Ulistac Natural Area: Santa Clara's Hidden Oasis
Discover a tranquil urban oasis in Santa Clara: Explore diverse habitats, spot migratory birds, and reconnect with nature at Ulistac Natural Area, a restored Ohlone 'basket place'.
Escape the Silicon Valley bustle at Ulistac Natural Area, a 40-acre haven showcasing seven distinct California native habitats. Once a seasonal Ohlone encampment and later a golf course, Ulistac was reborn through community efforts, offering a tranquil retreat for birdwatching, nature walks, and quiet contemplation. Explore grasslands, woodlands, and riparian zones along the Guadalupe River, discovering a surprising diversity of flora and fauna. With easy access, flat trails, and interpretive panels, Ulistac provides an accessible and enriching experience for nature lovers of all ages and abilities. Remember to bring your binoculars to spot over 180 species of birds that have been sighted here, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Enjoy a peaceful respite from the urban landscape and reconnect with the natural world.
A brief summary to Ulistac Natural Area
- 4901 Lick Mill Blvd, Santa Clara, California, 95054, US
- +1408-615-3140
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
- Thursday 7 am-8 pm
- Friday 7 am-8 pm
- Saturday 7 am-8 pm
- Sunday 7 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit during spring (March-April) for the wildflower bloom, when the park is awash in vibrant colors.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations. Over 180 species have been spotted here.
- Check for parking restrictions on Lick Mill Blvd during Levi's Stadium events.
- Combine your visit with a stop at Lick Mill Park across the street for restrooms, picnic areas, and play facilities.
- Stay on marked trails to avoid poison oak.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Ulistac Natural Area is easily accessible via VTA Light Rail. From the Lick Mill Station on Tasman Drive, walk south on Lick Mill Blvd for approximately 7 minutes to reach the northern entrance of the park. Alternatively, you can walk from River Oaks Station via the Guadalupe River Trail, which takes about 20 minutes. A single VTA fare is $2.50, with 2 hours of free transfers when using a Clipper card. A Veteran Single Ride ticket is priced at just $1.00 and is exclusively available through the Token Transit Mobile App.
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Driving
If driving, Ulistac Natural Area is located on Lick Mill Blvd between Montague Expressway and Tasman Drive. From Montague Expressway, turn onto Lick Mill Blvd; the park will be on your right in about a mile. From Tasman Drive, Ulistac is on your left almost immediately. There is free street parking available on Lick Mill Blvd. However, be aware of parking restrictions during events at Levi's Stadium. In such cases, park south of Hope Drive on Lick Mill Blvd. Alternatively, limited parking is available at Lick Mill Park across the street. Parking is free.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in the area. A taxi ride from a nearby location like the Santa Clara Caltrain station to Ulistac Natural Area would cost approximately $15-$20, depending on traffic and surge pricing. SVHopper, a low-cost rideshare service, is also available in Santa Clara and Cupertino. Rides are $3.50 for a one-way trip, and a discounted fare of $1.75 for seniors, students, and people with disabilities. The first five rides are free.
Discover more about Ulistac Natural Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mill Pond
1.1 km
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James Lick Mansion
1.1 km
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Santa Clara Park
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Larkspur Landing Milpitas
3.7 km
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Big Al's
3.8 km
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Koi Palace - Milpitas
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Milpitas Square
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四姐 Special Noodle
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Chili Garden
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Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
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Darda Seafood Restaurant
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H.L. Peninsula Restaurant
4.0 km
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Pinewood Park
4.1 km
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Pump It Up Santa Clara Kids Birthdays and More
4.2 km
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Dish N Dash
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Unmissable attractions to see
Live Oak Park
1.0 km
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Agnews Historic Park
1.2 km
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Visitor Center
1.3 km
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Moitozo Park
1.3 km
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Chicken Guy!
1.3 km
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Bourbon Steak Santa Clara
1.3 km
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Levi's Stadium
1.3 km
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Visa Box Office
1.4 km
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49ers Team Store
1.5 km
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The 49ers Museum
1.5 km
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South Bay Shores
1.8 km
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Planet Snoopy
1.8 km
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Peanuts Meet & Greet
1.8 km
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California's Great America
1.9 km
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Drop Tower
1.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Evolution Restaurant & Bar
1.9 km
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La Fontana
2.0 km
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Holyland Restaurant and Catering
2.2 km
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Bosc & Bartlett
2.3 km
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Pedro's Restaurant & Cantina
2.6 km
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Birk's
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Athena Grill & Catering
3.0 km
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Valley Plaza Cafe
3.1 km
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Opa! Santa Clara
3.1 km
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Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
3.2 km
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Loggia Restaurant and Bar
3.2 km
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Puesto Santa Clara
3.2 km
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Il Fornaio Santa Clara
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Liu Roast Fish 老劉家烤鱼烤串
3.8 km
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Top Cafe
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rivermark Village
1.3 km
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The Company Store
1.8 km
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Our Lady of Peace Gift Shop
2.6 km
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Greenish Planet Stores
2.7 km
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Santa Clara Square
3.0 km
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Santa Clara Square Marketplace
3.1 km
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Eurohaus Modern Furniture LLC.
3.9 km
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Ross Dress for Less
4.1 km
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Calaveras Plaza Shopping Center
4.7 km
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Five Below
5.1 km
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Kohl's
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Austin5
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Luxury Handicrafts - Bone Inlay, Mother of Pearl & Wood Furniture Store
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Old Navy Outlet
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Windsor
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mortar & Pestle Bar
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Lucas Lounge
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Floodcraft Taproom
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Sevens Bar & Grill
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Music Land
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Lazio Bar
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The Lounge
4.4 km
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The G.
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Tequila Shots Bar and Grill
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The Note
5.8 km
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EMA Karaoke & Bar
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The Magpie and Tiger
6.0 km
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Da Silva's Bronco's Pub
6.1 km
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Broncos Cocktail Lounge
6.1 km
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thirsty.bar
6.1 km
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