{"id":56165,"date":"2026-01-02T13:01:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T21:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/?p=56165"},"modified":"2026-02-27T10:43:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:43:51","slug":"free-things-to-do-in-santa-clara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/blog\/free-things-to-do-in-santa-clara\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Things To Do In Santa Clara"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If your wallet is still recovering from the holidays, you are not alone. The good news is there are plenty of free things to do in Santa Clara. From outdoor spaces and historic landmarks to museums and community events, the city offers lots of ways to explore without spending money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is your guide to some of the best free activities in Santa Clara, year round.<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"--responsive-spacer--desktop:2rem;--responsive-spacer--tablet:1rem;--responsive-spacer--mobile:1rem;\" class=\"wp-block-madden-theme-responsive-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"align wp-block-madden-theme-booking-widget\">\n  <!-- NOTE: The id name below in the div tag must    -->\n  <!-- be in the url params of the script source.     -->\n  <!-- The div tag is not necessary per se however    -->\n  <!-- the name of the element in which the widget is -->\n  <!-- going to inserted into must be in the param    -->\n  <!-- 'widget_element' value.  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Explore Santa Clara Parks and Outdoor Spaces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spending time outdoors is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience Santa Clara for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ulistac.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Khu v\u1ef1c thi\u00ean nhi\u00ean Ulistac<\/a>:<\/strong> This hidden gem features walking paths, native plants, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It is a peaceful place for a stroll, birdwatching, or connecting with nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.santaclaraca.gov\/Home\/Components\/FacilityDirectory\/FacilityDirectory\/150\/15258\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Central Park: <\/a><\/strong>A community favorite with open lawns, shaded areas, and space for picnics or casual recreation. The park also hosts free seasonal events throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/california\/san-tomas-aquino-creek-trail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u0110\u01b0\u1eddng m\u00f2n Su\u1ed1i San Tomas Aquino<\/a>:<\/strong> Perfect for walking, running, or biking, this paved trail runs through Santa Clara and offers a scenic way to explore the city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_d21d73-40\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-wavy-right-bottom\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1081\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Santa-Clara-Central-Park-4-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A towering metal structure with a pyramid-like top and numerous cables radiating outward stands amidst a lush, green park filled with tall trees and manicured gardens in Santa Clara, California.\" class=\"wp-image-41256\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"--responsive-spacer--desktop:2rem;--responsive-spacer--tablet:1rem;--responsive-spacer--mobile:1rem;\" class=\"wp-block-madden-theme-responsive-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id56165_55a24a-ac alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_b193d9-c4\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-69bc4bdf has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading center-on-mobile\"><strong>2. Visit Free Museums and Historic Attractions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"center-on-mobile has-normal-big-font-size\">Santa Clara has several cultural and educational sites that are open to the public at no cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intel.com\/content\/www\/us\/en\/company-overview\/intel-museum.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Intel Museum:<\/a><\/strong> Located on Intel\u2019s campus, this interactive museum explores the history of technology and innovation in Silicon Valley. It is a great stop for visitors of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scu.edu\/missionchurch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Mission Santa Clara de As\u00eds:<\/strong> <\/a>Founded in 1777, this historic mission is located on the Santa Clara University campus. Visitors can explore the mission church and surrounding grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scu.edu\/desaisset\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">de Saisset Museum:<\/a> <\/strong>Also located at Santa Clara University, the de Saisset Museum features rotating art exhibitions and historic collections. Admission is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tritonmuseum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Triton Museum:<\/a> <\/strong>This contemporary art museum showcases rotating exhibitions by regional, national, and international artists, with a focus on modern and experimental work. Located in a quiet residential area, the museum also features a sculpture garden and regularly hosts artist talks and community events. Admission is free.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_dffe87-cc\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-wavy-right-bottom\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"549\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Triton_Events_5.jpg\" alt=\"The entrance to the Getty Museum, featuring a modern architectural design with a pyramid-shaped roof and a large glass door in Santa Clara, California.\" class=\"wp-image-30673\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"--responsive-spacer--desktop:2rem;--responsive-spacer--tablet:1rem;--responsive-spacer--mobile:1rem;\" class=\"wp-block-madden-theme-responsive-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id56165_bbd333-17 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_798aca-3b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-wavy-left-top\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/santa_clara_parade_of_champions_october-2025-Events.jpg\" alt=\"parade of champion\" class=\"wp-image-54573\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_98e96c-f7\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-69bc4bdf has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading center-on-mobile\"><strong>3. <\/strong>Enjoy free community events in santa clara<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"center-on-mobile has-normal-big-font-size\">Throughout the year, Santa Clara hosts a variety of free events that bring the community together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.santaclaraca.gov\/our-city\/departments-g-z\/parks-recreation\/parks-recreation-special-events\/concerts-in-the-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Concerts in the Park:<\/a> <\/strong>During the summer months, Central Park hosts free live music performances that are perfect for a relaxed evening outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Holiday Celebrations and Festivals:<\/strong> From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.santaclaraca.gov\/our-city\/departments-g-z\/parks-recreation\/parks-recreation-special-events\/holiday-tree-lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>tree lighting ceremonies<\/strong><\/a> to cultural celebrations, Santa Clara offers family friendly events that are free to attend. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.santaclaraca.gov\/our-city\/departments-g-z\/parks-recreation\/parks-recreation-special-events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Event schedules<\/strong><\/a> vary seasonally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scparadeofchampions.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Parade of Champions:<\/a> <\/strong>This annual parade celebrates local athletes and community groups with floats, music, and entertainment in downtown Santa Clara.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id56165_18fe7b-10 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_f24cab-ec\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-69bc4bdf has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading center-on-mobile\"><strong>4. Stroll Through Downtown Santa Clara and local markets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"center-on-mobile has-normal-big-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uvfm.org\/santa-clara-saturdays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Santa Clara Farmers Market:<\/strong> <\/a>Held weekly in downtown Santa Clara, the Santa Clara Farmers Market is free to visit and a great way to experience local culture, even if you are just browsing.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"center-on-mobile has-normal-big-font-size\">Our Senior Marketing Manager Ben Landis is a fan of the farmers market and it&#8217;s great way to start the day on a Saturday in Santa Clara.<br><br>\u201cThere\u2019s always a great mix at the Santa Clara Farmers Market, fresh produce, music performers, and pop-up eateries.&#8221; Said Landis &#8220;You can grab a bite or just walk around and enjoy the vibe without spending anything.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yelp.com\/biz\/franklin-square-santa-clara\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Franklin Square: <\/strong><\/a>Located in the heart of downtown, Franklin Square is a walkable area with historic charm and frequent community gatherings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_ea8500-8f\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sc-farmers-market-2.jpg\" alt=\"A bustling outdoor market with colorful tents and people shopping under a clear blue sky in Santa Clara, California.\" class=\"wp-image-56200\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"--responsive-spacer--desktop:2rem;--responsive-spacer--tablet:1rem;--responsive-spacer--mobile:1rem;\" class=\"wp-block-madden-theme-responsive-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id56165_406bd5-53 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_a0753e-6d\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mission-top-things-to-do-santa-clara.jpg\" alt=\"The Santa Clara Mission, a top attraction in Santa Clara.\" class=\"wp-image-30944\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_62b8fc-0f\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-69bc4bdf has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-big-font-size\">5. Explore Santa Clara University<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">While earning a degree at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>\u0110\u1ea1i h\u1ecdc Santa Clara<\/strong> <\/a>may cost an arm and a leg, walking the campus is totally free. It offers beautiful architecture, gardens, and peaceful walkways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"--responsive-spacer--desktop:2rem;--responsive-spacer--tablet:1rem;--responsive-spacer--mobile:1rem;\" class=\"wp-block-madden-theme-responsive-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id56165_e6b523-c8 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_9eb46e-55\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-69bc4bdf has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7db9d80f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Discover Public Art and Landmarks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Santa Clara features several public art pieces and landmarks that are free to see. Below are just a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/place\/agrihood-mural-greetings-from-santa-clara\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Agrihood Mural:<\/a><\/strong> Located in the Agrihood Sustainable Community, the Greetings from Santa Clara mural is one of the city\u2019s newest public art installations. Created by Bay Area artist Maxfield Bala, the mural features vibrant lettering and imagery that celebrate Santa Clara\u2019s history, landmarks, and agricultural roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/place\/nebula-rider\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nebula Rider:<\/a><\/strong> Located near City Hall Plaza, Nebula Rider is a contemporary public art installation designed by artist Adrian Landon. The large stainless steel Pegasus reflects Santa Clara\u2019s creative energy, innovation, and long-standing connection to horses and will remain on display through May 22, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/place\/our-lady-of-peace-statue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Our Lady of Peace Statue:<\/strong><\/a> One of Santa Clara\u2019s most recognizable landmarks, the Our Lady of Peace statue stands at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace. The monument offers a peaceful space for reflection and represents an important cultural and spiritual site in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors can check out more murals and historic sites throughout the city while exploring on foot. For more information, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/blog\/santa-clara-art-trail-mural-projects\/\"><strong>Santa Clara Art Trail.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"--responsive-spacer--desktop:2rem;--responsive-spacer--tablet:1rem;--responsive-spacer--mobile:1rem;\" class=\"wp-block-madden-theme-responsive-spacer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column56165_b252b6-fe\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"585\" height=\"387\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/greetings-from-santa-clara-mural.jpg\" alt=\"greetings from santa clara mural\" class=\"wp-image-31024\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan Your Free Santa Clara Adventure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Santa Clara offers a wide range of free activities that highlight the city\u2019s culture, history, and community spirit. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, museums, or local events, there is always something to enjoy without spending money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more ideas and travel inspiration, explore more blogs and guides on Discover Santa Clara. Check out our list of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/blog\/top-things-to-do\/\"><strong>Top 60 things to do in Santa Clara<\/strong><\/a>, whether you are looking for free options or ready to spend a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your wallet is still recovering from the holidays, you are not alone. The good news is there are plenty of free things to do in Santa Clara. From outdoor spaces and historic landmarks to museums and community events, the city offers lots of ways to explore without spending money. Here is your guide to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":56259,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2362],"tags":[2888],"class_list":["post-56165","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trip-ideas","tag-family-fun"],"acf":[],"content_card":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56165","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56165"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56165\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57070,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56165\/revisions\/57070"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56165"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discoversantaclara.org\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}