Santa Clara City Guide – Our List of Favorite Things to Do in the Area

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California’s Great America, only 5.5 miles north of Flora Vista and Catalina Apartments, is a huge fun-filled amusement park with carnival rides for every temperament. Truly adventurous visitors head straight for the roller coasters, the 20-story Drop Tower free fall, or the hang gliding and skydiving simulator, the Xtreme Skyflyer.

For those wanting less of an adrenaline rush, there are bumper cars, a carousel, and a splash-filled flume ride. At Boomerang Water Park, all ages can enjoy floating on the Castaway Creek lazy river, sliding down one of the many water slides, and splashing in the Great Barrier Reef wave pool.

And, at Planet Snoopy, young children can ride the mini roller coaster, play on the swings, and scamper around the exciting playground.

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While there are lots of attractive, well-tended parks throughout the area, Central Park, located 1.7 miles northwest of Buckingham Apartments and 2.5 miles from Stevens Creek Villas, stands out for its sheer size and abundance of activities to choose from. The 30,000-square-foot Community Recreation Center offers a steady buffet of arts, dance, and niche programs for children and adults.

Saratoga Creek runs north to south down the middle of the park with the Community Recreation Center on the west side and the softball field, tennis courts, lake other activities on the east side.

For team sports or just a casual afternoon game, there are two softball fields, basketball courts, a children’s play area, exercise stations, lawn bowling, and an amphitheater. Barbeque pits and convenient restrooms draw families and friends to the park for picnics near the lake. Walkers and bikers enjoy paved trails throughout the park.

There is also plenty of parking for regular park activities as well as for the annual Art & Wine Festival in September.

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Local football fans don’t have far to go to see a game since the San Francisco 49ers home turf is actually right here in Santa Clara! Levi Stadium and the accompanying 49ers Museum and Team store are about 5 miles north of DeAnza’s Flora Vista and Catalina Properties.

Fans can tour the 68,000-seat stadium and peruse the museum’s 11 football-themed galleries and interactive exhibits. A surefire thrill for any football fan! After a short introductory film, visitors can tour the exhibits, try on football jerseys and helmets, practice some football throws and run through the 49er’s cheerleading routines.

Using football as the medium, the museum education center offers lessons in science, tech, engineering, and math for children from grades K-8th. And don’t forget to take advantage of the many great photo opportunities with the life-size statues of current and retired players!

Between football games, the stadium hosts many concerts, sports events and other entertainment.