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Sundial Charters: Tybee Island, Georgia Book Now

Sundial Charters is a nature and charter boat company located on Tybee Island, Georgia with the best native, backcountry, and wilderness guides around. We make recommendations for your best adventure, based on your schedule, the tides, predicted weather, and local knowledge. Our most popular trip is the Little Tybee ‘Unplugged’ during which you explore the 6,500 acre natural heritage preserve, lying directly to the South of Tybee Island. We offer dolphin watching, crabbing, cast netting, fossil hunting, birding, light tackle fishing, hiking the barrier islands, and salt marsh ecology. We run trips daily and year round. If you would like to combine two trips in one day or do not see the trip you are looking for please call us 912-786-9470. We would love to help you plan your custom trip.

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Dolphin twilight tours, fossil hunting, daufuskie island tour, georgia coastal history boat tour, wassaw island tour, trip tips + faq, learn more about sundial charters, sundial charters, tybee island, georgia.

Sundial Charters is a Nature, Boating, and Fishing Tour company located on Tybee Island with the best native, backcountry, and wilderness guides around. We make recommendations for your best adventure, based on your schedule, the tides, predicted weather, and local knowledge.

• Sundial Charters: Tybee Island, Georgia

Departure Location

Fisherman’s Walk Public Fishing Pier 1615 Chatham Ave Tybee Island, GA 31328

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10 Things To Do On Tybee

• July 30, 2021
• tybeeislandcom

10 Things to Do on Tybee

One of the best things about visiting Tybee Island, Georgia is that, although the town is “big” in terms of attractions and amenities, it is geographically small – only 2.7 square miles.  Consequently, it is very easy to see and do a great many things in a short period of time. It is also very easy to spend a week or two on Tybee and still not experience everything this little beach town has to offer.  Here is a suggested list of the top 10 things not to miss while you are visiting Tybee Island.

1.  Tybee Lighthouse & Museum

The  Tybee Lighthouse & Museum is a must-see for every Tybee visitor.   The stunning silhouette will impress even the most experienced travelers with its 154′ height and all of the original outbuildings.  Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Tybee Island!  The Lighthouse may be the most photographed landmark on the entire island.

2.  Ft Pulaski

Enjoy learning about history or have a Civil War buff in your group?  You won’t want to miss touring Fort Pulaski!  Fort Pulaski National Monument offers visitors and guests daily interpretive programs including  guided fort tours  ( 40-50 min.) and  musket and soldier demonstrations  (15-30 min).  Cannon-firing demonstrations  are on Saturdays and Sundays.  The defining events of Fort Pulaski occurred during the American Civil War, but the people, places, and stories that shaped this monument of military ingenuity continue to live on today.

3.  Dolphin Tour

Would you like to experience the graceful, playful, and of course amazing wild bottlenose dolphins that call Tybee Island their home?  You can book a tour with Captain Derek and enjoy a memorable dolphin adventure in the waters of Tybee Island.  Both boat tour companies also provide sunset cruises and much more.  Follow the links for more information./   Captain Derek’s Tybee Dolphin Adventure

4. Tybee Bike Tours

A great way to experience Tybee Island is by bike!  Fat Tire Bikes is pleased to offer you several biking tours that mopeds, scooters, and cars cannot take.  Pedal along the water line alone or with your family.  Several varieties of beach cruisers to choose from and if you have a really little one, attach a “kiddie car” to the back of your bike!  Fat Tire Bikes   /  Tim’s Beach Gear

5.  Tybee Beach Ecology Trip

Tybee Beach Ecology Trips , conducted on Tybee Island, Georgia, by marine biologist Dr. Joe Richardson, are fun and educational experiences for all ages. Typical two-hour beach trips include high and low tide beachcombing, exploring tide pools and sandy intertidal habitats, pulling a 50-foot beach net, and learning information about the animals you find. Trips are scheduled for families and small groups, scout groups, schools, adult tours, and other groups. Much more than just a beach trip!

6.  Sundial Charters

Explore Tybee, Little Tybee, and Wassaw Islands with Sundial Charters!  Go crabbing in the salt marsh, fossil hunting, learn to use a cast net, and so much more.  All trips are planned around the tide and weather. Trips are customized to suit your interests with only one party in the boat at a time. Maximum of six people. Larger groups can be accommodated with the use of extra boats.

7.  Tybee Marine Science Center

No trip to Tybee would be complete without a visit to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center!  Learn all about the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project, the salt marsh and its inhabitants, and children love the beach walks!  The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is home to the Coastal Georgia Gallery.  Visit a young loggerhead sea turtle and enjoy the brand new aquatic display designed by the Georgia Aquarium.

8.   Jet Ski and Kayak Tours

Get out on the water when you stay on Tybee!   Tybee Island has several companies offering  kayak, jet ski, stand up paddle boarding  and surfboard rentals and instruction. Whether you want to paddle your way through one of Tybee Island’s exhilarating kayak tours or zoom off on a jet ski you are bound to have a blast on Tybee Island!  Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports  /   North Island Surf and Kayak

9.  Take a Tour with Tybee Tour Company

Having opened just last year,  Tybee Tour Company  is a relative newcomer to the island’s business scene, but they’re already making waves in the local community. TTC provides residents and visitors alike with an engaging and entertaining way to experience the rich history and lore of our beautiful barrier isle.  Tours delve into island happenings and even hauntings, making for a fun, unique and informative experience. Highlights include Savannah’s Waving Girl, the iconic Lighthouse and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lazaretto among others. She also shares about hidden gems like the island’s black box theater, which is located in the Tybee Arts Association building.  

10. Lunch or Dinner at The  Tybee Island Crab Shack

The Crab Shack on Tybee Island is a dining experience that adults and children will both enjoy.  Located right on the water with a view to die for, The Crab Shack is famous for its Steamed Seafood Samplers and excellent Margaritas!  Feed the alligators in the lagoon before you eat and don’t forget to meet all the exotic birds.  There is fantastic seating outdoors but if you happen to visit on a rainy day there is ample seating inside as well.  Is there someone in your group who doesn’t eat seafood?  No worries!  The Crab Shack has options for “landlubbers” as well. 

While staying on Tybee, you will want to take a day to visit Historic Savannah Georgia.  Here are a few activities that you won’t want to miss out on!

1.   Old Savannah Tours

Hands down, the BEST way to learn about the history of Savannah!  Bringing Savannah’s History To Life is not just a slogan…. it’s a promise.  Along with uniquely personal descriptions of Savannah’s rich and spellbinding history, actual historical re-enactors appear from time to time, boarding and walking the aisles of your trolley. You might see Forrest Gump, Georgia founder General James Oglethorpe, or a lingering pirate from the old days at the historic Pirate’s House. Your tour guide might even be dressed in a wardrobe from long ago as well!

2. Savannah Riverboat Cruise

Enjoy an evening of dinner, live entertainment, and an unforgettable tour of Savannah on a Riverboat cruise. Book tours and tickets online and save or call them toll- free for assistance with reservations, group tour bookings, and private charters. Experience refreshing river breezes on a sightseeing harbor tour, delicious local southern flavors, cultural entertainment, fun-filled dinner, magical moonlight, and lavish brunches. Join their captain and award-winning crew on board for a unique tour and cruise attraction that is not to be missed!.

3.  Juliette Gordon Low House

Have a Girl Scout in the family?  You won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the Juliette Gordon Low House.  The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is owned and operated by Girls Scouts of the USA as a National Girl Scout Program Center and a historic house museum for the general public. The official purpose of the Center is to perpetuate the spirit and vision of the founder, Juliette Gordon Low, in an inspiring environment and to provide unique learning opportunities and the historic interpretation of the life of Juliette Low and the Wayne-Gordon house and to further the values of Girl Scouting.

4.   The Lady & Sons Restaurant

If you are a fan of Southern Cuisine you must stop by Paula Deen’s Lady & Sons Restaurant!  A Southern Style Buffet is served daily but you can order off the menu if you like.  Paula’s landmark restaurant, The Lady & Sons, had its humble beginnings back in June 1989 when Paula started The Bag Lady out of her home. Since then, it has grown into a world-renowned restaurant and full-service catering venue. In December 1999, The Lady & Sons were named “International Meal of the Year” by USA Today. Today, the restaurant seats nearly 330 people and serves thousands of tourists and locals each week. If you’re looking for a true taste of the South, look no further than The Lady & Sons!

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Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Jose

Begin your tour of Yosemite’s awe-inspiring monuments with a pickup in San Jose

• The most time in Yosemite National Park—over 5 hours
• Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove (conditions permitting)
• Five more stops to explore Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View
• 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Fully guided by a Yosemite Park expert
• Convenient pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose

What’s Included

• Pick up in downtown San Jose
• Park reservation and entry fee (pay at checkout)
• Hike to Yosemite’s Giant Sequoia redwoods
• Local expert guide (English)
• Foreign language audios in 8 languages

What’s Not Included

• Meals or beverages
• Guide gratuity

Please note: This season’s greatest-of-all-time waterfalls have led to a surge in Yosemite park visitors. So you can have the best possible experience, our new “early bird” itinerary is designed to beat the crowds and avoid delays at the popular attractions. Please note the new earlier hotel pickup times.

Description, experience yosemite in a day from san jose.

Join us on this breathtaking tour of Yosemite National Park, whose towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature trails are perhaps the most stunning in the world. This award-winning tour spends the most time in Yosemite and includes a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoia trees .

Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Jose. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.

Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views

After entering Yosemite National Park, we’ll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan , Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.

Once you’ve had your fill of photographs from this perch overlooking the valley, the tour will arrange a memorable stop where you can get eye to eye with wispy Bridalveil Fall.

Have Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure

After arriving at our main stop in Yosemite Valley , you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.

Take a Moment with More Iconic Monuments

Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.

Feel the Quiet Grandeur of Giant Sequoias

The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe, we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley. 

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

06:15 AM to 10:30 AM - San Jose Pickup, Head to Yosemite

• Convenient hotel pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose
• Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
• Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Admire Views of Yosemite Valley

• Enter Yosemite National Park
• Stop to ogle and photograph Tunnel View
• Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome

12:30 PM to 2:30 PM - Explore the Valley On Your Own

• Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
• Have lunch (meal not included)

2:30 PM to 3:30 PM - Stops at El Capitan and Valley View

• Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
• Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM - Hike to Giant Sequoia Redwoods

• Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of redwoods
• Hike the nature trail to the Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Return to San Jose

• Descend the Sierras as you return to San Jose
• Break for dinner
• Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays.  Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour

What Our Guests Are Saying About Us

What a day!!!

Once I got in the van, the adventure started! I felt safe, knew where we were going and the plan for the tour. Bud driver and guide were super friendly, went out of their way to make the most of the experience and were very thoughtful of the needs of the visitors. They really made it a great day I won’t forget. Thank you for a great experience, I’ll be back!!!

Viktoria Rethmeier , Google

I had a blast in Yosemite

I didn't know if one day was going to be enough, it's obviously not enough but Lars my tour guide did a great job with explaining everything and giving us tips about the park. I loved the giant sequoias hike, shared the road with some chipmunks and deers.

Read Full Review

Fer Mijangos, Google

I didn't know if one day was going to be enough, it's obviously not enough but Lars my tour guide did a great job with explaining everything and giving us tips about the park. I loved the giant sequoias hike, shared the road with some chipmunks and deers. I liked the fact that he gave us free time to do what we wanted to do, I like hiking so I used my time for that. He did a great job telling us about Yosemite and the area's history, being a mexican I really enjoyed listening to the "other side of the border" version.

The Yosemite Tour with Giant Sequoias was incredibly well planned and on point.

It was perfect to see everything you want to see in one day there in Yosemite. The short hike of 50 minutes to see the Giant Sequoias was perfect to get a feel of this kind of experience there, and the shuttle rides around the main sights and to the picnic area were perfect to keep you cool (with A/C) and rested.

It was perfect to see everything you want to see in one day there in Yosemite. The short hike of 50 minutes to see the Giant Sequoias was perfect to get a feel of this kind of experience there, and the shuttle rides around the main sights and to the picnic area were perfect to keep you cool (with A/C) and rested. Everything I wished to see was seen on the tour with time to stop at each. John, our guide, was entertaining and smart. He handled the whole day with care and great attitude. I would book again with this company and I highly recommend this tour!!

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies but we are so glad we went this route for Yosemite! Our tour guide Denise was so personable and a wealth of knowledge about not only the park but also the Bay Area and regions we drove through.

Erin Harris, Google

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies but we are so glad we went this route for Yosemite! Our tour guide Denise was so personable and a wealth of knowledge about not only the park but also the Bay Area and regions we drove through. She had great recommendations for after the tour, gave us as much time as she could inside the park and had such a positive outlook on life in general. This company and industry both are better with Denise in it! Thank you for helping us make memories that will last a life time, Denise! Look us up if you make it to the Midwest!

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it.

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it. It was a long day which started with a limousine pickup that took the small number of people from the Fairmont San Jose to a meeting point with the bus that would take us to Yosemite. The total drive was about 4 hours, but was quite interesting.

Karim Maarouf, TripAdvisor

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it. It was a long day which started with a limousine pickup that took the small number of people from the Fairmont San Jose to a meeting point with the bus that would take us to Yosemite. The total drive was about 4 hours, but was quite interesting. The views were very nice and along the way our tour guide Denise gave us a lot of interesting information about the area we were driving through. Once we arrived to Yosemite, we proceeded to an area with the giant redwoods. We had about an hour to hike down to the redwoods and back up again, which was enough to enjoy them. Then we proceeded to a viewpoint over Elcapitan and half dome. The views from there were quite nice. After that we had some free time and were given some tips on where to go. I hiked to the waterfall and walked around a river there. The views were amazing and I also saw some wild animals. Finally, we went to another viewpoint, which was up close to Elcapitan. There Denise gave us so much information about the climbers there and shared a lot of interesting stories. Then began our long drive back home. All in all I would definitely recommend this trip. Especially if you only have one day. Otherwise, you should think about staying over at least one or two nights. There was so much to be done there.

We had a great day with Rob as our guide.

He was helpful, humorous and a very safe driver-thankfully. The tour itself was great. We were able to see highlights such as the giant sequoias, bridal veil falls, El Capitan and half dome. Rob lent us his binoculars to view climbers on El Capitan. What a place!

Jessica Thiessen, Google

He did a great job explaining what each sight was. He also gave lots of info about San Francisco on the way down which was great. Great trip overall. We loved it!

It's a great tour

We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job. Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining.

Nikunj B , TrustPilot

We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job. Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining. Yosemite is magical and one day tour isn't enough. But if you are short of time and get the most from your day, choose this tour. Few things to keep in mind. Keep your water bottles and food with you. Go on weekdays for better all round experience. If you want to travel solo and website doesn't seem to allow solo booking, contact their customer support and convince them.

Our guide Mike was super professional

Our guide Mike was super professional all the time and our whole trip was really fun with him! I'd definitely recommend this tour to other friend!

Suhye Seo, Google

So much fun!

I’ve been dying to see Yosemite for years. I am a flight attendant and had a long layover in San Jose. I ubered 30min to the 7-eleven pickup area. The tour was great! Loved my guide. I had 2 hours to explore and hike the lower area of the Yosemite falls.

Brenna Skipper , GetYourGuide

And we had an hour and a half to go look at the giant sequoias. That walk was about 2.5 miles, going uphill back. It was tough but the trees were beautiful! (It’s optional whether you wanna walk the trails or not there).. the stops for food on the way there and back we’re great too!! Highly recommend this tour! :)

It definitely beats driving yourself!

It definitely beats driving yourself to and from the park after a long day of hiking, but I'm glad I read through ALL the reviews before going - the San Jose groups gets picked up by a shuttle that takes them to Livermore where they wait for the bus with everyone from San Fran.

Daniel Lim, GetYourGuide

Our Van was on time, you also definitely have to count on the other 30ish people in the tour group to make it back onto the bus on time when we stop for food or pictures. However, if you pack your patience cap its still a wonderful day. Our tour guide, Andy, went above and beyond. He was super knowledgeable both about the history of the area, but is also a geologist and has a lot of experience with the outdoors which he was very excited to share. He also went out of his way to help take pictures for people on our tour who wanted photos of themselves with the iconic sites.

, TripAdvisor

Book With Confidence

Award-winning tours & customer service, money back guarantee, worry free cancellation, 2000+ 5-star reviews, award-winning tour, 460,000+ happy guests since 2002, can i be picked up from a different location other than signia by hilton san jose.

At the present time, we have only one pickup location in San Jose.

What do I need to know about the pickup in San Jose?

A 3rd party shuttle will pick up in San Jose and transport you to Livermore to meet our tour leader and vehicle. The transfer takes 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Where can I park my car near Signia by Hilton?

The Signia by Hilton has a parking garage but it is a bit expensive. We suggest trying the Impark Lot #367 at 285 S Market St just a block from the Hilton pickup location.

How will I recognize the vehicle that will pick me up?

Look for an SUV with identification as Bay Area Airport Shuttle. If there are fewer than 6 passengers making the transfer to Livermore, we will send you a link to an Uber whose location you can track on your phone.

What do I need to know about the Giant Sequoias hike?

The hike is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. Individuals with respiratory issues or not used to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.

Is a day enough time to see Yosemite?

Our incredible 1-day tour to Yosemite from San Francisco visits all the top attractions, like Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and (conditions permitting) the Giant Sequoias.

How can I travel around the park during my free time?

Walking is the best form of transportation in the Valley. We do not recommend public transportation or park shuttles during your free time since you cannot be certain about getting back to the tour vehicle on time. The most popular attractions are a short distance from the drop-off point near Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Can I use my annual pass for the United States National Parks to enter Yosemite for free?

Sorry, but no. The entrance fee we pay to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on the individuals, and the entrance is located at a toll gate – not on foot. Therefore, the tour cost includes the admission fee.

Do you offer this tour in different languages?

Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.

What should I bring with me on tour?

The weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable and you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature. We recommend that you dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops). Bring along a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, hat and sunscreen, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it’s a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park.

What stops do we have for photographs?

Your Yosemite tour will make 5-6 stops for you to exit the vehicle and take some photographs although weather and traffic conditions may require your driver to alter the itinerary slightly. The usual stops are: Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.

What can I do during my free time in Yosemite Valley?

Nice and easy hikes through Cook’s Meadow or to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Swinging Bridge can all be done during your free time. On clear days, biking to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake or the Ahwahnee Hotel are great choices. Finally, the Ancel Adams Gallery is a wonderful showcase of the artist’s work. We do not recommend taking the park shuttle since the timing of the return trip can be unpredictable.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 15 Things to Do in Santa Clara (CA)

15 Things to Do in Santa Clara (CA)

Santa Clara is a city of nearly 125,000 residents that’s located in Santa Clara County, about 75 kilometers south of San Francisco .

The city was founded more than 200 years ago as a Spanish Mission. Now, it’s most well-known for its booming tech industry that’s commonly referred to around the world as Silicon Valley.

Though it’s common knowledge to most football fans, it’s a surprise to many to discover that the relatively small city is also the home of the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers.

Visitors to Santa Clara have abundant activity options at their fingertips without venturing outside city limits, so staying engaged and entertained shouldn’t be an issue.

1. Levi’s Stadium

With a capacity of nearly 70,000, Levi’s Stadium on Marie P. DeBartolo Way in Santa Clara is one of the country’s premier professional football stadiums.

The 49ers play their home games here, and during the off-season, the stadium hosts a variety of annual events, including concerts featuring big names in the music industry.

Taking a family to a football game isn’t the least expensive activity option in the area, but for those who’ve never taken in a pro game, it’s an exhilarating experience that may be worth the cost.

Guided tours are also regularly available, and the bars and restaurants around the stadium are fun to visit year-round.

2. Ulistac Natural Area

Despite its large population and the overall hustle and bustle, the Bay Area features plenty of urban parks and natural areas that are convenient options for those interested in enjoying the great outdoors.

The Ulistac Natural Area is located on Lick Mill Road in Santa Clara. It is comprised of more than 40 acres that include a variety of distinct environments.

The natural area straddles the Guadalupe River and is home to an array of plants and animals that are well-suited to its riparian habitat.

A particularly popular attraction for bird watchers, it features a number of well-marked nature trails dotted with interpretive signs.

3. Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival

Californians take their art and wine seriously, and there’s no better way to combine the two than by visiting the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival.

The event is held in the city’s Central Park and features nearly 200 vendors from across the country selling fine art and crafts, gourmet food, and a vast selection of California’s best wines.

Proceeds are donated to worthwhile causes that benefit residents in need. It all takes place in the early fall when the central California weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Other highlights include live entertainment and lots of art-related activities for kids.

4. The de Saisset Museum

Though he’s not exactly a household name for those who don’t typically travel in West Coast art circles, Ernest de Saisset was one of the Bay Area’s most prominent artists in the 19th century.

Saisset was a French immigrant who enrolled in Santa Clara University and studied painting as a young man.

The museum that now bears his name is located on the university’s campus. It includes a collection of more than 100 of his most impressive works.

It’s as much a historical attraction as it is an art one, and it also has other works from European and American artists dating back hundreds of years.

5. Intel Museum

Intel is one of the titans of the tech world. Over the years, it has been responsible for some of the most significant technological leaps forward in computer hardware.

The Intel Museum is located on the campus of the company’s world headquarters in Santa Clara, and it’s regularly open to the public.

Even for those who don’t fall into the tech-savvy category, it’s a fascinating place that’s definitely worth an hour or two of time.

Though it may sound dry to technophobes, it’s packed with interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages, so it’s great for kids with short attention spans too.

6. Santa Clara Farmers’ Market

There’s really no better way to rub elbows with locals, enjoy pleasant weather, and have access to tons of great products you won’t find elsewhere than by visiting a farmers’ market.

The Santa Clara Farmers’ Market is open year-round and features a little bit of everything – from seasonal produce and fresh baked goods to health and body products and prepared food items.

Held on Jackson Street near the downtown area, it’s common to find different items each time you go.

Spending a few bucks is a great way to support local farmers and entrepreneurs, and don’t be shy about asking them for suggestions for things to see and do while in town.

7. California’s Great America

There’s no shortage of theme parks in the Golden State, but there’s one clear choice for those visiting Santa Clara.

California’s Great America is located on Great America Parkway just outside of town. It features tons of rides, dining options, kid’s activities, and a water park that’s a huge draw during the hot summer months.

Though Great America can really draw a crowd during peak times when kids are enjoying their summer vacations, previous guests have noted that wait times for rides weren’t overly long.

Many families choose to spend an entire day on-site to avoid wasting valuable recreational time in the car.

8. Mission Santa Clara

Mission Santa Clara is one of the city’s premier historic sites, and it’s now conveniently located on the campus of Santa Clara University.

The mission was established by Franciscans in the 1770s to spread Christianity to the area’s Native American population.

Sadly, things didn’t go according to plan; due to several natural disasters, the mission was forced to move from its original site to where it is now.

Over the years, it was also run by the Jesuits. Though it’s no longer functioning in its original role, it now doubles as a museum and chapel that are open to visitors.

9. The Triton Museum of Art

Though guests tend to visit the Triton Museum of Art for the works in its collection, its stunning contemporary architecture usually makes a big impression as well.

The museum’s collection includes works from all over the country, but its emphasis is on pieces created by Bay Area artists using local people and scenery as inspiration.

The grounds also include a sprawling outdoor sculpture garden spread over nearly seven acres, and a home from the mid-1860s that’s among the most well-preserved examples of historic American architecture in the area.

The museum is located on Warburton Avenue, and most visitors spend a few hours on-site.

10. Santa Clara Players

The Santa Clara Players traces its roots all the way back to the early ‘60s, when a group of local performers began putting on small shows for the community.

Now nearly seven decades later, they’re still going strong. Their annual performances run the gamut from dramatic theater and mystery to satire and humor.

The players are part of a community theater group staffed by talented volunteers dedicated to providing high-quality, family-friendly entertainment at a reasonable cost.

They’re located on Don Avenue in Santa Clara and offer lots of volunteer opportunities for budding actors and stagehands.

11. Central Park

Featuring lots of wide-open spaces and massive swimming and community rec centers, Santa Clara’s Central Park is a go-to destination for activity minded visitors looking to make the most of their limited vacation time without traveling to more distant attractions.

The park is centrally located on Keily Boulevard, has ample parking, and features lots of outdoor amenities and recreational activity options.

From tennis and basketball to softball, lawn bowling, and a big playground, there’s really no excuse for getting bored while on-site. For those looking to spend a relaxing afternoon, there are a lake, built-in BBQs, and public restrooms.

12. The 49ers Museum

Even for those who won’t be in Santa Clara during the regular season, the 49ers stadium and museum are fun attractions worth visiting for sports-minded visitors.

The museum is located inside Levi’s Stadium and features nearly a dozen distinct galleries that are open to the public year-round.

It’s a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to football, its exhibits touch on science, technology, and art in a way that engages and entertains young and old minds alike.

Most guests check out the introductory video in the visitor’s center before showing themselves through the impressive collection of trophies, balls, and Super Bowl memorabilia on display.

13. The Santa Clara Fire Museum

The Santa Clara Fire Department’s roots run all the way back to the 1850s when it was founded.

The museum is now located on Walsh Avenue in an unused training center behind the city’s new fire station.

It sports an impressive collection of equipment and historical memorabilia that give visitors unique insights into the lives of fire and rescue personnel in years past.

The museum’s highlights include a fully restored Model-T fire truck that served for two decades, beginning in the 1920s.

The knowledgeable local volunteer staff also offer regular programs geared at educating the public about fire safety and prevention issues.

14. Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History

The Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History is run by a local historical society. It is housed in the depot of a now-defunct railroad on Railroad Avenue in Santa Clara.

Like many local historical attractions, the museum is staffed by local volunteers who love answering questions and showing first-time visitors around.

The museum’s exhibits include a variety of railroad equipment and memorabilia, including signals, safety equipment, and historical photographs dating back over 100 years.

The museum is regularly open to the public. It maintains an extensive library of books relating to railroad development and local history as well.

15. Voyager Coffee

Though it has only been around since 2016, Voyager Coffee’s owner and staff are dedicated to the noble pursuit of making their customers happy.

They do this largely by providing world-class coffee, but also by offering a comfortable space in which guests have opportunities to build relationships with like-minded customers.

Many of their coffees sport internationally influenced flavors, and they’re often infused with things like orange essence and cherry blossom water.

Don’t worry if you prefer your coffee straight-up, because they’ve got more traditional brews as well.

They offer fresh pastry and baked goods, tea, and other non-coffee drinks too.

15 Things to Do in Santa Clara (CA):

• Levi's Stadium
• Ulistac Natural Area
• Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
• The de Saisset Museum
• Intel Museum
• Santa Clara Farmers’ Market
• California's Great America
• Mission Santa Clara
• The Triton Museum of Art
• Santa Clara Players
• Central Park
• The 49ers Museum
• The Santa Clara Fire Museum
• Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History
• Voyager Coffee

• Featured Tours

How silicon chips are produced, assembled, and tested, are among the many interactive demonstrations inside the Intel Museum in Santa Clara, CA.