Explore the living agricultural heritage at Martial Cottle Park State Recreation Area. Enjoy the serene urban green space nestled at 5283 Snell Avenue in South San José, California. Once a working ranch maintained by the Cottle-Lester family since the 1850s, this 287-acre preserve now honors Santa Clara Valley’s farming past while showcasing modern sustainable agriculture.
What Makes Martial Cottle Park Unique
Unlike most state parks, Martial Cottle merges cultivated fields, historic ranch structures, and community gardens within a suburban setting. Here, visitors witness organic crops, legacy orchards, seasonal harvests and interpretive exhibits—all set along sunny trails winding past heritage fencing, century-old barns and flowering fields.
Top Activities & Amenities
? Trails for Hiking and Biking
The park features over 3 miles of paved multi-use trails suitable for walking, running, biking, rollerblading and scootering. Equestrians and leashed dogs are welcome on designated pathways. Benches, shade structures and water fountains appear throughout.
? Picnic Areas & Group Spaces
Scattered picnic zones, group barbecue areas and a large reservable lawn offer space for family gatherings, birthday parties or company events. BBQ grills and water fountains make picnicking easy and enjoyable.
? Historic Orchard & Interpretive Exhibits
Walk through preserved orchard blocks of cherries, apricots, and prunes once grown by the Cottle family. Interpretive panels and indoor displays in the Walter Cottle Lester Visitor Center describe traditional tools, heritage crops and modern conservation techniques.
?️ Wildlife Viewing & Orchard Encounters
Grasslands, orchards and riparian edges attract birds, butterflies and pollinators. Keep your eyes peeled for hawks circling overhead, songbirds in windrows, and migrating species seasonally passing through.
? Educational & Nature Programs
The visitor center hosts demonstrations, gardening workshops, school field trips and seasonal events like fall harvest celebrations. Docent-led tours showcase the park’s agricultural legacy and sustainable practices.
? Dog Park & Equestrian Trails
Leashed dogs are permitted on trails and picnic areas but not in cultivated zones. A dedicated equestrian staging area allows visitors to bring horses—complete with trailer parking—onto the shared-use perimeter trails.
? Visitor Center & Accessibility
The Walter Cottle Lester Visitor Center offers restrooms, educational exhibits, event info and drinking fountains. A spacious parking lot includes accessible stalls. Paths, picnic spots and facilities are wheelchair-friendly.
Visitor Tips
- Fees & Hours: Open daily from 8 am to sunset. Vehicle entry fee applies; group picnic areas require reservation and may have additional charges.
- Parking: Free on-site parking. Horse trailer spots are located near the equestrian turnout.
- Pets: Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. No pets in orchard or garden areas.
- Restrooms & Water: Flush restrooms and drinking fountains are available at the visitor center; trails have additional drinking fountains.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available throughout visitor areas, trails and picnic spaces.
- Events & Closures: Check the park calendar for guided tours, fall festivals and workshop schedules. Some areas may close during special events or maintenance.
- Wildlife Etiquette: Stay on trails to protect habitat. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars and avoid chasing wildlife.
- Seasonal Conditions: The sunny open fields can be hot—bring sun protection and water, especially in summer months.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit in late spring to enjoy the fragrant orchard blossoms and early-season veggies. Fall brings the park’s popular Harvest Festival—with farm-to-table food, pumpkin patches and seasonal tours of organic plots. For a hidden delight, follow the shaded trail behind the equestrian staging area at midday—the light filtering through aged oaks reveals flocks of finches and meadowlarks, a calm, almost secret moment in this historic landscape.