Silicon Valley attractions and activities near Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Clara include Santana Row, offering a variety of dining and shopping choices, Great America and Winchester Mystery House. 
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History of Mission Santa Clara de Asis at Santa Clara University - by Teresa Pugh

The first sight that greets visitors to Santa Clara University is the façade of the restored church of Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Santa Clara University, the oldest college in California, is also the only college in the state to be the successor of a Spanish mission.

The history of both institutions is intimately bound up with the history of the state. The University, founded in 1851, was born amid the tumultuous growth of the Gold Rush era. The mission, dating back to 1777, was the first outpost of Spanish civilization in the Santa Clara Valley.

Discover Egypt at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium, located in the gardens of beautiful Rosicrucian Park, amidst buildings inspired by ancient Egyptian temples. Papyrus-lined paths lead visitors past walls carved with hieroglyphs, clustered lotus columns, elaborate fountains, and colossal statues of Egyptian gods.
Please note:
The Museum is open:

• Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

The Museum is closed on the following dates:

Tour through 110 of the 160 rooms of Winchester Mystery House and look for the bizarre phenomena that gave the mansion its name; a window built into the floor, staircases leading to nowhere, a chimney that rises four floors, doors that open onto blank walls, and upside down posts! No one has been able to explain the mysteries that exist within the Winchester Mansion, or why Sarah Winchester kept the carpenters' hammers pounding 24 hours a day for 38 years.

It is believed that after the untimely deaths of her baby daughter and husband, son of the Winchester Rifle manufacturer, Mrs. Winchester was convinced by a medium that continuous building would appease the evil spirits of those killed by the famous "Gun that Won the West" and help her attain eternal life. Certainly her $20,000,000 inheritance was sufficient to support her obsession until her death at 82!

Discover why California's Great America in Santa Clara is Northern California's best choice for family fun and   adventure. Check your fears at the door and get ready for the rides of your life. Favorite place for family fun and thrills starring your kids' favorite Nickelodeon® characters, and the most family rides in the Bay Area.

Home to a variety of teams including the NHL San Jose Sharks, the WNBA Stealth and Arena Football's Sabercats, this large venue also hosts concerts by artists like Eric Clapton and Prince, trade shows and even the Ringling Bros.

J. Lohr winery is located minutes away from downtown San Jose, making it readily accessible from the city proper. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you in tasting many of the award-winning wines. A free winery membership gets you a 25 percent discount on everything you buy, as well as 25 percent off two bottles shipped to you each month. It is a great side trip from downtown; stop by and taste the intensely scented chardonnay.