Welcome to Santa Clara Valley—also known as Silicon Valley—the epicenter of next-generation technology and innovation. With its finger on the pulse of the world’s most groundbreaking ideas, Santa Clara Valley is home to tech behemoths and the hottest startups—but that’s not all. This special region of California is equally known for its cutting-edge culture, academic prowess, champion sports teams, and treasure trove of natural wonders. There’s something for everyone in this part of the Golden State, so start exploring!
The valley may not be known for its tourist draws, but there are still several Santa Clara Valley destinations to explore during your first weekend in the area. (Pics or it didn’t happen!) Then, when you’re ready to see Santa Clara Valley and beyond—San Francisco is just a short drive or BART ride away—through the eyes of a local, keep scrolling.
What do you get when you have a paranoid heiress cursed by ghost hauntings? A 24,000-square-foot labyrinthine home that took 38 years to construct. The life’s work of Sarah Winchester, the heiress of the Winchester Arms company, this peculiar mansion transformed from a small eight-room farmhouse into a maze of 160 rooms, 47 fireplaces, two basements, and a mysterious fun-house-like interior.
With multiple staircases leading to nowhere, doorways opening to blank walls, secret passageways, and corners rounding to dead ends, Sarah devoted millions of dollars and the rest of her life to building a home capable of confusing the evil spirits that haunted her. Experience the chillingly bizarre destination for yourself by booking a tour.
Dubbed the “Village within a City,” Santana Row is a 43-acre upscale shopping and dining destination modeled after elegant European neighborhoods.
This walkable, tree-lined haven offers charm, leisure, and indulgence all in one walkable complex. Sit on a bench under lush palms and mature oaks while listening to live musicians, order a silky strawberry matcha bubble tea from Boba Guys, or catch a movie at the CinéArts theater. You are officially livin’ in luxury.
It’s never too late to feel like a kid again. Prepare for a raucous day of roller coasters, fireworks, corn dogs galore, and even a water park at California’s Great America. New rides are introduced every year, meaning there’s always more to discover and get your adrenaline pumping.
You’ve done the touristy stuff—now it’s time to play like you live here! There’s so much more to see and do throughout the region than haunted history and luxury shopping.
