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
Hot off the Press!
Our Spring/Summer Guide is here. Enjoy perusing through our popular brochure to find out more about programs, events, volunteer and career opportunities...and so much more. You can view it online or pick up a copy at any one of our parks!
Want to be a Park Ranger? Santa Clara County Parks is hiring!
Be part of a dedicated team that stewards over 52,000 acres of Santa Clara County’s finest natural resources and historic areas, along with a wide variety of recreational facilities like campgrounds, boating lakes, an OHV park, shooting range, and more. Learn more.
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Mark your calendars for our popular summer movie nights
Watch family-friendly movies in the park under the beautiful night sky. Visit Upcoming Events with keyword 'movie night,' today's date for start date and Sept 3 for end date, so you may view specific details for each movie night.
Boating Reservations Have Begun!
Boating Reservations are up and running at gooutsideandplay.org! Make your reservation for Memorial Day weekend and beyond to get out on to the water at Calero Reservoir and Coyote Lake. Boating Reservations are not required at Lexington and Stevens Creek Reservoirs.
#PixInParks Challenge has Begun!
Lace up your boots! It's time to get outside and connect with nature in the 7th and Final #PixInParks Challenge. Challenge ends December 15, 2023.
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 10, 2023
Youth ages 10-20 learn firearm safety and basic marksmanship skills under the supervision of qualified trainers from the San Jose Zouaves Rifle Club. All equipment is provided. Parent or guardian consent forms required. No reservations needed unless bringing groups of 10 or more. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and closed toed shoes. For more information email [email protected]
9580 Malech Rd
San Jose, CA 95138
United States
If you are looking to get outside and connect with new people right in your backyard, this is the opportunity for you! California native plants play an important role in the health of our parks. To help them thrive, we have to work together to remove non-native and invasive plants.
This event is in partnership with Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful.
Minimum age: 12
985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States
Join a Park Ranger on an interpretive hike for self-identified people within marginalized gender and sexuality groups. Pets are welcome. Meet at Villa Montalvo Great Lawn with water, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Reservations online. Questions (408) 483-1623
15400 Montalvo Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States
Discover the unique characteristics and habits of our largest native cat, the Mountain Lion. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater. Questions? (408) 842-7800
Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Parallel Persistence of People and Plants (Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park)
Saturday, June 10 | 10 am - 11am
Join us for a guided walk as we discover how people and plants have resiliently adapted to challenging times. We’ll explore the utility of cellphone apps for plant identification and discuss drought resistant plant adaptations along the way. Best for ages 8+. Email [email protected] for more details.
10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
It's dark at night, but not lonely. Many creatures work the night shift at Calero. Come see or hear a couple of them! Meet at the Calero office parking lot with sturdy closed-toe shoes, snack, water, and a red light headlamp. Questions? (408) 535-4070.
23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Enjoy Puss in Boots, The Last Wish, a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet on the lawn with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs, please. Questions? (408) 535-4060
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Tour Coyote Creek's Nature Trail and learn how wildlife survives in nature. Meet at the the Coyote Creek Visitor Center with comfortable shoes and water. Questions? (669)219-4317
19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States
Are you a budding naturalist or just want to learn about the nature that surrounds you? Join us for an informative program to learn how to use phone apps such as iNaturalist and Seek to identify the natural world, and contribute to community science. Meet at the Bernal Ranch picnic tables. Reservations online.
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Take your family out on a free guided nature walk in the late-afternoon light and explore an Oak Woodland ecosystem along the historic trails around Bernal Ranch. Learn about the value of this protected land for both animals and the people of the Santa Clara Valley. Recommended for groups of all ages.
Space is limited. Reservations required.
Questions? Email [email protected]
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States