Best Picnic Ground Santa Clara Near Me

4worldlovers:
Park hours are 6:00 am to 1/2 hour after sunset, unless otherwise noted at park entrance.


Ulistac Natural Area, 40 acres of open space that showcases seven distinctive natural habitats, opened in Santa Clara in 2001 after months of volunteer efforts to restore California native vegetation and preserve wildlife habitat. This land was originally used as a seasonal encampment for the Ohlone Indians (Ulistac was the name of an Ohlone chief). For more information:


The park is located along the Guadalupe River on Lick Mill Boulevard between Tasman Drive and Montague Expressway. Public access is provided from Lick Mill Boulevard and the creekside trail along the Guadalupe River.

4worldlovers:
Welcome to Ed R. Levin County Park, one of Santa Clara County's most unique regional park and recreation areas. This 1,558 acre park combines the traditional features of an urban park such as picnicking, fishing and play areas, with the complex trail system of many regional wilderness parks. Ed R. Levin's expansive lawn areas make it an ideal spot for family outings, while the rolling grasslands and Oak woodlands are available to visitors looking for a back-to-nature experience. The park's Monument Peak provides a spectacular view of the valley floor and the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy your visit, and return often to enjoy the many unique aspects of Ed R. Levin County Park.


Also featured at the park is an expansive off-leash dog park for large and small dogs alike! Owned and operated by the City of Milpitas this dog park is one of the most popular features in Ed R. Levin County Park. Dogs are also allowed on-leash in parking lots, picnic areas, and all trails north of Calaveras Road.

ALERT: Sandy Wool Lake will be closed to all public fishing during these dates: 8am Thursday, March 9 to Noon Sunday, March 12 AND 8am Thursday, May 18 to Noon Saturday, May 20.

Traveling on either Interstate 680 or 880, take the Calaveras Road exit in Milpitas. Drive east towards the foothills along Calaveras Road. Calaveras Road passes through the southern portion of Ed R. Levin Park. There are two main use areas in the park. The Sandy Wool Lake area is located north of Calaveras Road and the Spring Valley Pond area is located south of Calaveras Road. To reach the Sandy Wool Lake area, take a left turn off Calaveras Road onto Downing Road. Travel north along Downing Road to reach Sandy Wool Lake, the hang gliding area and the main trail use areas. To reach the Spring Valley Pond area, continue along Calaveras Road, past Downing Road and turn right into the park area to reach the Ranger station, Visitor Center and Spring Valley Pond. Spring Valley Golf Course parking and Club House is located across Calaveras Road from the Visitor Center.

Hiking, horseback riding, picnicking and hang gliding are popular activities at Ed R. Levin Park. Visitors may enjoy the playground, fly kites and play frisbee on one of the three lawn areas. The park is also home to the Wings of Rogallo hang gliding club. It is a unique experience to watch these beautiful hang gliders and paragliders soar in the skies above the park.

Fishing is another favorite activity at Ed R. Levin Park. Sandy Wool Lake is stocked from November through May. Swimming is prohibited.

Hikers, equestrians and cyclists may enjoy sections of the park's 20.6 mile trail system. As part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail alignment, sections of the Agua Caliente Trail and the Calera Creek Trail are open to bicyclists. Maps of the entire Bay Area Ridge Trail System may be obtained from the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Some of the East Bay Regional Park District's trails also connect to Ed R.Levin Park.

The southern portion of the park, known as the Spring Valley Area, is named for the many springs that flow freely in this area. The large pond is a favorite kids-only fishing hole for children ages 5 through 12 years. The 18-hole Spring Valley Golf Course is also located in this area.

The Laguna Cemetery is also located on the Spring Valley Area. This pioneer cemetery was used from 1863 to 1912. Destroyed by vandals and neglected for years, it has recently been renovated. Stop by the cemetery gates and enjoy the fascinating memorial which provides a glimpse into the lives of the people buried there.

The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. Vehicle entry fees are collected year-round. Entry fees are posted at the kiosk.

In compliance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ('ADA'),the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its programs, services, or activities. The Department will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disability have an equal opportunity to enjoy our programs, services, facilities, and activities. If you need assistance with an ADA request, please contact our ADA Coordinator.