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Libby's Water Tower: A Sunnyvale Icon

A nostalgic Sunnyvale landmark: Libby's Water Tower, a giant fruit cocktail can amidst Silicon Valley, symbolizes the city's agricultural heritage.

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Libby's Water Tower in Sunnyvale is a nostalgic landmark that stands as a reminder of the city's agricultural past. Painted to resemble a giant can of Libby's fruit cocktail, it's a quirky contrast to Silicon Valley's tech hub.

A brief summary to Libby's Water Tower

  • 490 W California Ave, Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale West, California, 94086, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for optimal lighting and photo opportunities of the vibrant fruit cocktail can.
  • Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride along the nearby Stevens Creek Trail for a scenic experience.
  • Check out the replica Hendy Works light posts on the overpass, paying homage to the history of Sunnyvale.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Sunnyvale Caltrain station, the Libby's Water Tower is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Head west on W Washington Ave toward S Mathilda Ave, turn right onto S Mathilda Ave, then turn right onto W California Ave. The water tower will be on the right. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near the intersection of El Camino Real and Mathilda Avenue, a short walk from the tower. Check VTA's website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single VTA bus fare is $2.50.

  • Driving

    If driving, take Highway 101 and exit onto Mathilda Avenue heading south. Continue on Mathilda Avenue and turn right onto W California Avenue. The water tower will be on the right, located within an office park. Limited free parking is available within the office park. Note that parking can be crowded during peak business hours.

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Mathilda Avenue and W California Avenue, walk east on W California Avenue. The water tower will be on the right, located within an office park. The tower is easily visible from the street.

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Discover more about Libby's Water Tower

Libby's Water Tower, a whimsical and iconic structure in Sunnyvale, offers a glimpse into the region's rich agricultural history, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding modern office parks of Silicon Valley. This towering landmark, painted to resemble a giant can of Libby's fruit cocktail, is a beloved symbol of the city's past and a testament to its evolving identity. In 1906, Libby, McNeill & Libby, a Chicago-based meat-packing company, established its first fruit-packing factory in Sunnyvale, drawn by the area's abundant orchards of peaches, cherries, and apricots. The cannery quickly became a major employer and economic engine for the city, reaching its peak in 1922 as the largest cannery in the world. The original water tower supplied water to the cannery and its workers. The current water tower was built in 1965 and is shaped like a can of Libby's Fruit Cocktail. The can is approximately 25 feet tall and 15 feet across, standing about 150 feet in the air and holding about 150,000 gallons of water. As the agricultural landscape of the Santa Clara Valley gradually gave way to the burgeoning tech industry, the Libby's cannery eventually closed its doors in 1985. The factory was demolished and the property was turned into an office park, but the water tower was spared. When the tower was initially repainted without the Libby's label, public outcry led to its restoration, ensuring that the iconic fruit cocktail can would continue to grace the Sunnyvale skyline. Today, the tower still stands in the midst of a generic office park, identifying the former site of the factory that once employed nearly the entire city.

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