50 things to do in Cupertino
Cupertino is of course known as Apple’s headquarters; and there are a few things to do around the fact that Apple is the leading employer, e.g. until the summer of 2020 you can see the Apple-1 at the Cupertino Historical Museum, and the visitor center for the new Campus 2 is always fun. Nevertheless I was surprised at the diverse sport options and the interesting offerings for kids. A community friendly place worth exploring!
Parks and Gardens
- Stevens Creek County Park
There are many recreational options in this park with it’s more than 1000 acres and the reservoir.
(https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/StevensCreek.aspx, 11401 Stevens Canyon Rd)
- Stocklmeir Orchard
Part of the old orange orchard and remains of the Stocklmeir home.
- Rancho San Antonio County Park
A 289-acre park in the foothills with over 23 miles of trails. (https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/RanchoSanAntonio.aspx, 22500 Cristo Rey Drive)
- Memorial Park’s Japanese Lanterns & Trees
The site for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Two large stone lanterns and 200 cherry trees were given by Toyokawa, Cupertino’s sister city.
(http://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/recreation-and-community-services/find-a-park-or-facility/city-parks, Memorial Park, Stevens Creek Blvd. & Mary Ave.)
Places for Kids
- Deer Hollow Farm in Rancho San Antonio
This 160 year old ranch in Silicon Valley is a great place to discover farmlife. (http://deerhollowfarmfriends.org/, 22500 Cristo Rey Dr.) [Also see: Spring is for offspring]
- Cupertino Library Aquarium
A 16 foot wide aquarium that holds clownfish, yellow tanks and foxfish bubbleheads to name a few. A fun way to spend some time in the library.
(https://sccld.org/locations/CU/, 10800 Torre Ave) [Also see: Find Nemo at the library]
- McClellan Ranch Nature Museum and Blacksmith Shop
The Environmental Education Center is open Saturdays and Sundays (11am – 3pm)
(https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/outdoor-activities/mcclellan-ranch-preserve, 10300 Torre Ave)
- 4-H tour
Every 2nd Saturday from 10 am – noon (March to November) you can tour the ranch and see all the animals up close! (https://rh4h-site.appspot.com/projects/Tours, 22221 McClellan Rd) [Also see: Learn about 4-H]
Sport
- Fitness in the park
In the summer month yoga and zumba are offered in the park. Instructors will lead you towards a healthier lifestyle. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle and comfortable clothing. Check the website for details. (https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/outdoor-activities/fitness-in-the-park, Portal Park and Civic Center Plaza)
- Strike out at Bowlmor or Homestead Bowl
Cupertino has two bowling centers! (https://www.bowlmor.com/location/bowlmor-cupertino, 10123 N Wolfe Rd #20, https://homesteadbowl.com/, 20990 Homestead Rd)
- Golf at Deep Cliff Golf Course or Blackberry Farm Golf Course
Since 1961 Deep Cliff Golf Course has been an 18 hole course, par 60.
(https://www.playdeepcliff.com/, 10700 Clubhouse Lane)
The Blackberry Farm Golf Course is a 9 hole, par 29 course.
(https://www.blackberryfarmgolfcourse.com/, 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd)
- Swim at Blackberry Farm
Two outdoor swimming pools, one with a waterslide, for your splashing ventures. Blackberry Farm is open to the public from May to September. (https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/outdoor-activities/blackberry-farm/swimming-pools, 21979 San Fernando Ave) [Also see: Swim in an outdoor pool]
- Fly a model airplane
Rancho San Antonio has a field for non-gas powered model airplanes. (https://www.openspace.org/preserves/rancho-san-antonio, Rancho San Antonio)
[Also see: Fly a drone or model airplane]
- Disc golf
This 12 hole course is well maintained by the Silicon Valley Disc Golf Club which established the Villa Maria course in 2018.
(http://svdgc.org/local-courses/, Stevens Creek County Park) [Also see: Throw some discs around]
- Cupertino Sports Center
For 30 years the Cupertino Sports Center has been offering tennis courts and other fitness activities in its facility. (https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/cupertino-sports-center, 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd)
- Ice Center Cupertino
The Ice Center of Cupertino has the largest single surface Skating School in the United States. It offers visitors an indoor ice rink with freestyle skating sessions open to the public. You can also book broomball and birthday parties. (http://www.icecenter.net/cupertino/, 10123 N Wolfe Rd #1020)
- Whispering Creek Equestrian Center
This horse boarding facility offers volunteer opportunities for riders of all ages. (http://www.whisperingcreekequestriancenter.com/, 10110 California Oak Way)
- Archery at Stevens Creek Park
Public archery range with a 28 station roving course. While the range is open to the public you might consider joining the Bowhunters Unlimited Archery Club.
(https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/StevensCreek.aspx, 11401 Stevens Creek Canyon Rd)
Short Hikes
- Picchetti Ranch Preserve
There are two trails behind the winery – The Zinfandel Trail is a 1.9 mile shady hike and the Bear Meadow Trail is described as a leisurely walk to a small pond. (https://www.openspace.org/preserves/picchetti-ranch, 13100 Montebello Rd)
- Fremont Older
Hunters Point offers a stunning view of the Santa Clara Valley. (https://www.openspace.org/preserves/fremont-older)
Museums
- Euphrat Museum of Art
The Euphrat Museum of Art is the De Anza College art museum, open Mon – Thur 10am – 3pm during exhibition. Admission is free. (https://www.deanza.edu/euphrat/, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd) [Also see: See Justice for All?]
- Cupertino Historical Museum
The Cupertino Historical Museum is located in the Quinlan Community Center. The current exhibit, “Homage to the Information Technology Revolution” showcases impressive artifacts, among them the Apple-1 with a letter by Steve Jobs. Wed – Sat, 10 am – 4 pm, admission is free but donations are welcome. (http://www.cupertinohistoricalsociety.org/home, 10185 N. Stelling Rd) [Also see: View the Holy Grail of Computers]
- California History Center and Foundation
Located in the De Anza College, the California History Center and Foundation is dedicated to regional history. (http://www.calhistory.org/, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd)
Historic Places
- McClellan Ranch
In the 1930s and ’40s, the 18-acre McClellan Ranch was a horse ranch. Now it has a relocated water tower, replicated blacksmith shop, and nature museum.
- Historic Grant Cabin
A two-room cabin that is the oldest remaining structure at Deer Hollow Farm. (http://deerhollowfarmfriends.org/about/history-deer-hollow-farm/, 22500 Cristo Dr)
- Woodhills
Previous home of Fremont and Cora Older, restored by Mort and Elaine Levine. They offer tours of the house in spring, sadly not in 2020. A short Youtube video explains more of the significance of the building and the previous owners: https://youtu.be/Hxoa59VazXM
(https://www.openspace.org/preserves/fremont-older, Fremont Older House)
Architecture
- Mary Avenue Bicycle Bridge
Take a stroll or bike ride over this iconic Cupertino bridge built over the 280, spanning Cupertino and Sunnyvale. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Avenue_Bridge, Mary Ave Bridge, Sunnyvale, CA 94087) [Also see: Bike a bridge]
- Apple Visitor Center
The new spaceship like Apple building is hard to spot. But in the visitor center you can take the augmented reality tour with an iPad. Plus go up on the platform and stand on your toes to get an idea and a glimpse of the real building. (https://www.apple.com/retail/appleparkvisitorcenter/, 10600 N. Tantau Ave) [Also see: Visit the Apple Visitor Center]
Public Art
- Morion Sculpture
Abstract sculpture of a Spanish conquistador’s helmet, a Morion, by John Augsberger in 1971. This is also the city seal.
(https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/about-cupertino/city-seal, 10300 Torre Ave)
- Veterans Memorial
Walk of Remembrance, Wall of Honor and The Guardians statue. Each year on Nov 11 honored by the Veterans Day Ceremony.
(http://www.cupertinoveteransmemorial.org/index.html, Memorial Park, Stevens Creek Blvd. & Mary Ave)
Theater
- Flint Performing Arts Center
This venue on the De Anza College campus offers broadway shows, ballet and celebrity and author talks.
(http://www.fhda.edu/FlintCenter, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd)
- Shakespeare in the Park
In the summer enjoy some free Shakespeare in the Park (http://www.sfshakes.org/, Memorial Park Amphitheater)
- Cinema at Sundown
A fun night to catch a free movie in the park. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy!
(https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/cinema-at-sundown-august, various locations)
Shopping
- De Anza flea market
Every first Saturday of every month over 800 vendors sell their goods at De Anza college. (http://www.deanza.edu/fleamarket/, ) Also see: Go bargain hunting]
- Farmers Markets
Cupertino has two options to buy fresh food. 1. Creekside Farmers’ Market is open year-round on Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (https://pcfma.org/, 10455 Miller Ave)
2. West Coast Farmers Market, every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (www.wcfma.org, Oaks Shopping Center parking lot)
- Daiso
The stylish japanese dollar store (http://www.daisojapan.com, 19750 Stevens Creek Boulevard)
- Marukai
The Marketplace shopping Center at the junction of Stevens Creek and South Portal Avenue houses one of the biggest Japanese grocery stores in the area. (https://www.marukai.com/t-cupertino.aspx, 19750 Stevens Creek Blvd)
Lunch
- Main St.
A stroll around the newly designed Main St. should open up plenty of lunch and dinner options. (http://mainstreetcupertino.com/location/)
- Britannia Arms Pub
If you are craving pub food, Britannia might do it for you! How about some fish & chips and for dessert a fried cheesecake? (http://britanniaarmsdeanza.com/, 1087 De Anza Blvd)
Nerdy Fun
- Fujitsu Planetarium
Located on the campus of De Anza College, the Fujitsu Planetarium is the largest school planetarium on the West Coast
- Apple headquarters
You can drive up and park at Infinite Loop. For Campus 2 you have to be happy with the visitor center.
Must-Show-to-Visitors Places
- Wineries
There are several wineries in the unincorporated part of Cupertino including: Fellom Ranch Vineyards; Naumann Vineyards; Picchetti Brothers Winery; R&W Vineyards; and Ridge Vineyards. [Also see: Taste some wine]
- Food trucks
Join the off-the-grid movement and eat at a food truck. Every Tuesday night at the Whole Foods parking lot. (https://offthegrid.com/event/cupertino/, 20955 Stevens Creek Blvd)
Festivals / Events
- Cherry Blossom Festival
Held every year at the last weekend in April, this year April 25 – 26, 2020
(http://www.cupertinotoyokawa.org, Memorial Park, 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd)
- Summer concerts
Enjoy live music every Thursday evening from June to August.
(https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/summer-concert-series-june-july, various locations)
- Silicon Valley Fall Festival
An annual multicultural festival for the whole family. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/fall-family-festival-september, Memorial Park, 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd)
- Community Tree Lighting
At the Quinlan Community Center, get in the holiday spirit with caroling and special visits from the North Pole. https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/tree-lighting-december, 10185 N. Sterling Road) or arrange for Santa visits.
Two weekends before Christmas, if you are a resident of Cupertino, you can book Santa to come visit your home! (https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/santa-visits-your-home)
Other Ideas
- Cupertino’s Ceramics Center Wilson Park
Book a class or show up for the open studio every Friday 7 pm – 10 pm. (https://www.wilsonparkceramics.com/open-studio, 10298 South Portal Ave)
- Pooch Plunge at Blackberry Farms
When the pool closes for the summer they open the doors for one day to let the dogs party! The $10 per dog proceeds go to the Best Friends Animal Society.(https://www.cupertino.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/12185/20, 21979 San Fernando Ave)
- Poetry
Readings and workshops led by the Cupertino Poet Laureate. (https://www.cupertino.org/residents/arts-and-culture/cupertino-poet-laureate)
I hope you enjoyed the 50 things to do in Cupertino. I prepared a Google map: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kUwJrqtKdPZlic39RLxPrhsK3HU_PbFh&usp=sharing
and a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/azuvvZTa_v4
I welcome your comments and suggestions, either in the comment section below, or you can contact me. Everything can change from URLs to opening hours, please verify before you go.
As always no affiliations with the mentioned businesses unless otherwise noted. Dates are for 2020. Please let me know of any changes or mistakes. All images are mine, unless otherwise credited. Please don’t use without permission. Copyright 2020.