Cupertino used to be a rural area, which transformed into Silicon Valley post World War II. Known for housing the Apple headquarters, Cupertino city has several interesting and exciting things to do and places to be in unlike popular belief. It has a number of beautiful parks with long trails for hiking, cycling and jogging. Plenty of historical structures symbolising the city’s history and culture stand here for the passersby to catch glimpses of. Cupertino is a very calm and beautiful city that offers not only good sight-seeing spots but also food joints, farm-fresh grocery stores, shopping complexes and special flea markets selling antiques and the like. But before you start feeling overwhelmed or confused, listed below are a few of the most amazing things to do in Cupertino, California, whether you are travelling solo or in a group.
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1. Explore historic artifacts at Cupertino Historical Society
The Cupertino Historical Society museum is located inside Quinlan Community Center. It was established in 1966 but was open for people to visit from 1990. The main purpose of the museum is to grant the youth an opportunity to learn about the rich history of Cupertino. Adorning several historic artifacts, the Cupertino museum hosts several exhibitions, educational programs and other things to attract people to the history of the 11th wealthiest city in the world. If you’re keen on learning about the past of this city then make a point to drop by Cupertino Historical Society Museum.
Cupertino Historical Society
Address: 10185 N Stelling Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Cupertino Historical Society
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
2. Take your kids to the playground at Jollyman Park
Jollyman Park is an 11.5-acre (4.65-hectare) park, with several rides and play equipment, a soccer field and a baseball field, making it a perfect place to escort your children to for their amusement. A lot of people also have picnics here with family. So, this is a great picnic spot, with shaded areas, picnic tables and clean restrooms. Come here with your family or a group of friends to enjoy a relaxed and fun picnic. You can also come to Jollyman to escape the cacophony of the city and unwind after a long day of exploring.
Jollyman Park
Address: 1000 S Stelling Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Jollyman Park
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
3. Hike and enjoy nature at Castle Rock State Park
Castle Rock State Park is a great place to visit just to sit and enjoy nature. However, the park is always teeming with rock climbers and hikers. There are several hiking trails, ranging from mild to difficult. Hiking, nevertheless, is not very tough here. The trails are mostly flat. But the view of the San Lorenzo River Valley from one of the highest spots in Santa Cruz Mountains is stunning. Hiking and reaching one of the highest spots after hours of effort, you feel like you are on top of the world. This is a great feeling. However, for a learner lacking expert skills, an easier hike is wanted. Castle Rock affords the learner the chance to experience the highs that the experts experience, on reaching the top.
Castle Rock State Park
Address: 15000 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95033, USA
Website: Castle Rock State Park
4. Enjoy an astronomy and laser show at Fujitsu Planetarium
This place affords a lot of fun and excitement, not only to children but also to adults. The Planetarium hosts laser shows, astronomy shows and live shows, comprising a live tour of the night sky and space, so you can see the stars and planets from close, and they appear as though they are right in front of your eyes. It is a magical experience, being both entertaining and educative. Get an insight into the planetary activities happening in space and learn a lot about astronomy and astrophysics. Whether you’re fascinated by astrology or you’re simply curious about outer space, Fujitsu Planetarium is bound to impress you.
Fujitsu Planetarium
Address: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Fujitsu Planetarium
Opening hours: Sat: 3pm - 10pm; Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
5. See the innovative exhibitions at Apple Park Visitor Center
Apple Park Visitor Center is like an office park amidst the natural landscape. This is an architectural marvel, specially created for visitors to explore, learn and shop. You will get answers to all your questions regarding Apple and its products here. The segments of the park include an exhibition, store, roof terrace and a cafe. Each one of them is designed in special ways embodying exclusivity and skill.
Apple Park Visitor Center
Address: 10600 N Tantau Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Apple Park Visitor Center
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm
6. Feed your sweet tooth at La Patisserie Bakery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
What a way to wake up in the morning! It’s coffee, it’s cake! What more could anyone ask for? With delicious chocolate...
Posted by La Patisserie Bakery on Thursday, October 17, 2019
La Patisserie Bakery has a spread of amazing European pastries and cakes in different flavors, and the cakes are quite big in size and filling. You must try their burnt almond cake with an extra layer of chocolate cake to top it, and also the hazelnut cake. They also take orders for special wedding cakes and are also very well-known for their designer cakes. So, in case you are planning a destination wedding, do try out a sample of the wedding cake from this bakery.
La Patisserie Bakery
Address: 19758 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: La Patisserie Bakery
Opening hours: Sat & Mon: 8am - 8pm; Tue - Fri: 7am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm
Price: 15 USD
7. Marvel at the hillside orchard at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve
The orchard is very pretty and you can even hike at the reserve and go on to taste some great wine at Picchetti Winery. The winery has ranch buildings, picnic tables and peacocks. Walk past orchards through walking trails to reach a hilltop with a magnificent view of Stevens Creek Reservoir. The place will appeal to all age groups alike, so you can travel with your family and kids. It also gives off quite a bit of a romantic vibe to its visitors, thus making it a nice place to check out with your partner.
Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve
Address: 13100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve
8. Take a walk along Zinfandel Trail
Zinfandel Trail is a beautiful trail in Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve and Stevens Creek County Park. It is a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) long trail and is about 1132 feet (345 meters) high. It starts at an altitude of 575 feet (175 meters). Picchetti Winery and the Cooley picnic spot are just near the trailhead. There is a parking facility along the trail, so you can drive to it.
Zinfandel Trail
Address:13100 MonteBello Rd Cupertino, CA 95014
9. Catch exciting shows at Flint Performing Arts Center
This is a great venue for hosting shows, events and performances of all kinds. The area is huge and spacious with ample seating arrangement, all offering a good view of the stage. Several schools and colleges book this place to organize student performances among other performances. People from all across the region come here to perform plays, music and dance shows. You must pay a visit or two for good quality entertainment.
Flint Performing Arts Center
Address: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Flint Performing Arts Center
10. Go bird watching at McClellan Ranch Preserve
This 18-acre (7.28-hectare) wildlife preserve used to be a horse ranch during the 1940s. There are a nature museum and community garden. You’ll also find the original ranch house, a livestock barn, a milk barn, Baer’s Blacksmith Shop and an old water tower from Parish Ranch. The Reserve affords a fantastic view of beautiful birds of over 100 different varieties, and it is open from dawn to dusk.
McClellan Ranch Preserve
Address: 22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: McClellan Ranch Preserve
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
11. Admire art exhibitions at Euphrat Museum Of Art
Euphrat Museum of Art is a great place to gather to exchange visual ideas and have communications based on arts. Several art and educational events and lectures are carried out here, in which people from all over the world, across all age groups, attend. Be a part of the demanding exhibitions that take place along with multiple educative programs. You can also take part in the development of creative solutions by engaging in their art projects.
Euphrat Museum Of Art
Address: Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Euphrat Museum Of Art
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 3pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
12. Enjoy flavorful coffee at Chromatic Coffee
Chromatic is a fine and beautiful coffee shop that stays quite busy during the weekends, always teeming with people. There are seating arrangements near the bar, outdoors, and near the window. You could go for their gibraltars, vanilla latte, the dark coconut mocha and the café brûlée latte. They also sell amazing pastries and cakes that you should definitely try as an accompaniment. Another great thing about this place is that they use paper and bamboo straw instead of plastic straws.
Chromatic Coffee
Address: 5237 Stevens Creek Blvd Santa Clara, CA 95051
Website: Chromatic Coffee
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 8am - 9pm; Mon - Fri: 7am - 9pm
13. Revisit history at California History Center
California History Center hosts workshops, lectures and panel discussions that help you in re-exploring and revisiting the history of the award-winning and nationally registered landmark situated in De Anza Campus. Students can participate in all of these activities. The Stocklmeir library houses several books and information on the past, the present and the future of Santa Clara Valley and California.
California History Center
Address: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: California History Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
14. Go horseback riding at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve is one of the most popular parks and a great place to visit with family. It’s usually not deserted, making it a safe location to wander about. Also, enjoy horse-back riding with a trained guide. There’s a good mix of woodlands, open grasslands and a lovely view of the bay. The park is only a few minutes away by car from Silicon Valley, making it the favorite place that it is to many people.
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
Address: 22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
15. Explore the scenic Stevens Creek County Park
Stevens Creek County Park has three trails between 1.6 and 3.1 miles (2.57 and 4.98 km) from 410 to 1,381 feet (125 to 420.9 meters) which you can easily take on. There are gorgeous views of the mountain and the lake. Tony Look Trail has good shade and a single track, so it is easier for people who are not pros at hiking to hike on this trail. There are shaded picnic areas as well, so you can settle down and have a picnic with your loved ones.
Stevens Creek County Park
Address: 11401 Stevens Canyon Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Stevens Creek County Park
16. Catch a live performance at Memorial Park
Plays organized at Memorial Park is a combined effort by Wheaton College Arena Theater and Wheaton Park District. This is a free event that takes place every year and everyone can come and experience it. However, the seating is limited and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Get your own chairs, blankets, pillows and snacking items, then, relax in the park and watch a good show with family or friends.
Memorial Park
Address: 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, United States
Website: Memorial Park
Price: Free
17. Sample different wines at Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards is around 50 minutes away from San Francisco and only 25 minutes away from San Jose or Palo Alto. It is family-owned and operated and what sustains and nourishes the vines are the moderate nights and the sunny days, which also contributes to the long growing season of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Wine tasting hours are mentioned below.
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Address: 22645 Garrod Road Saratoga, CA 95070 United States
Website: Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 12pm - 5pm
18. Go on a food tour along Main Street Cupertino
There are several options of restaurants to choose from in Main Street. Some of them include Oren’s Hummus, Philz, Pressed Juicery, Kula sushi, Boiling Point, and Vitality Bowls. The open concept set up makes it a very casual and relaxing place to spend time. Let me tell you a secret: this place is the best bet for amazing Asian food. If you are fond of Asian cuisines, then do not think twice before visiting this place. You are sure to love it. It is great to have company when you are going food tasting. However, traveling solo is a lot of fun too. Make sure you take some Instagram-worthy snaps of the stunning food. They too deserve some publicity.
Main Street Cupertino
Address: 19499 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino, CA 95014
Website: Main Street Cupertino
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 7am - 1am; Mon - Wed: 7am - 11pm
19. Buy antiques at De Anza Flea Market
The De Anza Associated Student Body funds a flea market on the first Saturday of every month at parking lots A and B. You will find several interesting and exciting things to purchase from here. Buy souvenirs for home and friends. You will find all kinds of big and small gifts out here. There are several food stalls to eat from as well. If you are fond of collecting antique goods, then you will be more than satisfied to shop from here. Try and arrive early at around 8 am, before most of the items get sold out.
De Anza Flea Market
Address: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: De Anza Flea Market
Opening hours: First Sat each month: 8am - 4pm
20. Try out ice-skating at Ice Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Ice Center - Cupertino on Saturday, August 1, 2015
Skating is a lot of fun. This is an indoor ice skating rink, where you can come and enjoy skating with friends or family. They also provide lessons and arrange hockey leagues here. The experience will be worth your while, as you will seldom find this place too crowded and the quality of the ice is very smooth, lending a friction-free, smooth skating experience. As mentioned earlier, there is no need to worry, even if you don’t know how to skate because you will be taught.
Ice Center
Address: 10123 N Wolfe Rd #1020, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Ice Center
Opening hours: Sat: 1:15pm - 4:30pm, 8pm - 10pm; Sun: 2:30pm - 4:30pm; Mon - Wed: 12pm - 3:45pm; Thu - Fri: 1:15pm - 3:45pm, 7:30pm - 9pm
21. Admire The Guardians statue at Veterans Memorial
The Guardians (the two defenders of freedom positioned back to back) include the statue of Matthew Axelson and James Suh, the two soldiers from the US Navy SEAL team who died during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan while fighting the Taliban. The memorial was built and stationed to honor their courage. It is a historical structure inherent with a lot of sentiments associated with the city’s history. Do make a visit, if you happen to be around the vicinity. It is definitely a worthy attraction.
Veterans Memorial
Address: 10110 Parkwood Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Veterans Memorial
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Be mesmerized by the sunset at McClellan Ranch
McClellan Ranch used to be a horse ranch earlier. It is an 18-acre (7.28-hectare) natural preserve comprising a nature museum and a community garden. There is a ranch house, a milk barn, a livestock barn, a copy of Baer’s Blacksmith Shop and the old water tower from Parish Ranch. You can take part in a variety of nature classes and activities here. This is a very romantic sight and can be enjoyed especially when with your loved ones.
McClellan Ranch
Address: 22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: McClellan Ranch
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
23. Shop for fresh produce at Creekside Farmers’ Market
Love eating, stop at Creekside Farmers’ Market. Love cooking, still visit the Creekside Farmer’s Market, to stack up on some fresh ingredients for the kitchen. The market starts early in the morning, and even though it lasts till the afternoon, most of the good stuff gets sold out before the afternoon. The price is dirt cheap (1 USD for a bunch of scallions) and the vegetables are fresh and flavourful. You mostly find a wide range of Asian vegetables, so if you are fond of Asian cuisines, then you are especially going to love it here.
Creekside Farmers’ Market
Address: 10455 Miller Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Creekside Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Fri: 8:30am - 1pm (closed the rest of the week)
24. Enjoy wine with views of Silicon Valley at Ridge Vineyards
You can become a member of Ridge Vineyards after you buy a few bottles of red wine from them. Once you become a member, you can go to Silicon Valley for free wine tasting amidst an awesome ambiance and stunning scenery and view of the Bay. The staff members are very accommodating and will happily explain the making and components of the different wines that you will taste. You can pick up a bottle or two from here as souvenirs for family and friends
Ridge Vineyards
Address: 17100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Ridge Vineyards
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm
25. Spend an afternoon at Portal Park
The park is a great place to have a picnic. There are three shaded play structures and an area for toddlers. The park is spread out and clean, so that you can comfortably relax at the tables arranged near the structures. There is an arrangement for barbecue as well, making it a perfect spot for a picnic with a large group of friends and family. You don’t need to leave out any member of the family at home, as your dogs are as welcome out here like you.
Portal Park
Address: 10225 N Portal Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Portal Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
26. Dine on Hawaiian-style food at Coconut’s Fish Cafe
The restaurant serves unconventional and tasty yet healthy food. The food is pretty good and the portions are equally satisfying for the price you pay. Try out the fish tacos (they have great filling). You can also try out the coconut shrimp and chips, seared tuna plate and ono plate among other great stuff. The service is great and outdoor seating is available if you want to enjoy the ambiance. The tropical flavors infused into food cooked in a Cupertino kitchen should surely be a foodie’s delight, and more so if the foodie is a lover of fish.
Coconut’s Fish Cafe
Address: 20010 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Coconut’s Fish Cafe
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun - Thu: 11am - 8pm
27. Check out the Morion Sculpture
The Morion Sculpture is a fascinating piece of art and it is considered a very notable historical attraction of this city. In front of the Cupertino Civic Center Plaza, the sculptured statue of a large Morion helmet stands. It is a replica of a Spanish conqueror’s helmet and it symbolizes Cupertino since the 1970s post the invasion of Juan Bautista de Anza who had claimed the city of Cupertino in 1776. Don’t forget to check it out during your tour of the city.
Morion Sculpture
Address: 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014-3202
28. Go cycling in Rancho San Antonio County Park
Rancho San Antonio County Park is a 165-acre (66.77-hectare) park that stands combined with the MidPeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve, offering 24 acres (10 hectares) of trails and other recreational features for jogging, cycling, hiking and so on. It has parking areas, stretching bars and equestrian staging areas and trails. Cycling amidst dense greenery and hills is heartwarming, and someone who is fond of nature must not miss this experience at any cost.
Rancho San Antonio County Park
Address: 22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Rancho San Antonio County Park
29. Enjoy a game of golf at Blackberry Farm Golf Course
This is a great place to enjoy a sophisticated and elegant game of Golf. You almost never have to wait for a turn, which is a great thing, as the spirit of the game is maintained, without you running out of patience. The yardage is of about 1544 yards (1412 meters). The yard is set along the banks of Stevens Creek. You can make reservations seven days prior to the game. You will enjoy playing here if you are a pro because scoring requires accuracy. Nevertheless, you can always enjoy watching an expert play their game and try and hone your skills at it.
Blackberry Farm Golf Course
Address: 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Website: Blackberry Farm Golf Course
Opening hours: Dawn - Dusk
Price: 17 - 20 USD
Start planning your trip to Cupertino
Cupertino is certainly a dream destination for lots of people, a place you must plan to visit at least once. However, when you do arrive, the city will embrace you and compel you to stay longer, maybe even to travel back time and again. Thankfully, there are lots of things to do to keep you busy, whether you want a fun and vibrant activity or a laid-back day. From nature centers, parks and trails to museums and art galleries, there is hardly ever a dull moment in Cupertino. With our list above you now know where to start when you visit. However, there’s lots more so do remember to share your experiences with us. Go on and start planning your trip to this fascinating destination.
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