If you’ve ever heard of the tech giant Apple, you would know that its headquarters is based in this beautiful city of Cupertino.
Cupertino was a small village in the 19th century until a housing boom post-World War II shifted its dynamics and surrounding towns in the Silicon Valley.
While the boom sparked intense urbanization, Cupertino still has its fair share of country-style destinations like farms and vineyards.
Paired with nature’s attractions, you can expect Cupertino to be a city of diverse destinations.
High-tech locations, rural farms, and various recreation options are just a few reasons to choose Cupertino as your next travel destination.
Here are the best things to do in Cupertino, CA, to better understand the city’s charm:
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A simple walk along this decorated main street gives you access to an array of shops and restaurants in Cupertino.
Main Street Cupertino pairs city convenience with modern establishments and the mellow feel of a rural town’s community.
You can find diverse cuisines, grocery stores, and service providers within the plaza.
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It’s also home to the town square, which hosts several events and gatherings for residents and interested travelers.
Main Street Cupertino is the perfect place to satiate whatever you need, whether shopping, dining, or trying various services.
Discover Cupertino’s local gem along Stevens Creek Boulevard, between Wolfe Road and Tantau Avenue.
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Inside De Anza College, the Euphrat Museum of Art opens its doors to the public, even if you aren’t a student or faculty.
You’ll browse the talents of creative students with selected themes and a wide range of mediums.
From paintings and drawings to photography, sculptures, and digital art, Euphrat Museum has plenty of works to display.
Established in 1971, this student-centric museum has made efforts to showcase the skills of the school’s community and the students in Cupertino.
If you make an appointment, you might get to explore the museum with a tour guide who can give you exclusive insights into the artworks and their artists.
Support students and drop by this extraordinary museum in Cupertino.
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Rancho San Antonio County Park & Preserve is unique because it covers not just the city of Cupertino but also that of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.
You can enter for free, and you can partake in several activities while basking in the bounty of nature.
Likewise, you can follow multiple trails with different levels and sceneries in the preserve.
Take your pick on the trail that would best suit your skills and preferences.
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Keep an eye out for various types of animal wildlife, including deer, turkeys, mountain lions, sheep, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
This preserve features untamed parts of nature, so make sure you know what to do in case you encounter those animals.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an untainted encounter with nature, this county preserve may be right for you.
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Along Clubhouse Lane, you’ll find Deep Cliff Golf Course, a premium destination for the sport in the city.
In 1962, this 18-hole course was designed to have easy comfortable terrains that are easily walkable and attractive to wildlife.
As you walk the course paths, you might find a few harmless creatures like rabbits, deer, and birds.
While the course boasts of comfortable terrains, it still has its fair share of challenges, with bunkers and elevated goals standing in your way.
Enjoy a game of golf while you bask in the splendid backdrop of pine, oak, and sycamore trees along the fairway.
A clubhouse also offers tasty meals and drinks if you’re famished.
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Cupertino Memorial Park is a peaceful place in the city that also honors an essential part of the past.
Two statues of soldiers stand at its forefront, representing the NAVY Seals who risked their lives in Afghanistan.
It’s Cupertino’s way of commemorating their sacrifice in a place frequently visited by locals and travelers from across the country.
You can also check out the park’s superb facilities like the amphitheater, sports fields, and water features.
Its scenic nature is also a feature of Cupertino Memorial Park, seen from its array of lovely flowers, verdant trees, and lush plants.
Cupertino Memorial Park has also held unique festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival, so watch out for those rare events.
If you’re interested, you can find this park along Stevens Creek Boulevard.
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If you prefer leisure and country-style destinations, the McClellan Ranch Preserve might have features to suit your tastes.
It’s located at McClellan Road and offers a way to unwind in the feel of simple nature.
Enjoy a light, beautiful walking trail with plenty of tree shade, glimpses of farm animals, and a hike along the banks of Stevens Creek.
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Those are just a few things to expect from a visit to the ranch preserve.
Some farm animals you can see include chickens, goats, and the uncommon alpacas.
Aside from them, you might also spot other wildlife like squirrels, rabbits, and deer.
The trails of Mcclellan Ranch Preserve also lead to Blackberry Farm Recreation and Pool.
It’s another famous tourist destination in Cupertino with loads of recreation options.
Blackberry Farm Recreation and Pool is a hidden gem you can find in Cupertino after hiking the trails of McClellan Ranch Preserve.
The calm surroundings give you a quiet break from the city while providing a selection of fun recreation.
The farm’s facilities include a swimming pool, water slide, field courts, and a golf course.
If you prefer relaxation, then you can enjoy a pleasant picnic under the shade of dense trees.
You can also freely use their BBQ grills.
Blackberry Farm also has an on-site eatery with simple, freshly cooked meals like burgers and fries.
Visit this destination at San Fernando Avenue and have a restful break amid nature.
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Stevens Creek County Park offers 1,063 acres worth of leisure and public amenities.
Head towards Stevens Canyon Road and Mt. Eden Road to find this vast, far-reaching park.
There, you can access a broad list of activities ranging from water attractions to diverse land-based recreation activities.
Fishing, hiking, biking, and birdwatching are some of the most popular activities in Stevens Creek County Park.
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The hike ranges in difficulty from easy to moderate, with a few elevated terrains that lead you to a stunning, open view of the water reservoir.
You can also rent a pony from one of the farms near the park and go horseback riding.
A public archery range is also available for use.
You can enjoy all these amid the picturesque backdrops of pure nature, such as vibrant flowers, lush plantations, and surrounding mountains.
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Every Sunday, the West Coast Farmers Market opens in Cupertino at Stevens Creek Boulevard.
It’s a great way to discover the flavors of local products, whether sourced from around the area or handmade by Cupertino residents.
The products you’ll find in the market offer distinct tastes representing Cupertino and its neighboring towns in California.
Items in the market tend to vary, but they often include fresh fruits and vegetables, handcrafted pastries, essential oils, and coffee.
They’re also known for having generous discounts, especially for fruits and vegetables, which are sometimes sold at a dollar per pound.
Get your money’s worth at West Coast Farmers Market.
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What’s impressive about Ridge Vineyards is how they present critically acclaimed wines in a bright tropical oasis, brimming with vibrant plants and chic decor.
Established in 1971, this vineyard aims to keep up with the changing times, offering sustainable ways to craft wines and grow their vineyard.
Ridge Vineyards has a few locations in California, but the site on Monte Bello Road, Cupertino, is one of the oldest.
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They produce an extensive assortment of wines ranging from merlots, cabernets, rhones, zinfandels, and white wines.
Both indoor and outdoor wine tasting rooms are available, each with breathtaking views of the Bay area and its surrounding hills.
Have a charming and elegant wine-tasting experience at the Ridge Vineyards.
A unique, magical experience is waiting for you at De Anza College’s Fujitsu Planetarium.
In 2008, the planetarium was renewed and renamed Fujitsu Planetarium after a million-dollar donation from Fujitsu Computer Systems.
They added innovative technology to the planetarium, marking it as one of the country’s largest and most modern planetariums.
Located along Stevens Creek Boulevard, this destination is famous for children’s field trips.
During certain seasons, the planetarium also opens to the public.
Immerse in high-tech astronomy shows featuring a vibrant, colorful tour of space and the night sky in a full-dome building.
It’s narrated with interesting, detailed information from experienced presenters.
You can also join a laser music show and see vivid neon lights and images accompanied by funky music from iconic musicians like Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson.
It’s an educational experience with one-of-a-kind fun and entertainment that you can’t skip.
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Bowlmor Lanes is Cupertino’s ultimate destination for fun, family-friendly entertainment.
It features over 32 bowling lanes containing modern technology for a fair, convenient round of bowling.
Besides that, Bowlmor Lanes is home to other types of entertainment like arcades and bocce balls.
Their arcade is a prime spot for endless fun with its combination of vibrant, high-tech games with classic staples like Pac-Man and Mario Kart.
If you get hungry or thirsty throughout the game, you can quickly head to their sports bar and feast on American comfort meals served in generous portions.
You could also catch the big game while you’re there.
There’s plenty to do in Bowlmor Lanes.
Thanks to its elevated location, Vidovich Vineyards lets you see endless panoramic views of the famous Silicon Valley.
Paired with award-winning wines, a trip to the Vidovich Vineyards makes for a classy experience amid a soothing environment.
They planted the first vineyards in 1996; since then, wine has become part of the Vidovich family.
Their wine specialty is the Cabernet Sauvignon, grown within the rich soils of the Montebello region in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
You can have an intimate wine-tasting experience inside their tasting room or sip wine amid the casual feel of their outdoor patio.
Either way, you can ask their friendly staff for information about their wines.
Established in 1961, the Sunnyvale Rod & Gun Club has provided a safe place for gun owners to practice their skills and marksmanship.
It’s located on Stevens Canyon Road and is open to the public who want to train firing various guns, including pistols and rifles.
You can enjoy casually training your shooting skills at the range or participate in competitive shooting with other contestants.
They have both indoor and outdoor facilities, depending on your preference.
In Sunnyvale Rod & Gun Club, you can hone your shooting skills while also meeting like-minded people you can train with.
However, they don’t have rental guns or ammo, so you’ll need to bring your own.
If your idea for a good time is indulging in a friendly frisbee play with friends, Villa Maria Disc Golf Course might be the place for you.
This public disc golf course specializes in a 12-hole layout.
Opened in 2018, the course sits conveniently tucked away from the trails circling Stevens Creek County Park.
With its woodsy setting and elevated slopes, practicing your aim can be both scenic and technical.
You can get to Villa Maria Disc Golf Course via Stevens Canyon Road.
The 308-acre Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve is a must-visit if you’re a nature explorer by heart.
This natural area consists of a total of 3 miles of walking and hiking trails.
But aside from promised recreation, it’s also much of a historic landmark that showcases the Santa Clara County past.
It got its name from Vincenzo and Secondo Picchetti, who originally owned the site before the site became public property.
Within the property are several species of trees, including coast live oak and canyons of madrone.
The preserve is home to the Picchetti Winery and its accompanying homestead.
There’s also a pond within the property.
Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve is on Montebello Road.
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Cupertino is famous for Apple Park, which is the corporate headquarters of the mobile company.
This site is off-limits to visitors, but you still have the opportunity to get to know more about Apple with the Apple Park Visitor Center.
Designed as a visitor’s space, this facility features state-of-the-art architecture and full-height glass walls.
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The building also gives you a glimpse of the original Apple Park, both literally—with its roof terrace overlooking the park—and theoretically—with its replicated staircase.
At this facility, you can find exclusive Apple merchandise not seen in any other Apple stores, so be sure to come by.
Apple Park Visitor Center is on North Tantau Avenue.
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Jollyman Park is the ultimate outdoor destination for you and your whole family.
This public park spans 11 acres.
This is enough space for a lighted soccer field and a separate space for baseball games.
If you’re coming by with your whole family, take a quick snack break and gather at the picnic areas.
But perhaps, one of the charming points of the park is its continual shade all around.
Walking down the pathway, you’ll find native trees lining the route and offering a refreshing breeze.
Jollyman Park is along South Stelling Road.
Japan may be a few thousand miles away, but at Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival, you can feel it near.
This annual festival introduces you to Japanese culture both indoors and outdoors.
First celebrated in 1983, this festival once graced the grounds of what is now Cupertino Oaks shopping center.
Several years later, this has become an event staple in the picturesque Memorial Park.
At this event, anticipate cultural exhibits, tea ceremonies, delectable Japanese food, and more!
Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival awaits you every April.
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The Winchester Mystery House attracts guests through its keen architecture, tour options, and intriguing history.
You’ll find it in San Jose, California, nine minutes from Cupertino.
Its construction went on from 1886 to 1922, receiving curious inquiries until now as to why so many renovations were necessary.
The result featured over 24,000 square feet of 160 rooms, 47 stairways and fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 13 bathrooms, and six kitchens.
A walk around the establishment gives an exciting experience, especially for history and architectural buffs.
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There are also various tours, including a paranormal tour, outdoor garden tour, virtual tour, and a simple guided tour around the mansion.
This mysterious mansion has become a famous tourist destination in California, featured in many notable publications like USA Today and Time Magazine.
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There’s far more to Cupertino than being the home of the giant tech brand Apple.
Cupertino might have some features of a typical city, but it also has plenty of relaxing destinations if you need a peaceful break in California.
It offers a balanced mix of city-style opportunities and calm, natural destinations.
In Cupertino, you don’t have to leave the city to enjoy both fun activities and serene attractions.
Book your trip today!
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