If you're looking for an epic theme park experience in northern California, Great America has you covered, and then some. Sure, it's touristy, but for good reason: Roller coasters, water rides, and the world's tallest double-decker carousel are just some of the excitement that awaits. This year's season opens in late March, so buy your tickets now!
Santa Clara is home to the company that basically powers the entire computer industry: Intel Corporation. You can learn all about the history and operations of this groundbreaking tech company at its sleek, ultra-cool museum with fun and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis was the eighth California mission built by the Franciscans, and was founded in 1777. It was destroyed and rebuilt six different times, and stands proudly today on the grounds of Santa Clara University.
Westfield Valley Fair Mall is one of the biggest malls in northern California, and certainly one of the most luxurious. With 194 stores including some of the biggest of the big names like Cartier, Burberry and Prada, this is a shopaholic's dream-or nightmare.
Santa Clara University is the oldest college in the entire state of California, dating back over 160 years. Try a self-guided tour to fully appreciate the gorgeous campus and the history it holds.
That's right, it's happening: This year the San Francisco 49ers (after coming SO close to the 2013 Super Bowl!) will play their first season in the new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. And if you're here in 2016, the stadium will host the sure-to-be-epic Super Bowl 50.
Still saving up for that race car? Get your fast and furious fix at Santa Clara's indoor go kart racing track. And be warned: These aren't your mother's go-karts. They can get up to 45 miles an hour!
Sky High Sports is every hyperactive kids' dream: a play area where the floors and walls are trampolines. They even host their own jacked-up version of dodgeball. Stop by with the kids once they've hit their sugar high from Stan's.
Every Saturday at 9 a.m., all year round, Jackson Street in downtown Santa Clara transforms into a farmer's market that is basically a locavore's paradise, with vendors lining the street offering their best produce. It's the perfect opportunity to support local small farmers-and stock up your fridge.
Every year Santa Clara offers residents a day of indulgence with the Art & Wine Festival, a weekend of delicious food, wine and beer, and live music. And all profits go toward community organizations, so drink up!
Santa Clara has a rich history, and the Harris-Lass House Museum is the place to go to really get the feel of it. The house was built in 1865 and still has all the furnishings owned by the Harris and Lass families. It's now owned by the city, but you can still take tours and even have an event on the property.
Stan's Donut Shop is the last donut store you'll ever need to visit. A local favorite and a staple in the community since 1959, this bakery has got all your favorites, and then some.
If your entertainment standards are a bit more snobby, check out the amazing variety of art at the Triton Museum of Art. Not only does the museum display contemporary and historical works by nationally known artists, but also features local and regional pieces, as well as art classes for kids.
On Wednesdays and Sundays during the summer you can relax and enjoy some free entertainment at Santa Clara's Central Park. Concerts range from rock and roll to orchestra to jazz, and everyone is welcome!
Back in 1962 a group of Santa Clara residents got together to put on performances for the community as a traveling show, and the rest is history. The Santa Clara Players have been going strong for decades, and this season is sure to be another crowd-pleaser. Last year they performed "Four Weddings And An Elvis," so you can't go wrong here.
OK, not Hollywood ones. But the historic homes of figures in Santa Clara history are still standing today, and you can go visit them for yourself. Stop by and gape at the Robert Menzel House, the H.L. Warburton House and the Morse Mansion, just to name a few.
Lillie Mae's House of Soul Food will make you feel like you've just sat down to a family dinner in the South, with fried chicken, catfish, and all the fixins. Spoil yourself and stop at Lillie Mae's for a meal that you won't ever forget.
A visit to Santa Clara's Civic Center Park will leave you with at least one lasting memory: The gigantic statue of the city's namesake, Saint Clare. The statue was a labor of love for a Santa Clara resident who loved the history behind the saint, and it was completed in 1965.
Immerse yourself in the Japanese culture at the annual Japan Expo, held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Learn about traditional art, music, martial arts-and see some awesome cosplay!
If you happen to be visiting Santa Clara's Civic Center Park on a holiday, you'll find the front of the park is lined with not 20, not 30, but 57 American flags funded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. This patriotic display can also be seen in front of the city's cemetery on holidays, and collectively known as the "Avenue of Flags."
For the last three years, Santa Clara has hosted a cook-off for champions: The Silicon Valley BBQ Championships. This contest pits the best of the best barbecue cooks from around the country against each other to show their skills in preparing pork, chicken and brisket. And yes, there is prize money. But these pros would probably just be happy with the title.
There's only one place to be in Santa Clara on the 4th of July: Central Park. Trust me, the fireworks alone are reason enough. But there's also great food and live music, as well as a chance to catch up with friends in the community.
Wait, you thought this was a weight-loss challenge? Ha! Santa Clara's Pizza Party restaurant will reward anyone who eats at least one of their pizzas in an hour or less with a free extra large pizza every month for a year!
After all that pizza you'll probably want to get some exercise. There are multiple bike trails in and around Santa Clara, with difficulty ranging from easy to crazy. Many parks have opportunities for off-roading cycling, if you're one of those people who likes to go their own way, or knowingly risk their safety.
