12 Fun Things to Do in Silicon Valley (Ultimate Itinerary)

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Silicon Valley might be best known for tech giants and venture capital, but after visiting 4 times over the years, I’ve learned it’s way more than just boardrooms and start-ups. There’s actually a ton of fun to be had…if you know where to look.

From secret redwood trails to quirky museums, wild robotics labs, epic taquerias, and historic sites that quietly shaped the digital age, this place has layers. One day you’re hiking with sweeping views of the Bay, the next you’re exploring the garage where Apple was born or sipping natural wine in a sun-soaked backyard bar.

In this guide, I’m sharing 12 genuinely fun things to do in Silicon Valley…stuff I’ve tried myself, that go way beyond the Googleplex selfie. If you’re visiting for work or just passing through, these spots will give you a whole new feel for the Valley.

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this half-day Silicon Valley tour. This private tour from San Francisco brings you through the Valley to see the headquarters of Facebook, Apple, Google, and Stanford University’s campus. You get to learn a lot about the local culture and history as well…a great intro to Silicon Valley! This tour is an absolute must-do on a Silicon Valley itinerary in my opinion.

Amazing Things to Do in Silicon Valley: Top Highlights

Trying to see a different side of Silicon Valley…beyond the campuses and code? Here’s a curated list of unexpectedly cool stops that mix innovation, nature, and culture. Click any spot below to jump to that section in the guide.

• Best Hands-On Science Spot: Tech Interactive
• Top Campus to Explore: Stanford University
• Ultimate Tech History Dive: Computer History Museum
• Best Urban-Nature Escape: Rancho San Antonio Preserve
• Cutest Small-Town Vibe: Saratoga Village
• Best Waterfront Chill Spot: Mountain View
• Top Bay Area Trail Link-Up: Los Gatos Creek Trail
• Most Scenic Historic Garden: Filoli Historic House & Garden
• Best Microchip Museum: Intel Museum
• Coolest Space Science Exhibit: NASA Ames Research Center
• Quirkiest Historic Mansion: Winchester Mystery House
• Most Peaceful Garden Stroll: Japanese Friendship Garden

Here’s how I’d do it: start with a tech museum or two, mix in some redwood trails and historic sites, then wind down in a local wine bar or peaceful garden. Silicon Valley’s full of surprises—let this list help you unlock its coolest layers.

1. Tech Interactive

If you’re curious about how technology really works, Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose is a great place to start. This museum is packed with hands-on exhibits that let you experiment with robotics, genetics, space science, and even earthquake simulations. It’s built for all ages, so whether you’re traveling solo or with kids, there’s something to dive into. I tried one of their robot-building challenges and ended up totally absorbed for over an hour.

You can also catch an IMAX film or check out rotating exhibits on AI and sustainability. And not far away, you can explore San Jose’s incredible nightlife, including unique bars and restaurants. Located right in the heart of Silicon Valley, Tech Interactive gives you a front-row look at the innovation that defines the area. The museum also runs the Tech Challenge, a student competition that’s fun to watch if your timing’s right. If you like learning by doing, this stop will keep you entertained and engaged.

2. Stanford University

Stanford University is more than just an elite school…it’s a massive, scenic campus that feels like its own city. You can take a free walking tour or just wander solo past the Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, and the Main Quad’s sandstone arches. I spent a morning exploring the Cantor Arts Center and was surprised by how extensive the Rodin Sculpture Garden collection was.

If you’re in the mood for a nature break, the Stanford Dish hiking trail offers sweeping views of Palo Alto and the Santa Cruz Mountains. You’ll also find coffee shops and bookstores around campus that make it easy to slow down and enjoy the vibe. For anyone interested in tech, it’s fascinating to realize how many major startup founders studied right here. Stanford gives you a real sense of the brainpower driving Silicon Valley forward.

3. Computer History Museum

Right in Mountain View, the Computer History Museum offers a crash course on how we got from room-sized machines to smartphones. It’s packed with legendary hardware—from the ENIAC replica to the original Apple I. I didn’t expect to spend as much time as I did, but I got totally hooked on the interactive exhibits and vintage games.

You’ll find a replica of the Google server rack and the actual garage setup from Hewlett-Packard’s early days. The exhibits walk you through milestones like the rise of the internet and early AI. It’s super informative without being dry, and there are plenty of hands-on stations to play with.

If you’ve ever wondered how your laptop came to be, this museum will connect the dots in a fun, easy-to-digest way. It’s a great stop for tech lovers and casual visitors alike.

4. Rancho San Antonio Preserve

For a break from the high-tech scene, head to Rancho San Antonio Preserve in Los Altos. With over 20 miles of trails, this spot’s ideal for a quick hike or a full-on trail run. The PG&E Trail is a solid challenge, but even the easier routes offer views of rolling hills and open meadows. I followed the path to Deer Hollow Farm and ended up feeding goats and watching a cow nap in the sun.

What makes this place stand out is how close it is to everything, yet it feels worlds away. Locals come here to clear their heads, walk their dogs, or just get in a solid workout. You might spot wild turkeys or hawks along the trail, and the views over the Silicon Valley basin are top-notch. It’s one of those places that reminds you nature still has a place in tech country.

5. Saratoga Village

If you need a break from algorithms and innovation, head to Saratoga Village. This charming downtown area along Big Basin Way has boutique shops, art galleries, wine bars, and some of the best dining in the valley. I dropped into Cinnabar Winery’s tasting room and ended up chatting with locals about everything from Pinot to tech burnout.

Don’t miss the nearby Montalvo Arts Center, where you can explore sculpture gardens or catch a live show in a Mediterranean-style villa. If you’re up for something even quieter, the Hakone Estate and Gardens is just down the road…an authentic Japanese garden with koi ponds and bamboo groves. Saratoga is a reminder that Silicon Valley isn’t all startups and gadgets. It’s a pocket of culture, nature, and laid-back living that adds depth to the high-energy valley lifestyle.

6. Mountain View

Shoreline at Mountain View is where locals go when they need a break from the office without leaving town. I’ve biked the Bay Trail, caught a show at Shoreline Amphitheatre, and rented a pedal boat—all in one afternoon. The park offers over 750 acres of open space with lakes, meadows, and wildlife habitats.

One highlight is the Rengstorff House, a restored Victorian mansion tucked right inside the park. It gives a glimpse into local history and contrasts sharply with the nearby Googleplex just down the road. Birdwatchers love the sanctuary here, and there’s even a golf course for those looking to play a quick round. Whether you’re up for jogging, kayaking, or just grabbing lunch with a view, Shoreline packs in a lot without the crowds of better-known Bay Area parks.

7. Los Gatos Creek Trail

If you’re looking to stretch your legs and escape traffic, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is a solid choice. It runs over 10 miles from Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos to San Jose, passing through parks, ponds, and shaded paths along the way. I usually start my walk near Vasona Lake and take breaks at shaded benches to watch birds or people-watch.

It’s a popular trail, but never feels overly crowded. Cyclists, joggers, and dog-walkers all share the space, and there are multiple access points for shorter loops. You’ll also spot locals fishing or setting up picnics on sunny days.

The best part? It connects some of the valley’s most livable neighborhoods while still offering enough nature to make you forget you’re near office parks. Whether you’re out for a morning run or a midday reset, this trail delivers.

8. Filoli Historic House & Garden

Filoli in Woodside is the kind of place that surprises you. I went on a whim and ended up staying for hours. Set on 654 acres, the Filoli Historic House & Garden blends early 20th-century elegance with seasonal garden beauty. The formal rose gardens, expansive orchards, and fountains make it feel like a European estate tucked into the Bay Area.

Inside, the house is packed with period furniture and portraits of the families who once lived there. You can take a self-guided tour or join a docent-led one to dig into its history. They also host seasonal events, like holiday light displays and summer jazz concerts.

If you’ve had enough of screens and startup talk, this is the perfect mental reset. Filoli delivers a different kind of Silicon Valley experience…one rooted in design, history, and slow living.

9. Intel Museum

For tech enthusiasts, the Intel Museum in Santa Clara is a fun and surprisingly hands-on way to explore chip innovation. Located at Intel’s headquarters, the museum walks you through the evolution of microprocessors—from early computer tech to today’s AI-powered systems. You can suit up in a cleanroom “bunny suit,” try interactive demos, and learn how semiconductors are made.

The exhibits break down complex topics in a way that’s easy to understand, even for kids or casual visitors. I didn’t expect to spend more than 30 minutes here but ended up staying close to two hours. The museum is compact but packed with cool artifacts and touchscreen stations that let you explore Intel’s major milestones.

It’s free to enter, which makes it a no-brainer if you’re already nearby. Whether you’re a coder or just tech-curious, this spot offers a fascinating look inside Silicon Valley’s engine room.

10. NASA Ames Research Center

Right in Mountain View, next to Moffett Field, the NASA Ames Research Center brings outer space a lot closer than you’d think. While the main facility isn’t open to the public, the NASA Ames Visitor Center gives you a peek into the world of satellites, missions, and planetary science. There are model spacecrafts, mission displays, and interactive exhibits that explain NASA’s work in Silicon Valley.

One highlight was seeing the Kepler Mission exhibit, where I learned how planets outside our solar system are discovered. It’s not a large center, but what’s there is packed with space science content. Great for families, science buffs, or anyone who grew up dreaming of space.

It’s located inside Moffett Federal Airfield, so make sure to bring ID to get through the gate. Visiting Ames is an easy, engaging stop that shows how Silicon Valley is helping NASA reach for the stars.

11. Winchester Mystery House

Located in San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House is one of the strangest, most fascinating homes I’ve ever toured. Built by Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester rifle fortune, the mansion features staircases to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and over 160 rooms. It’s said she believed spirits haunted her and kept building to confuse them.

You can join a guided tour or explore some sections at your own pace. I did the extended tour and was blown away by the bizarre architecture and eerie vibe throughout the house. Whether you buy into the ghost stories or not, the craftsmanship and weird floor plan are worth seeing.

It’s not just a haunted house gimmick…it’s a real piece of local lore with serious historical value. If you’re into mysteries, architecture, or just want a break from all things tech, this is a memorable detour.

12. Japanese Friendship Garden

In the middle of San Jose’s Kelley Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is the kind of place you stumble into and wonder why you hadn’t heard of it sooner. Modeled after Okayama’s Korakuen Garden, it’s filled with koi ponds, stone bridges, and manicured paths that make for a peaceful afternoon.

The vibe is quiet and contemplative…especially on weekday mornings when the garden is almost empty. I spent an hour here just strolling and watching the koi swim under the footbridges. It’s a popular spot for local events and photoshoots but never feels overly touristy.

Throughout the year, the garden hosts cultural celebrations that highlight Japanese traditions and seasonal changes. If you need a reset after a day of museum-hopping or meetings, this is a calming place to recharge. It’s one of the Valley’s most underrated gems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Best Things to Do in Silicon Valley

Looking for more content on the top things to do in  Silicon Valley? Here are some popular questions (and answers) I get that will help you plan your trip to  Silicon Valley:

What are some must-see natural attractions in Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley isn’t just a tech hub; it’s also home to some beautiful natural landscapes. The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve offers the largest undisturbed marshland in the region, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and hikers. For those looking to explore the area’s natural beauty further, Castle Rock State Park provides extensive trails with stunning views of the valley.

Where can I learn about Silicon Valley’s technological history?

For a deep dive into the tech history that shaped Silicon Valley, the Intel Museum is a great start. It showcases the culture, history, and manufacturing milestones of Intel. Additionally, the NASA Ames Research Center offers a glimpse into the space exploration efforts that have been central to the region’s innovation.

Are there any historical sites related to Silicon Valley’s past?

Yes, Silicon Valley has a rich history beyond technology. The Santa Clara Railroad Depot and Tower Museum gives insight into the area’s railroad past. For a broader historical perspective, the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine Museum allows visitors to explore the region’s mining history, which predates the tech boom.

What is Silicon Valley best known for?

Silicon Valley is globally recognized as the heart of the tech industry, home to innovation giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook. It’s a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit, where startups blossom into industry leaders, and cutting-edge technology shapes the future.

Is there something to see in Silicon Valley?

Absolutely, Silicon Valley offers a plethora of top sights in Northern California from the iconic campuses of tech giants to historical sites like the HP Garage. Museums like the Computer History Museum and cultural spots such as the San Jose Museum of Art provide a diverse experience.

Why should you visit Silicon Valley?

Visiting Silicon Valley is a journey through the epicenter of technological advancement. It’s an opportunity to witness where world-changing ideas are born and to explore the unique blend of culture, history, and innovation that defines this dynamic region of California.