Best Scenic Spot Santa Clara Near Me

4worldlovers:
A fifty-two acre park, Central Park has major facilities. The area west of Saratoga Creek contains group and individual picnic facilities, children's play area, public restrooms, amphitheater, parking, two lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, the Veterans Memorial, and a 30,000 square foot Community Recreation Center, which is the hub of the City's recreation programs.


East of the creek is the world famous George F. Haines International Swim Center, Bob Fatjo Sports Center which includes the Tony Sanchez Field (named for the former Parks & Recreation Department Sports/Aquatics Coordinator) as well as a second lighted softball field, the Santa Clara Tennis Center with 8 lighted tennis courts and practice wall, open space, a lake, large group picnic areas, parking, public restrooms, a lawn bowling green, exercise course, and the Central Park Library.


Fifty-seven United States Flags are flown on designated holidays at the front of Central Park along Kiely Blvd. The 9' x 6' flags were donated by Mission City Community Fund, with funds provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars. This display of flags is also replicated on holidays in front of the City cemetery with 21 additional flags. Collectively, these two flag displays are referred to as the City of Santa Clara's "Avenue of Flags."


Listed are the dates that the flags will be flown at Central Park:

4worldlovers: Drive to the top of Sierra Road. The free public parking area and equestrian parking is located on the right.

This preserve in the Eastern foothills of Santa Clara County offers sweeping views of the Valley and the opportunity to stroll through diverse landscapes including oak woodlands, rolling grassland, and chaparral communities, characterized by their groups of shrubs. Perched above Alum Rock Park, the area protects watersheds, areas of land that absorb water for it to flow into streams and reservoirs, like Penitencia Creek and is home to several protected wildlife species including the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, American badger, and Western burrowing owl and other species such as golden eagle, mountain lion, bobcat, and gray fox.


The Aquila Loop Trail is a mellow hike, perfect for beginners and families with young children. Enjoy expansive views as you stroll through grasslands and rock outcroppings that were once part of the ocean floor. Keep your eyes peeled for red-tailed hawks, bobcats, and acorn woodpeckers.


The preserve offers multi-use trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Stop at one of four benches along the trails to relax and enjoy the views.

Please note that there is NO access to Sierra Vista from Alum Rock Park through Alum Rock Falls Road. Trespassing is strictly prohibited.

4worldlovers:
The Grand Staircase offers a steep climb toward a panoramic view and is commonly known as “The Steps” or “The Stairs.” The staircase leads to the top of Communications Hill, named for the 114-foot decommissioned microwave tower at its peak.


Architect Daniel Solomon designed the stairs utilizing inspiration from the better known Telegraph Hill, which leads visitors up 400 steps to San Francisco’s Coit Tower. The Grand Staircase is actually two staircases with a walking trail between them.


On any given morning, it’s not uncommon to find people exercising along the stairs. After sunset, the area transforms into a popular hangout destination for the younger crowd. At night, the stairs offer unparalleled views of the city lights shining in front of the dark expanse of the Santa Cruz Mountains.


The area is popular for prom and wedding pictures. Visitors also flock to the hill for the best view of July 4th and New Year’s Eve firework shows. During the spring, a massive herd of sheep inhabit the hill to consume the dry brush in preparation for fire season each year.