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, July 13, 2024
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 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
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Join us at the Mt. Madonna 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.
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Join a retired pharmacist and lead volunteer in the exploration of drugs on the farm in the days of old. How did use of these pharmaceutical drugs shape the course of how drugs are manufactured and marketed today?
Meet at the Martial Cottle Park Visitor Center. Leashed dogs, children, and families are welcome. $6 vehicle entrance fee required. Program is free!
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States
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]
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
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 at the parking lot near the restrooms with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or contact Carrie Grisenti (408) 355-2240
1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Come to Chitactac Adams Heritage County Park on the first Saturday of July, August or September to discover evidence connected to the cultural and resource management traditions of the native people who resided along Uvas Creek for thousands of years.
Along the guided hike we’ll discuss and acknowledge how the past influences modern perspectives. Registration required.
Questions? Email [email protected]
10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
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.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Calaveras Trail
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
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