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.

Volunteer Hours Icon

29,366

2022 Volunteer Hours

Miles of Trails Icon

342

Miles of Trails

Acres Protected Icon

52,000+

Acres Protected

Regional Parks Icon

28

Regional Parks

Annual Visitors Icon

5,482,718

Annual Visitors

Upcoming Events

Filter Events

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Drugs on the Farm | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
William Dreisbach Docent standing next to an interpretive sign

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!

SIGN UP

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 27, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

5283 Snell Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
United States

Children hugging the trunk of a coast redwood tree

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] 

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Saturday, July 27, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

7850 Pole Line Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
United States

Qigong and Tai Chi | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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
 

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, July 27, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States

Friday, August 2, 2024

three male raking in front of a white house

Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. The spring was also used during the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition in 1776. Jose Joaquin Bernal was thirteen years old when he first visited Santa Teresa Spring during the expedition. He eventually settled at Santa Teresa and 120 of his descendants lived on the same ranch land. Currently, the Santa Teresa community is home to a diverse population of families each with a unique history to the land.

Join us to volunteer and be part of the Santa Teresa community. Volunteer opportunities available include gardening, weed abatement, barn maintanence, and historical house upkeep.

Please be prepared to work with tools in varying weather conditions. Best attire includes layered clothing, study closed-toe shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat and gloves. Some additional gloves and tools will be available for volunteer use.

For families with children under 14, please be prepared to sign a release form for your child on the day of the event. Minimum age: 8

Hope to see you at the next First Friday community volunteer day!

Please contact the volunteer office with questions: [email protected]

SIGN UP HERE

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Friday, August 2, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

372 Manila Dr
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Chitactac Adams Guided Hike | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
People standing on stairs leading down to view of Uvas Creek

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]

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, August 3, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

10001 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

Grant Ranch House Tour | August 3 - October 4 2024

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

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, August 3, 2024, 1:00 PM - Friday, October 4, 2024, 2:30 PM

Yerba Buena Trail
San Jose, CA 95127
United States

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Three Park Interpreters seated at a table displaying materials on oppossums

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.

Event Type:
Public Programs
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

19245 Malaguerra Ave
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
United States

Saturday, August 10, 2024

View of San Jose from Coyote Peak

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

SIGN UP

Event Type:
Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, August 10, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

260 Bernal Rd
San Jose, CA 95119
United States

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Junior Ranger looking at Park Ranger at boat launch ramp of Alviso Marina

In this special 90-minute Junior Ranger program, we'll explore the Alviso Slough aboard our Slough Scooner!
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] 

Event Type:
Junior Rangers
Saturday, August 17, 2024
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

1195 Hope St
San Jose, CA 95002
United States

Displays of riparian wildlife in Coyote Lake Visitor Center

Join us at the Coyote Lake 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! 
Use the Lake Entrance of Coyote Lake Harvey Bear County Park to reach the Visitor Center.

 

No registration required. All ages welcome!
Email [email protected] for more information.

Event Type:
Public Programs
Saturday, August 17, 2024
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

10840 Coyote Lake Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
United States

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