Best Attractions and Things to Do in Silicon Valley

Tap to Read ➤ Sucheta Pradhan

Known throughout the world as America’s global hub of business and technology, California’s Silicon Valley is, in fact, a big bundle of surprises. As a tourist, you’ll never run out of options in Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley lies in northern California and includes the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Major cities of Silicon Valley include Santa Clara, San José, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Menlo Park, and Cupertino.

Did you know that half of the tech billionaires in the world live in Silicon Valley? If you are planning to visit Silicon Valley this vacation season, here are a few things you can see and do with your family there. Keep going!

Apple Park … … is the corporate headquarters of Apple Inc., located in Cupertino, California. Named ‘Mother Ship’, it’s an amazing four-storeyed circular structure housing over 12,000 employees.

Specially opened for visitors, the Apple Park Visitor Center is only steps away from the main building and features an exhibition showcasing the design of Apple Park, an Apple Store, and a café.

Intel Museum … … is housed at Intel’s headquarters in Santa Clara. Its exhibits are about Intel’s technological history and products over the ages.

It is pretty interesting to see how computers have evolved over the years. The best part is that there are no entry fees to visit this museum!

Hiller Aviation Museum … … is located in San Carlos at the San Carlos Airport. Founded by Stanley Hiller in 1998, it features northern California’s aircraft and helicopter history.

The exhibition displays more than 50 aircraft models and visitors can also fly a simulation of a Wright Model B aircraft. Docent-led tours of the museum are available, but you need to book one in advance.

San José Museum of Art … … is Santa Clara County’s leading modern art museum. Don’t miss visiting this place if you are an art buff with a special interest in 20th and 21st century modern art.

The museum offers various art-focused workshops for people and school groups. So, while you are visiting, see if you can catch one of them!

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum … … is the museum of ancient Egypt located in San José. It boasts the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on the American West Coast.

Established in 1927 by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, a spiritual and cultural movement based on world religions, the museum also hosts many meditation workshops related to the Order.

Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve … … is the only undisturbed marshland left in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. This is the one peaceful refuge amidst the industrial conundrum of Silicon Valley.

Admire different wildlife species found here, marvel at the breathtaking scenery, or simply push your kayak into the water to spend some ‘me’ time amidst nature. There are several hiking trails here as well!

History San José … … is an indoor-outdoor park in San José built to preserve and spread the cultural and social heritage of Santa Clara Valley.

The park contains several living history exhibits, including replica homes and businesses from the beginning of the 20th century, paved streets, and guest transportation trolleys.

San José Heritage Rose Garden … … is yet another popular San José attraction that features the largest number of rose species in the entire Western Hemisphere at one place.

Established in 1995 with the efforts of several volunteer organizations, the garden has over 2,600 varieties of roses. For gardening enthusiasts, they also hold evening garden care sessions in summer.

California's Great America … … is the famous amusement park in Santa Clara spread across 112 acres. If you are traveling with kids, this is the perfect place to take them.

Founded in 1976, this amusement park has numerous roller coasters and thrill rides, which will blow your mind.

Bay Area Brewery Tours … … is a “must do” item while in San Francisco. Inspired by the winery route tours of Napa and Temecula, the Bay Area Brewery Tours is San Francisco's first brewery touring company offering public walking tours of the city’s breweries.

On joining the tour, you’ll get to visit tap rooms of three popular breweries and taste some of the regional favorites. This will be the most fulfilling experience of your Silicon Valley staycation!