11 Things To Do In Cupertino That'll Make Your Visit Fun

While Cupertino is best known for being a Silicon Valley hotspot with trailblazing companies and gorgeous properties, there’s more to this incredible Bay Area suburb than meets the eye. With green valleys, equestrian trails, some of the best golf courses in California, and innovative labs for tech and art, Cupertino’s attractions are bound to interest anyone and everyone. Are you ready for an epic day trip from San Francisco to this city? Add these things to do in Cupertino to your itinerary and get ready for a memorable adventure.

The Best Cupertino Things to do to Add to your Itinerary

1. Check out the Apple Park Visitor Center at the Apple Headquarters

Apple’s five billion dollar headquarters is, hands down, the most famous Cupertino attraction. Known as Apple Park—also commonly (and lovingly) dubbed the spaceship—this stunning circular structure is quite a sight to see. While you can’t tour the campus itself, the visitor center across the street is open to the public. 

Step into the glass-lined structure and you’ll find plenty of fun things to see and try, including an AR experience, exclusive merchandise, an on-site cafe, and everything Apple-related, ever. Definitely one of the most intriguing places to visit in Cupertino, the Apple Park Visitor Center is a must-add to your itinerary.

2. Take a Hike at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve

Nestled in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains, the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Reserve is a beautiful place to spend a morning in Cupertino. You’ll have 29 miles of hiking trails to choose from at this beautiful place to visit in Cupertino. While each trail varies in difficulty, length, and sights, you can be sure that you’ll be treated with incredible panoramas on every single one. For an easy, beginner hike, choose the Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop. Up for a challenge? The Wildcat Canyon Loop will definitely kick your butt.

3. Tour the Fascinating California History Center

If you’re on the hunt for a free and fun thing to do in Cupertino, the California History Center should be on your radar. Housed in the historic 19th century Le Petit Trianon mansion, the CHC features sights that are bound to pique your interest. Whether or not you’re a history buff, you can’t deny that California has plenty of defining moments to know about and a fascinating past to discover; learn all about it at this museum! 

4. Treat Yourself to Dinner at Alexander’s Steakhouse

Staying here for the weekend? Add dressing up and going out to your list of things to do in Cupertino at night. Although there are many delicious places to dine in town, Alexander’s Steakhouse remains a standout local favorite. Fusing steakhouse classics with Japanese cuisine, this upscale spot makes sure that you have a memorable dining experience in California. Just make sure to reserve a table in advance because walk-in spots aren’t usually available at Alexander’s Steakhouse.

5. Catch an Astronomy Show at the De Anza College Planetarium 

Located on the campus of Cupertino’s De Anza College is one of the West Coast’s largest and most modern planetariums. The De Anza College Planetarium is an awesome Cupertino attraction offering educational astronomy shows, interactive laser displays, and an overall immersive experience that’ll entice you right away. If you have any questions throughout the show, fire away—the presenters are always more than happy to help you learn during this educational thing to do in Cupertino.

6. Get your Art Fix at the Euphrat Museum of Art

Are stars and planets not quite your cup of tea? De Anza College has another Cupertino attraction that might be more up your alley: The Euphrat Museum of Art. Offering an experiential environment that cultivates creativity and interest in art, this awesome campus museum is a super cool place to visit in Cupertino. Get your art and culture fix, learn about local artists, and enjoy a slew of other things to do in Cupertino’s Euphrat Museum—you’ll be glad you went! 

7. Savor the Sounds of Nature at the McClellan Ranch Preserve

Hidden in plain sight, the McClellan Ranch Preserve is a gorgeous neighborhood park just minutes from Downtown Cupertino. What used to be a horse ranch in the 1930s and 40s is now an 18-acre natural preserve abundant with beautiful sights of flora and fauna. Hike, bike, see more than 100 species of birds, learn about the area’s history, and spend the day enjoying an array of other fun things to do in Cupertino’s McClellan Ranch. The opportunities to have a pleasant day at this gorgeous Cupertino attraction are endless.

8. Have a Picnic by the Lake at Stevens Creek County Park

Escape the bustle of the Bay Area streets by planning a lakeside lunch at Stevens Creek County Park. A beautiful escape less than 15 minutes away from downtown, this county park is a favorite among locals looking for fun outdoor things to do in Cupertino. Hike, fish, boat, and spend your morning surrounded by beautiful nature. Don’t forget your picnic essentials at home—sitting down on a grassy patch by the lake here is a wonderful experience.

9. Enjoy a Game at Deep Cliff Golf Course

Deep Cliff Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in NorCal—no ifs, ands, or putts about it. If you’re traveling with your golf-loving buddies, you’ll have an awesome time playing at this prize-winning Cupertino attraction. Book a tee time at the 18-hole course, check out the awesome pro shop, and grab a bite to eat at the on-site American restaurant.

10. Ride Horses at Fremont Older Open Space Reserve

As you might have noticed by now, Cupertino has an abundance of gorgeous sprawling parks, and Fremont Older Open Space Reserve is another one. The 739-acre regional park contains over 14 miles of hiking trails, most of which are open to equestrians as well.

11. Enjoy Palestinian Food at Dish N Dash

For a laid-back dining experience coupled with authentic Palestinian food, make a reservation at Dishdash on Stevens Creek Boulevard. Using age-old family recipes and prepared with a modern flair, this welcoming restaurant invites you for an awesome dining experience, the perfect way to round up your list of things to do in Cupertino.