Things To Do In Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale, California, incorporated on July 10, 1912, is a vibrant city of approximately 152,700 residents nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Once part of the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” the area was renowned for its cherry, apricot and prune orchards before evolving into a technology powerhouse with companies such as Yahoo!, Juniper Networks and Google. Despite its high‑tech identity, Sunnyvale maintains a strong commitment to parks, trails and community gatherings: over 470 acres of developed parks and a 105‑acre wetlands preserve offer abundant green space, while fourteen miles of multi‑use trails link neighborhoods to waterfront vistas and regional trail networks.
Baylands Park
999 E Caribbean Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, United States
Baylands Park encompasses seventy‑two acres of manicured lawns, picnic groves and wetlands habitat along the southern shore of the San Francisco Bay. Six large reservable picnic areas, each outfitted with sturdy wooden tables, charcoal grills and electrical outlets, accommodate family reunions, corporate gatherings and community events. A network of paved pathways winds through restored tidal wetlands and native grasslands, offering intimate views of shorebirds—great blue herons, snowy egrets and red‑tailed hawks—as well as interpretive signage that explains the area’s ecological importance.
Downtown Sunnyvale – Murphy Avenue
192 S Murphy Ave Suite #201, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, United States
The seven‑block pedestrian mall of Murphy Avenue forms the vibrant core of Sunnyvale’s historic downtown. Under a canopy of mature sycamore and oak trees, more than fifty independent restaurants, cafés, boutiques and art galleries line brick‑paved sidewalks, creating an inviting streetscape day and night. From May through October each Thursday evening, the street closes to vehicular traffic for the Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market, where visitors browse seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses, fresh flowers and gourmet prepared foods under striped tents.
Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum
570 E Remington Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, United States
Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum is a thirteen‑acre living‑history complex celebrating the city’s agricultural roots and pioneering legacy. The centerpiece is a near‑exact replica of the 1850 Martin Murphy Jr. family home, one of the first prefabricated houses shipped around Cape Horn. Inside, interactive exhibits trace Sunnyvale’s evolution from Native Ohlone lands to apricot orchards and high‑tech campuses, featuring a sixty‑foot panoramic mural of local milestones, orchard machinery displays and Ohlone cultural artifacts.
Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market
121 W Washington Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, United States
Every Saturday year‑round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market transforms Murphy Avenue into a bustling gathering of over forty local growers, artisans and specialty food vendors. Under colorful canopy tents, shoppers select from seasonal fruits—from stone fruits in summer to citrus in winter—heirloom vegetables, organic eggs, artisanal cheeses and fragrant bouquets. Food trucks and prepared‑food stalls serve gourmet tacos, wood‑fired pizzas and fresh‑pressed juices, while live acoustic musicians provide a festive soundtrack. Community tables encourage neighbors to sample local honey, discuss heirloom tomato varieties or swap gardening tips.
Las Palmas Park
850 Russet Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, United States
Las Palmas Park is a twenty‑four‑acre tropical‑inspired oasis on Russet Drive that evokes an island retreat. Towering date palms and fan palms frame a central lagoon pond inhabited by ducks, turtles and occasional herons. The park’s signature “tiki island” playground includes an ADA‑accessible boat structure, rope bridges, rock‑climbing formations and shaded seating areas resembling sailcloth canopies. Surrounding the playground, four reservable picnic pavilions with built‑in barbecue grills and power outlets host birthday parties, family reunions and corporate picnics. A fenced dog park welcomes canine companions, while the adjacent multi‑use athletic field and ballfield support youth soccer and baseball leagues.
Washington Park and Pool
840 W Washington Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, United States
Washington Park and Pool occupies nearly twelve acres at Washington Avenue and West Iowa Street, offering mixed‑use recreation and community gathering spaces. The park includes two modern playgrounds—one for toddlers and one for older children—with swings, slides and climbing nets. Four lighted tennis courts and an outdoor basketball court provide athletic options dawn to dusk, while two reservable ballfields host youth baseball and softball leagues during spring and summer.
Sunnyvale Community Center
550 E Remington Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, United States
The Sunnyvale Community Center is a 24,500‑square‑foot multi‑facility campus on Remington Drive adjacent to Heritage Park Museum. It anchors arts, wellness and social services with a 200‑seat Sunnyvale Theatre featuring a fully rigged stage, professional lighting and balcony seating for community plays, dance recitals and cultural performances. The Creative Arts Center offers pottery kilns, painting studios and digital‑media labs for ceramics, fiber arts and photography classes.
Sunnyvale Public Library
665 W Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, United States
Sunnyvale Public Library is a 60,800‑square‑foot facility at Olive Avenue and Lawrence Expressway serving as a hub of literacy, research and community activity. Established in 1914 and expanded in 1985, it houses over 325,000 volumes, including print books, audiobooks, magazines and digital media. Dedicated children’s and teen areas feature interactive learning stations, storytelling alcoves and gaming consoles. A Patent and Trademark Resource Center assists inventors with U.S. and international filings, while public computers, free Wi‑Fi and study rooms accommodate students, remote workers and small business entrepreneurs.
Sunnyvale Golf Course
605 Macara Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, United States
Sunnyvale Golf Course on Macara Avenue is a public 18‑hole, par‑70 championship layout stretching 6,255 yards through rolling fairways and mature oak groves. Designed with strategic bunkering, water hazards and gently undulating greens, the course challenges golfers of all skill levels while offering scenic vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The clubhouse provides club and cart rentals, a pro shop stocked with golf apparel and equipment, and a snack bar serving light fare and beverages. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting greens and short‑game areas ideal for warming up or refining technique.
Seven Seas Park
1010 Morse Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, United States
Seven Seas Park on Morse Avenue is a five‑acre, ocean‑themed playground and splash pad designed to spark imaginative adventure. The park’s centerpiece is a pirate‑ship–inspired play structure with ADA‑accessible ramps, telescopes, cargo nets and curving slides that mimic ocean waves. Surrounding the ship, a splash pad with interactive water jets and fountains provides cooling fun on warm days. Additional features include custom rock‑climbing walls, swinging bridges and a toddler‑safe splash sprayer area. A half‑court basketball pad and two tennis courts offer active‑play options, while picnic tables and shade sails invite families to linger.