Things To Do In Santa Clara California

Santa Clara Convention Center.

This state-of-the-art meeting, trade and convention complex offers 262,000 square feet of flexible convention space, plus meeting rooms, ballrooms, telecommunications services, and a high-tech AV department. Www.santaclara.org

Tech Museum of Innovation.

The family friendly Tech Museum of Innovation is located in downtown San Jose and features a variety of hands-on technology exhibits for kids of all ages to enjoy, plus an IMAX theatre offering a variety of IMAX films throughout the day.www.thetech.org

Santana Row.

With 42 acres of upscale shopping, entertainment, day spas, residential town homes, parks, and flower filled plazas, Santana Row is a true community that offers a combination of old world charm and a high-end living and shopping experience. Www.santanarow.com [Top]

Paramount's Great America.

As Northern California's largest family attraction, Great America offers fun and excitement for the whole family to enjoy. This theme park offers a range of thrill rides, roller coasters, kiddie rides, live entertainment, dining, and more.www.pgathrills.com

Intel Museum.

Visitors to the Intel Museum can experience the micro-miniature world of computer chips and learn how they are designed, manufactured and placed into thousands of products in our everyday world. The museum features interactive exhibits for children and adults, plus self-guided and guided tours. Www.intel.com/intel/intelis/museum

Winchester Mystery House.

Built in 1884, this unusual mansion was the home of Winchester gun heiress, Sarah Winchester, who worked on the design and construction of the mansion non-stop for more than 30 years.

The 160-room Victorian mansion boasts luxuries like ornate parquet floors and Tiffany art glass windows, plus a wide range of bizarre features, including windows in the floors and staircases to nowhere. Www.winchestermysteryhouse.com [Top]

Six Flags Marine World.

This unique wildlife park, aquarium and theme-park features exciting thrill rides, kid's attractions, live animal shows, and a zoo where visitors can get personal with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, reptiles, giraffes, and safari animals. Www.sixflags.com

Byington Vineyard & Winery.

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains with weeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Byington Vineyard offers the perfect setting for sipping wines or celebrating special occasions. Manicured grounds and an Italianate stone winery chateau create a striking backdrop for any occasion. Www.byington.com

Civic Center Park.

This three-acre park is beautifully landscaped with colorful flower beds, a large reflecting pool and fountains. The park is also home to the Statue of Saint Clare, a bronze statue created by Anne Van Kleeck and cast by an ancient "lost wax process" in Italy in 1965. [Top]

Downtown San Jose.

Located just 45 minutes south of San Francisco, San Jose is home to a wide range of top businesses, restaurants, museums, shopping, festivals, and more, and is a popular business and leisure center that draws a wide range of visitors throughout the year. Www.sanjose.org

Santa Clara University.

Established in 1851, Santa Clara University is a private, Jesuit university and is California's oldest university.

Located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 7,000 students each year. Www.scu.edu

San Jose State University.

Founded in 1857 as Minns' Evening Normal School, San Jose State University was originally a school that trained teachers. Today the university offers more than 134 bachelors and masters degree programs to more than 30,000 students each year. Www.sjsu.edu [Top]

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium.

This interesting museum is home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the western United States, and features more than 4,000 antique objects, including pottery, jewelry, art pieces, tools, and mummies. The planetarium offers shows free with admission to the museum. Www.egyptianmuseum.org

Children’s Discovery Museum.

This unique kids’ attraction features hands-on fun with plenty of room for creativity and imagination to run wild. The museum features a wide range of permanent and revolving exhibits, plus a food court. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Www.cdm.org [Top]