Northern California, Santa Clara Hotel Attractions

Attractions Convention Center Twenty Theatre Amphitheater Raging Waters University Golf Land

The list of activities and tourist attractions is endless when you vacation at Econo Lodge Santa Clara in Santa Clara, California. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, just minutes from downtown San Jose and less than an hour from San Francisco, guests at Econo Lodge Santa Clara enjoy vacation itineraries packed with exciting adventures. Favorite hot spots include Paramount’s Great America, Shoreline Amphitheater, Santana Row shopping, Sharks hockey at HP Pavilion at San Jose, and more!

Santa Clara and Silicon Valley Attractions

Paramount’s Great America. Paramount’s Great America is Northern California’s most popular family theme park. Enjoy high-speed roller coaster rides, live entertainment, giant water slides, and attractions for young children. Visit www.paramountparks.com

Winchester Mystery House. The Winchester Mystery House is a four-story Victorian mansion with 160 rooms that features odd characteristics like doors that open to walls and staircases that lead to nowhere. Winchester Repeating Arms Company heiress Sarah Winchester commissioned the home in 1884 with the intention of never completing construction. Constructions workers built and rebuilt rooms continuously for 38 years until Ms. Winchester’s death in 1922. Visit www.winchestermysteryhouse.com

The Tech Museum of Innovation. The Tech Museum of Innovation celebrates the innovative genius of inventors, scholars, and scientists. The 132,000 square foot museum features interactive exhibits that explore innovation, the Internet, and the human body, among others. Visit www.thetech.org  [Top]

Santa Clara Convention Center. The Santa Clara Convention Center is recognized among the best convention centers in the nation for its state-of-the-art facilities. The Convention Center offers 262,000-square feet of meeting and exhibit space. Visit www.santaclara.org

George F. Haines International Swim Center. Many elite swimmers, divers, and synchronized swimmers, including U.S. Olympic team members, have perfected their skills at the George F. Haines International Swim Center in Santa Clara. The aquatics center is also open to the public for lap swimming and lessons. Visit www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us/park_recreation/pr_internat_swim.html

Mission Santa Clara de Asis. Located in the heart of the Santa Clara University campus stands the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asis. The restored mission, established in 1777, is the eighth oldest California mission. Mass is performed daily. Visit www.scu.edu  [Top]

AMC Mercado Twenty Theatre. Catch the latest silver screen sensation at the AMC Mercado Twenty Theatre. This mega cine-plex offers 20 movie screens for watching your favorite action hero, sci-fi thriller, or romantic comedy. Visit www.movietickets.com

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium. Explore ancient civilizations at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium in San Jose. The museum is modeled after the Temple of Amon at Karnak. On display is the western United States’ largest collection of Egyptian artifacts. Visit www.egyptianmuseum.org

HP Pavilion at San Jose. Silicon Valley sports fans go nuts for team action at the HP Pavilion at San Jose. HP Pavilion at San Jose is home to the San Jose Sharks NHL hockey team, San Jose Stealth professional lacrosse team, Arena Football League team the San Jose SaberCats, the SAP Open professional tennis tournament, and Fight Night at the Tank. Visit www.hppsj.com  [Top]

Shoreline Amphitheater at Mountain View. Shoreline Amphitheater at Mountain View is heralded as one of the best outdoor venues in the country among visitors and top performers. Spread over 60 acres, the amphitheater can accommodate up to 25,000 event attendees. Shoreline Amphitheater is a popular tour stop for top-rated performers, musicians, and bands. Visit www.shorelineamp.com

San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center offers over 425,000 square feet of meeting, convention, and exhibit space. State-of-the-art technology services and amenities are available to help events run smoothly. Visit www.sjcc.com

Santana Row shopping area. Santana Row, located in San Jose, is the Bay Area’s newest and most sophisticated shopping center. The outdoor mall is framed by European-inspired cafes, hip bars, chic boutiques, fashionable department stores, and five blissful spas. Visit www.santanarow.com  [Top]

Raging Waters. Raging Waters in San Jose is home to the largest water park in Northern California. With attractions like Barracuda Blaster, Shotgun Falls, and Serpentine Slides, a day at Raging Waters promises to be a thrilling adventure for the whole family. Visit www.ragingwaters.com

Almaden Vineyards. Spanning over 150 years, Almaden Vineyards is the oldest winery in California. Almaden Vineyards is known for its innovative approach to winemaking. The winery was the first to introduce blush and boxed wine, and light white wines for calorie conscious wine drinkers. Visit www.almaden.com

Stanford University. Stanford University is recognized as one of the world’s top academic and research institutions. The university is located in Palo Alto, between San Francisco and San Jose, and offers competitive undergraduate and graduate degrees. Visit www.stanford.edu  [Top]

Santa Clara University. Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest college in California. The private Jesuit and Catholic university offers extensive choices in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including intensive study through the university’s three Centers of Distinction: Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education; Center for Science, Technology, and Society; and Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Visit www.scu.edu.

Westfield Valley Fair. Shop for the latest fashions at Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose. This indoor shopping mall offers over 360 boutiques and stores, including major department stores like Macys and Nordstrom. Valley Fair shoppers also enjoy upscale amenities like valet parking, use of strollers, VIP parking for expectant mothers, and free wireless Internet access. Visit www.westfield.com.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Learn about exotic, domestic, and endangered animals in a fun and interactive environment at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose. Puppet shows, children’s rides, and educational presentations round out the family fun at Happy Hollow. Visit www.hhpz.org  [Top]

Golf Land. Spend an afternoon frolicking with the kids at Emerald Hills Golfland. The San Jose family theme park offers an 18 hole miniature golf course, waterslide, and an arcade stocked with the latest video games. Visit www.sanjose.golfland.com.

Children’s Discovery Museum.Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is one of the largest interactive children’s museums in the United States. With over 150 exhibits to stimulate young minds, children are empowered to discover, ponder, and develop ideas of their own. Visit www.cdm.org  [Top]