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.
Native Plant and Pollinator Day at Martial Cottle Park
Celebrate National Pollinator week at Martial Cottle Park on June 15 from 9am to 12 pm. Learn about the importance of pollinators and how native plants help them through our guided walks and activities. Join us at the Park Partner Lot to visit our Park Partners, exhibitor booths, while enjoying crafts and activities. Event information
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 17, 2023
Are you interested in outdoor rock climbing but don't know where to get started? This program will teach you the basics of rock climbing. No experience necessary. Climb on! Meet at the Indian Rock parking lot with athletic wear, water, and sunscreen. Reservations online or (669)219-4335
16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States
Explore the majestic heritage oak trees that adorn the Martial Cottle Park landscape with a volunteer docent. In this one-mile easy walking tour, you will explore their role in preserving animal and human survival of the past, present, and future. Meet at the Visitor Center with comfortable walking shoes.
Reservations required. Please sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sturdy-as-an-oak-tickets-629599427837
Questions? Contact Jackie Zizana at (669) 288-9125.
Admission is free. $6 parking fee
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
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 between the barns at Bernal Ranch with comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and layers. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240
372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Ever wondered how wildlife live and survive in the dark? Join a Park Interprerter for an hour of fun activities and get to know your evening wildlife neighbors better. Meet at the campfire area with warm clothes, snack or warm drink. Questions (408) 918-7770
16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States
Enjoy Grant Park at night with a full moon overhead, while we explore the park in search of history and night time animals. Meet at the Stockman's parking lot with sturdy shoes. If you bring your own flashlight we will place a red lense on it. Questions? (408) 274-6121
Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States
Enjoy Jumanji: Next Level, tonight's FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs, please. Questions? (408) 842-2341
23205 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
Friday, June 23, 2023
Mount Madonna County Park Maintenance Staff need your help in beautifying various features throughout Mount Madonna Park such as: Posting new targets, prune trails, remove logs, painting and general range cleanup.
All equipment will be provided! Please bring close-toed shoes and a refillable water container.
7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States
Discover the natural world with your senses to reveal the beauty around you! Join park staff to explore Ed Levin’s sights, sounds, and textures. Children ages 3 to 7 and their guardians participate in activities designed to deepen your curiosity. Reserve online. Questions? Email Luke Bailey at [email protected]
3100 Calaveras Rd
Milpitas, CA 95035
United States
We learn about all kinds of monarchs in history class, but have your ever wanted to hang out with a king… snake? This program offers you and your friends and family the chance to meet Morticia, Santa Clara County Parks’ California king snake, and learn why she is so well adapted to the habitats that surround the Santa Clara Valley and beyond! Meet at Bernal Ranch near the barn. Families strongly encouraged to attend. Questions? Email Rob McDonnell at [email protected].
260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Celebrate National Pollinator Week by joining us at Martial Cottle Park for a Native Plant and Pollinator Guided Walk and related activities. Learn about the importance of pollinators and how native plants help them.
The 45-minute guided walk will be about 1.5 miles round trip on paved paths. Families are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Martial Cottle Park Visitor Center at 9:00 AM to join.
Space is limited on the guided walk. Registration Required. Sign up here
Registration required for walk only
Additional pollinator activities will take place from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Edith and Ethel picnic site as well as our park partner’s parcels.
Come check out activity booths from Friends of Martial Cottle Park, Open Space Authority, Master Gardeners, Composting Education, and Our City Forest at the Edith and Ethel picnic sites. Plant some seeds to take home, make a pollinator bookmark, make your own pollinator seed packet, and more!
Visit Our City Forest and Master Gardeners at their parcels for even more pollinator and native plant activities, presentations, and tours.
Click here to find more information on what Our City Forest is offering at their parcel.
Click here to find more information on what Master Gardeners are offering at their parcel.
Admission is free. $6 parking fee
5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States