15 Best Things to Do in Milpitas (CA)

Milpitas is a city of about 85,000 people situated in the Silicon Valley area of Santa Clara County.

The city’s central location allows easy access to nearby cities, including San Jose and Fremont, but also pristine natural areas, such as the Milpitas Hills and several creeks.

Milpitas is known for its year-round pleasant weather and for having many parks and green spaces.

It’s also known for its dedication to visual and theatre arts and an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas, such as Great Mall, Milpitas Town Center, and Milpitas Mall Shopping Center.

Many festivals and events take place in Milpitas throughout the year, including the Milpitas International BBQ & Festival and the Celebrate Milpitas Festival.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Milpitas, California.

1. Spend a Beautiful Day in Ed Levin County Park

When it comes to municipal parks in Milpitas, Ed Levin County Park is a favourite among residents and visitors.

This beautifully-maintained park features a wide range of recreational amenities, including a dog park, a horseback riding area, a playground, and picnic areas with benches and tables.

Also on site is a 6.2-mile moderate hiking trail with stunning views, and two lakes suitable for fishing.

2. Sample Local Wine at Big Dog Vineyards

Situated in the nearby Easy Bay Hills looking out over the Silicon Valley is the family-owned Big Dog Vineyards. Since 2009, this winery has been making wine with high-quality grapes using traditional methods.

On-site, you can kick back in a beautiful tasting room, where you can sample a range of wines and get expert advice from friendly staff members who will help you choose the best one.

You can also head to the scenic patio or enjoy your wine with a picnic on the lawn surrounded by beautiful views.

3. Book a Tee Time at Spring Valley Golf Course

Golfers seeking a challenging day on the greens can head to Spring Valley Golf Course, where they’ll find not only a challenge, but a range of amenities.

This 18-hole course is suitable for all levels and is set to the backdrop of stunning views of the Milpitas Foothills. Test your skills with a variety of par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s that include water hazards and sand bunkers.

If you want to practice before you head to the course, the practice facilities include a driving range and two practice greens. Professional lessons are offered.

Also on site are a Pro Shop and full-service restaurant serving quality food for breakfast and lunch.

4. Find Peace at the Shirdi Sai Parivaar

Whether you’re religious or not, a visit to the Shirdi Sai Parivaar in Milpitas will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

This Hindu Temple is situated in a very peaceful and beautiful area, where one can be alone with their thoughts or participate in the activities that occur throughout the year.

Visitors can walk around the beautifully-manicured grounds and take in the beauty or simply sit and gather their thoughts.

5. Shop ‘Til You Drop at The Great Mall

The Great Mall, Milpitas — The Great Mall

The Great Mall in Milpitas is the place to be if you want to access a wide range of shops and services under one roof.

Whether it be shoes, clothing, gifts, or household goods you’re seeking, you’ll find it here. There is a range of stores, including an Adidas outlet, American Eagle, Banana Republic, and Bed Bath and Beyond.

When hunger strikes, you can head to one of the many eateries on-site, including Coldstone Creamery, Burger King, and Charley’s Philly Steaks.

6. Enjoy a Family Outing in Jose Higuera Adobe Park

Jose Higuera Adobe Park is the perfect place to have a picnic surrounded by a natural setting and pretty scenery. The park is situated in Milpitas around the Jose Higuera Building, which is a historical adobe-style house that once belonged to Jose Higuera.

On-site, there are picnic areas with tables and barbecue pits, a playground, and exhibits dedicated to the history of the Jose Higuera Building.

As you walk around the grounds, you’ll see some of the pepper, fig, and olive trees planted by Mr Higuera in the 1830s.

7. Indulge in Middle Eastern Fare at Dishdash Grill

Dishdash Grill in Milpitas is a welcoming eatery that specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine. Each dish is reminiscent of a meal enjoyed around the table back in the homeland.

Everything is prepared fresh daily using only the best ingredients available, including locally-sourced produce.

Traditional meals take on a modern twist, and you can expect a very generous portion that’s guaranteed to satisfy your hunger.

A wide variety of items are available from the menu, including appetizers, salads, pitas, wraps, vegetarian options, and main courses such as seafood dishes and lamb kabob.

The extensive drink menu features an array of domestic and international beers and wines. Outdoor dining is available.

8. Go Horseback Riding at Chaparral Ranch

Whether you’re an old pro or a novice when it comes to horseback riding, the friendly and helpful staff at Chaparral Ranch will get you on the trails in no time.

Riding lessons are available, and there are several beautiful, quiet trails to enjoy once you have the basics of riding down.

9. Learn about Hinduism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Located in Milpitas, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a sacred place of worship for Hindu devotees. This conventional Mandir is also a place where visitors can learn about the values, beliefs, and history of Hinduism.

10. Play Miniature Golf at Golfland

Visitors of all ages are sure to have a day of fun and excitement when they come to Golfland in Milpitas. This miniature golf park has a number of competitive mini-golf courses to enjoy.

While mini-golf is the focus at this attraction, Golfland is more than just miniature golf. On-site, you’ll also find an arcade, various indoor and outdoor activities for kids, and amusements such as bumper cars and a laser maze.

11. Relax in a Natural Setting at Hidden Lake Park

Hidden Lake Park in Milpitas is a pretty green space that makes for the perfect escape from urban life. Relax surrounded by grassy areas and a lake filled with ducks waiting to be fed.

There are barbecue grills and picnic areas on-site where you can enjoy a peaceful lunch in this serene atmosphere.

12. Stay Fit at the Milpitas Sports Center

As any traveller knows, keeping up with your fitness routine when you’re away from home is a difficult task, especially when it comes to finding facilities that allow you to exercise.

The Milpitas Sports Center, situated in the centre of the city, is a modern facility featuring a fitness centre with 33 pieces of gym equipment, three swimming pools, two aerobic areas and locker rooms with showers.

Exercise in a comfortable place where you can also participate in a wide range of activities, including exercise classes and swimming lessons.

13. Immerse Yourself in a Cultural Experience at Shreemaya Krishnadham

At Shreemaya Krishnadham, which was created to promote various educational, humanitarian and spiritual endeavours of the Hindu culture, visitors can learn about the rituals and festivals celebrated throughout the year.

Some of the events and activities that take place from time to time include spiritual discourses, folk dances, humanitarian relief events, and concerts.

14. Enjoy an Authentic Greek Meal at Mikonos Grill

Indulge in a cultural culinary experience featuring authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes when you opt for a meal at Mikonos Grill in Milpitas.

For over a decade, this eatery has been serving high-quality, generous plates of fresh food, including items such as falafel, cooked lamb shank, souvlaki, and various seafood, chicken, and steak dishes.

Also on the menu are a variety of salads, sandwiches, appetizers, vegetarian options, and desserts.

15. Get Exercise and Fresh air at Peter D. Gill Memorial Park

At the Peter D. Gill Memorial Park in Milpitas, sports is a huge focus. For visitors who wish to get their daily exercise by participating in sporting activities, this is where you’ll find a variety of facilities, including handball courts, basketball courts and tennis courts.

This beautiful park is also the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic. There are pavilion-covered picnic tables and barbecue grills on-site that make enjoying an outdoor meal relaxing and comfortable.