Looking for a vibrant Silicon Valley hub close to tech, trails, and shopping? Head to Milpitas! Located between San Jose and Fremont, Milpitas offers an energetic mix of innovation, multicultural dining, major malls, and access to scenic open spaces. Whether you're into hiking, tech tours, or outlet shopping, Milpitas is a convenient and lively spot to explore the South Bay Area.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Milpitas is from April through October. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Winters are cooler but rarely extreme, making Milpitas a year-round destination.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest airport is Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC), just 15–20 minutes away.
- By Train: BART’s Milpitas Station connects the city to San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area cities via the Berryessa/North San José Extension.
- By Car: Milpitas is easily accessed via I-880, I-680, and CA-237, about 1 hour south of San Francisco and 15 minutes north of downtown San Jose.
Where to Stay
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Milpitas-Silicon Valley – Spacious all-suite hotel offering complimentary breakfast, a pool, and convenient freeway access.
- Sonesta San Jose – Milpitas – Modern hotel with comfortable rooms, fitness center, and easy proximity to BART and shopping areas.
- Courtyard by Marriott Milpitas Silicon Valley – Business- and family-friendly lodging near the Great Mall and tech parks.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Ed Levin County Park
Hike scenic trails and enjoy paragliding with breathtaking views.
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Ed Levin County Park is a large municipal park in Milpitas that offers a variety of recreational facilities ranging from a dog park and horseback riding areas to a hang gliding and paragliding area. Located in the chaparral foothills of Diablo Range east of the Santa Clara Valley, the park has two lakes, the Spring Valley Road and Sandy Wool Lake, both of which collect runoff water from the hill to the east. The park is home to the Ed R. Levin County Park Trail, a 6.2-mile loop trail that is rated as moderate and boasts beautiful views of the lakes. Ed R. Levin County Park is a dog-friendly park, but they must be leashed.
3100 Calaveras Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035, Phone: 408-262-6980
⮕ Shirdi Sai Parivaar
Experience spiritual serenity and participate in traditional Hindu rituals.
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Shirdi Sai Parivaar (SSP) is a volunteer-based non-profit, spiritual and charity organization in Milpitas that is based on the teachings and philosophy of the great Indian saint, Shirdi Sai Baba. Sai Baba was famous for teaching the unity of all religions, compassion for all living beings, and universality of spirit in all existence. The organization offers activities such as Bhajan/Kirtan/ Vocal Music, Dhuparti (Evening Aarti), Kakad Arthi (Morning Arthi), Madhyanha Aarti (Noon Aarti), and Shejarti (Night Aarti). Shirdi Sai Parivaar (SSP) also conducts various religious, charitable, and community activities throughout the year.
1221 California Cir, Milpitas, CA 95035, Phone: 408-909-1221
⮕ BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Admire intricate temple architecture and attend peaceful prayer ceremonies.
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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a sacred Hindu place of worship that represents the earthly home of Bhagwan and serves to foster and further personal and collective worship. Devotees come to mandir to offer prayers before the murtis, or sacred images, as well as to attend social classes and religious services known as sabhas. The spiritual leader and guru to BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj aims to cultivate peace within communities and connect individuals to Bhagwan. In addition to religious practice, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir teaches the arts, language, music, and philosophy that are the roots of Hindu heritage. BAPS mandirs also hosts a variety of charitable events and functions for local communities throughout the year.
1430 California Cir, Milpitas, CA 95035, Phone: 408-263-2277
⮕ Shreemaya Krishnadham
Discover cultural heritage and engage in devotional activities.
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Shreemaya Krishnadham is a Haveli and Cultural Center that was established serve the growing needs of the Vaishnav community and to create a platform to promote humanitarian, educational, cultural, social and spiritual activities centered on Hindu culture. The center also aims to teach, commemorate and celebrate various Hindu Vaishnav festivals, rituals, and events (Utsav) promote the personal development of youth and children by emphasizing activities that foster the universal values of Vaishnav tradition, irrespective of race, caste or religion. Activities at the center include Annakut, Mahaprabhuji Prakotsav, Janmastmi, Monthly and Ekadashi Satsangs, Spiritual discourses by visiting Acharyas, Philosophers, Scholars Cultural and Social- Makarsankranti (KiteFlying), Holi (Festival of colors), Picnic,Raas/Garba, “Pushti Sandhya” musical concerts, Educational- Gujarati classes, Bal PushtiVidyalaya, skits / dramas, folk dances, elocutions, Humanitarian- Gujarat Earthquake Relief, and tsunami relief.
175 Nortech Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95134, Phone: 408-586-0006
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Jose Higuera Adobe Park
Explore historic adobe structures and enjoy a relaxing picnic.
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The Jose Higuera Adobe Park is a family-friendly public park that is set around the 700-foot historical Jose Higuera building, an indoor facility that is ideal for social gatherings and meetings for up to 50 people. There are picnic tables and a barbecue pit behind the building, and there are several exhibits about the history of the Higuera Adobe in the building. Josè Higuera was granted land in 1821 by the last Spanish governor of California, Pablo Vincente de Sola, and built an adobe-style house near Arroyo Calera and just south along the creek. The adobe was surrounded by a prickly pear cactus hedge, part of which can be seen today just east of the adobe, as well as historical pepper, fig, and olive trees, which were planted by Josè Higuera in the 1830s.
Wessex Pl, Milpitas, CA 95035, Phone: 408-586-3210
⮕ Milpitas Sports Center
Stay active with swimming, fitness classes, and sports facilities.
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The Milpitas Sports Center is a modern, fully-equipped fitness center in the heart of Milpitas that features a 33-piece fitness center, three swimming pools, a large gymnasium, two aerobic studios and separate male and female locker rooms with showers. In addition to offering a comfortable environment in which to exercise and get fit, the Milpitas Sports Center also offers a variety of recreational programs for all ages, ranging from youth and enrichment classes, aquatics and swimming lessons, fitness classes and sports leagues to seasonal and summer camps, nutrition management, case management services and day trips for adults over 50 years of age.
1325 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035, Phone: 408-586-3225
⮕ Big Dog Vineyards
Savor fine wines and enjoy scenic vineyard views.
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Nestled in the East Bay Hills overlooking Silicon Valley, Big Dog Vineyards is a family-owned winery that produces small-batch, handmade wines. Opened in 2009, the boutique winery produces wines from 12-year old vineyards and the highest quality grapes, using traditional techniques from grape to glass. The estate has a modern tasting room with a charming patio which is open to the public every weekend for a sampling of the winery’s finest wines. Visitors can bring picnic baskets and snacks and enjoy their favorites wines on the patio or the grassy lawns surrounded by the stunning landscapes.
Big Dog Vineyards, 4545 Felter Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035, Phone: 408-935-9194
⮕ Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Indulge in authentic Mexican flavors and enjoy a festive atmosphere.
© Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Located in the Milpitas Commercial Center, Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant is a family-friendly Mexican restaurant that serves a menu of authentic of traditional Mexican cuisine and handcrafted margaritas. Named in honor of the Aztec Indians of Mexico, Casa Azteca means the ‘House of the Aztecs’ and has taken pride in giving every diner an unforgettable dining experience since it opened in 1980. The restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, chicken mole, and authentic salsa. The full-service bar has a range of tequilas and offers signature cocktails, handmade margaritas, and other libations. Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
20 N Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035, Phone: 408-946-0466
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Shop at the Great Mall – One of Northern California’s largest outlet shopping centers, with over 200 stores and a food court.
- Visit the Milpitas History Museum – Learn about the city’s agricultural roots, innovations, and community heritage.
- Hike the Penitencia Creek Trail – Beautiful trail perfect for biking, jogging, or a leisurely walk alongside a peaceful creek.
- Catch a show at Century 20 Great Mall – Watch the latest blockbusters at this popular, modern movie theater attached to the Great Mall.
Where to Eat
- Banana Leaf – Award-winning Southeast Asian restaurant offering delicious Malaysian, Thai, and Singaporean dishes.
- Gen Korean BBQ House – Fun, lively spot for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, perfect for groups and foodies.
- Taqueria Las Vegas – Local favorite for authentic Mexican food, including burritos, tacos, and housemade salsas.
If you are interested in local events:
- Milpitas International BBQ & Festival (Summer) – Food festival featuring BBQ, global cuisines, live music, and family fun downtown.
- Milpitas Lunar New Year Celebration (January–February) – Celebrate the Chinese New Year with performances, dragon dances, and multicultural festivities.
- Summer Concert Series (June–August) – Free outdoor concerts at Murphy Park featuring local bands and food vendors.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Milpitas, California:
- San Jose (15–20 min) – Visit the Tech Interactive Museum, Japantown, or stroll through San Pedro Square Market for food and nightlife.
- Santa Clara (20 min) – Explore California’s Great America amusement park or tour Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers.
- Fremont (15 min) – Visit Mission Peak Regional Preserve for scenic hiking and panoramic Bay Area views.
- Sunnyvale and Mountain View (25–30 min) – Discover tech hubs, dine along Murphy Avenue, or visit the Computer History Museum.
- Alum Rock Park (20–25 min) – Hike one of California’s oldest municipal parks, known for its rocky trails, hot springs, and beautiful valley views.
- Half Moon Bay (1 hour) – Spend a day by the Pacific Ocean with beach walks, fresh seafood, and scenic coastal drives.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Q: Where is Milpitas located?
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A: Milpitas is located within Silicon Valley in Santa Clara County, resting in the northeast section of the South Bay.
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Q: What outdoor activities can be enjoyed in Milpitas?
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A: Visitors can take a picnic to the Ed R. Levin County Park and spend the day with family.
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Q: Where can visitors sample local wines in Milpitas?
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A: Visitors can sample some of the region’s finest wines at the family-owned Big Dog Vineyards.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and beautiful blooms. |
Embassy Suites by Hilton Milpitas Silicon Valley – A comfortable stay with great amenities. |
Visit Ed R. Levin County Park – Enjoy hiking trails, paragliding, and scenic picnic spots. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, great for outdoor fun. |
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas – A centrally located hotel near shopping and dining. |
Explore the Great Mall – Shop at one of Northern California’s largest outlet malls. |
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. |
Sonesta Silicon Valley – A stylish, modern stay near top attractions. |
Visit the Milpitas Farmers’ Market – Enjoy fresh produce and local artisan goods. |
Winter (December-February) – Cool and great for indoor activities. |
Crowne Plaza San Jose-Silicon Valley – A comfortable hotel with great city views. |
Take a day trip to San Jose – Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation or the Winchester Mystery House. |
Map:
Plan Your Trip