Santa Clara Travel Guide
Oakland
Visit Santa Clara
Popular places to visit
University of California, Berkeley
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of California, Berkeley during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.
Jack London Square
Shop, dine and stroll to your heart’s content in this waterside square, named after the novelist who spent his childhood here.
Berkeley Marina
Explore the waterfront in Berkeley with a trip to Berkeley Marina. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and shops in this vibrant area.
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Catch an event at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum during your trip to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
Fox Theater
You can enjoy a show at Fox Theater during your stay in Oakland. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Oakland Zoo
Watch alligators being fed, ride a train through the Australian outback and see a herd of elephants on the African savannah at this animal park.
Things to do
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
San Francisco: Best City Highlights Tour Open Air Van Small Group
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
Top hotels in Santa Clara
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
"Clean rooms. Great location Look forward to returning"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Handlery Union Square Hotel
"Hotel was clean, and the staff was very nice and helpful. The hotel is in the middle of San Francisco and everything is a walkable distance which we loved. Would definitely stay here again!"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
"Good hotel"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
"Great stay and location. Staff are as friendly as they get paid for (bit doing anything extra friendly for free lol which is fine) and at some point the fire alarm went off but no one made sure everyone was out. They just closed the door (not lock) where the elevator was. I took the elevator and ..."
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
"The fact that the room was clean, they do have a restaurant around check in in case you want to start the festivities early as well as the staff is always friendly!"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Santa Clara
Downtown Oakland
Theatres, art galleries and live music highlight some notable features of Downtown Oakland. Make a stop by Oakland City Center or Embarcadero Bay Bicycle Trail while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station or 19th St Station to get around town.
Downtown Berkeley
Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Berkeley Repertory Theater and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Downtown Berkeley Station to see more of the city.
Piedmont
You'll enjoy the lake views and architecture in Piedmont. You might want to make time for a stop at Piedmont Sports Field or Davie Tennis Stadium.
Albany
Albany is well liked for its seaside views and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are some interesting sights nearby to check out.
West Oakland
While you're in West Oakland, take in top sights like Old Oakland and jump on the metro at West Oakland Station to see more of the city.
