This Silicon Valley city is home to Apple Inc.'s headquarters and has a population of 58,302. Located in Santa Clara County, it was originally inhabited by Costanoan Indians.
Cupertino, a city of 60,000 residents in Silicon Valley, is home to Apple Inc.'s global headquarters. You can explore the Apple Park Visitor Center, walk past farm animals at McClellan Ranch Park, or join 50,000 people celebrating at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the city lies within an hour's drive of both San Francisco and San Jose.
Apple Park and Tech Culture
The circular Apple Park campus opened in 2017 and spans 2.8 million square feet. At the Apple Park Visitor Center, you can experience augmented reality models of the campus, shop at the company store, and climb to the rooftop observation deck for views of the main building. The surrounding streets contain tech company offices interspersed with residential neighborhoods shaded by oak and maple trees.
Parks and Recreation
At McClellan Ranch Park, you'll find chickens, sheep, and goats living in a preserved 1930s ranch complex. The park includes a nature museum and blacksmith shop where local artisans demonstrate traditional metalworking. The 5-mile Stevens Creek Trail connects the ranch to Blackberry Farm, passing through oak woodlands and alongside the creek. Cross Interstate 280 on the Mary Avenue Bicycle Footbridge, a 503-foot steel arch bridge that links the city's northern and southern districts.
Getting Around Cupertino
Interstate 280 and State Route 85 intersect in Cupertino, connecting you directly to neighboring Silicon Valley cities. Dedicated bike lanes run along major roads like Stevens Creek Boulevard and De Anza Boulevard. Wide sidewalks line most streets, and the city's grid pattern includes regular crosswalks and traffic signals at major intersections.
Cultural Events
The April Cherry Blossom Festival fills Memorial Park with taiko drummers, martial arts demonstrations, and vendors selling yakisoba and takoyaki. During the October Diwali celebration, you can watch Bharatanatyam dance performances and buy samosas from food stalls while thousands of LED lights illuminate the Civic Center. The September Moon Festival brings lion dancers and erhu musicians to perform traditional Chinese arts, while the Tournament of Bands gathers 20+ high school marching bands for a day-long competition.
Climate and Weather
Cupertino's Mediterranean climate keeps temperatures between 50°F and 85°F year-round. From June to September, days stay warm and dry. December through March brings rain showers and cooler temperatures. The Santa Cruz Mountains block hot inland air masses, resulting in milder summer temperatures than cities further east in the valley.
