Bay Family Attractions:
Santa Clara is the ideal destination for business meetings, conventions and leisure travel in California. 
Whether you are visiting for a family vacation or a corporate retreat, Santa Clara and Silicon Valley offer many exciting attractions, diverse restaurants, inspiring museums, excellent golf and tennis facilities, world-class shopping centers, award-winning wineries, beautiful parks, acclaimed universities and global businesses.
Take some time to visit thrilling attractions like California's Great America theme park, the Intel Museum, and Winchester Mystery House, or go to fun events like the Santa Clara Farmer's Market and the annual Art and Wine Festival.
Paramount's Great America Theme Park - California's Great America is Northern California’s ultimate family theme park and entertainment destination, with exciting rides, live stage show, concerts, Nickelodeon TV characters, and beautiful sights. Located in Santa Clara, California's Great America features 10 pulse-pounding coasters and the wild water rides of Boomerang Bay. Open March - October. Visit www.pgathrills.com.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis - Located on the grounds of Santa Clara University, this is the eighth of twenty-one missions that were built around California by Father Junipero Serra and his Spanish Franciscan padres. Built in 1777, Mission Santa Clara is a California historical landmark. Located at 500 El Camino Real. 408.554.4023; www.scu.edu/visitors.
Bay 101 Casino – Enjoy fun gaming action on two casino floors with 40 card tables offering a variety of card games including Hold ‘em, Lowball, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, Super Pan 9, and more. Bay 101 Casino is located 3 miles south off Hwy 101. in San Jose. Call (408) 451-8888; www.bay101.com.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - California 's oldest seaside amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk blends old-time nostalgia with modern thrills. Located on a mile-beach between Monterey and San Francisco, the Boardwalk is a free hot spot for beach vibes, 34 classic rides, attractions, an old-style arcade, summer concerts, and events. Call (831) 423-5590 or visit www.beachboardwalk.com.
Santa Cruz Wharf – Stretching out a half mile into Monterey Bay, adjacent to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is lined with fish markets, seafood restaurants and gift shops. Hop aboard a boat for a sightseeing excursion around the bay, or stroll to the end of the wharf to watch the comical sea lions. The wharf hosts events throughout the year, including Jazz on the Wharf and Woodies on the Wharf.
Center for the Performing Arts - Located in San Jose, the Center for the Performing Arts - designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation – presents stage productions, events, concerts, dance and shows, and an elegant intimate after-theater area. The theater features continental seating with 2,665 seats, and an infrared system for the hearing-impaired.
Elizabeth F. Gamble House and Gardens – Located in Palo Alto, this 1902 Colonial Georgian house is set on a 2.3-acre estate. Bequeathed by Elizabeth F. Gamble, the estate features formal and working gardens. The estate houses an historic home, carriage house, teahouse and several demonstration gardens. Self-guided tours are offered daily. Call (650) 329-1356 for information.
Civic Center Park – Located on El Camino Real, Civic Center Park is a three-acre park that’s beautifully landscaped with colorful flower beds, a large reflecting pool and fountains. This park is the site of the Statue of Saint Clare, the City's namesake, a bronze statue by Anne Van Kleeck, cast in Italy in 1965 and shipped around Cape Horn to Santa Clara.
Raging Waters – Raging Waters in San Jose is the world’s greatest water adventure with maximum thrills, water rides, the Wave Pool and Activity Pool, attractions, shops and food. Experience the Dragon’s Den, the splashy twists and turns on Barracuda Blaster, or journey through streams and waterfalls on the Lazy River. Visit www.rwsplash.com.
Bonfante Gardens - Explore Bonfante Gardens, a unique combination of four beautiful 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, Bonfante Gardens features 19 rides and 21 attractions including theme gardens, food concessions, an event plaza, and 19 of the world famous Circus Trees. Call (408) 840-7100.
Winchester Mystery House - Beautiful, yet bizarre, the Winchester Mystery House is an amazing tour. 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, three working elevators, 47 fireplaces, rambling roofs, exquisite hand inlaid parquet floors, gold and silver chandeliers, and Tiffany art glass windows. Visit www.winchestermysteryhouse.com.
Stanford Lively Arts - In its 36th year at Stanford University, Stanford Lively Arts invites audiences to explore classical and world music, dance, and spoken word performances by world-famous artists and astounding newcomers. Through passionate live performance and the creation of new art, they make performing arts an exciting part of the Bay Area.
Shoreline Amphitheater - Experience the Bay Area’s largest, most amazing outdoor concert facility, featuring state-of-the-art technical, visual, and sound systems. T he 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 boasts one of the world’s largest tent structures. Visit www.shoreline-amd.com.
NASA Ames Research Center – Located on the border of Mountain View and Sunnyvale at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Ames occupies 430 acres of land, and hosts a number of federal, civilian, and military agencies on the adjoining 1,500-acre former naval air station, known as MoffettFederal 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 now a shared federal facility known as Moffett Federal Airfield. Exciting annual air shows over thrill spectators with thrilling aeronautics by some of the country’s best civilian and military aviators. Last year, NASA celebrated 100 years of flight at Moffett Field. Visit www.airshownetwork.com.
Space Camp - Want to train like a real astronaut? At Space Camp, you fly on a realistic, simulated shuttle mission, experiencing weightlessness and a space walk. Space Camp is a fun and educational way to spends five days learning about the physical, mental and emotional demands that astronauts face.
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, 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 .
San Jose Sharks – The exciting San Jose Sharks play 41 season games. Having taken San Jose by storm, the game of hockey and the hometown team combine for the ultimate "powerplay." Join Sharkie, the team mascot, and the rest of the Sharks franchise for a hot day on ice! For ticket and schedule information, call (408) 999-5757 or order online at www.sj-sharks.com.
HP PavilionSan Jose Arena - In addition to the 41 San Jose Sharks regular season home games, the HP Pavilion at San Jose hosts 120 to 180 events every year, including Olympic athletes, Grammy winning musicians, first-rate shows, exhibitions and competitions, and family and children's favorites. The San Jose Arena occupies 17 acres in downtown San Jose.
Gilroy Garlic Festival - Gilroy has been hosting the world's best food festival for 26 years to celebrate the garlic harvest and raise money for local charities. Since 1979, the Garlic Festival has offered great food and summer family entertainment that’s made it one of the premier food festivals in the world. The Gilroy Garlic Festival is a fun and fragrant experience the last weekend in July.Santa Clara Convention Center – Located south of San Francisco in Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara Convention Center is one of the most modern, well equipped Convention Centers in the US. A flexible 262,000 square foot state-of-the-art meeting, trade, convention and banquet complex that has taken its cue from the dynamic business that now surrounds it. The Santa Clara Convention Center provides audio-visual, video and computer needs, telecommunications and technology solutions, catering and event planning services. Floor plans of the meeting rooms and ballrooms, along with listings of services, are available at www.santaclara.org.
San Jose McEnery Convention Center - Framed by a 125-foot abstract tile mural, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center encompasses over 425,000 square feet of function space. Designed for convenience and versatility, it offers 143,000 square feet of column-free prime exhibit space divisible by three, an elegant 22,000 square foot ballroom, up to 30 meeting rooms capable of seating up to 2,400 theater-style, and can accommodate banquets to 5,000.
Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club – The 155-acre Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club features a championship 18-hole, links-style golf course designed by Robert Muir Graves. The 72 par, 6,704-yard course is a challenging layout for all skill levels. The Club also includes a lighted driving range, a putting green, 7 lighted tennis courts, a Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, and David's Restaurant. Call (408) 980-9515.
Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Sunnyvale, California, the Sunken Gardens Golf Course is a public 9-hole, par 3 course. Hole #6 - a 271 yard par 4 – is probably the best challenge on the course. If you can hit that far you will need a perfect draw shot. 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 more information, 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, and tree-lined fairways, and ponds. This course can become very tough in the afternoon as it lies across Hwy. 101 from Moffett Field and the wind can howl. You might have a P-3 Orion fly over head while playing; the 10th fairway has runway marker lights. Call (408) 738-3666.
Shoreline Golf Links - Adjacent to San Francisco Bay in Mountain View, Shoreline Golf Links is an 18-hole, championship golf course that challenges golfers with numerous bunkers and doglegs. The buffer zone of windswept land is part of Mountain View's Shoreline Park, which features a sailing lake, bicycle and jogging trails and open space uses. The course is open for play 364 days a year from dawn to dusk. Call (650) 969-2041
Stanford University Golf Course - The Stanford University Golf Course, designed in 1930 by renowned golf course architects, is situated in the foothills above the Stanford University Campus. Consistently rated one of the finest courses in the world, in 1998 the golf course was rated 91st in the country by Golf Week Magazine and in 1993 was rated 88th in the world by Golf Magazine. Visit www.stnfordagolfcourse.com.
Tech Museum of Innovation - The Tech Museum in San Jose is a unique technology museum that inspires the innovator in everyone. From interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and exciting programs about technologies The Tech is focused on how technology affects our lives. The Tech’s 132,000 sq. ft. features four theme galleries packed with exhibits, the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater, an educational center, an upscale café, and a museum store. Visit www.thetech.org
Intel Museum - Enter the micro-miniature world of computer chips as you learn how they are designed, manufactured and placed into thousands of products in the world. The Intel Museum has 3,500 square feet of interactive exhibits, and is designed as a self-guided experience. Visit www.intel.com/intel/intelis/museum.
Santa Clara Historic Museum - Housed in the Headen-Inman house, the Santa Clara Historic Museum features historic artifacts and photos related to the history of Santa Clara. For information, call (408) 248-2789
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose – The Children's Discovery Museum presents innovative and interactive exhibits that respond to children's diverse educational needs and nurture their cognitive development. This unique downtown San Jose museum features hands-on exhibits, programs, puzzles, and a museum store. More than 150 interactive exhibits lead you to explore, understand and enjoy the world. The giant 52,000 square foot purple building sits in Discovery Meadow Park. Call (408) 298-5437 or visit http://www.cdm.org.
San Jose Museum of Art- D edicated to visual culture and artistic excellence in Silicon Valley, the San Jose Museum of Art is a contemporary art center whose acclaimed exhibitions have ranged across modern masterworks to the newest frontiers of art. A cultural crossroads, SJMA is the largest visual arts education provider in Santa Clara County. Admission is free. Call (408) 271-6840
History San Jose - History San Jose operates the San Jose Historical Museum in Kelley Park and the Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site in downtown San Jose, which offer tours, school programs, exhibits, and a museum store. The Historical Museum is a 14-acre park-like setting, including 27 original and reconstructed homes, businesses, and landmarks highlighting the culture and history of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley. The museum is unique with paved streets, running trolleys, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and café. Call (408) 287-2290
Triton Museum of Art – With an emphasis on Bay Area artists, the Triton Museum in Santa Clara exhibits contemporary and historical works. Permanent collections include rotating exhibits of 19th and 20th century American art, including one of the largest public holdings of paintings by Theodore Wores, and Southwest Native American tribal art. Exhibitions include the art of the Pacific Rim, Europe, and beyond. Visit www.tritonmuseum.org
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 Farmers Market is "certified," meaning that the participants are only selling food items they have produced themselves. The popular activity is on Jackson Street between Homestead Road and Benton Street.
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. More than 4 million people visit annually, so expect a crowd - especially on weekends. Call (408) 453-1110 or visit www.sjfm.com.
Westfield Valley Fair – An integral part of the Santa Clara community, Westfield Valley Fair is an incr edible shopping mall that features more than 100 retail stores, including anchors Macy's and Nordstrom. With a host of other specialty stores like Victoria's Secret, Eddie Bauer, Abercrombie & Fitch, Adrienne Vittadini, Aveda, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Puma, Sunglass Hut, Steve Madden and Louis Vuitton, Valley Fair provides you with all the top designers, fashions and accessories to look and feel your best. Visit www.westfield.com/valleyfair or call (408) 248-4451.
Great Mall Of The Bay Area - TheGreat Mall is Northern California’s largest enclosed outlet mall, featuring 185 outlet stores and venues. This incr edible shopping and entertainment experience includes nine full-service 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.
Mercado Santa Clara - This complex includes a 20-screen AMC Theatre complex, Micro Center Computer Store, and popular food establishments: Tomatina's, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Mexicalli Grill, and Sushi Lovers. Mercado is located between Hwy. 101 and Great America Parkway on Mission College Blvd. in Santa Clara. AMC Mercado 20 Theatre: (408) 919-0282.
Santana Row - Santana Row is South Bay's premier living, shopping and entertainment destination – a vibrant community of distinctive condominiums/apartments, 66 exciting shops, pampering spas, and a full-service hotel. Dining options range from casual outdoor cafés to sophisticated international cuisines. Pedestrian streets have a European flair, complete with fountains, a farmers' market, concerts and special events in the open air. Visit www.santanarow.com.
Stanford Shopping Center –San Francisco Bay Area's premier shopping and dining experience, Stanford Shopping Center features Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Macy's, plus 140 world-class stores and restaurants. One of the few open air centers in the U.S., Stanford Shopping Center features spectacular gardens and picturesque sculptures by California artists. Enjoy a European-style street market where the scents of gourmet coffees, fresh flowers and international cuisine fill the air. Visit www.stanfordshop.com.
Gilroy Premium Outlets -Enjoy world-class shopping at 145 top-brand outlet stores with extraordinary values at Gilroy Premium Outlets, featuring Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Hugo Boss, J. Crew, Liz Claiborne, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sony, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger and more designer fashions and accessories. Visit www.premimoutlets.com.
Byington Vineyard & Winery - Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains with weeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Byington 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.
Casa de Fruta - Since 1908, Casa de Fruta has welcomed worldwide visitors to the roadside Orchard Resort in the Pacheco Valley between Monterey and Yosemite. Browse the Fruit Stand, or enjoy wine tasting at Casa de Wine. Sample award-winning Cabernets or fruit wines from Zanger Vineyards. Ride the miniature Casa de Choo Choo and see the natural wonders in this unique setting. Visit www.casadefruta.com
Fortino Winery - This family-owned Italian winery is located in the beautiful Hecker Pass region of Gilroy. Fortino features a tasting room, a gift shop, romantic vineyard weddings, a large outdoor terrace surrounded by beautiful redwoods, and acres of grape vines. A second tasting room is located in the Gilroy Outlet Center. Call (408) 842-3305 or visit www.scvwga.com/fortino.
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards & Winery - Overlooking Silicon Valley from the foothills above Saratoga and Cupertino, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards & Winery is an is your gateway to the wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains. They produce award-winning wines from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay grapes grown in hillside vineyards. Begin your wine tasting tour in their tasting room, enjoy the picnic area, or horse-back rides on trails with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Call (408) 867-7116 or visit www.cgv.com.Santa Clara University - Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is California's oldest institution of higher learning. SCU is a private, Jesuit university with 4,643 undergraduate and 3,417 graduate students. Santa Clara University offers a rigorous undergraduate and graduate curriculum in the arts and sciences, business, and engineering. It has nationally recognized graduate and professional schools in business, law, engineering, pastoral ministries, counseling psychology and education.
San Jose State University - Established in 1857, San José State University is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast. Located on 154 acres in downtown San José, San José State consists of eight colleges and offers 69 bachelor's degrees with 81 concentrations and 65 master's degrees with 29 concentrations, specialized and certificate programs SJSU offers the excitement of studying at a metropolitan campus and a competitive athletic program.
Stanford University - One of the world’s most elite academic institutions. Stanford University covers 8,180 beautiful acres in the western foothills of the San Francisco Bay. Since 1891, Stanford has placed learning opportunities within the reach of tudents who earn undergraduate degrees in the School of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Earth Sciences. The other four schools offer graduate programs in Business, Education, Law and Medicine. Stanford boasts a number of unique campus libraries, the Stanford M edical Center, and he Stanford University Athletic program, which has captured NCAA team champions, NCAA individual champions, and celebrates Olympic medalists. Visit www.stanford.edu.
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Holiday Inn Great America
4200 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Tel:
1-408-235-8900
Fax:
1-408-988-0976
Email: reservations@hisantaclara.com
