Best Tourist Attraction Santa Clara Near Me

4worldlovers: An all-new ride, a re-theming of a beloved attraction, a renovated games gallery and a fully upgraded picnic area for more fun in the sun coming this summer

Featuring thrill rides, live entertainment, and South Bay Shores waterpark, California’s Great America is the top destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.

If you are looking for things to do near San Jose, Great America has you covered with more than 60 rides, thrilling roller coasters, kid-sized fun in Planet Snoopy, and South Bay Shores waterpark – the only amusement park in Northern California that has a waterpark included with park admission.

Exhilarating rides, tempting treats and restaurants, live entertainment and world-class events happening year-round means there’s always a reason to return.

From culinary experiences to holiday fun, you won't want to miss any of our unique special events!

Enjoy unlimited visits and free parking to Great America and South Bay Shores Waterpark with a 2023 Silver Pass! Pays for itself in less than 2 visits.

South Bay Shores is NOW OPEN featuring extreme water slides like a six-story drop on Pacific Surge, mini-slides at Tide Pool Lagoon for the little swimmer, a relaxing stream of Rushin' River, plus many more.

We offer a wide array of group activities that can be tailored for your needs - plus employee offers on group ticket sales.

4worldlovers: Welcome to the spiritual and historic heart of Santa Clara University

Historic Mission Santa Clara is a consecrated Roman Catholic church that sits at the heart of Santa Clara University’s campus. First Established by the Franciscan Order in 1777 as part of the chain of 21 Alta California Missions, our Mission Church was the only one of the 21 that the Franciscans handed over to the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1851, making SCU the first institution of higher education in the State of California. Today, Mission Santa Clara remains the central hub of our campus’ religious and spiritual life. As part of SCU’s Division of Mission and Ministry, the Mission Church continues to welcome our faculty, staff, alums, and neighbors to join our student body in worship.

4worldlovers:
The South Bay Historical Railroad Society (SBHRS) was incorporated in 1985 to preserve the local area railroad heritage while running a working museum to benefit the community. Our members are volunteers and work on the renovation and preservation of the Santa Clara Railroad Depot, the Santa Clara Tower and the two maintenance-of-way buildings.


A large and varied collection of historic railroad artifacts are on display in the Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History located in the Depot. This now includes the Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation business car #184 which was loaned to us and placed on our siding on June 26, 2009.

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: Featuring 11 unique gallery and exhibit spaces, the 49ers Museum presented by Foxconn Industrial Internet is a 20,000 square foot facility dedicated to the 49ers past, present and future.

The museum is dedicated to its values of education, innovation and heritage and is committed to serving as an exciting, engaging home for fans of all ages.

To explore more topics about 49ers history, visit the Museum’s Longform Article Series.


Entry tickets will be available for purchase in the Museum’s lobby during operating hours.

Step into our Augmented Reality to take your place beside current and former players or take in our “What’s Trending” display featuring everything you want to know about the team’s recent success, what’s happening in the museum and our most recently curated artifacts.


James Owens was born in Sacramento, CA., where he attended Norte del Rio High School. A world-class sprinter and hurdler at UCLA, Owens competed in the 1976 Olympic Games at Montreal and finished sixth in the 110-meter hurdles. His speed attracted the attention of 49ers coach Bill Walsh and he was the first player Walsh ever selected in an NFL draft (second round in 1979). Walsh’s second pick was Joe Montana (third round in 1979). Owens made his name with the 49ers as a kick returner. In a 17-13 loss to Detroit in 1980, Owens sprinted 101 yards with a kickoff to score, the longest return in the NFL that season. He also was used as a wide receiver and nabbed 19 receptions for 254 yards during his two years with the 49ers.

Inside the Morabito Theater — which features a 50’ x 18’ screen and 4K technology — you’ll be inspired by the story of the 49ers as told through our signature film.


Walk amongst life-sized statues of our 31 Hall of Famers in their signature poses. Snap a photo next to Coach Bill Walsh and Joe Montana or put yourself in the huddle with the Million Dollar Backfield.

Explore an interactive touch screen and listen to first-person stories from the 49ers all-time roster about what it was like to play for the team. An interactive database will allow visitors to research every possible stat on every person that ever wore a 49ers uniform.

An homage to one of the most influential people the NFL has ever known, this re-creation of Coach Walsh’s Redwood City office serves as both a treasure trove of artifacts and the home of a signature film on Coach Walsh as told from the eyes of players, friends and others. The Bill Walsh Coaching Universe features an interactive exhibit that chronicles the coach’s vast impact on the coaching ranks of professional football.

An era-by-era experience of historical items, stories, interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind artifacts. Spanning the years of 1946 until the present day, guests will leave the Heritage gallery with a deep appreciation for the history and tradition that are so important to the 49ers organization.

Sports figures in the Bay Area spurred social change that impacted the nation and the world. This exhibit examines five stories where the message met the moment, and sports figures intersected with social issues to create cultural touchstones and push movements forward