Best Park San Jose Near Me

4worldlovers: In the dense urban environment of downtown San Jose, the trails, parks and plazas of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens not only serve to preserve the natural ecology, they offer residents and visitors a multitude of ways to engage, relax, discover and enjoy the area.

Here, you can ride, walk, run, or skate 2.6 miles of trails. You can enjoy the public art, attend a festival, romp in the Rotary PlayGarden, or simply watch the wildlife and river flow. Take time to stop and smell the roses – there are 3,700 varieties to choose from in the Heritage Rose Garden. See the fruit trees that put this valley on the map in the Historic Orchard, or cultivate your own plot in the Guadalupe Community Garden. Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Center to sign up for a class, pick up a map, and check out our local wildlife displays.

Thank you for your support of the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy and our work to further the active-use and development of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens.

As one of Silicon Valley’s unique natural and civic resources, we hope you consider donating to empower our work to reconnect and restore our civic greenway and uplift our local communities through the power of parks.

4worldlovers:
Picnic areas are non-reservable, and are occupied at a first-come, first-serve basis.

4worldlovers:
For current trail conditions as well as closure information, please call (408) 355-2200; select option 3 for trail information.


Welcome to Santa Teresa County Park located in the Santa Teresa Hills ten miles south of downtown San Jose. This diverse 1,673 acre park, rich in history, offers spectacular views from its trails above the Almaden and Santa Clara Valleys. The secluded upland valleys of the park provide a quiet interlude for exploring the natural environment minutes away from the surrounding developed areas.

The Ranger Station for Santa Teresa County Park is located at Hellyer County Park.

Santa Teresa County Park is located at the southern end of the Santa Teresa Hills. The park may be accessed from either Almaden Valley or Santa Clara Valley. From Santa Clara Valley, take US 101 or Highway 85 to the Bernal Road exit. Proceed west 1.3 miles on Bernal Road and cross Santa Teresa Boulevard toward the Santa Teresa Hills. Bernal Road continues past the park's Santa Teresa Golf Club, winding up into the hills. The Pueblo Day Use Area is located off Bernal Road in a small open valley in the hills. Limited parking and trailhead access are available from Almaden Valley. From San Jose, follow Almaden Expressway until it ends. Turn right onto Harry Road, then turn left onto McKean Road. Travel approximately 1.3 miles to Fortini Road. Turn left onto Fortini Road toward the Santa Teresa Hills. At the end of Fortini Road, turn left onto San Vicente Avenue. A ten car parking area is located on the right about 500 feet from Fortini Road. Public transit is available to Santa Teresa County Park.

Santa Teresa County Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The Santa Teresa Golf Club, operated by a concessionnaire, offers an 18 hole championship course and a 9 hole/par three course. The clubhouse includes a restaurant and pro shop. Electric carts are available for a fee. Also located in the golf course is a banquet facility, available by reservation. For green fee rates, reservations and more information about the golf course, call (408) 225-2650 or visit Santa Teresa Golf Club.

The Pueblo Day Use Area includes parking for over 170 vehicles and an equestrian staging area. A reservable group picnic area for up to 100 people with a large barbeque pit is sited near a restroom facility and potable water source. Other individual picnic tables and barbeques are scattered throughout the day use area.

The historic Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch and Santa Teresa Springs are open to the public and available for school tours. For more information on school tours, please visit our education page​.

An archery range, operated and maintained by the Black Mountain Bowmen Archery Club, is open for public use except when tournaments are scheduled.

The park offers over 17 miles of unpaved trails for equestrian, hiking and bicycle use. Some of the trails are steep, namely around Coyote Peak. The Coyote Alamitos Canal is a Santa Clara Valley Water District facility. The canal includes a maintenance road which is not part of the park's trail system. Spectacular wildflower displays may be found from March through June on the Stile Ranch Trail as well as many other trails in the park.

Picnicking by groups and families is a popular activity in Santa Teresa County Park, namely in the Pueblo Day Use area. Please help make this experience enjoyable for everyone by adhering to the following rules and any posted regulations:

The Pueblo Group Area is available for groups up to 100 persons. To reserve this facility, please call (408) 355-2201, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Reservations at group area does not include reserved parking.

Do not drive into picnic areas or onto lawns or paths.

Twenty minutes is the maximum time allowed for parking in the yellow zone for unloading and loading of picnic supplies.

No tacks, nails, or staples on park signs, tables, or trees.

Allow fires in barbecue pits to burn out. Water will damage the grill and pit.

The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round. Fees are required to reserve the Pueblo Group Picnic Area. For green fees and other information regarding the golf club, call (408) 225-2650.