Got a letter from one of our faithful readers suggesting I hurry up and get a feature up on how to keep cool in or near Milpitas when the next heat wave hits. Suggestions here will range from where to find pools, walk along a beach, or find a ice cream treat. I welcome suggestions for additions to this page at any time.
A reminder: in hot weather check on elderly or infirm relatives and neighbors. My mother’s air conditioning failed, and she almost couldn’t think clearly enough to get herself to a cool, safe spot.
If you have screened windows, let the cold air in at night, then in the morning, close all windows and drapes to trap the cold air inside. An attic fan (From Home Depot for about $100-300) can do wonders by evacuating hot air out from between your ceiling and roof.
Let’s start with the obvious cool spots:
Public Swimming Pools
Recreational Swimming
Milpitas Sport Center
Two large pools provide a variety of water fitness and exercise programs. We are excited to announce our Sports Center swimming pools are open for lap swimming and water exercise classes. Reservations are required, walk-in is currently not available. Reservations for Milpitas Residents will have priority. Staff shall screen all members for symptoms before entering the facility. Pools are fully supervised by lifeguards. The fee a $2.00 is charged to all entering on the pool deck. Children ages 7 years and under are required to be accompanied by an adult, 18 years or older. Infants and toddlers must wear specialized swim diapers.
Both residents and non-residents are welcome to become members of the Milpitas Sports Center. A valid membership with pre-paid visits, or a drop-in pass, is required to use Milpitas Sports Center facilities and programs. Non-member drop-in passes are $8 per visit. For complete list of membership and pass options, check here. For more information, call the Milpitas Sports Center at 408-586-3225.
Santa Clara Swim Club Milpitas
We are currently running swim lessons, pre competitive swimming, competitive swimming, special events, competitive club functions, age group and high school level stroke clinics and camps. Focusing on fundamentals, Santa Clara Swim Club (SCSC) Milpitas will prepare athletes to compete on the national level while developing life-long skills such as discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. Call for updates if website not more helpful.
1231 Arizona Ave.
408-642-4949
Private Clubs with Swimming Pools
Milpitas Star Aquatics and Fitness
With convenient freeway access from neighboring cities, the new aquatic and fitness center offers indoor swimming lessons, competitive swimming, lap swimming, summer camps, steam and sauna, cardio machines, weight training machines, free weights, aerobics, yoga classes, and much more.
1818 Clear Lake Ave.
408-800-8838
Milpitas Yosemite Cabana Club Pool
This is a Membership only, neighborhood pool located at 1555 Yosemite Dr. just east of N. Park Victoria. Permanent members pay a one-time fee to join and annual dues. Seasonal members pay slightly higher annual dues. Access to the pool is 365 days/year from 5 am to 11 pm; however, it is only heated from May until September. Members have access to BBQ’s, picnic areas, lounge chairs, diving board, bathrooms and can schedule parties. Lifeguards on duty during the summer. Swim lessons offered (members get a reduced rate). Contact pool at MemberServices@MilpitasPool.com or MY7-POOL (697-7665) to get current rates and information.
24 Hour Fitness Mipitas Super-Sport Gym
Indoor lap pool, sauna, hot tub, and steam room. Primarily for adults. For some seniors, membership can be a benefit of their health insurance.
719 E. Calaveras Blvd.
408-856-1961
Get Wet at an Amusement Park
Aqua Adventure
Water park in Fremont, California. We can provide day camps and swim lessons for all ages. Registration is open now! Aqua Camps at Aqua Adventure Waterpark features fun in the sun for all ages. Each week this all-inclusive summer camp will have a fun and exciting theme. Only $5 for Milpitas Residents than for those in Fremont.
40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538
510-494-4426
South Bay Shores at Great America is always a fun place to visit.
To avoid the crowds, try mid-week mornings when the park first opens at 10:00 a.m. Season and day passes can be purchased online, but there is a surcharge that you won’t pay if you are willing to wait in line. Check the prices here in advance. Do note that parking is on top of entrance fees.
4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
408-988-1776
Raging Waters/Splashdown – San Jose plans to reopen it soon
With over 23-acres of slides and attractions, at Raging Waters, San Jose there’s more than enough excitement to satisfy thrill seekers of all ages. Raging Waters is full of wild rides and great times. It’s family friendly with fun as far as the eye can see. No doubt about it Raging Waters is bigger than summer!
2333 S White Rd, San Jose, CA 95148
408-238-9900
Go walk along the Bay
Alviso Marina County Park
Join park staff on an interpretive boat ride through Alviso Slough to learn how the South San Francisco Bay’s shoreline has changed over time.
1195 Hope St San Jose, CA 95002
408-262-6980
Shoreline At Mountain View
The Sailing Lake and Café is open. The Golf Course is open. Michaels is open while undergoing renovation. The Rengstorff House has suspended public tours. Kite Area, Dog Park, and North Shore – All of these outdoor areas are open to the public and require social distancing guidelines be followed. Spend some leisure time golfing, sailing, windsurfing or flying a kite. Take in the rich local history of Rengstorff House and its gardens or observe the abundance of wildlife along the miles of trails available for jogging, hiking and biking.
Go to the Coast
Carmel by the Sea
At the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is one of the most iconic spots on California’s Central Coast and is rated “One of America’s Top Beach Towns.” From morning to night Carmel Beach attracts visitors and locals alike to take in the majestic scenery and fun activities.
Big Sur
This is the official, complete, and definitive travel guide to all lodging, camping, restaurants, gift shops & art galleries in Big Sur; The ultimate travel resource and guide to California’s central coast and your complete Big Sur Visitors Bureau.
Best Beaches near San Jose California
Even though the southern shore of San Francisco Bay doesn’t have sandy beaches, some of the best beaches in California are on the Pacific Ocean just a short drive away from San Jose. The closest beaches are about 45 minutes away in Santa Cruz. From Santa Cruz, it’s a short drive north on Highway 1 to unique cove beaches near the town of Davenport. More sandy options near Santa Cruz include the beaches in Aptos and Capitola.
Ocean Beach
A wide expanse of sand and dunes that faces the Pacific Ocean, stretching for three miles along the entire western edge of San Francisco. Here are some tips for enjoying your visit to Ocean Beach: things to do, how to get there, where to park and where to eat. This is a very dangerous beach! There are no lifeguards, either.
Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad
Roaring Camp is open once again. For more information feel free to call 831-335-4484.
Take a open car train ride through giant redwoods, stop for a picnic and catch the next train back. Take a train to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Participate in historical reenactments. Located in Felton.
5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018
831-335-4484
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Per California face mask guidelines, the Boardwalk recommends all unvaccinated guests age 2 and older wear face masks at all times when visiting the Boardwalk and all related attractions except when actively eating and drinking. Vaccinated guests are welcome to enjoy the Boardwalk and all related attractions without wearing a mask. By not wearing a mask, you certify that you are fully vaccinated. Your online wristband purchase is also your reservation. Please check back or visit us on Facebook for updates. Learn More. The Boardwalk is now open daily through Labor Day, September 4. Passes may also be ordered online.
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-423-5590
Hang out in a Park
City Parks
A GoMilpitas resource page showing which parks have sport facilities, BBQ & picnic tables, restrooms, etc. Click on links to get maps and directions.
City Recreation Services
Offerings updated seasonally. Page includes listing of recreation facilities, including pools, office hours, and days closed.
Ed Levin County Park
Trails wide enough to pass by 6′ are shown in bright green. Spend a summer day feeding ducks, fishing, picnicking, hiking, riding your horse or bicycle in this lovely park overlooking Milpitas.
3100 Calaveras Rd.
408-262-6980
Go Fishing
Yes, youths 15 and younger can fish at Sandy Wool Lake (or anywhere in California) without a license. In the summer the lake is stocked with catfish.
Regional Parks
Start with your favorite activity, from archery to water skiing, and you can find a Regional Park where you can do it from this site. Other ways of searching, too.
Public Cooling Centers
Note that public buildings will NOT be open on Summer Holidays. However, shopping centers will be open and having sales.
Community Center
457 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Open Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Open Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 408-586-3210
Barbara Lee Senior Center
40 N. Milpitas Blvd.
Open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 408-586-3400
Sports Center with Pools
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Open Monday – Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Open Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Phone: 408-586-3225
The Milpitas Community Library
160 N. Main St.
Monday – Thursday: 10:00a – 9:00p
Friday – Sunday: 10:00a – 7:00p
Phone: 408-262-1171
Take a Creek Hike
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
UPDATE ((May 27, 2021): Wildfire damages much of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Fate of big trees unknown “The fire damaged the park’s headquarters, historic core and campgrounds,” said the statement. “Staff are currently assessing the damage cause by the fire to state park property and we do not know the number of acres burned within the park right now.” This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place.
Coyote Watershed
Lots of small creeks come down from the east hills. The one parallel to Calaveras Road as it heads up into the hills is hikable. Might be poison oak, though, so wear long pants and long-sleeved shirt. The builder at Piedmont Rd has made a rather pretty artificial stream complete with waterfall. I’m not sure if the general public will be allowed to get into the water there or not. Again, don’t drink the water. It comes from the duck ponds and horse ranches in the hills.
Guide to San Francisco Bay Area Creeks
In the old days, every neighborhood had a creek; the secret is they still do….
Penitencia Creek
Lined with big-leaf maple white alder, and western sycamore. Wild honey-suckle vines, the arroyo and red willow add to its lush plant life. The creek is shallow and slow in Alum Rock Park, so it is a nice place for small children to cool off. Do not let them drink the creek water, however.
Many places of worship are continuing to have services streamed online even though their physical buildings are now open. These may or may not be using Zoom, but since many do, I’m using that icon. Others are broadcasting on TV or are on Facebook Live.