Santa Clara can be explored through its many different facets: the mission connects the city with its founding history, museums put art and technology in the spotlight, and Ulistac Natural Area focuses on open landscapes and diverse habitats. California’s Great America, with its South Bay Shores waterpark, is another attraction.
Mission Santa Clara de AsĂs and its history
Mission Santa Clara de AsĂs was first founded on January 12, 1777, on the banks of the Guadalupe River. It is the eighth in a series of 21 missions founded by Franciscans. This gives visitors two historical points of reference: the founding site by the river and the mission’s place in the series. Those interested in the history of the missions can also view Santa Clara in the context of the other foundations.
The mission is open to visitors daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. These opening hours provide a clear framework for planning. If the mission is a highlight of your stay, you can schedule your visit within this time frame and weigh your other travel interests alongside it.
Amusement park and waterpark
Santa Clara is home to California’s Great America. The amusement park also includes South Bay Shores waterpark; admission is included with admission to the amusement park. This is especially relevant if you want to visit both areas: the waterpark is not described as a separate admission option, but as part of admission to the park.
This outing is quite different from visiting the mission or a museum. Rather than history, art, or a collection, the focus here is an amusement park with an included waterpark. Which option is a better fit for your stay depends on whether you would rather spend your time on culture and history or on leisure activities.
Art and interactive learning
The Triton Museum of Art brings together contemporary and historical art. It collects and exhibits works with a focus on artists from the Greater Bay Area. Accessible exhibition and educational programs also promote a broad range of contemporary California art. Regional artists, historical works, and a focus on California art all come together at this museum.
Visitors will find a different approach at the Intel Museum. It is a 10,000-square-foot interactive learning environment for children and adults. Unlike the Triton Museum, whose collection and exhibitions focus on art, the Intel Museum emphasizes interactive learning. When choosing between the two museums, you can therefore consider your own interests: artworks and regional artists on one hand, an interactive learning experience on the other.
Natural history at Ulistac Natural Area
Ulistac Natural Area offers a contrast to the museums and amusement park. The 40-acre open space encompasses seven distinct natural habitats. It can be accessed from Lick Mill Boulevard and via a creekside trail along the Guadalupe River. Signs along the trails provide information about the area’s natural history.
This combination defines the character of the natural area: its open space and habitats form the landscape, while the signs offer a thematic introduction to its natural history. For a stay that includes both nature and culture, this offers a different kind of discovery than an exhibition space. The mission, museums, amusement park, and Ulistac Natural Area each have their own focus, allowing you to tailor your plans in Santa Clara to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Gilroy, Milpitas.
For the main travel overview: Santa Clara.
