Santa Clara City Guide

Food options are very diverse with strong Asian, Mexican, Italian, and Middle Eastern presence. Vegan and vegetarian options are common. Late-night food options are limited but available.

Nightlife is modest with casual bars and sports pubs. For more nightlife, nearby San Jose has more choices.

Good mix of national chains and local specialty cafes with quality coffee options for remote workers.

Tipping is expected in service industries. Restaurants and rideshares expect 15-20%. Optional but appreciated for smaller services.

Buy SIM cards at major carrier stores like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon or at electronics retailers. eSIM supported. ID may be needed for postpaid plans.

The city is generally clean with regular waste pickup and recycling services.

Some 24/7 pharmacies and convenience stores. Night clinics limited; late-night food options mostly fast food or diners.

Supermarkets offer a wide range of international products including Asian and Hispanic foods. Open daily from early morning to late evening. No bargaining.

Cards are widely accepted, so cash is rarely needed here.

You’ll find ATMs at banks, grocery stores, and convenience shops. Out-of-network fees usually range from $2.50 to $5.00.

Public education through Santa Clara Unified School District. Nearby San Jose offers private schools like Bellarmine College Preparatory and Harker School. Instruction mainly in English.

Part of Silicon Valley's tech scene with many remote workers but fewer dedicated nomad meetups. Plenty of tech events and coworking hubs.

Good access to parks and river trails with shaded paths ideal for walking and running.

Good running trails like San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail and Guadalupe River Trail. Generally safe with local running clubs.

Several gyms and boutique fitness studios are available for training and classes.

Public tennis courts available in parks; private clubs offer memberships and coaching. Mostly hard courts.

Padel courts are few but starting to appear in the wider Bay Area.

Many yoga studios offer a variety of classes, including drop-in and memberships, mostly taught in English.

Several schools offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Judo, and MMA. Mostly English-speaking instructors.

No nearby ski resorts. Closest major ski areas are 3-4 hours away in the Sierra Nevada.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing available in Monterey Bay and nearby reservoirs, with equipment rentals.

Surfing is available along Santa Cruz coast about an hour away. Water is cold year-round, wetsuits recommended. Good spots for all skill levels.

Diving sites along Monterey Bay offer good visibility and rich marine life. Suitable for beginners and advanced divers.

High-quality healthcare with many English-speaking staff. Major hospitals include Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Pharmacies are commonly open retail hours, some 24/7.

Tap water meets all state and federal safety standards and is safe to drink.

Good for families, with many parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly eateries. Attractions include California's Great America amusement park and museums.

Highly accepting with strong legal protections and many inclusive venues. Pride events nearby in San Jose and San Francisco.

Pet friendly city with dog parks, veterinary services, and accommodations welcoming pets.