humor and creativity of the whole program,

Nes B — Google review

Went here 10/22 with my family. We all really enjoyed ourselves! There is a bit of a steep climb up the hill, most of which is handicapped accessible. Make reservations ahead of time as they get quite busy. They are open every day of the year. The site hasn’t changed much and really emphasize the strange physics of the place. They have a cute little gift shop, some vending machine snacks, clean restrooms, and a snack bar when they are really busy. Their parking lot can handle a tour bus or RVs and they had plenty of parking.

Tye B — Google review

This place was, indeed, a mystery.The ticket price isn't bad, $10 per person and $5 for parking. It's located in the forest, lots of beautiful trees, and the waiting area has a beautiful vine and flower roofed veranda. The website gives you most of the details but should probably add one; if you have motion sickness, be prepared.The building where the phenomenon happens seems to be right at the center, and the closer you get to the middle of the tour building, the stronger it gets. My daughter and I couldn't explore much because we were trying not to be sick.Overall, it wasn't a bad experience. The tour guide was a little funny with some good dad jokes. The gift shop was cute and had plenty of inventory, and the weather was great. I'm not sure if I'd go back for myself unless I took someone who hadn't experienced it before.

Christina W — Google review

Overall it’s a cool experience. The earth gives us some cool tricks. But I feel the tilted house was built in purpose, giving false illusion, to attract tourists. If the house is leveled, it would be more impressive to experience the earth’s tricks of the area.You need to reserve ahead, space is limited. I came on a Wednesday and it was crowded. It has a canteen and a gift shop. I love the trail, front of the spot/house, it’s nice to walk up hill under the red wood trees. The road leads to the spot is beautiful/scenic with many switchbacks, though you can get lost

Tracy H — Google review

So much peace and tranquility in this place!Friendly, and enthusiastic, staff and interesting sights. It is a nice escape from life's fast pace. My little kid enjoyed it a lot.Sitting there at the table, under super high trees, with cool breeze, in a nicely designed area, you get a surreal feeling, that is rare to have in crowded California. So I guess the trip here is not so much about experiencing the "mystery unbalance" as much as it is about feeling the holistic calmness and peacefulness of the place that can be great for relieving stress.You can bring your own food or buy from their "canteen".I was supposed to get a ticket fee waiver as a military discount, but for some reason ended up only getting free parking.The hike up in the forest across from the gate was a nice one although a little steep in some parts.

Ronny L — Google review

This was such a nice experience, especially for couples & families. The place is BEAUTIFUL with amazing quality air. I wish I could take more photos, but it was a Saturday, so it was crowded EVERYWHERE. We decided to go early for an hour to beat traffic. When we arrived, there was a cute gift shop to your right and a patio with restrooms. Though, it smells extremely horrible when you sit near the restrooms. Please be mindful when you drive due to the road quality. 10/10 would recommend

MoonRule — Google review

Came here with the family. This place is really interesting and cool. There are many weird things here that defy logic. Our your guide was fun and informative. There is an extremely steep walk up to the cabin, so beware. The only reason I did not rate 5 stars is that I think they allow too many people in each group, which makes the cabin quite crowded to try out the features and to wait longer to get photos of those in your party. Prices were good for the value received.

Bartley S — Google review

Definitely get tickets in advance. When we were picking up our tickets (that we purchased online the day before), people who hadn't bought in advance were being told it would be over an hour to 2 hr wait. It was very interesting. Cute, funny tour. Our tour guide was sweet, there were several young kids and she let them all be helpers with her experiments. The walk up is very steep, and you feel the gravity pulling you down. The cabin was very interesting, but it did make me and 2 other ladies pretty nauseous. Definitely worth checking out tho. I've never experienced anything like it.

Bre D — Google review

Spent the day at mystery spot with my family. Guided tours only. The tour guide gives history of the the mystery spot along with different activities that are unexplainable but very interesting. I personally got a little sick in the mystery spot which stuck with me for awhile but way cool to check out. The only way I can describe my feelings here were like vertigo. I would suggest buying tickets in advance tickets get sold out quickly. No problem with parking, admission was 10$ a person 5$ for parking hiking trails, merchandise and food available on site. Out of this world experience!

Vallory B — Google review

First things first - book your ticket in advance to avoid the tours being sold out for another hour or two. I had no idea that a weekday would be that busy, and that you can't enter without the guide.So this place was on my list for a while and so clubbed it with our Santa Cruz trip. Reached directly at the spot and was told that the tours were booked for next 90 mins. We bought the next available tour and paid for parking immediately and left to spend an hour on a nearby beach. That's also an option if you don't want to book in advance.Coming to the spot, it's a good experience and kids would love it. Our guide was pretty entertaining. She demonstrated some visual anomalies and distributed the "Mystery Spot" stickers. We didn't see the famous banana slug. Not sure if that's seasonal.They have a cool restaurant with vegetarian options and a gift shop. Clean restrooms.Recommended 👍🏻

Aishwarya K — Google review

During my summer break, I had the chance to explore the Mystery Spot last Friday. It's conveniently located close to Santa Cruz, but I'd advise booking reservations in advance, given its popularity and the potential unavailability of tours on the day of your visit.Admission tickets are priced at $10 per person, and parking comes at an additional cost of $10. The site is encompassed by majestic redwood trees, though it's worth noting that cell reception isn't very reliable in the area.The staff provided an excellent experience, and our tour guide led us through the site while sharing captivating stories. The entire adventure lasted approximately 2-3 hours and involved a moderate uphill walk.The Mystery Spot stands out for its unparalleled optical illusions and intriguing gravitational phenomena. You'll encounter remarkable phenomena, including people appearing to tilt strangely and objects defying gravity and rolling uphill due to these unique effects.Facilities such as a gift shop, a compact snack bar, and well-maintained restrooms are available for visitors.Having personally taken my family and friends on tours around the Bay Area, I've consistently recommended the Mystery Spot as a must-see experience.

Vinod P — Google review

First time being here..it was fun the tour guide was excellent at what she does. Its crazy I would say it is sure a mystery a bit pricy 10 dollars for kids 3 and older plus parking is 4 bucks. But I definitely would visit again.

Sok A — Google review

Mystery Spot is a must visit if you sway along Santa Cruz! It is a fun, mind boggling place that will play tricks on your mind. You can also enjoy the great natural scenery of Santa Cruz!

BayArea F — Google review

I didn’t know what I was getting into when we bought tickets. Definitely buy them ahead of time to get a time that works best for your group. They book up quick. I can see why too it’s so funny and just a strange overall place to be! Our tour guide (Bennett) was funny and not shy to show how the gravity there works. He also took a picture or two for us which was really nice. The tour isn’t long at all and a great price.There is a small trail too at the end of the parking lot. We went just to look at redwoods and we ended up seeing 3 banana slugs in the wild. Definitely check out the trail too.

Joe “ — Google review

Fun attraction. $8 for a visit which I think it's pretty fair however It is a very short tour - too short on my opinion (I can understand that, because they don't have much to show, and yet.... We drove there for an hour and a half so at least I wish it was a little bit longer.I love how they present the anomaly. The staff is young and fun and they really play in that. Their presentation and the jokes are super fun.Definitely a unique experience, you don’t experience every day.Cons: Too short.

Karin D — Google review

Interesting spot. Our tour guide was awesome 👌! It did take about 40 minutes to get in and make our way up to the cabin but that was our fault for not having a reservation. They have a nice little gift shop and the prices are reasonable.

Emilia F — Google review

This place is really different from other mystery houses one would have seen. Does play with your mind with gravity defying objects. Involves hiking in the woods in serene surroundings. Our guide Vanessa made it fun. Has a lot of seating to have your picnic after the visit. You can also buy snacks from there. Gets booked very quickly so online buying is better. The team was pretty flexible with rescheduling our slot for a later time. Reasonably priced@$10 per person, free for kids 3 and under. Would recommend. Pets are not allowed inside, however they have a separate hiking trail in the redwoods (~30 minutes) where the pets can accompany.

Ruchita A — Google review

Definitely an interesting visit. Worth the $15 ($10 ticket, $5 parking). Be prepared to trek up the side of a hill (not far) and stand on the side of a hill for the tour. This is a gravitation anomaly so it may mess with your head and balance making you feel slightly nauseous. Not bad though. Still worth it. I don’t recall the website saying it’s uneven ground and up a hill, which is why I took off a star. Definitely not accessible for some or older individuals.

Jamie B — Google review

An absolute blast is the phrase that comes to mind for this local attraction. A somewhat indescribable experience of an anomaly, you just have to see for yourself!Their location is down a narrow road and tucked into the rolling hills surrounded by forest. There is plenty of parking and they also have a dedicated area for larger vans and busses. The gift shop has a fun assortment of items, there is a cantina (closed during visit), seating areas, and restrooms at the entrance.Maurice or "Moe" was our guide into this unique adventure and was engaging, enthusiastic, and definitely enjoying his job. He was fantastic with getting children and adults to participate during demonstrations and explaining the theories surrounding this strange place.The trail leading to the center of the spot is steep, but there are railings to help support visitors who need it. I would suggest wearing sturdy shoes because sandals or flip-flops may not have the best traction for inclines and declines.I highly recommend this location for young and old visiting the area because you will not be disappointed!

happylioneatsprey — Google review

Our first time there but we had a great experience, staff is very courteous, gift shop has lots of souvenirs and prices are not to bad. Plenty of tables and benches to enjoy some snacks or food. Parking is $5, and there's a lot of it. That if people leave right after their tour ends.

Alex M — Google review

A short, dizzy and fun experience among the dense woods. Beautiful scenery and pleasant experience. Parking is a bit hectic here, plan ahead in holidays. Reservation required and check for tour timings before going.

Jagadeesh R — Google review

Our guide was so fun and funny. This place is crazy and the activity was so fun. We can lean forward or lean back and change heights in spots that were level and water or ball went upwards instead of down. The stuff here is like a mystery. So weird and so cool to check out.

Ms. L — Google review

Definitely worth the visit for the price you pay. A couple of interesting mysterious spots around here which the guide takes you through. Cool spot for some great photo opportunities, too. There is also a gift shop here with plenty of souvenirs.We clubbed this with the roaring camp train ride and the state park next to it. Not recommended for people with mobility issues as it is a steep climb. If you do have any elderly/mobility impaired person, there is plenty of seating in the cafe area.

A N — Google review

Great place to visit to experience alternate gravity points. Guess what can create that gravity that seems to pull you in different direction: cause to lose balance. Be sure to buy the tickets online or expect some wait time; they only allow in batches per assigned time zone. Bring food and drink as this is in remote area. Cell connectivity is zero; be sure to download the map offline for navigation. Overall good place to visit.

Pratik P — Google review

an interesting place for the whole family, the program is about an hour, there is parking, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance, on weekdays you can order a couple of days in advance, on weekends there are a lot of people, there is a place to eat and an interesting souvenir shop. The tour guide tells interesting things about this place. At this point you go up into the house and immediately start to feel very dizzy, I couldn’t even walk and even felt nauseous, an unusual reaction on my body to the vestibular apparatus, in general, if you have a problem with blood vessels and you’re not ready for this, it’s better not to walk, for Children and youth will certainly be interested.

Анна Д — Google review

Definitely worth to go if you’re in Santa Cruz area! Very interesting tour. I’m not sure if there are self guided tours, doesn’t seem like it. But the tour is definitely worth it. Our tour guide was humorous, witty, and was really fun at showing us how funky the mystery spot truly is! Parking is plenty and they also have a cool gift store!

Shiki D — Google review

The mystery spot is a must see when coming to Santa Cruz area. You can buy tickets in advance online or show up and hangout.Thanks to Dean ?(Ruben or Owen)¿ we laughed and had fun as a crowd. It's a quick 40 or so minutes tour that was well worth the $10 per person!

Isaiah M — Google review

Everyone at mystery spot were super cool, very accommodating and amazing. Made our first time and definitely not the last experience super memorable. The shop team played classic rock and were also Rockstars themselves. Finally but certainly not the last, special mention to our awesome tour Master Owen as he was hilarious, spontaneous and genuinely nice all through out. The crowd was laughing hysterically all throughout the tour. Thanks to everyone and Godspeed to all.

Ina S — Google review

Fun place for all ages! Must see spot while in Santa Cruz. Make sure to do a reservation online or over the phone or you might not be able to tour. I believe you can do same day but it might be full or long wait. Also you can't go to mystery spot without group tour. It's only $10 p/p. Parking was $5. So it's a super cheap and fun tourist attraction.

Lawana O — Google review

What a place! Visiting this spot is a must! Even if it's only one, as6 in my case. The feel in the cabin made me hot, dizzy, and nauseous. I love the ambiance. A big courtyard with many interests. Their food is even decently priced. It isn't the best for people with back and knee issues, but we accomplished the 40-minute, highly intriguing tour. Our guide was the best! -Regina

Gregg B — Google review

We had Eric as our magical guide through the enchanted forest of the mystery spot. His tour was like hugging a ball of cotton candy while majestically riding a unicorn. The disorientation was like your trip was turning bad, but then Eric pulls you back on the right guided path. 5 thumbs up. Grand experience. Would recommend. Needs better jokes though. And a pay raise!

Brianna S — Google review

This was our first time here. Eric our tour guide, did a AMAZING JOB! From his knowledge to his humorous jokes! And even after the tour was over. We were looking at the Banana Slugs we could see that were far away. He was able to pick it up so gentle so we could see it closer and take a picture.Highly recommend to see this Mystery Spot! Thanks Eric for your great work!

Courtney H — Google review

4.5

(7630)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (205)

4.0

(1162)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (206)

465 Mystery Spot Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, USA

(831) 423-8897

27

Santa Cruz Wharf

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (207)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (208)

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (209)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (210)

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Fishing pier

Sights & Landmarks

Piers & Boardwalks

The Santa Cruz Wharf is a popular tourist attraction in the town of Santa Cruz, California. It features restaurants, shops, fishing and boating activities, and stunning views of the ocean. The wharf is located between the Main Beach and Cowells Beach, and is a popular spot for nightlife.

Nice area with beautiful views. This wharf doesn't disappoint- several nice shops for souvenirs and a variety of restaurants and sweet treats. The sea lions are an amazing addition and more birds than I've seen at once anywhere. A clean beach is a plus!

Stephanie M — Google review

It is a delightful experience to visit the wharf at sunset/dinner time. I love to go there and take a stroll, check out the stores, and have dinner as I watch the sunset, the seagulls, the sea lions, and the sailboats through the windows of the restaurants. Great experience that never disappoints.

Ana C — Google review

Nice wooden wharf. Largest on the west coast. Over a century old. Recently took a wave beating, so parts of the wharf are closed due to safety reasons.There were many people fishing from the pier all ages, but on this day the fish were not biting.Again, this is a touristy area and attraction, so food is priced accordingly. So be aware.I'll post some menus and prices here, but the food is good.

M N — Google review

It was a fairly nice walk. Am glad it wasn't a busy day. There are several restaurant options and souvenir shops. My girls liked looking at the seals. Personally, would like some more shade to hangout longer, but it is a wharf.

Anabel H — Google review

A must visit when in the Bay area. The scenery while driving there was marvelous! Enjoyable... we had a blast just absorbing nature... majesticWhile arriving, we parked on the pier. A bit scary, wooden boards would rattle and shake... but we were okay, and it was a fun experience. There are so many great little shops for souvenirs, amazing restaurants... visit makai! .The views are great... great place for photos and walks and even jogs.The sea lions always are belching their voices.... such a surreal experience.Top marks across the board!

Javier R — Google review

Santa Cruz Wharf is a beloved landmark and popular tourist destination located in Santa Cruz, California.Scenic Beauty: Santa Cruz Wharf boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz coastline. The sight of the expansive blue ocean, crashing waves, and coastal cliffs is truly mesmerizing. Visitors can stroll along the wharf and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while taking in the stunning vistas.Attractions and Activities: The wharf offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. From unique shops and boutiques to delicious dining options, there is something for everyone. You can browse through souvenir stores, art galleries, and specialty shops to find unique gifts and local crafts. There are also several restaurants and eateries serving fresh seafood, classic American fare, and international cuisine. It's a great place to satisfy your taste buds while enjoying the ocean views.Fishing and Wildlife: Santa Cruz Wharf is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Many visitors enjoy casting their lines off the wharf and trying their luck at catching various fish species. The wharf is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, as numerous seabirds and shorebirds can be seen flying and resting in the area. If you're lucky, you might even spot sea lions or seals lounging on the nearby rocks.Wharf Activities: The wharf hosts several activities and events throughout the year, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. From live music performances to art exhibitions and festivals, there's always something happening at Santa Cruz Wharf. These events create a lively and festive environment, making each visit a memorable experience.Beach Access: Adjacent to the wharf is the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which offers a wide sandy beach and a variety of amusem*nt park rides and attractions. Visitors can easily access the beach from the wharf, making it a convenient spot to enjoy a day in the sun, build sandcastles, or take a refreshing dip in the ocean.Family-Friendly Environment: Santa Cruz Wharf is a family-friendly destination with activities and attractions suitable for all ages. Children will particularly enjoy the boardwalk's amusem*nt park rides and games, as well as the chance to spot marine life from the wharf. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a family outing or a relaxing day by the sea.Overall, Santa Cruz Wharf offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, seaside attractions, dining options, and entertainment. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll along the ocean or a fun-filled day with family and friends, the wharf provides a charming and enjoyable experience for visitors of all kinds.

Vikram S — Google review

Perfect place for sea Lion 🦭 observation. Not a good place for sunset 🌅 though. The village buildings are blocking the view.

Sophie X — Google review

This would be one of my favorite place in California. Those sea lion are too adorable. They fight each other’s with their neck 🤣🤣🤣 also sleeping while there’s are sea lions fighting beside, how could they be so chill. I could just want their fight for one hour still not feeling bored.

??? — Google review

The wharf was fascinating! They have cute shops and eateries. We just went to walk around and explore. It wasn’t super crowded but we got there about 4pm on a Sunday.It was a lovely walk on a beautiful evening and fun to see the boats and the fishermen. My favorite part was being able to see the sea lions. There are multiple spots to watch them at the end of the pier. They are loud but adorable!We didn’t go to the amusem*nt park so I’m not sure about there. We did have to pay for parking, we were there for about an hour or so, we ended up only paying $2. So definitely go if you’re here cuz it’s lovely!!

Chelsea R — Google review

Nice place to hangout. Has a lot of shops for souvenir, good food and has kayaking rental shops too. On a good day you will find it crowded with lots of cars and people.

Vasu J — Google review

Known for fishing, boat tours, viewingvarious marine life, delicious dining, nightlife and gift shops, the Santa Cruz wharf was built in 1914, the last of six built on the site, and is operated by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Office. Composed of over 2000 70 ft. Douglas fir pilings driven 21 feet into the ocean floor, the wharf was 2,745 feet long and is revered as the longest pier on the entire West Coast. It is the crown, pride, and jewel of Santa Cruz's tourism.

Christopher P — Google review

Cool sea air. Mild temperature. Lots of people fishing on the wharf and swimming on the beach. Many nice seafood restaurants, fast food and souvenir shops.There are also many cycling services around the beach to take people from the parking lots to the beach and vice verse. $20 per ride (one way).We came here to get away from the hot temperature in San Jose and to see the sea lions 🦭The only minus point is that many people with similar thoughts. Hence. The route here is always jammed with traffic, even on the freeway.

Judy C — Google review

Visiting Santa Cruz for the first time!Especially since I’m a skateboarder!!!I made my way around the city by foot since you are not allowed to use your bicycle roller-skate,skate board, any-wheel devices are not allowed throughout Santa Cruz. ((It’s literally illegal))Which caught me off guard as I am an avid a bicyclist, skateboarder, skate, roller skater, and so forth. Santa Cruz is known for skateboarding, and yet you cannot skateboard.I want to make that very clear that if you get caught biking skateboarding skating by the police, you will get in trouble.Walking along the wharf at Santa Cruz first you notice shops start to appear on the right hand side.The further you walk down the wharf you start to hear noises from the sea lions.As you’re walking the wharf you’ll have majority of your shopping in the center of the pier.There’s also spots to where you can look down and see the sea lions.There’s opportunities to catch fish and clean them while at the pier. There are cleaning stations on either side and on the front towards the ocean.There’s also opportunities for you to use the binoculars for some change.I definitely recommend taking a walk down the Santa Cruz wharf.It’s definitely an experience that you cannot find anywhere else.You get to have an up close and personal experience with sea lions watch dolphins in the waves and see whales making spouts!From diving seagulls to the beautiful crashing of the ocean sound. This is definitely a nice stroll on the quieter side. So if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the every day loud noise. This is a place for you.

KM F — Google review

We had been here during the evening, right at the sun downer. It’s lovely to watch the sea loin when they go to sleep. The view is also very nice and the shops are nice if you want to buy some Santa Cruz clothes.

Laura — Google review

Walk on the wharf is so good to smell the ocean air and look at these incredible views. There are seals too and they are fun to watch. Nice shops and little seafood restaurants.

Tiina — Google review

Very nice relaxing place to visit and very beautiful! Myself and my family really enjoyed our visit here and can't wait to come back! Strongly recommend if visiting Santa Cruz!

Lasalle P — Google review

Hadn't heard anything about this wharf when we stopped by for a stroll. Imagine the fun when I saw the sea lions. They were so loud! Echoing off the underside of the wharf, they really demand your attention. Which was fine, because they were so fun to watch. The battles for perches and their playful way of swimming around the piers were entertaining to watch from the special viewing hatches at the end of the wharf.

Anne W — Google review

One of the must go to’s if visiting Santa Cruz . The wharf has everything from beach area to great food . If your looking to go kayaking or fishing those are available as well . Recommend the MaKia tiki bar, great drinks. Majority of the food on the wharf isn’t the best and would recommend the Jack O’Neil restaurant if you want something good kinda on the wharf . Humble sea has a pop up spot for great bear in the spring/summer time . All around a great time for the family and only a few steps away from the boardwalk area .

TheBafsta — Google review

Neat strip of tourist traps on the warf. Great candy and chocolate store, a couple nice surf shops.... well tshirt shops, no surf gear.... and the absolute best clam chowder I have ever had.

Michael F — Google review

So beautiful! So serene 😍 lots of stores around for souvenirs and there was a cute ice cream place too

Aksh*ta S — Google review

Love parking near the wharf. Great food shops and beach

Patty N — Google review

4.6

(14873)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (212)

4.0

(1346)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (213)

21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

(831) 420-5726

28

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (214)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (215)

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (216)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (217)

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Amusem*nt park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic amusem*nt park located on the beach in Santa Cruz, California. It features a variety of rides and games, as well as an arcade and various attractions. The boardwalk is particularly popular among locals and tourists alike and is renowned for its charming old-fashioned look and feel.

Lots of fun, and a good place to spend some time for both nearby locals and tourists alike!!Me and my honey travel to Santa Cruz pretty frequently, and in doing so we're presented with a lot of options of coming to the boardwalk during the season. A word of advice: if you're in a similar boat, definitely get the season pass. It's $100 and when rides cost anywhere from 2-10 tickets per single ride, it becomes well worth it. Especially when an unlimited day wristband is just half the price! It'll pay for itself in no time.

Ashley — Google review

We went on a Friday in December. The arcades are open, but none of the rides are open during the week until spring or summer. However the boardwalk is open to walk and check out. It was a very nice calm environment… A stroll down memory lane. My wife and I went here years ago when we were dating and it was fun to visit the same place without crowds and chaos.If you want a chill place to walk with lots of fun stuff to look at go mid week; if you want to enjoy the rides and crowds visit on the weekends.There is a parking lot across the street for five dollars, or you can park on the street and feed the meter.You need an app to pay parking meters with a credit card, or …. Meters still take good old American quarters.

Brad C — Google review

Super great! Buy the tickets and game card online before we went and it was a great decision. The lines weren't super long and the weather was absolutely perfect. The bathrooms weren't bad. Food is pricey!! So be prepared to spend some money! The boardwalk is cashless though so keep that in mind when you visit.HIGHLY recommend the mini golf. It was 10/10 fun 😊

Sesheta — Google review

Not a ton of rides or shops but definitely a fun afternoon. Do not be fooled by the oldest roller coaster. It is an insanely fun & thrilling ride. Lines weren’t too terrible but going earlier in the day is smart. The beach is beautiful & a nice spot to have lunch.

Elizabeth 0 — Google review

We went on weekend with children and grandchildren and we all lost in crowd and fun. The ride Typhoon and the Haunted Castle terrifying. The Sky Gliders and the one wooden boat water ride were exiting. We enjoyed good food alongside. We played hilarious Jungle Climb and The great water race and yes the Break the Plates was rewarding and a great fun. At the beach we played to the full of our energy and also with the forming waves, it was really very good experience we ever had, than we relaxed. In the evening it was too cold for us. The Board Walk and the beach, as we felt, is safe and secured and good for full day family outing. Though a bit heavy on pocket.

Arjun G — Google review

The boardwalk is a bit pricey (free to enter, but $69.95 for an unlimited ride wrist band at the time of our visit), but genuinely it felt worth every penny. Each ride was better than expected. The Giant Dipper is a national historic landmark and the 5th oldest coaster in the US, but it rides like something built recently. Wipe Out is also a sneaky good time. The food fare is pretty solid, but I recommend packing a cooler to enjoy the excellent beach as well.

Mark A — Google review

I’ve been dreaming to go this place since 2021 when I saw it on US (movie). My dream came true in August, 2023! It was a sunny day! Very hot btw, so please wear your best beach outfit (shorts, sandals, Sleeveless blouse or T-shirt), use sunscreen! The boardwalk is free! However, if you want to play you need buy a card or a bracelet. I do recommend to buy a card, because you can gain points in arcade and buy things with the points that you’ve gained through the day. Also, the card never expires ;)!In arcade games, you don’t need to wait. But if you want to get on the roller coaster, you need to wait. I went on a Sunday, at 10am, there was no line but after 12pm, You had to wait around 30 minutes for each game.Water and food: I recommend bring your big bottle of water and food! There’s a lot of places to buy food here but it’s not cheap and they give you a small portion. Imagine if you go with your big family, you have to buy A LOT, so it’s better if you bring sandwiches! :DParking: there’s a private parking that cost $30 a day. We parked our car in the street and it cost 2/hour but at the end of the day, they didn’t charge us anything ^-^ awesome!After all that has been said, I do recommend this place if you want to play, spend your day with your loved ones and ending the day walking around the beach or if you only want a little adrenaline and escape :)

Elisabet G — Google review

I have to come here and spend the day. I love the boardwalk rides, the food/drinks, the beach, and the wharf. It is so spectacular and so much fun. You have got to come and experience it😁‼️

Julie D — Google review

What an amazing place to visit. We were here on our daughter's spring break and absolutely enjoyed our time at the boardwalk and beach. The boardwalk is packed with rides, shops, food, and fun. We spent the entire day soaking it all in. Plenty of restrooms, so no long walks from one end to the other looking for relief. The rides are fun and clean, and we really enjoyed taking the gondola over the crowd. If you're lucky, you can see seals in the ocean or dolphins. Parking out of the area was free and only a short walk to the boardwalk. Lots of memories were made here during our stay.

Gary P — Google review

I loved this place! It has good vibes. Beach and rides I like both! Boardwalk has a lot of food options too. The restrooms were clean when I visited. Long lines for some rides though (not too bad). I went in the afternoon so there were many parking spots right in front of the boardwalk. I would love to visit this place in the evening some day with lights!

Saba F — Google review

Great rides! Not a lot of under 48"rides yet they have some.Amazing carnival food!!Spectacular view!!!After 5pm we got unlimited rides for $20 and the family had a blast! The moon was full and reflected of the ocean for a magical glow. Definitely recommend!

Shontell W — Google review

I've been going here since I was a kid. One of my favorite places. It's not cheap. Pack food and drinks to save money. Rides are around $8 each per person, but there's no entry fee. Beach is quite crowded but still doable. Free concerts in the summer. I saw Eddie Money here years ago. Family friendly and a lot of fun if you don't mind dropping $50-100 per person.

Harry S — Google review

Loved it!! I visited there on my birthday 🎂 and enjoyed a lot all day.. Beautiful place, shows, rides and good food. Beach ⛱️ is beautiful but there is no cleanliness like other beaches. But overall good experience!! I like horror show and skyline. Highly recommend as it's not so far and you can explore all day... Have to go again soon 💕

Seema A — Google review

Amazing experience visiting the place.The rides are decently priced as compared to famous theme & amusem*nt parks.There is not so much waiting time for ride to enjoy.The food stalls in the area are good. However, I felt couple of addition of small souvenir shop can make it more appealing.Because of my experience, would love to get the common room area (washroom) to be more maintained

Shefali S — Google review

Grew up in Cali, never been to Santa Cruz till the last summer. Rode famous roller coaster, an Ariel tram. Was amazing! Would recommend getting the seasonal pass if you are going to go for more than a day. It takes more than one day to ride all the rides due to the wait times an lines. Did the freight walk.. awesome!!!!! Bought matching sweatshirts for me an my daughter. Had more fun in the 3 hrs we were there than at six flags.

Rohan S — Google review

🌞⛱️🎢🎠 A Day of Pure Fun at Santa Cruz Boardwalk! 🌊🍦🤩I recently spent a fantastic day at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, and I can’t say enough about the incredible experience! It was a true dose of California beach magic.The moment I stepped onto the boardwalk, I was greeted with the sound of crashing waves and the scent of salty sea air. The vibrant colors of the rides and games set against the backdrop of the ocean were simply breathtaking.And let’s talk about the food! I indulged in some scrumptious cotton candy, tried a variety of delicious treats, and relished some of the best clam chowder ever.The best part was the genuine, laid-back, and friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where families, friends, and even solo adventurers can have a blast. Everyone was so cheerful, and the staff was incredibly helpful.The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a perfect blend of seaside serenity and thrilling amusem*nts. It’s a gem on California’s coast that never loses its shine. I’m already planning my next visit because one day is just not enough to experience all the fun and beauty this place has to offer. 🌅🎡🏖️🌊🎉

Jake S — Google review

If you don't like The Boardwalk something is wrong with you. I take my daughter and a friend here at least twice a years and it's always a blast. It's clean, the staff is always nice and there's tons of shops and food options. Plus, you're right on the beach and just a few minutes away from the pier. I even buy a wristband for myself so I can go in the rides with the kids.

Daniel F — Google review

The beach is very accessible by walking from the street. Once you reach the beach, you do have to walk a bit from the beach through the boardwalk to reach the end where you can get an amazing view of the ocean and inland. But totally worth it. Give yourself an hour to stroll through the boardwalk and an hour more if you are grabbing food here.The boardwalk itself offers great options to be entertained.

Sriram S — Google review

Went with the wife and kidsAnd we had so much fun!So many cool rides, shops, and food.I had lost my wallet while riding the giant dipper roller coaster but thanks to guest services for finding it ! You guys are awesome. Thank you . We will be back 😎

J C — Google review

Such a fun spot to spend a whole day roaming along the boardwalk, playing games or just taking in all the different activities. It’s great to see the diversity of people at all life phases who come out and enjoy it. We played a few games to try and win toys, took a ride on the chairlift that goes across and did a few other rides while visiting for a post lunch afternoon on a mostly sunny day. We’ll be back to check out the mini golf and other rides we didn’t get to try.

Vikram H — Google review

Good place for a family outing by the sea. Many restaurants and entertainment options are available with rides, stalls,games and other entertainment options.A clean and well maintained place with adequate and clean rest rooms make things convenient.The sea beach is inviting and on a warm day one can wade into the water.

Subir D — Google review

We came to the boardwalk for spring break and had an amazing time! The staff were helpful and kind, there was a free magician show, and the rides were super fun as well. The beach area was also super clean. We are looking forward to our next visit!

Ellie P — Google review

What a amazing day with so much of fun and rides were amazing especially the luck games and few other rides . i liked it personally as we had fun riding . Tickets can be taken directly near the place and recharge based on the requirement .must visit place

Sushmitha J — Google review

Haven't been to the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk in years. We were here on the weekend, so we thought we'd take a look see.I am impressed. The last time we were here, the area was very sketchy. Loitering, crime ridden, etc. The city and the owners of the boardwalk have done a tremendous job of cleaning up the area of trash, and crime.I watched families and children gather for fun times. Security was saturated as well as police patrols. I felt very safe, but was during the day. In all a very satisfying experience.

M N — Google review

4.6

(43622)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (219)

4.0

(3661)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (220)

400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

(831) 423-5590

29

Uvas Canyon County Park

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (221)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (222)

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (223)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (224)

Park

Nature & Parks

This sprawling wooded park with waterfalls offers camping, picnicking & 6 miles of hiking trails.

What a fantastic place to visit after rainfall.. The creek is flowing and the falls were excellent.. just remember to have a reservation since they were turning people back with no reservations.We did the waterfall trail but the loop was closed. So we hiked to and fro the same path.. The day was perfect with a pleasant 68F.. this was our 2nd visit, the first one being in 2010 and that time also the park was fantastic..They have lots of picnic spots, camping and trails.

Gourish — Google review

Good place for a short hike. If you do the full loop it is around 5 miles and change. To the first waterfall it is around 1 mile - good spot to turn around if you have kids. You can continue upwards- the rest of the hike is about a 4 mile loop. It is not particularly hard, about a total of a 1000 ft climb. The crowds thin out after you go past the first waterfall.

Srikumar C — Google review

It's a great local falls scene within 30 miles distance from downtown the city of San Jose.I visited right after the overnight shower. Everything there seems so clean and fresh. You will see the beautiful falls there by following the trail.However, this special county park is required to reserve in advance. You won't allow to enter without the reservation. Prior to enter the park, you will drive through a private property in unfriendly road conditions. Buy, it still worth a shot to visit.

Julia T — Google review

Definitely a must if you are within an hour or two drive or visiting the area, but first a word of caution, if coming from the Monterey area, Google maps will try and route you via a private road that will not get you to the park. You must get there via 101 north. You will need a reservation to park at the park, there is no where else around to park. Reservations must be done online and usually in advanced, there is no cell service with 10 miles of the park so plan ahead. As a result of googles poor route we arrived 15 minutes after our reservation time but the girl at the gate was super friendly and understanding and didn't even bat an eye. Half of the waterfall loop is closed but you can still see all the waterfalls, we did the half of waterfall loop and then the canyon trail and it eneded up being a little over three miles. It was a great hike, very pretty and well worth it.

Matt W — Google review

It is an amazing hike! Quite surreal for something in this area. We did the POST recommended one - waterfall trail, contour trail and then back on the Alec canyon trail, about 4.5 miles if you include hiking to the waterfalls for closer Vista points or touching the water. Absolutely amazing views! Kids did not complain about the distance and we completed the loop in 3 hours.There are lots of picnic tables with equally great views for lunch/snacking.Reservations are required and we noticed that we had to make the reservations by Wednesday for a weekend plan. The parking lot starts filling up fairly early. We had a reservation in the 8:00 am to 9:00 am slot and the lot was half filled by 8:30 am, when we arrived.

Srikrupa S — Google review

First time visiting Uvas Canyon. It's about 20 miles from our home in San Jose, by far the closest campground. We stayed two nights in the campground. It is a small area with 25 campsites. Sites are really close to each other, so there is little to no privacy.A central restroom building has about 6 restrooms and 4 showers...impressively clean and functional. There are recycling and garbage bins every 2-3 sites and Park Rangers/groundskeepers clear these out like every 3 hrs...again super impressive! Firewood is $13/box and includes firestarter. Beware tons of mosquitos.This is the perfect intro to car camping (or tent-only) for beginners or families...not for anyone seeking peace or tranquility :) It's literally a school playground filled with babies crying and kids having a blast from 7am to 11pm. Also, pets are allowed so be prepared for random dogs walking through your campsite. No Joke!The creek access is great for kids to play in. The Waterfall Loop Trail is also nice. I'd re-visit and just do a day trip to explore the hiking trails...the campground is just too small and populated (like the Bay Area). We were more interested/enthralled by the Svedal village that you must drive through to enter Uvas Canyon.

Alvin G — Google review

A decent park. We were very lucky to get in without reservation since it was not a busy day. Waterfalls are still running. The creek near entrance is nice. Camp ground looks well maintained. Hikes are short. We spent two hours here.

Blackberry B — Google review

Beautiful family and pet friendly hiking spot, with waterfalls, tall trees and vegetation. Parking is only $6. Went without reservation and no problem. But the website says to make reservations ahead of time, maybe because the parking area is not too big.

Maria C — Google review

I visited here during the last week of March while it was still raining. Just around an hour drive from South Bay you can visit many waterfalls. The hike to Upper Fall is easy and you can stop midway to view other falls with quick detours. You need to make a reservation and take a print out before going there. Overall a good experience.

Sujeet G — Google review

This is a great location for a short hike. Since we've received enough rain, the creek is full and pleasantly noisy. I recommend the waterfall loop trail. Part of the loop was closed due to storm damage so you have to go up and back on the same trail but it's still a great hike for beginners. We ate lunch at the picnic table at the top of the trail. It was a great location. It was a little cool and breezy today with the forecast high being 59 degrees but still a pleasant day.

Dave L — Google review

Nice place to spend a day with your family. Park has few waterfalls accessible via trail. Trails are not very well maintained and not stroller friendly.Overall it’s good park to visit and spend time in nature

Rahil M — Google review

It is a nice little hiking trail. Perfect for a summer day. There is a loop but it is a bit confusing. Eventually it all comes in a loop. Can't really get lost unless you go off the path. Plenty of shade in the area so you don't have to bring a hat unless you want to. You can reserve a parking spot online or you can drive up and pay for a day pass. There are camp grounds you can go to as well.

Steven T — Google review

Stunning! Visited in January after a rain and everything was so lush. The waterfalls were running and ladybugs were everywhere.

Cayse M — Google review

4.7

(1228)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (225)

4.5

(65)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (226)

8515 Croy Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, USA

(408) 779-9232

30

Sunset State Beach

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (227)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (228)

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (229)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (230)

Public beach

Nature & Parks

Beach surrounded by steep sand dunes offering picnic areas & campsites, plus bay & mountain views.

A perfect beach to watch the sunset 🌅 $10 of admission/parking fee. There are two parking lots with about a mile of distance from each other. There are many cute birds on the beach. We’ll come back.

Sally Z — Google review

Beautiful state park! We especially enjoyed camping there!The beach is not crowded and pretty clean. As we were there for a couple nights we helped picking up garbage on the beach to keep our ocean clean.Please clean-up after yourselves when visiting any beaches or parks! Pack-it in, pack-it out! 🙏🌎💚

Adeline C — Google review

This beach is truly a delightful destination. As a State Beach, there is a parking fee. The descent to the beach is steep but conveniently paved. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll discover a vast expansive beach. The shared pictures capture the beauty of a July afternoon, featuring radiant sunshine.

Lisa A — Google review

I did tent camping @ spot #2 near the entrance. Was my 1st time here but its now one of my favorite in CA. The spots are large & fit a trailer or 2 vehicles. Some spots are next to each other. Put your food away in the lockers @ night. Some raccoons went through my things.

R H — Google review

Come here every year for a family gathering, and it's excellent every single year. Lovely views, good campsites (if you know which ones to pick), and decent utilities. Camp host has always been friendly. Only complaint is the slow progress to repairs at sites, but with a state funded park, it's expected.Plus I found whale bones on the beach this year, which was practically a religious experience

Veronica R — Google review

Beautiful state campground with hike and bike through for $5. Clean bathrooms, and great fire pits. The campground is close to a bluff overlooking the ocean. You can hear the waves from the campground. Great beach to explore at the bottom!(They do have a two-night policy now for bike and hike through.)

Dave G — Google review

Really clean and open beach with a lot of room to spread out. Not as crowded as a lot of other beaches and the perfect place to bring your dog to play in the water and sand. Parking was easy enough to find without much hassle. Some dogs are off leash but all the ones I saw were well behaved.

Ryan D — Google review

Camped here with family for a few days. The first 2 days were like living on the top of a whale's blowhole, if that whale exhaled constantly for 2 days. The wind just wouldn't stop.We went to the beach anyway, and once the surface layer of our skin was sandblasted off, we acclimated and enjoyed our time there.We were in the 1st loop, which is a mixture of tents and RVs (I think maybe all of the loops are). That loop was very quiet and peaceful, even when more people showed up.It's not the best location if you're looking for a lot of tree coverage, but it is beautiful.There are bathrooms with showers, which were fine. Fire pits and tables at the sites. Firewood for sale for $15/bundle.

Brian H — Google review

Nice by the beach with nice sunsets. Able to have fire by the beach and at campsites. There is mosquitoes but that’s common in outdoor activities. We got visit from raccoons a couple of times though but other than that we were perfectly fine

Jennie M — Google review

I have one word amazing spectacular whoops that's got to love the beach it's the best love listening to those waves at night I wish I could listen to that every night we still want to place by the beach

Laura S — Google review

This is a spectacular location for beach camping. Three campground areas high up on the dune with the beach stretching off to infinity in both directions below the dune. All the campsites are more or less walking distance from the beach, but the furthest ones would be quite a long walk so it’s probably better to drive down to the beach for convenience. We go here every year with my kid’s school dad‘s club annual camping trip. As it is beach camping, the experience depends a lot on weather — if the weather cooperates, it can be spectacular, otherwise, if foggy or drizzly conditions, then camping on the dune gets messy and sand stuck all over the kids and the gear, and besides that not much to do if the weather doesn’t cooperate. It’s also quite a long drive from San Francisco — if you hit traffic, it can take 3 hours on Friday afternoon, going over the Santa Cruz mountains is particularly a bottleneck.

Andrew ( — Google review

I loved our experience at this campground. The camp site that we were in was secluded and surrounded by bushes and trees. Our neighbors were not as close as other campsites. If you go here, request campsite #15. And go during the week. However, I stayed there on a Sunday night, and it was nice and quiet. The ocean is within walking distance. We saw a whale and seals pop up out of the water as we sat on the beach. It was quite entertaining to see pelicans diving straight down from the sky to catch fish. There are fish close to the shore. Bold seagulls

Rosalie R — Google review

Beautiful beach. Not crowded. Had a really good time

Keisha S — Google review

Clean and well-maintained, I am looking forward to spending a night here instead of only a day. They offer camping! Campfire at the beach - who thought that hygee could be outdoors as well?! It’s quite sparse with other beach goers on a weekday but could be a different story on the weekends. Enjoy the pics!

I. B — Google review

beautiful place to camp or spend the day, it costs $10 to spend the day and $35 to camp one night. I loved that it is kids and dogs friendly, the camping areas are away from the beach so they have their own space, everything is perfectly well arranged, there are bathrooms with showers, there is a campfire area and picnic areas, access to the beach It is through some dunes which makes it very interesting, the beach is quite clean. The guard at the entrance is very friendly and explains everything you want to know perfectly, such as costs, reservations, waiting lists and places of access. A nice place to repeat and stay

Monica A — Google review

4.7

(2693)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (231)

4.5

(83)37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (232)

Sunset Beach Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA

(831) 763-7063

37 Best Stops Between San Mateo and San Jose (2024)

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