When you think of a trip to California, perhaps Silicon Valley is not your first destination of choice. There is much to do, however, in the cities of Silicon Valley. Both Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, for example, offer fun and relaxing activities for visitors of all ages.
Santa Clara, CA offers a wide variety of attractions for those interested in history. For example, in 1777 the Franciscans built 21 missions in California. Santa Clara is home to the Mission Santa Clara de Asis. The mission is open daily to visitors. The Santa Clara Historic Museum offers visitors a chance to explore artifacts that relate to the history of Santa Clara, CA. Visitors can also visit the Berryessa Adobe house. This house was built in the 1840s and is one of the last adobe houses left in Silicon Valley. When visiting the Adobe you can see the elements that were added through the years, such as electricity and wallpaper. The gardens have fruit that has been growing there since the house was built. Also of interest is the Harris-Lass Historical Museum, a 125-year-old farm site. The house and farm are open for tours and display many of the antiques and artifacts from the families that built it. A final historical site is the Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History, which is located in the historic Santa Clara Railroad Depot. Here you can view a large collection of railroad memorabilia.
Of course, since Santa Clara, CA is in Silicon Valley, visitors will not want to leave without getting a taste of the technology that gave the Valley its name. The Intel Museum and Visitor Center offers technology buffs the opportunity to learn the history of the computer chip. Interactive exhibits show visitors the chance to learn about transistors, computer memory, microprocessors, computer chips, and more. Each summer the museum hosts a different hands-on program for children.
If thrills and adventure are what you seek on your visit, you are going to want to catch Paramount's Great America. The only park in Northern California to feature Nickelodeon characters, the park boasts both a theme park and a water park. With seven roller coasters, Great America has the most thrill rides in Northern California. This family-friendly park offers many rides to appeal to the young and the young at heart. Take a ride on the Carousel Columbia, the world's tallest two-story carousel, or chill out in Boomerang Bay, Great America's water park. Great America has been bringing family fun to Santa Clara, CA for thirty years.
If your family needs a chance to unwind after a day at Great America, head over to nearby Sunnyvale and visit the Baylands Park. Both a developed park and a nature preserve, Baylands offers visitors the chance to unwind and enjoy nature. The Sunnyvale Theatre offers a variety of cultural and family friendly shows throughout the year. A visit to Silicon Valley is more than just computer trips and hard drives. Both Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, CA offer visitors a variety of experiences that are sure to please. You can feel comfortable brining your family to Silicon Valley. You are sure to have a great time!