Santa Clara was incorporated in 1852, but its true beginning as a town was in 1777 with the construction of the Mission Santa Clara de Asis. During the Mexican-American War, the Battle of Santa Clara was fought just two and a half miles west of this mission. Agriculture was the main industry here until the rise of technology in the 20th century. Today, five of Santa Clara's top 10 employers are high-tech companies, and the city's population has grown to more than 127,000.
The latest incarnation of the Mission Santa Clara de Asis resides at Santa Clara University, which is California's oldest college. This historic building was constructed after the previous mission burned down in a fire in 1926. Other great historic buildings in Santa Clara are the Harris-Lass House Museum, the Berryessa Adobe, and the Headen-Inman House. To learn more about Santa Clara's history with high-tech, you can visit the Intel Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the computer chip.
California's Great America is a fantastic theme park that features exciting rides like the RailBlazer, the Flight Deck, and the Patriot. Another part of this park is South Bay Shores, which is a water park with rides like the Pacific Surge, the Coastal Cruz, and the Reef Racer. Levi's Stadium is the home of the San Francisco 49ers, so it's a great place to watch a football game.
BottleRock - This festival takes place in late May at the Napa Valley Expo and Fairgrounds. Top-notch wines, world-class cuisine, and a diverse musical lineup make this a fantastic Napa event that happens every year.
Gilroy Garlic Festival - This yearly event in Gilroy is a mere 40 minutes southeast of Santa Clara, so you won't have to drive far to reach this tribute to all things garlic. At this festival in late July, you can sample garlicky foods while you walk down Gourmet Alley, watch the crowning of the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen, and take in quality live entertainment.
Outside Lands - In early August, San Francisco hosts this multi-day musical event in Golden Gate Park. You'll get to listen to some of music's hottest acts, drink some refreshing adult beverages, and eat some of the Bay Area's best food.
You can find secure RV storage facilities near Santa Clara. IWest Coast Self-Storage is close to the San Jose International Airport and has both outdoor and indoor storage options. Another place to store your camper near Santa Clara is Extra Space Storage, which offers customers enclosed vehicle storage starting at $371 a month. If you want to store your camper closer to San Francisco Bay, you could consider Central Self Storage – Milpitas, which is 15 minutes northeast of Santa Clara. This facility provides outdoor RV storage for $176 to $198 per month.
Pinnacles National Park is about an hour and a half southeast of Santa Clara. Towering volcanic rock formations, bat caves, native wildlife, and more await you here.
If you drive roughly four hours east of Santa Clara, you'll reach the entrance to stunning Yosemite National Park. Hiking, mountain climbing, and camping are common activities at this park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is four hours and 45 minutes north of Santa Clara, but it's just three hours north of Sacramento. After you've hiked or ridden past geysers, volcanoes, mud pots, and fumaroles, you can get a massage at Drakesbad Guest Ranch and gaze at the stars, thanks to the park's location in an area with little light pollution.
You can be at Portola Redwoods State Park after driving an hour west of Santa Clara. Nearly 20 miles of trails take visitors through groves of giant redwoods, past waterfalls, and into the rugged backcountry.
Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area is 50 minutes east of Santa Clara and a little over half an hour east of Fremont. Lake Del Valle is an excellent place to fish, boat, kayak, and sail; the park's trails are great locations for hiking and horseback riding.
An hour southwest of Santa Clara, you’ll find Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Hikers, riders, and bikers love exploring this park via its 80 miles of trails that wind through ancient redwood groves and old-growth forests.
Since Santa Clara is close to San Francisco, visiting fascinating landmarks is easy. The most well-known of these landmarks is the Golden Gate Bridge, which is San Francisco's iconic steel suspension bridge constructed in the 1930s. The Presidio of San Francisco, Battery Spencer, and the Golden Gate View Point are all great places to view this architectural wonder.
Just east of the Golden Gate Bridge is Alcatraz Island, which is the home of what remains of the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. You'll get to learn about Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, the Birdman of Alcatraz, and more when you tour this legendary island.
If you travel an hour and 20 minutes south of Santa Clara, you'll be able to explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This fabulous aquarium right on Monterey Bay contains more than 80,000 aquatic plants and animals within over 200 exhibits.
One high-quality RV campground near Santa Clara is Coyote Valley RV Resort, which is 20 minutes southeast of Santa Clara in Morgan Hill. Free coffee, a putting green, a fitness center, and private patios are some of the amenities offered here. Just 15 minutes southeast of Coyote Valley is Maple Leaf RV Park, which is also in Morgan Hill. Full hookups, big-rig sites, showers, laundry facilities, and more are available here. If you want to camp near old-growth redwoods, then Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park may be your ideal campground. This state park is 45 minutes southwest of Santa Clara and has pull-through sites that can accommodate campers as long as 35 feet.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Santa Clara, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Santa Clara?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Santa Clara from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Santa Clara?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
