Marina + Michalis Santa Clara Guidebook
Nearby Cities
There are a number of nearby cities worth a visit, all with their own little charms and character.
The home of Apple, Cupertino is a city with a lot of busy plazas filled with restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and all good things in life.
17 locals recommend
Cupertino
The home of Apple, Cupertino is a city with a lot of busy plazas filled with restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and all good things in life.
The original Mission Santa Clara de Asís turned into a modern Silicon Valley city, with all that SV has to offer: technology giants and startups, malls, shopping, power plants, bike trails, you name, you will find it here.
30 locals recommend
Santa Clara
The original Mission Santa Clara de Asís turned into a modern Silicon Valley city, with all that SV has to offer: technology giants and startups, malls, shopping, power plants, bike trails, you name, you will find it here.
Shopping
Largest mall in the Bay Area, with shops ranging from the high-end designer shops (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada), to Uniqlo, Forever21, and more. There is a movie theater in the mall, as well as a number of restaurants (don't be surprised to see hour-long waits at some of the most popular ones).
488 locals recommend
Westfield Valley Fair
2855 Stevens Creek BlvdLargest mall in the Bay Area, with shops ranging from the high-end designer shops (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada), to Uniqlo, Forever21, and more. There is a movie theater in the mall, as well as a number of restaurants (don't be surprised to see hour-long waits at some of the most popular ones).
Open-air shopping mall, resembling Rodeo Drive. Many high-end shops among local small shops, with a large selection of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Definitely a wonderful visit, a perfect for a stroll in the evening to enjoy the many events.
818 locals recommend
Santana Row
Santana RowOpen-air shopping mall, resembling Rodeo Drive. Many high-end shops among local small shops, with a large selection of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Definitely a wonderful visit, a perfect for a stroll in the evening to enjoy the many events.
Beverages
The Bay Area is famous for the many craft coffee and tea places. This is a selection of some of our favorites around the area.
One of the many local coffee shops favored by locals and visitors alike. The Chai Gallon jugs to go are a frequent sight (and we have indulged on this as well).
12 locals recommend
Voyager Craft Coffee
3985 Stevens Creek BlvdOne of the many local coffee shops favored by locals and visitors alike. The Chai Gallon jugs to go are a frequent sight (and we have indulged on this as well).
Taiwan Professional Tea is one of the most popular tea places around, often with a line out the door. Don't let that deter you, the wait is usually less than 15 minutes, and it is well worth the wait.
TP Tea
10787 South Blaney AvenueTaiwan Professional Tea is one of the most popular tea places around, often with a line out the door. Don't let that deter you, the wait is usually less than 15 minutes, and it is well worth the wait.
One of the Bay Area's most prized coffee shops, Blue Bottle has recently expanded to cover all the Bay Area with local cafes, all with a distinct character serving amazing coffee.
Blue Bottle Coffee
368 Santana RowOne of the Bay Area's most prized coffee shops, Blue Bottle has recently expanded to cover all the Bay Area with local cafes, all with a distinct character serving amazing coffee.
Food scene
A famous Japanese yakitori-style restaurant, with a wealth of selections to leave every appetite satisfied.
9 locals recommend
Sumiya
2634 Homestead RdA famous Japanese yakitori-style restaurant, with a wealth of selections to leave every appetite satisfied.
Famous dumpling restaurant, with a presence in Westfield Valley Fair Mall. The wait can be long to get a table (~1 hour), but you can request a table at the restaurant, and then wander around the mall until they call you. Also of note, they do deliver through most delivery apps.
28 locals recommend
Din Tai Fung
2855 Stevens Creek BlvdFamous dumpling restaurant, with a presence in Westfield Valley Fair Mall. The wait can be long to get a table (~1 hour), but you can request a table at the restaurant, and then wander around the mall until they call you. Also of note, they do deliver through most delivery apps.
Chinese-style Hot Pot, one of the most famous worldwide. Don't forget to leave room for dessert, as they do have a self-serve, all-you-can-eat, soft-serve ice cream machine!
13 locals recommend
Haidilao Hot Pot
19409 Stevens Creek BlvdChinese-style Hot Pot, one of the most famous worldwide. Don't forget to leave room for dessert, as they do have a self-serve, all-you-can-eat, soft-serve ice cream machine!
Hidden gem in Santa Clara, a wonderful kebab place. A perfect place to grab a quick filling bite to eat.
Achilles
2521 Newhall StreetHidden gem in Santa Clara, a wonderful kebab place. A perfect place to grab a quick filling bite to eat.
One of the oldest donut shops in the Bay Area, still going strong. If you love donuts, they are definitely one of the few you must visit.
23 locals recommend
Stan's Donut Shop
2628 Homestead RdOne of the oldest donut shops in the Bay Area, still going strong. If you love donuts, they are definitely one of the few you must visit.
A co-op pizza that has some of the best New York style pizza around. Open late, to satisfy all pizza cravings.
32 locals recommend
A Slice of New York
3443 Stevens Creek BlvdA co-op pizza that has some of the best New York style pizza around. Open late, to satisfy all pizza cravings.
City advice
Getting around
The Bay Area is vast, so a car is recommended.
There is quite a bit of transit available, that unfortunately doesn't cross the whole Bay Area. CalTrain can get you from San Francisco to San Jose on the west (peninsula) side, and BART underground can do the same from the east side.
What to pack
Comfortable weather all-year round
The Bay Area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and not very hot summers. Nighttime temperatures almost never fall below freezing even in the middle of winter, while summers rarely exceed 90F (32C). Having said that, San Francisco is a microclimate of its own, and it is much colder than the rest of the area, so bring a jacket if you plan to visit the city.
Don't miss
Farmer's Markets everywhere!
The weekends are a delight, as every city around the Bay Area has a Farmer's Market. Look especially for the Sunnyvale Farmer's Market every Saturday throughout the year, and Mountain View Farmer's Market every Sunday for a selection of local fruits, vegetables, flowers, food, and often live music and events.