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Sunnyvale lies in the heart of Silicon Valley, on the flat plain between San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. In the 1850s the Murphy family, who had crossed the Sierra with one of the first wagon trains to California, settled here, and the town grew among the orchards that made the Santa Clara Valley famous as the Valley of Heart's Delight. Sunnyvale was incorporated in 1912, and apricots and prunes were its main crops for decades.
During and after World War II, factories and then the aerospace and electronics industries arrived. Lockheed's missile and space division made Sunnyvale a center of the space age, and in 1972 the first test version of Pong, the video game that helped launch the arcade industry, was installed in a local tavern. Today the city is home to major technology companies and a diverse, international population.
Historic Murphy Avenue keeps a charming downtown of restored buildings full of restaurants and a weekly farmers market. The Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum and its working apricot orchard recall the farming past, and Baylands Park and the Bay Trail offer open space and birdwatching along the edge of the bay.
Historic Murphy Avenue is Sunnyvale's original downtown block, a short street of early 1900s buildings packed with restaurants from many cuisines, cafes and bars with outdoor seating. It is closed to cars on many evenings in warm months. Come for dinner, then walk to the nearby Caltrain station.
The Sunnyvale Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning on and around Murphy Avenue, with California farmers selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, bread, cheese and prepared food. It runs year round and is one of the busier markets in the South Bay. Arrive early for the best produce and easier parking.
The Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum is housed in a replica of the 1850s home of pioneer Martin Murphy Jr., whose family helped found the town. Exhibits trace the area's change from orchards and farms to the heart of Silicon Valley. It is free or low cost and has limited open days, so check before visiting.
Orchard Heritage Park preserves a working apricot orchard of about ten acres, one of the last reminders of the fruit orchards that once covered the Santa Clara Valley. Paths run between the trees, which bloom in early spring. Apricots are sometimes sold in early summer; it sits next to the heritage museum.
Sunnyvale Baylands Park sits on the edge of San Francisco Bay with large lawns, picnic areas, a playground and seasonal wetlands that attract shorebirds. It connects to the San Francisco Bay Trail for longer walks and bike rides along the levees. A parking fee applies in busy seasons; afternoons can be windy.
Las Palmas Park is a neighborhood park in Sunnyvale known for its tall palm trees and island-themed play area and sculptures, plus tennis courts, a dog park and shaded lawns. It is a favorite with local families. It is busiest on weekend afternoons, and street parking is available around the park.
Seven Seas Park is a modern Sunnyvale park with a nautical theme, featuring a ship-style play structure, climbing areas, sports courts and open lawns. It is popular with families with young children and has restrooms and picnic tables. Weekend mornings are the calmest time, and it is near the Sunnyvale downtown area.
The Sunnyvale Community Center campus has a performing arts theater, a creative arts center, event halls and landscaped grounds with lawns and walking paths. It hosts local theater, dance shows, art classes and community events. Check the city calendar for shows; the grounds are pleasant for a short stroll.
Twin Creeks Sports Complex is a large softball and baseball facility near the Sunnyvale baylands, with multiple lit fields, batting cages and a sports bar. It hosts leagues and tournaments most of the year and is a lively place on summer evenings. Spectators can usually watch games for free.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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