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 10, 2023
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
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