Located just a short drive from the city of San Jose and nestled in the scenic Santa Clara Valley, the town of Campbell, California is a lovely destination with a rich history and vibrant downtown scene. This list of eight great activities will help you make the most of your time in Campbell and the Bay Area.
1. Explore the quirky Winchester Mystery House
Located just outside of Campbell in San Jose is the world-famous Winchester Mystery House, the 160-room curious and mysterious former stately mansion of the unique Mrs. Sarah Winchester of Winchester firearms fame. During a trip to the Winchester Mystery House, you can embark on a number of hour long tours of the various rooms and oddities of the house. Your tour guide will show you odd rooms and give you some insight into the house’s paranormal activity. The Winchester Mystery House also offers special Halloween and Friday the 13th Tours for those who really enjoy some frightening excitement. This is one attraction you definitely won’t want to miss.
Winchester Mystery House
Address: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
Website: Winchester Mystery House
2. Eat local at the Downtown Campbell Farmers Market
California is known for its fantastic agricultural growing conditions and abundance of delectable farm-fresh food. Sample the best that South Bay Area farmers have to offer at Downtown Campbell’s year round farmers market. Open every Sunday from 9:00am - 1:00pm, the free farmers market is a family fun affair, with innumerable craft vendors and local farmer booths, live music, and a plethora of great shops and restaurants. If you happen to be in Campbell on a weekend, a trip to the farmers market is a must-do.
Downtown Campbell Farmers Market
Address: E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008, USA
Website: Downtown Campbell Farmers Market
3. Shop until you drop at the Pruneyard Shopping Center
The Pruneyard Shopping Center is Campbell’s premier destination for shopping and relaxation. Newly renovated and intelligently designed to take advantage of the beautiful South Bay Area climate, the Pruneyard Shopping Center is an outdoor space with a wide selection of amazing shops and restaurants. Featuring a luxurious movie theater, hotels, spas, artisan markets, ice cream shops, stores, and gourmet restaurant, there is something at the Pruneyard for everyone to enjoy. When you’re not shopping or enjoying tasty treats, you can enjoy some fun in the sun at the Pruneyard’s plentiful outdoor spaces. This is a great family activity for all Campbell visitors.
Pruneyard Shopping Center
Address: 1875 S Bascom Ave #405, Campbell, CA 95008, USA
Website: Pruneyard Shopping Center
4. Enjoy the First Friday and Second Saturday festivities in Downtown Campbell
First Friday is Downtown Campbell’s monthly outdoor street performance event. Every month from April to December, on the first Friday night, the town of Campbell hosts a number of talented musicians and performers on its city streets. Shops tend to stay open later, and the whole town comes out for the free celebration. Downtown Campbell also hosts a new Second Saturday event series, which showcases local artists, craftspeople, and entertainers. Second Saturdays are held rain or shine on the second Saturday of every month and are also free to the public. Combined with a trip to the Farmer’s Market, First Fridays and Second Saturdays make for a great weekend of family fun activity in Campbell.
First Friday
Website: First Friday
Second Saturday
Website: Second Saturday
5. Hike the Los Gatos Creek Trail
Stretching nearly ten miles (16 km) from the Lexington Reservoir to Meridan Avenue in San Jose, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is the South Bay Area’s best paved walking and biking trail. The trail runs through Campbell Park, just three blocks from Downtown Campbell, making it a great outdoor activity for the whole family. You can choose to walk or bike the whole thing or just a short section. This scenic trail travels through some beautiful Bay Area terrain and is a great way to have a human-powered adventure near Campbell!
Los Gatos Creek Trail
Address: 17350-17770 Alma Bridge Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95030, USA
Website: Los Gatos Creek Trail
6. Sit back and enjoy the music at the Heritage Theater
The Heritage Theater is Campbell, California’s local entertainment venue. The Heritage Theater is a beautifully decorated and restored 1930s building and is nationally registered as a historic building. The renovated Heritage Theater re-opened for business in the late 1990s with a state of the art stage, orchestra pit, and comfortable seating. Boasting a wide array of acts, shows, and events throughout the year, the Heritage Theater is sure to have something for everyone. A trip to the Heritage Theater makes a great date night event for your next trip to Campbell.
Campbell Heritage Theater
Address: 1 W Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008, USA
Website: Campbell Heritage Theater
7. Step back in time at the Campbell Historical Museum
While today’s Campbell, California is a bustling city in the heart of the Bay Area, the town has its roots in the early agricultural and railroad industries of the Santa Clara Valley. Although a lot has changed over the last century and a half, the Campbell Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving that rich history and educating the public about it through exciting exhibits and events. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the Campbell History Museum and experience life in Campbell in the late 1850s. This is a great rainy day activity and is fun for the whole family!
Campbell History Museum
Address: 51 N Central Ave, Campbell, CA 95008, USA
Website: Campbell History Museum
8. Drink up at the Cooper Garrod Estate Vineyards
Nestled alongside the stunning Santa Cruz Mountains, the area around Campbell, California is fantastic wine country with its sunny days, moderately cool nights, and long growing season. During your next trip to Campbell, take a break from the busy town and head out to the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards for a wine-tasting experience you won’t soon forget. Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards grows a wide selection of grapes to produce its famous wines. The wine tasting room at Cooper-Garrod is open daily and offers a rotating selection of 5 wines for just 15 USD per person. The tasting room also serves a nice selection of cheeses and crackers, but you’re welcome to bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy lunch or dinner on the beautiful Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyard. This is a great activity for the wine lover in your group!
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Address: 22645 Garrod Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070, USA
Website: Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Fun and relaxation in Campbell
Whether you enjoy easy mornings at the farmer’s market, haunted houses, or relaxing afternoons at beautiful vineyards, the town of Campbell, California has something for you. Check out these eight great activities in Campbell for your next trip to the Bay Area!