Hellyer County Park
A sprawling county park in San Jose offering a splash pad, playgrounds, trails, a lake, and picnic spots for outdoor fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Hellyer County Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling county park in San Jose offering a splash pad, playgrounds, trails, a lake, and picnic spots for outdoor fun.
"It's one of the more relaxing parks in the South Bay, perfect for a casual outing."
Splash Pad Ready! :water_wave:
Bring swimsuits and towels for the splash pad – it's a hit with kids on warm days!
Library Parking Pass :parking:
Get a free parking pass from your local library to save on the $6 daily fee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Splash Pad Fun
Near the toddler play area
A refreshing summer escape for kids, with water features to cool off on hot days. Shaded structures offer some relief.
Toddler Play Area
Near the splash pad
Features a sandpit, mini playground, and a unique spinning feature that kids love. Shaded for comfort.
Coyote Creek Trail
Connects to the park
A 15-mile paved trail perfect for biking, walking, or running with scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Lake and Wildlife
Central lake
A peaceful spot for fishing, picnicking, and observing a variety of ducks and other wildlife. Great for a relaxing stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Splash Pad Ready! :water_wave:
Bring swimsuits and towels for the splash pad – it's a hit with kids on warm days! 
Library Parking Pass :parking:
Get a free parking pass from your local library to save on the $6 daily fee.
Toddler Zone Fun :child:
The toddler play area with sand and water features is a huge hit.
Wildlife Spotting :duck:
Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and other wildlife around the lake. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Splash Pad Ready! :water_wave:
Bring swimsuits and towels for the splash pad – it's a hit with kids on warm days!
Library Parking Pass :parking:
Get a free parking pass from your local library to save on the $6 daily fee.
Toddler Zone Fun :child:
The toddler play area with sand and water features is a huge hit.
Wildlife Spotting :duck:
Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and other wildlife around the lake. +1
Trail Adventures :bike:
The paved Coyote Creek Trail is great for biking and offers miles of exploration. +1
Picnic Perfect :picnic_table:
Plenty of shaded picnic tables and BBQ spots make it ideal for gatherings.
Pinata Ready! :party_popper:
The park has designated spots for hanging piñatas, perfect for parties.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hellyer County Park for its family-friendly amenities like the splash pad and toddler playground, along with its extensive trails and peaceful lake. It's considered a relaxing spot with good wildlife viewing opportunities and ample picnic facilities. Some minor drawbacks include occasional lack of restroom supplies and potential traffic on the access road.
"It’s a beautiful and well kept park. I rode my bike through here via Coyote Creek Trail. People enjoy this park every week. It has a good playground, lots of open field, picnic tables, restrooms, and a small lake to fish in. No sports equipment, like basketball courts, but you can play frisbee or soccer or set up a volleyball net. They also have an outdoor velodrome. I think this is one of the more relaxing parks in the South Bay."
G Lee
"Hellyer County Park was the perfect setting for our recent crew outing. We kicked things off with a relaxed lunch under shaded picnic tables near the lake, where ducks wandered by and the breeze kept things cool. The open layout made it easy to spread out, and the calm atmosphere gave us space to catch up without distractions. It’s one of those parks that feels tucked away but still accessible—ideal for lowkey gatherings.
After lunch, a few of us hit the paved bike trails that loop around the lake and connect to the Coyote Creek Trail. The paths were smooth and well-maintained, perfect for casual riders and more seasoned cyclists alike. Later in the afternoon, we set up a casual football game on one of the open fields—not competitive, just enough movement to balance out the chill vibe. Between the velodrome energy nearby and the quiet lake views, Hellyer gave us a full day of variety without ever feeling crowded."
Jonathan Phan
"Nice park for a sunset walk. It gets pretty sunny in the morning. Plenty of open grill and picnic bench. It is part of a longer coyote trail. Lot of parking spots. Nice views. Paid entrance & parking.
Entrance and exit is through a road leading to highway, sometimes gets a ton traffic.
Good for wildlife spotting like turkey, woodpecker, hawk, hogs, deer, coyote, fox, bob cat, turtle, duck"
Venkatesh Ln
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hellyer County Park is located at 985 Hellyer Ave, San Jose, CA 95111. It's easily accessible by car and is near major roadways. The entrance road can sometimes experience traffic, so plan accordingly.
While specific public transport routes directly to the park might vary, San Jose has an extensive bus and light rail system. Check local transit schedules for options that get you close to the park's vicinity.
Parking is available on-site for a $6 daily fee. You can obtain a free parking pass from any Santa Clara County library.
Yes, Hellyer County Park is a great access point to the Coyote Creek Trail, a 15-mile paved path popular for biking and walking. +1
Some Reddit users have mentioned awareness of unhoused encampments in certain areas of the park, particularly towards downtown. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when biking solo or during off-peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to enter the park itself, but there is a $6 daily parking fee. You can get a free parking pass from any Santa Clara County library.
Park hours typically align with daylight hours, but it's always best to check the official Santa Clara County Parks website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, especially for specific facilities like the splash pad.
No, tickets are not required for general entry into Hellyer County Park. It's a public park, and you can visit without advance booking.
Yes, the park hosts various events, including celebrations like Veterans Day. It's also a popular spot for family outings and community gatherings.
While many picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, it's advisable to check with Santa Clara County Parks for any reservation options for larger groups or specific areas, especially for popular spots.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include a splash pad, a dedicated toddler play area with sand and water features, a lake for fishing, extensive paved trails for biking and walking, picnic areas, and an outdoor velodrome.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for kids, with a popular splash pad, a fantastic toddler play area, and plenty of open space to run around.
Yes, restrooms are available within the park. However, some visitors have noted that they may not always be stocked with toilet paper or seat covers.
Yes, fishing is permitted at the lake within Hellyer County Park. It's a peaceful spot for anglers.
The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including various species of ducks and geese on the lake. Visitors have also reported seeing turkeys, woodpeckers, hawks, deer, coyotes, and even bobcats. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hellyer County Park offers numerous picnic tables and BBQ pits, making it ideal for bringing your own food and having a meal outdoors. There are no on-site restaurants.
Yes, the park is well-equipped with picnic tables, many of which are shaded, making it a perfect spot for a picnic with family and friends.
Yes, Hellyer County Park provides BBQ pits, allowing visitors to grill their food.
Bring your own food, drinks, grilling supplies, and any utensils or plates you'll need. Don't forget trash bags to clean up after yourself.
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors within Hellyer County Park. It's best to come prepared with your own food and beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake with its ducks and geese, the scenic Coyote Creek Trail, and the vibrant playground areas offer great photo opportunities. The open fields and natural landscapes also provide beautiful backdrops.
Yes, the park is excellent for nature photography, especially around the lake where you can capture various bird species. The trails also offer opportunities for landscape shots. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) offer the best lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow. Weekday mornings also provide fewer distractions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's advisable to check with Santa Clara County Parks for any permit requirements.
Capture candid shots of children enjoying the water features, or wider shots showcasing the splash pad area with the surrounding park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Pack swim gear for the splash pad and be prepared for the sand and water features in the toddler zone. The park also has plenty of open space for running around and a lake that kids often enjoy watching the ducks on. Utilize the numerous picnic tables and BBQ pits for a full day of fun. Remember to bring your own food and drinks, as there are no concessions. Consider getting a free parking pass from the library to save on fees.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Runners
Be aware that while the main trails are popular, some sections of the broader Coyote Creek Trail system may have unhoused encampments. It's advisable to stay on the main paved paths and be mindful of your surroundings, especially if riding solo.
🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers
The peaceful atmosphere around the lake makes it ideal for a relaxing day outdoors. The paved trails offer pleasant walking routes for nature enthusiasts who want to explore the park's natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those who prefer a more natural setting, while the main trails are paved, the park offers open fields and natural areas adjacent to the trails. It's important to be aware of your surroundings, as some Reddit users have noted the presence of unhoused encampments in certain sections of the park, particularly further along the Coyote Creek Trail. However, during peak times and on weekends, the trails are generally well-populated and feel safe for solo visitors.
The park also features an outdoor velodrome, a unique attraction for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a dedicated cycling workout or a scenic path for a casual ride, Hellyer County Park's trails cater to a variety of interests and fitness levels.
Family Fun at Hellyer Park
+1 Adjacent to it is a toddler play area that has been praised for its sandpit, mini playground, and a unique spinning feature that kids absolutely adore. +1 Both of these areas are equipped with shade structures, offering some respite from the sun. Beyond the dedicated play zones, the park offers ample open fields perfect for games like frisbee, soccer, or even setting up a volleyball net. The lake provides a calm environment for observing ducks and geese, which is often a hit with younger children.
While the park is generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted that restrooms might not always be fully stocked. However, the overall consensus is that the park offers a fantastic and engaging experience for children, making it a go-to spot for parents in the South Bay area.
Wildlife and Nature
The park's natural setting, combined with the paved trails and open green spaces, contributes to its appeal as a place to connect with the outdoors. The presence of these animals adds an element of discovery to any visit, whether you're on a bike ride along the Coyote Creek Trail or enjoying a quiet picnic by the lake.
While the park is a sanctuary for wildlife, it's important for visitors to maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding the animals. This helps preserve the natural behavior and health of the park's inhabitants. The opportunity to see such a variety of wildlife in an urban county park setting is one of Hellyer's unique charms.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit