33 Must-See Attractions in Silicon Valley, California
Silicon Valley spans over 20 miles of parks, museums, culture, mountains and, of course, technology, with an endless number of things to do and see. From natural landscapes to history and science, here are the must-see attractions dotted across Northern California’s Silicon Valley.
1. Apple's Company Store and Headquarters
Store
2. The Winchester Mystery House
Building, Museum
3. Filoli
Museum, Shop
5. The Intel Museum
Building, Museum
6. Santa Clara Railroad Depot and Tower
Museum
7. Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
Natural Feature
8. Buck's of Woodside
Restaurant, American
9. Ardenwood Historic Farm
Park
10. NASA Ames Research Center
Museum, University
11. Castle Rock State Park
Park
12. The Last Spike
Museum, University
13. Mt Umunhum
Natural Feature, Park
14. Peralta Adobe
Building
15. Kelley Park
Museum, Park, Zoo
16. Stanford Memorial Church
Church, Memorial, University
17. San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
Botanical Garden, Park
18. The Tech Museum of Innovation
Museum
19. San Mateo County History Museum
Building, Museum
20. IBM’s New Almaden Research Lab
Building, Library, School, University
21. Santana Row
Market, Shopping Mall
22. Alum Rock Park
Park
Set in the foothills of the Diablo Range, Alum Rock Park is best experienced on two wheels – on its three-mile (5km) bike trail – or four legs, should its six miles of horse trails be more your speed. If you prefer to walk, the hiking here is classed as “medium level”, meaning it’s suitable for most abilities and ages. The craggy splendor creates essential habitats for a host of wildlife – from black-tailed deer and bobcats to large birds of prey, Northern Pacific rattlesnakes and two species of lizard – and there are several picnic areas offering panoramic views across northern Silicon Valley.
23. Wine Affairs
Winery
Wine cannot be ignored when exploring the Silicon Valley, and Wine Affairs has enough to keep even the most knowledgeable oenologist on their toes. Conveniently situated on the Alameda – slap bang in the middle of San Jose and Santa Clara – this snug urban bar was once a bike shop and bookstore, before finding its true identity serving California and international wines, along with American porters, stouts, ales and lagers. Drink in the atmosphere, but not before sampling its delightful menu.
24. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Park, Zoo
This park owes its name to a contest held by the San Jose Mercury News in 1957, just four years before it finally opened to the public and ten years before it was expended into a zoo. Kids will love the wide range of animals on show (surprising, considering its small size), but for the unenthralled, there’s also go-karting, carousels and other delightful rides aplenty.
Hoover Tower
Head to the Hoover Tower, a 285-foot structure that is part of the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace on the Stanford University campus. Completed in 1941, this tower is a Palo Alto landmark. Pack a lunch to enjoy in the grassy area before checking out the many exhibitions inside, including the 14th-floor observation platform, where visitors can see the entire campus and other gorgeous views of the city.
Stanford Shopping Center
Stanford Shopping Center is one of the top open-air shopping and dining destinations in Northern California. Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus are just a few of the more than 140 world-class stores you’ll find. Locals and tourists also come for the range restaurants and cafés, fresh California produce, gardens, and sculptures. This isn’t just a shopping center—it’s a taste of Silicon Valley everyone should experience.
AutoVino
Car and wine lovers flock to AutoVino to store their most prized possessions in the top state-of-the-art facility. Collectors appreciate the perfect conditions to preserve timeless automobiles and to age wine. Events are held regularly and allow visitors to marvel at some of the most amazing cars on the planet and taste wines from Woodside Vineyards.
Hewlett Packard Garage
The Hewlett Packard Garage is where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard formed their two-person company in 1939 and has since been dubbed the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.” It was in this rented garage that the very first Silicon Valley startup began, paving the way to worldwide inspiration in technology and innovation. HP acquired the property in 2000 and restored it as it was in 1939.
Shoreline Lake Boathouse
The Shoreline Lake Boathouse is among Silicon Valley’s top scenic destinations. Spend the day kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and more at this lakeside paradise. Camps, water sport classes, and special events are also offered. Grab a bite at the American Bistro, or pre-order their Picnic Basket to pick-up when you arrive.
Hiller Aviation Museum
This museum is fun for the young, old, and anyone in between. Pilot a flight simulator, fly a drone, or discover the preserved aviation history spanning more than a century. The Hiller Aviation Museum will captivate those who didn’t even know they were interested in taking flight. Open seven days a week, the museum holds different exhibitions weekly, and they turn the parking lot into what can only be described as a food-truck extravaganza every Wednesday afternoon.
Junior Museum and Zoo
The Junior Museum and Zoo is the place for children to explore, discover, and play through hands-on science exhibits. The zoo has more than 50 animal species for children to learn about and observe. People of all ages will leave here feeling more connected to science, plants, animals, and the planet.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
Roam the 2.5-acres of gorgeous herb and rose gardens, and visit the historic home, carriage house and tearoom. The Gamble Garden is a great escape from the techie metropolis. Breathe in the fresh blooming flowers and herbs, drink in a little history, and maybe even take a class on the stunning Monarch Butterfly, or participate in the Garden Fresh Luncheon.
Google Android Lawn Statues
Every time Google launches a new Android or operating system, they add a statue to the lawn in front of the Android development team’s building. Built to represent the codename for the system—always named for a sweet treat—as of August this year, there are 15 statues. Among them are a gingerbread man for the Gingerbread operating system and an Android made out of a plastic KitKat bar, for the KitKat operating system.
Additional reporting by Jo Varley.
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