Living in Silicon Valley is about much more than just the structure you call home. It’s also about lifestyle and things to do and places to see. When you live in Sunnyvale, there are always special events throughout the year as well as these six permanent attractions that offer something for everyone.
Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market
Going organic? Going green? Going natural? Then going to the Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market is the logical next step. One of a number of fresh-food markets in the Bay Area operated by Urban Village Farmers’ Market Association (UVFMA), the Sunnyvale market on Murphy Ave. and Washington is open year-round, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
The goal of the UVFMA is to support family farms and bring community members the best in locally grown fresh-quality foods. When you shop here, you’ll know that the gorgeous produce you buy and put on your table tonight was not long ago growing naturally in the ground. Enjoy heirloom, ethnic, culinary and other specialty crops that you can’t get from large-scale growers or supermarkets. Learn more at the Urban Village Farmers’ Market Association website.
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Baylands Park
Baylands Park is a wonderful getaway spanning more than 70 acres and perfect for a day of play, hiking, picnicking and other activities for people of all ages. An adjacent protected wetlands preserve covering 105 acres gives naturalists plenty of plants and wildlife to ponder. The park is managed by the City of Sunnyvale and sits on property owned by Santa Clara County.
Especially for kids, there are play structures and playgrounds and wide expanses of grassy meadows for running and exploring. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to a half hour after sundown. Parking fees apply March through October. More information is available at the Baylands Park web page.
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Las Palmas Park
Since 1971, this 24-acre park with its Polynesian theme has been providing residents with great recreational activities in a pristine setting. Currently the playgrounds are undergoing renovation with all new equipment and will re-open later in the summer.
Along with the children’s play area, the park has tennis courts, a spray pool and ponds (closed during renovation), a multi-use field, a dog park and restroom facilities. The park building can be rented for special events. Go to the Las Palmas Park web page to learn more.
Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum
The Sunnyvale Historical Society in cooperation with the City of Sunnyvale unveiled this unique museum in 2002. It’s a close representation of the Murphy House, home to some of Santa Clara Valley’s first settlers. Interestingly, the structure was built in Maine and shipped to Sunnyvale through San Francisco Bay.
The museum is home to the historical society’s child education program, which interacts with 3,000 students each year. There are a variety of permanent displays as well as rotating exhibits that showcase how Sunnyvale has evolved through the years. Lots more information is available at the Heritage Park Museum website.
Sunnyvale and Sunken Gardens golf courses
Whatever your playing level, the perfect round of golf can be found on these two courses located on South Wolfe Road. First there’s the regulation 18-hole par 70 course with enough water holes, bunkers and dog legs to test the ability of any player. It’s scenic beauty covering 6,255 yards.
For lesser-skilled players, Sunken Gardens provides a 9-hole course encompassing 1,502 yards with shorter hole distances than the larger course. There’s also a driving range with 18 stalls. It’s open every day except Christmas. Find out more about both courses on the City of Sunnyvale website.
Golfland USA
If the rigors of traditional golf are too much for you and fun is the main point, Golfland USA has what you’re looking for. Bring the kids for a fun day of miniature golf and games in a fully stocked arcade. The snack bar serves up tasty lunches like hot dogs, pizza, chicken strips, nachos and more.
Golfland has group packages available and space for catered events. The facility hosts birthday parties with three different packages ranging from $14.99 to $20.99 per person, depending on amenities selected. Go to the Golfland USA website to learn more.
