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
Hike The Hundred Challenge!
Due to popular demand and recent hot weather, the Hike the Hundred scavenger hunt has been extended another 100 days! Get your hiking boots and binoculars ready, the Hike The Hundred scavenger hunt now ends October 31.
In the Park After Dark Movie Night
Bring family and friends to County parks this summer to watch movies. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the movie under the stars. Admission is FREE, and parking is $6. See the Upcoming Events Calendar.
8th Annual Fall Festival at Marital Cottle
Come celebrate our valley's rich agricultural history! The 8th Annual Fall Festival will have local arts, crafts and food, kids activities, agricultural workshops, historical autos, antique farm equipment, live music, food trucks, exhibitors, entertainment, pumpkin patch - and more. on October 5, 2024 from 9 am to 2 pm. Admission is free and there is a $6 Parking Fee. Learn more.
Parks Administration Office Move
Effective April 8, 2024, the Santa Clara County Parks Administration Office relocated from 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
52,800+
Acres Protected
28
Regional Parks
5,482,718
Annual Visitors
Upcoming Events
Filter Events
Friday, September 13, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafternoons at the Museum
Friday-Sunday 12pm-4pm in August | Almaden Quicksilver at Casa Grande
Join us for September crafternoons at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Make a fun papel picado craft and learn about how Hispanic communities of the 1800's contributed to the historic mining operations of New Almaden and the greater California.
This is a free drop-In event, no reservations required.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Officially observed September 15th to October 15th Hispanic Heritage month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Saturday, September 14, 2024
There are many ways to keep your park beautiful! 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.
Locations include Hellyer Park's Velodrome, Dog Park, and east side of Cottonwood Lake. The Maintenance Crew has greatly appreciated the work that volunteers have done all around the main park over the past year, so keep it up!
Please bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and work gloves if you have them.
All ages welcome!
985 Hellyer Ave
San Jose, CA 95111
United States
Join Santa Teresa Land Steward Volunteers on the second Saturday of every month to care for and improve Santa Teresa County Park.
Projects are focused on improving native habitat for plants and animals as well as keeping the park safe and enjoyable for visitors. Work may include weeding, pruning, watering, planting and litter pickup.
Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and work gloves if you have them. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes for protection. Tools will be provided.
Minimum age: 14
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Join us for a family-friendly day of activities celebrating the rich history of Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park!
Come play traditional games, view the ancient petroglyphs, create unique crafts, and discover what has made this place so special to native people for thousands of years.
For more details contact [email protected]
10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Have you ever seen the galls on the oak trees in Martial Cottle Park? Join a volunteer docent and learn about the California Gall Wasp that inhabits the oak trees at Martial Cottle Park!
Meet at the Martial Cottle Park Visitor Center.
Program is recommended for ages 10+.
$6 vehicle entrance fee required.
Registration is recommended, sign up here
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafternoons at the Museum
Friday-Sunday 12pm-4pm in August | Almaden Quicksilver at Casa Grande
Join us for September crafternoons at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Make a fun papel picado craft and learn about how Hispanic communities of the 1800's contributed to the historic mining operations of New Almaden and the greater California.
This is a free drop-In event, no reservations required.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Officially observed September 15th to October 15th Hispanic Heritage month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafternoons at the Museum
Friday-Sunday 12pm-4pm in August | Almaden Quicksilver at Casa Grande
Join us for September crafternoons at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Make a fun papel picado craft and learn about how Hispanic communities of the 1800's contributed to the historic mining operations of New Almaden and the greater California.
This is a free drop-In event, no reservations required.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Officially observed September 15th to October 15th Hispanic Heritage month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Registration begins August 19. Discover the natural and cultural history of the area on a paddle tour of the reservoir. Experienced paddlers only. No instruction or equipment is provided. Meet at launch ramp with your kayak/canoe/SUP, life jacket (PFD), and two (2) glow sticks per person. $6 vehicle entrance fee and $4 vessel inspection fee collected at park. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240
23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Friday, September 20, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafternoons at the Museum
Friday-Sunday 12pm-4pm in August | Almaden Quicksilver at Casa Grande
Join us for September crafternoons at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Make a fun papel picado craft and learn about how Hispanic communities of the 1800's contributed to the historic mining operations of New Almaden and the greater California.
This is a free drop-In event, no reservations required.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Officially observed September 15th to October 15th Hispanic Heritage month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month Crafternoons at the Museum
Friday-Sunday 12pm-4pm in August | Almaden Quicksilver at Casa Grande
Join us for September crafternoons at Almaden Quicksilver County Park's Mining Museum at Casa Grande! (21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120)
Make a fun papel picado craft and learn about how Hispanic communities of the 1800's contributed to the historic mining operations of New Almaden and the greater California.
This is a free drop-In event, no reservations required.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Officially observed September 15th to October 15th Hispanic Heritage month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
Free drop in event, great for all ages. Questions? Email [email protected]
21350 Almaden Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States