The best parks & outdoor spots in San Jose

10 parks & outdoor spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Pinned in San Jose today

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Parks & Outdoors · 10 places · showing the latest additions first

Urban, lakeside retreat offering swim & picnic areas, a fishing dock, trails & playgrounds.

6500 Broadway (Oakland)

Urban, lakeside retreat offering swim & picnic areas, a fishing dock, trails & playgrounds.

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Nature preserve with hiking trails, a farm, and picnic tables, plus deer, turkeys, and other wildlife.

22500 Cristo Rey Dr (Cupertino)

Nature preserve with hiking trails, a farm, and picnic tables, plus deer, turkeys, and other wildlife.

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McLaren Park Trails

Parks & Outdoors

Large forested park featuring scenic hilltop viewpoints, tennis courts and a playground.

2075 Burrows St (San Francisco)

Large forested park featuring scenic hilltop viewpoints, tennis courts and a playground.

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Walks and hiking for families along trails, some with creek views, with a farm and farm animals.

22500 Cristo Rey Dr (Cupertino)

Walks and hiking for families along trails, some with creek views, with a farm and farm animals.

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Alemany Farm

Parks & Outdoors

Expansive farm run by the community, offering internships, classes & volunteer opportunities.

700 Alemany Blvd (San Francisco)

Expansive farm run by the community, offering internships, classes & volunteer opportunities.

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Mitchell Park

Parks & Outdoors

Grassy park with tennis/handball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, splash pad & a fenced dog run.

600 E Meadow Dr (Palo Alto)

Grassy park with tennis/handball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, splash pad & a fenced dog run.

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John McLaren Park

Parks & Outdoors

312-acre park featuring a golf course, a pool & an amphitheater, plus 7 miles of walking trails.

100 John F Shelley Dr (San Francisco)

312-acre park featuring a golf course, a pool & an amphitheater, plus 7 miles of walking trails.

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John D. Morgan Park

Parks & Outdoors

Grassy fields, big shade trees, water features and multiple picnic areas make John D. Morgan Park the no-fuss spot for a pickup game, kid…

540 W Rincon Ave (Campbell)

Grassy fields, big shade trees, water features and multiple picnic areas make John D. Morgan Park the no-fuss spot for a pickup game, kid energy burn, or lazy lunch. When the cabin fever hits this week, grab a blanket and let the park do the heavy lifting.

From the Mountain View newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Cupertino Memorial Park

Parks & Outdoors

Cupertino Memorial Park has the big-lawn energy you need this week, with tennis courts, a softball diamond, and an amphitheater that hosts…

21121 Stevens Creek Blvd (Cupertino)

Cupertino Memorial Park has the big-lawn energy you need this week, with tennis courts, a softball diamond, and an amphitheater that hosts shows and community festivals. Rally with friends, hit a few balls, then sprawl on the grass and pretend your to-do list doesn’t exist.

From the Campbell newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Jack Fischer Park

Parks & Outdoors

Outdoor area with picnic tables, playgrounds & an interactive water feature designed for young kids.

Abbott Ave & Pollard Road (Campbell)

Outdoor area with picnic tables, playgrounds & an interactive water feature designed for young kids.

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