Parks
44 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Everett N. “Eddie” Souza Park & Community Garden0.6 mi from downtown
- Reed & Grant Sports Park1.3 mi from downtown
- Larry J. Marsalli Park1.3 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Santa Clara
5 kinds of free outings in and around Santa Clara.
Good days out in Santa Clara don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- Santa Clara City Library - Central Park Library2635 Homestead Road
- Mission Library Family Reading Center1098 Lexington Street
- Northside Branch Library695 Moreland Way
Historic places
6 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- Santa Clara Transit Center
- Agnews Developmental Center
- Andrew J. Landrum HouseBuilt 1875
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve39 mi south
- Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)40 mi northwest
- Rob Hill Group Campground41 mi northwest
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge14 mi northwest
- Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve39 mi south
- Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK)40 mi northwest
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · CITY FILM
Destination Santa Clara
An official city tour of Santa Clara attractions, including California's Great America, the Intel Museum, Mission Santa Clara, the farmers market, and the Art & Wine Festival.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · CITY FILM
Santa Clara Parks and Reed & Grant Sports Park Opening
The City of Santa Clara visits park projects at Agnew, Fuller, Machado, Meadow, and the Reed & Grant Sports Park opening.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in Santa Clara?
Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Santa Clara this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.