Santa Clara
NFL and theme park fun, history and high-tech in Silicon Valley city
SANTA CLARA lies in the heart of tech capital Silicon Valley, an area firmly focused on the future, but with a long history that stretches back to the beginnings of California.
The city recently dedicated funds to revive its historic downtown next to Santa Clara University, which was founded in 1851 and is the oldest college in the state. That’s not the only development on tap in Santa Clara. Plans have been approved for City Place, a massive project near Levi’s Stadium expected to transform the area into a lively destination filled with hotels, dining and nightlife.
It was the opening of Levi’s Stadium in 2014 that put Santa Clara in the national spotlight. The 69,900-seat stadium is home to the San Francisco 49ers and contains the 49ers Museum, which is open year-round and celebrates the team in 11 galleries and interactive exhibits that trace NFL history and Super Bowl championships. Levi’s is also a venue for major sporting events and concerts, including the Rolling Stones scheduled to rock the park on May 15.
Theme Park Fun
Nearby, California’s Great America, a 100acre combination theme and water park, offers a delightful Peanuts-inspired area for children and hair-raising experiences for thrill-seekers. Among the rides is Patriot, a roller coaster that whips riders 91 feet into the air and then drops them into a 360degree loop.
When visiting Santa Clara, you can’t miss learning about Silicon Valley. At the Intel Museum, fascinating exhibits trace the computer industry and how the valley’s brilliant engineers dramatically changed society.
A Sense of History
For a longer historical perspective, stroll the gardens on the lovely campus at Santa Clara University, whose mission was founded in 1777. The current church was built in 1925 but holds vestiges from the past, including a life-size crucifix brought from Mexico in 1802. Also on campus, the university’s de Saisset Art Museum houses a significant California history collection and art by Chagall and Picasso.
For more local history, check out the South Bay Historical Society housed in an 1863 train station, the Santa Clara Historic Museum and the Harris-lass House Museum, both located in charming 19thcentury buildings.
When it’s time to kick back, you’ll find a range of restaurants and high-end boutiques such as Versace, Cartier and Armani at the Westfield Valley Fair, home to some of Silicon Valley’s most enticing upscale shopping.