San Francisco Bay Area Attractions 
Fun in Bay Area 
Attractions Golf & Tennis San Jose Shopping City Information
Fun in Bay Area Attractions Golf & Tennis San Jose Shopping City Information
Our hotel's ideal location makes it easy to explore Santa Clara, San Jose, Santa Cruz and the San Francisco Bay Area. Experience the area's exciting and inspiring attractions, museums, universities, theme parks, restaurants, and shops that are all within minutes of our hotel. The links below put you in touch with the all the hottest destinations and fun things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Fun Things to Do in Santa Clara/Bay Area
Paramount's Great America - Experience the exhilarating rides and hair-raising roller coasters at Northern California's most thrilling theme park. Paramount's Great America offers fun and exciting rides, shows, concerts, characters, and beautiful sights above the park on Eagles Flight. For more information, visit www.pgathrills.com. For information about our package that includes accommodations and tickets to Paramount's Great America, click here.
Tech Museum of Innovation - The Tech Museum in San Jose is a “must-see” technology museum devoted to inspiring the innovator in everyone. Experience interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and exciting programs about technologies that affect our daily lives. Experience the unique I-Max theater. For more information or to see current exhibits, visit www.thetech.org.
Shoreline Amphitheater - Experience the Bay Area’s largest, most amazing outdoor concert facility, featuring state-of-the-art technical, visual, and sound systems. The world's most talented entertainers are showcased in an award-winning concert space which delivers an amazing sonic experience. Located in Mountain View, Shoreline features craft booths, eclectic foods, and one of the world’s largest tents. Visit www.shoreline-amd.com.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis - Located on Santa Clara University, this is the eighth of 21 missions built around California by Father Junipero Serra and his Spanish Franciscan padres. Built in 1777, Mission Santa Clara is a California historical landmark. Call (408) 554.4023 or visit www.scu.edu/visitors.
NASA Ames Research Center - Located on the border of Mountain View and Sunnyvale at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Ames hosts a number of federal, civilian, and military agencies on the adjoining 1,500-acre Moffett Federal Airfield. Ames offers educational outreach activities to stimulate student interest in science, mathematics, and technology; and to enhance the knowledge and skills of faculty at all levels. Visit www.arc.nasa.org.
Moffett Field - Originally the Naval Air Station’s home base for the Navy dirigible U.S.S. Macon, Moffett Field is home to NASA Ames Research Center. Moffett Field’s two runways, three aircraft hangars, and 3.5 million square feet of facilities is a shared federal facility that offers exciting annual air shows that thrill spectators with thrilling aeronautics by the country’s best civilian and military aviators. Two year ago, NASA celebrated 100 years of flight at Moffett Field. Visit www.airshownetwork.com. [Top]
Paramount's Great America - Experience the exhilarating rides and hair-raising roller coasters at Northern California's most thrilling theme park. Paramount's Great America offers fun and exciting rides, shows, concerts, characters, and beautiful sights above the park on Eagles Flight. For more information, visit www.pgathrills.com. For information about our package that includes accommodations and tickets to Paramount's Great America, click here.
Tech Museum of Innovation - The Tech Museum in San Jose is a “must-see” technology museum devoted to inspiring the innovator in everyone. Experience interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and exciting programs about technologies that affect our daily lives. Experience the unique I-Max theater. For more information or to see current exhibits, visit www.thetech.org.
Shoreline Amphitheater - Experience the Bay Area’s largest, most amazing outdoor concert facility, featuring state-of-the-art technical, visual, and sound systems. The world's most talented entertainers are showcased in an award-winning concert space which delivers an amazing sonic experience. Located in Mountain View, Shoreline features craft booths, eclectic foods, and one of the world’s largest tents. Visit www.shoreline-amd.com.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis - Located on Santa Clara University, this is the eighth of 21 missions built around California by Father Junipero Serra and his Spanish Franciscan padres. Built in 1777, Mission Santa Clara is a California historical landmark. Call (408) 554.4023 or visit www.scu.edu/visitors.
NASA Ames Research Center - Located on the border of Mountain View and Sunnyvale at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Ames hosts a number of federal, civilian, and military agencies on the adjoining 1,500-acre Moffett Federal Airfield. Ames offers educational outreach activities to stimulate student interest in science, mathematics, and technology; and to enhance the knowledge and skills of faculty at all levels. Visit www.arc.nasa.org.
Moffett Field - Originally the Naval Air Station’s home base for the Navy dirigible U.S.S. Macon, Moffett Field is home to NASA Ames Research Center. Moffett Field’s two runways, three aircraft hangars, and 3.5 million square feet of facilities is a shared federal facility that offers exciting annual air shows that thrill spectators with thrilling aeronautics by the country’s best civilian and military aviators. Two year ago, NASA celebrated 100 years of flight at Moffett Field. Visit www.airshownetwork.com. [Top]
Attractions
HP Pavilion/San Jose Arena - Cheer for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks as they heat up the ice for 41 home season games at HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose. This state-of-the art San Jose arena hosts 180 events and concerts every year, including Grammy winning musicians, Olympic athletes, world-class shows and theater, and exciting family shows. Enjoy boxing events, such as Fight Night, the Sap Open tennis tournament, and sports competitions. Call Event Information at (408) 287-9200 or visit www.hppsj.com.
Intel Museum - At the Intel Museum, visitors enter the micro-miniature world of computer chips as they learn how they are designed, manufactured and placed into thousands of products in our everyday world. The Intel Museum has 3,500 square feet of interactive exhibits that appeal to both children and adults. It is designed as a self-guided experience, but guided tours may be arranged in advance for groups. Visit www.intel.com/intel/intelis/museum/ for more information.
Six Flags Marine World - America's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme-park, this awesome adventure park features: exciting thrill rides, such as Zonga, the new seriously twisted super-coaster with four full circle inversions and a 70 degree dive; kid's attractions, such as Looney Tunes Seaport, with 12 different rides, attractions and shows; and a unique animal zoo where you can get personal with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, reptiles, giraffes and safari animals. Visit http://www.sixflags.com/ for more information.
Byington Vineyard & Winery - Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains with weeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Byington Winery provides the perfect setting for sipping wines or celebrating special occasions. The manicured grounds of the Byington estate and its Italianate stone winery chateau create a striking backdrop for any occasion. Whether dreaming of an enchanted wine country wedding or planning a corporate retreat, visit www.byington.com.
Civic Center Park - A three-acre park, Civic Center Park is on the El Camino Real in front of the Police Administration Building. The park is beautifully landscaped with colorful flower beds and a large reflecting pool and fountains. This park is the site of the Statue of Saint Clare, the City's namesake, a bronze statue cast in Italy in 1965 and shipped to Santa Clara.
Winchester Mystery House - Beautiful, yet bizarre, the Winchester Mystery House is an amazing tour. Sarah L. Winchester, heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, lived in this unfinished house during its perpetual construction. Built in 1884, it occupied the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death 38 years later. An architectural marvel, the Victorian mansion is filled with many unexplained oddities, such as the staircase to the ceiling and a door that opens onto a wall. From exquisite hand inlaid parquet floors to the gold and silver chandeliers and Tiffany art glass windows, you will be impressed by the staggering amount of creativity that poured into every detail. Stroll around the beautiful Winchester gardens. Visit www.winchestermysteryhouse.com. For the Winchester Mystery House Package, click here.
Santa Clara Convention Center - A flexible 262,000 square foot state-of-the-art meeting, trade, and convention complex that has taken its cue from the dynamic business that surrounds it. Floor plans of the Convention Center's meeting rooms and ballrooms are available online, along with detailed listings of services. The Center delivers full telecommunications services and one of the most technologically advanced AV departments in California.
Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park - For a natural day of fun, explore Bonfante Gardens - a one-of-a-kind combo of four unique gardens and amusement rides with the mid-20th century history and agricultural roots of Santa Clara Valley. Set among 600 acres of countryside in Gilroy, California, Bonfante Gardens features 19 rides and 21 attractions including theme gardens, concessions, an event plaza, and 19 of the world-famous Circus Trees. For info, call (408) 840-7100.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose - The Children's Discovery Museum presents innovative and interactive exhibits that nurture the development of children. This downtown San Jose museum features hands-on exhibits, programs, puzzles, and a museum store. More than 150 interactive exhibits lead kids to discover and enjoy the world. Visit http://www.cdm.org. [Top]
HP Pavilion/San Jose Arena - Cheer for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks as they heat up the ice for 41 home season games at HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose. This state-of-the art San Jose arena hosts 180 events and concerts every year, including Grammy winning musicians, Olympic athletes, world-class shows and theater, and exciting family shows. Enjoy boxing events, such as Fight Night, the Sap Open tennis tournament, and sports competitions. Call Event Information at (408) 287-9200 or visit www.hppsj.com.
Intel Museum - At the Intel Museum, visitors enter the micro-miniature world of computer chips as they learn how they are designed, manufactured and placed into thousands of products in our everyday world. The Intel Museum has 3,500 square feet of interactive exhibits that appeal to both children and adults. It is designed as a self-guided experience, but guided tours may be arranged in advance for groups. Visit www.intel.com/intel/intelis/museum/ for more information.
Six Flags Marine World - America's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme-park, this awesome adventure park features: exciting thrill rides, such as Zonga, the new seriously twisted super-coaster with four full circle inversions and a 70 degree dive; kid's attractions, such as Looney Tunes Seaport, with 12 different rides, attractions and shows; and a unique animal zoo where you can get personal with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, reptiles, giraffes and safari animals. Visit http://www.sixflags.com/ for more information.
Byington Vineyard & Winery - Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains with weeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Byington Winery provides the perfect setting for sipping wines or celebrating special occasions. The manicured grounds of the Byington estate and its Italianate stone winery chateau create a striking backdrop for any occasion. Whether dreaming of an enchanted wine country wedding or planning a corporate retreat, visit www.byington.com.
Civic Center Park - A three-acre park, Civic Center Park is on the El Camino Real in front of the Police Administration Building. The park is beautifully landscaped with colorful flower beds and a large reflecting pool and fountains. This park is the site of the Statue of Saint Clare, the City's namesake, a bronze statue cast in Italy in 1965 and shipped to Santa Clara.
Winchester Mystery House - Beautiful, yet bizarre, the Winchester Mystery House is an amazing tour. Sarah L. Winchester, heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, lived in this unfinished house during its perpetual construction. Built in 1884, it occupied the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death 38 years later. An architectural marvel, the Victorian mansion is filled with many unexplained oddities, such as the staircase to the ceiling and a door that opens onto a wall. From exquisite hand inlaid parquet floors to the gold and silver chandeliers and Tiffany art glass windows, you will be impressed by the staggering amount of creativity that poured into every detail. Stroll around the beautiful Winchester gardens. Visit www.winchestermysteryhouse.com. For the Winchester Mystery House Package, click here.
Santa Clara Convention Center - A flexible 262,000 square foot state-of-the-art meeting, trade, and convention complex that has taken its cue from the dynamic business that surrounds it. Floor plans of the Convention Center's meeting rooms and ballrooms are available online, along with detailed listings of services. The Center delivers full telecommunications services and one of the most technologically advanced AV departments in California.
Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park - For a natural day of fun, explore Bonfante Gardens - a one-of-a-kind combo of four unique gardens and amusement rides with the mid-20th century history and agricultural roots of Santa Clara Valley. Set among 600 acres of countryside in Gilroy, California, Bonfante Gardens features 19 rides and 21 attractions including theme gardens, concessions, an event plaza, and 19 of the world-famous Circus Trees. For info, call (408) 840-7100.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose - The Children's Discovery Museum presents innovative and interactive exhibits that nurture the development of children. This downtown San Jose museum features hands-on exhibits, programs, puzzles, and a museum store. More than 150 interactive exhibits lead kids to discover and enjoy the world. Visit http://www.cdm.org. [Top]
Santa Clara/San Jose Golfing
Santa Clara Golf & Tennis - Enjoy the area's top golfing and sports facilities that are within minutes from the hotel. Hit the greens or the courts while enjoying the beautiful Santa Clara weather and scenery.
Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club - The Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club is part of the Santa Clara Trade and Convention Center Complex. The par 72, championship, 18-hole links-style golf course offers 4 sets of tees and a challenging layout for all skill levels. The Club also includes a lighted driving range, a putting green, 7 lighted tennis courts, a pro shop, and David's Restaurant and Bar.
Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Sunken Gardens Golf Course in Sunnyvale is a public, 9-hole course. Sunken Gardens is a great place to practice your game, especially if you’re a beginner, but getting around the course may take some time. For tee times, call (408) 739-6588.
Sunnyvale Golf Course - Sunnyvale's municipal golf course is a short, flat course with well-placed trees and bunkers, 6 water holes, tree-lined fairways, and ponds. This course is tough in the afternoon as it lies across from Moffett Field and the wind can howl. You might have a P-3 Orion fly over head while playing. Call (408) 738-3666.
Shoreline Golf Links - Located in Mountain View, Shoreline Golf Links is an 18-hole, championship golf course that challenges with many bunkers and doglegs. The windswept course is part of Shoreline Park, which features a sailing lake, bicycle and jogging trails. Call (650) 969-2041. [Top]
Santa Clara Golf & Tennis - Enjoy the area's top golfing and sports facilities that are within minutes from the hotel. Hit the greens or the courts while enjoying the beautiful Santa Clara weather and scenery.
Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club - The Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club is part of the Santa Clara Trade and Convention Center Complex. The par 72, championship, 18-hole links-style golf course offers 4 sets of tees and a challenging layout for all skill levels. The Club also includes a lighted driving range, a putting green, 7 lighted tennis courts, a pro shop, and David's Restaurant and Bar.
Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Sunken Gardens Golf Course in Sunnyvale is a public, 9-hole course. Sunken Gardens is a great place to practice your game, especially if you’re a beginner, but getting around the course may take some time. For tee times, call (408) 739-6588.
Sunnyvale Golf Course - Sunnyvale's municipal golf course is a short, flat course with well-placed trees and bunkers, 6 water holes, tree-lined fairways, and ponds. This course is tough in the afternoon as it lies across from Moffett Field and the wind can howl. You might have a P-3 Orion fly over head while playing. Call (408) 738-3666.
Shoreline Golf Links - Located in Mountain View, Shoreline Golf Links is an 18-hole, championship golf course that challenges with many bunkers and doglegs. The windswept course is part of Shoreline Park, which features a sailing lake, bicycle and jogging trails. Call (650) 969-2041. [Top]
Santa Clara/San Jose Shopping
Santana Row - Santana Row is South Bay's vibrant shopping and entertainment destination with many exciting shops, eateries and spas. Dining options range from casual outdoor cafés to sophisticated international cuisine. Pedestrian streets have a European flair with fountains, a farmers' market, concerts and events in the open air. Visit www.santanarow.com.
Westfield Valley Fair - Westfield Valley Fair is an incredible Santa Clara shopping mall featuring 100 retail stores, including anchors Macy's and Nordstrom. Shop at specialty stores Victoria's Secret, Eddie Bauer, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aveda, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Puma and Louis Vuitton. Visit www.westfield.com/valleyfair.
Westgate Mall - A San Jose community shopping center, the remodeled Westgate Mall features many discount stores, upscale one-of-a-kind stores such as Paris-based Roche-Bobois, plus favorites like Old Navy, Nordstrom Rack, Burlington Coat Factory, and a new Target. You’ll also find Safeway and Century 25 Theatres.
Call (408) 379-9350.
Santa Clara Farmer’s Market - The Downtown Santa Clara Farmers Market opens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, May 1 through the end of October. The Farmer’s Market only sells "certified” food items produced by local farmers. A popular spot is on Jackson Street between Homestead Road and Benton St.
San Jose Flea Market - A California tradition for over four decades, the San Jose Flea Market is the largest open-air market in the US, featuring 8 miles of colorful alleys and treasure-laden corridors where over 2,000 vendors sell their wares across 120 acres of land. Expect a crowd on weekends. Call (408) 453-1110 or
visit www.sjfm.com.
Great Mall Of The Bay Area - The Great Mall is Northern California’s largest enclosed outlet mall, featuring incredible shopping at 185 outlets, nine restaurants, an international food court, an entertainment complex, a 20-plex theater, and events. The Great Mall features OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John Knits Outlet, The Sharper Image Outlet, Dave & Buster’s, Vans Skate Park, and Century Theatres.
Visit www.greatmallbayarea.com.
Stanford Shopping Center - San Francisco Bay Area's premier shopping and dining experience, Stanford Shopping Center features Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Macy's, and 140 world-class stores and restaurants. One of the few open air centers in the U.S., Stanford Shopping Center is a European-style street market with gourmet coffee, fresh flowers, international cuisine, spectacular gardens, and sculptures by California artists. Visit www.stanfordshop.com. [Top]
Santana Row - Santana Row is South Bay's vibrant shopping and entertainment destination with many exciting shops, eateries and spas. Dining options range from casual outdoor cafés to sophisticated international cuisine. Pedestrian streets have a European flair with fountains, a farmers' market, concerts and events in the open air. Visit www.santanarow.com.
Westfield Valley Fair - Westfield Valley Fair is an incredible Santa Clara shopping mall featuring 100 retail stores, including anchors Macy's and Nordstrom. Shop at specialty stores Victoria's Secret, Eddie Bauer, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aveda, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Puma and Louis Vuitton. Visit www.westfield.com/valleyfair.
Westgate Mall - A San Jose community shopping center, the remodeled Westgate Mall features many discount stores, upscale one-of-a-kind stores such as Paris-based Roche-Bobois, plus favorites like Old Navy, Nordstrom Rack, Burlington Coat Factory, and a new Target. You’ll also find Safeway and Century 25 Theatres.
Call (408) 379-9350.
Santa Clara Farmer’s Market - The Downtown Santa Clara Farmers Market opens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, May 1 through the end of October. The Farmer’s Market only sells "certified” food items produced by local farmers. A popular spot is on Jackson Street between Homestead Road and Benton St.
San Jose Flea Market - A California tradition for over four decades, the San Jose Flea Market is the largest open-air market in the US, featuring 8 miles of colorful alleys and treasure-laden corridors where over 2,000 vendors sell their wares across 120 acres of land. Expect a crowd on weekends. Call (408) 453-1110 or
visit www.sjfm.com.
Great Mall Of The Bay Area - The Great Mall is Northern California’s largest enclosed outlet mall, featuring incredible shopping at 185 outlets, nine restaurants, an international food court, an entertainment complex, a 20-plex theater, and events. The Great Mall features OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John Knits Outlet, The Sharper Image Outlet, Dave & Buster’s, Vans Skate Park, and Century Theatres.
Visit www.greatmallbayarea.com.
Stanford Shopping Center - San Francisco Bay Area's premier shopping and dining experience, Stanford Shopping Center features Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Macy's, and 140 world-class stores and restaurants. One of the few open air centers in the U.S., Stanford Shopping Center is a European-style street market with gourmet coffee, fresh flowers, international cuisine, spectacular gardens, and sculptures by California artists. Visit www.stanfordshop.com. [Top]
City Information
Visit TripAdvisor
California Wedding Directory
- Local Weather
- City of Mountain View
- City of San Jose - Convention & Visitors Bureau
- City of Santa Cruz - Beach and Boardwalk
- City of San Francisco
- Santa Clara CVB
- San Jose International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Santa Clara University
- San Jose State University
- Stanford University
- Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair
- Great Mall Of The Bay Area
- Hawthorn Suites
- Santa Clara Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Visit TripAdvisor
California Wedding Directory
