Saratoga offers different ways to explore garden art, public art and local history. At Hakone Gardens, the focus is on the design of a Japanese landscape and cultural programs; Villa Montalvo combines historic architecture with art and extensive grounds. Saratoga Quarry Park draws attention to traces of its former quarry operations. Each place has a different emphasis—from designed gardens to a landscape where its former use is still visible.

Garden Art and Culture at Hakone Gardens

Visitors can stroll between the hills and koi pond at Hakone Gardens. The grounds are considered a living museum of traditional Japanese landscape design. The Cultural Exchange Center features changing art exhibitions. It is a replica of a tea-trading house from Kyoto; exhibitions and cultural programs may be held there. Hakone Gardens also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. A picnic area with garden views has five standard-size tables.

The site’s history is also part of its character: the City of Saratoga purchased Hakone Gardens in 1966 to convert it into a city park. Those interested in designed landscapes will find not only a stroll through the gardens but also a cultural focus here. The art offerings at the Cultural Exchange Center and the events complement the exploration of traditional Japanese landscape design, while remaining distinct experiences.

Villa Montalvo: Historic Architecture and Outdoor Art

In the public park surrounding historic Villa Montalvo, you can discover artworks by international, multidisciplinary artists. The villa is a National Historic Landmark and was designed under the direction of architect William Curlett; John McLaren designed the gardens and grounds. Montalvo opened in 1939 as a public arts center, with artist residencies and a small gallery in the villa.

Montalvo is located in the foothills above Saratoga and encompasses more than 100 acres of forest trails and gardens. You can picnic on the expansive Great Lawn. The hillside trails behind the historic villa are leased to Santa Clara County; the County operates and maintains them as a public park. The site thus brings together art, designed grounds and hiking trails. The public park surrounding the villa and the County-operated trails behind it have distinct, clearly defined focuses.

Hiking Trails and Quarry History

Saratoga Quarry Park is protected by a conservation easement as a natural landscape and open space. Hiking trails wind past remnants of the former quarry operations. At the beginning of the 20th century, two quarries were active on the site. After the properties were purchased in 1908, the limestone quarries were consolidated into a gravel quarry.

The difference from Montalvo is also reflected in the history visible during a visit outdoors: there, the villa, gardens and art come together in a public park; at Quarry Park, hiking trails pass remnants of former quarry use. Saratoga has 14 parks and numerous trails offering a variety of activities. So when choosing between these outdoor spaces, it is worth considering not only outdoor recreation but also whether you are more interested in garden and art history or traces of the quarry.

Local History and The Village

The Saratoga History Museum’s exhibitions trace local history from the Muwekma Ohlone through early sawmills and plum orchards to Paul Masson’s champagne fountains. The McWilliams House was built in 1852 and fully restored; it is used for educational programs for adults and children. A map for a self-guided bicycle tour of historic homes is available online or at the Saratoga History Museum.

The Village, Saratoga’s downtown district, also offers distinctive dining options. The local themes thus range from landscape design and visual art to local history, historic homes and dining. When looking for a place to stay, you can choose Saratoga as your base and then weigh the interests described here according to which ones you want to shape your stay.

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Go to the main travel guide: Santa Clara.