By Ben Landis, Marketing Manager

Is this your first time traveling to Santa Clara for business or maybe you’ve briefly visited in the past? If you’ve decided to come to Santa Clara, we want to be the first ones to welcome you to our amazing city. This city, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, boasts an array of tech giants like Intel, AMD, Nvidia, and many more. Beyond its tech prowess, Santa Clara can be an exciting destination when you dive beneath the surface.  If Santa Clara is in your future business travel plans, we got you covered with some great activities you can do and some tips to ensure your stay is not only productive but also memorable.

Santa Clara is Easily Accessible

When getting off a long flight chances we are betting that the last thing you want to do is sit in traffic for another 30 minutes to an hour to get to your destination.  To arrive at Santa Clara with ease fly into San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). Whether you’re renting a car or hoping into your preferred ride share option you can reach Santa Clara swiftly.   While San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are other viable options to access Santa Clara, keep in mind that these two airports are roughly an hour's drive away. Factor in additional drive time in your travel itinerary if you choose to fly into SFO or OAK.

(San Jose Mineta Airport)

Amazing Hotel Stays Await

Hospitality is the name of the game in Santa Clara, with numerous hotels backed by world-class brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott. With a diverse selection catering to boutique, upscale, classic, or modern preferences, you are bound to find a stay that perfectly aligns with your tastes and needs.

If you want to see a list of all the hotels and all their offerings in Santa Clara, we recommend that you click here.

Discover Santa Clara’s Culinary Scene

We recommend exploring dining options beyond the company-provided or hotel food during your visit to Santa Clara. It's a must to experience the vibrant local culinary scene by trying one of the many excellent restaurants in the area.

Being in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is extremely diverse and with that comes a variety of cuisine. Santa Clara is famous for their Asian cuisine (especially with their robust collection of Korean Restaurants in Koreatown in located along El Camino Real).  Beyond that, you'll discover excellent dining options such as Indian, Italian, American, Mexican, Mediterranean, and more. Here are some of Discover Santa Clara’s favorite spots to get you started on your next dining destination.

Note: This list is not all-inclusive; it's just to get you started. (Let’s be honest; if we included all our favorite food spots, it would probably add another 30 minutes to your reading time.)

Paik’s Noodle-  This is one of the best Korean restaurants in town, to experience mouthwatering Korean noodle dishes like Bokkeummyeon and Jjamppong that will transport your taste buds to noodle heaven! This place has the feeling of a delicious homecooked meal, and it is served with love. (ProTip: This spot gets easily packed so for your dining convenience we recommend you get there as early as you can.) Check out our Instagram Reel documenting the experience.

Orenchi- Since its opening in 2010 and earning a recommendation in the 2016 Michelin Guide, this popular Ramen Shop is a must-try. Their renowned specialties include the signature Orenchi tonkotsu, the soy sauce Shoyu, and the spicy miso ramen. Additionally, they offer delightful sides dishes such as Chicken Karaage, Geso (Calamari) Karaage, and Takoyaki octopus snacks.

Birk’s- Birk’s is the epitome of classic Santa Clara. Since its establishment in 1989, it proudly identifies as “the traditional city grill with a contemporary twist.” Here, you can savor amazing steaks, chops, and seafood, perfectly complemented by an award-winning wine list. If you're seeking an elegant yet unobtrusive venue to dine with colleagues or entertain clients, Birk’s is the perfect choice. (We have a short Instagram reel to give you a sneak preview.)

Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos- If you have a sweet tooth, this spot is a must-try. The taco shell is a handmade waffle filled with house-made ice cream flavors, coated with chocolate or peanut butter dip, and adorned with various toppings. To top it off, this delightful taco is placed in a tub of liquid nitrogen, creating a harmonious blend of all the delicious flavors. (Here’s another Instagram video showcase how these tacos are made.)

(Paik's Noodles- Bokkeummyeon)

Experience Activities in Santa Clara

After a day of hard work, when you're ready to unwind, here are some enjoyable activities to consider for your evenings. If the opportunity arises, you might opt for the obvious choices – attending a concert or sporting event at Levi’s Stadium or experiencing the thrills of California’s Great America's rides. These world-class facilities promise an amazing time.

However, it's worth noting that both Levi’s Stadium and California’s Great America may be closed at various times of the year. (Look at their websites for their operating hours.) In such cases, here are some fantastic alternatives we highly recommend.

Westfield’s Valley Fair and Santana Row- Come shop until you drop. Within close proximity of Santa Clara, you have top notch shopping centers such as Westfield’s Valley Fair and Santana Row. (Both centers are within walking distance of each other.) Here you have all your favorite retailers, expansive dining options, and various entertainment options as Bowlero, Showplace Icon Theatres, and The Escape Game (escape room).  These shopping centers are bound to keep you occupied during your downtime.

K1 Speed - Do you have the need...the need for speed? K1 Speed Santa Clara offers a thrilling indoor go-kart track, making it the perfect group activity. Complete with an arcade, onsite food and drink options, and private meeting rooms, you're sure to have everything you need for a lively social gathering with your colleagues and clients.

Pruneridge Golf Club- This is a fantastic and fan-favorite spot in the South Bay Area. Come here to unwind, whether you’re casually swinging the iron at the driving range or playing the full nine-hole golf course. This course is casual and even if you’re pressed for time, this nine-hole course shouldn’t take more than two hours to complete. You can easily book a Tee Time on their website.

Barebottle Brewing Company- Looking to end the day by saying “cheers?” This taproom is a very bright, open, and spacious environment. Here you will find a great collection of innovative and delicious beers brewed with local ingredients. Additionally, there are some wine and non-alcoholic options such as coffee, soda, and kombucha. If you’re craving something to eat Barebottle serves various empanada and pretzels. This venue is excellent for larger groups or corporate events. (You can make reservations on their website here).

Santa Clara has more to offer than meets the eye, and we're confident you'll discover something that makes your visit memorable. Whether it's a short business trip or an extended stay, we welcome you with open arms. Looking forward to hosting you in our charming city and being the first to say, “Welcome to Santa Clara!”

(California's Great America)

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