The mission of the Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation Department is to provide, protect, and preserve regional parklands for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
Santa Clara County Parks strives to provide all visitors a place where diversity and inclusivity is valued and makes every effort to provide access to outstanding recreational opportunities, a rich cultural historical legacy, and an expansive regional trail system for all to enjoy.
Featured Items
Coyote Creek Habitat Day - FREE family fun!
Join us on Saturday, June 1 from 10am to 1pm at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center (19245 Malaguerra Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037) for a day of activities highlighting wildlife connected with Coyote Creek. Learn about the people and animals who have made their homes along this watershed both long ago and today. Learn more.
Hike The Hundred Challenge!
Are you ready for the next Santa Clara County Parks Challenge? Hike your way to 100 points in 100 days to celebrate Stevens Creek's 100 year milestone. Get your hiking boots and binoculars ready, the Hike The Hundred scavenger hunt has begun.
Earth Day Youth Art Contest
Calling all young artists pre-K to 12th grade! Celebrate Earth Day and Santa Clara County Parks by sharing your creative and original artwork. Let’s celebrate Earth Day by showing how you might save the planet by reducing the use of plastics or sharing what Earth Day means to you. Submissions accepted April 1-30.
Parks Administration Office Move
Effective April 8, 2024, the Santa Clara County Parks Administration Office will be relocating from its current address at Vasona Lake County Park (298 Garden Hill Drive, Los Gatos, CA) to a brand-new location at 5965 Silver Creek Valley Road, San José, CA 95138. Learn More.
SCC Parks by the Numbers
Since the first County parkland was acquired in 1924, the Santa Clara County Parks system has grown to include 28 regional parks encompassing over 52,000 acres of land. We at Santa Clara County Parks are committed to balancing the need for public use of parks and recreational lands with preserving the natural beauty of our area, including wildlife refuges and historic sites.
29,366
2022 Volunteer Hours
342
Miles of Trails
52,000+
Acres Protected
28
Regional Parks
5,482,718
Annual Visitors
Upcoming Events
Filter Events
Saturday, June 8, 2024
This FREE special event at beautiful Stevens Creek Reservoir will include community resources focused on protecting our water systems, fun water-related activities, and boater and water safety. All ages and leashed pets welcome. Event is at the Lakeshore Picnic Area.
- Sign-up for a mini fishing clinic at the shoreline (ages 5-15 only, all equipment provided)
- 50% off kayaking and standup paddle boarding at the boat dock
- Food for purchase
- Free parking along Stevens Creek Road
11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States
Come tour the Joseph D Grant Ranch House and learn about the history of this pioneer family. Joseph D. Grant played an important role in shaping California in politics, industry and land preservation.
Meet at the Grant Ranch House. Questions? Call (408) 274-6121
Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States
Join Santa Clara County Parks staff and/or a partner organization for an evening program featuring our animal neighbors, especially those that go "bump" in the night. Programs may include hands-on activities, storytelling, and live animals.
This program will take place at the Azalea Knoll near Valley View 2.
Questions? Email [email protected]
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States
Saturday, June 15, 2024
We invite you to join Santa Clara County Parks Natural Resource Management team, in partnership with San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, in their efforts to restore the coastal habitat of Alviso Marina County Park.
Volunteers will assist in the removal of invasive plants and the spreading of mulch in preparation for the planting of native plants.
Please bring sturdy gloves, closed toe shoes (boots if possible), proof of vaccination, and your can-do attitudes!
Minimum age: 12
1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States
Celebrate National Pollinator Week by joining Martial Cottle Park at our 3rd Annual Native Plant and Pollinator Day event. Learn about the importance of pollinators and how native plants help them.
Native Plant and Pollinator Guided Walk
The 30-minute guided walk will be about .5 a mile round trip on paved paths. Families are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Martial Cottle Park Partner Lot at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to join.
Space is limited on the guided walk. Registration Recommended. Sign Up Here
Registration recommended for walk only
Pollinator Related Activities
Additional pollinator activities will take place from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Park Partner Lot as well as our park partner’s parcels.
Admission is free. $6 parking fee
Interested in Volunteering?
Sign up here!
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States
Join us at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center as we explore, learn and respect nature found at various parks. Our nature pop-ups will discover different wildlife connections and provide family-friendly themed crafts and more at our visitor centers!
No registration required. All ages welcome!
Email [email protected] for more information.
19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States
Discover a new County Park each month, as we explore, learn, and respect nature in this 1-hour family program. After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbook and receive the Santa Clara County Junior Ranger badge.
Best for ages 7-12. Registration required.
Questions? Email [email protected].
18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd.
San Jose, CA 95140
United States
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Discover a new County Park on the last Saturday of each month as we explore, learn about, and respect nature in this 1-hour family program.
After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbook and receive the Santa Clara County Junior Ranger badge.
Best for ages 7-12. Registration required.
Questions? Email [email protected]
11401 Stevens Canyon Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
United States
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Explore the flora, fauna, and local history of a new trail each month with a Park Interpreter.
Designed for adults 55+, these 2-hour excursions are a great way to meet fellow park enthusiasts and enjoy park trails in the comfort of a group. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
This stroll will meet at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center at Anderson Lake County Park and follow an easy 1-2 mile route along the Nature Trail.
Questions? Email [email protected]
19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States
Learn the oldest and most powerful type of Tai Chi – Lao Jia. Develop greater physical strength, balance and coordination. These slow gentle movements are perfect for all ages and physical abilities. Meet in between the two barns with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or contact Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States