All About the Blackberry Farm in Cupertino

Key takeaways

Blackberry Farm is a rare historic pocket within Cupertino, blending early agricultural roots with modern suburban development—making it one of the city’s most distinctive and emotionally resonant neighborhoods.

The area’s appeal comes from a mix of location, schools, and character: proximity to Apple Park and major tech campuses, access to highly regarded schools, and a neighborhood feel that’s hard to replicate in newer developments.

Homes near Blackberry Farm tend to command a premium not because of size alone, but because of scarcity, walkability to the park, and the long-term stability of the surrounding community—factors that matter as much as square footage to many buyers.

Summary: Blackberry Farm combines Cupertino’s agricultural history with prime modern location, creating a scarce, high-demand neighborhood where lifestyle, schools, and character drive value as much as the homes themselves.

Tucked away in the heart of Cupertino, Blackberry Farm stands as a cherished community hub, blending rich history with modern recreational amenities. This 210-acre park offers residents and visitors a serene escape, complete with swimming pools, picnic areas, and scenic trails.

History of Cupertino’s Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm, located in Cupertino, California, has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. In 1848, Elijah Stephens, a South Carolina-born blacksmith and trapper, settled on what was then known as Cupertino Creek. He established a 160-acre property at the base of Black Mountain, which he named “Blackberry Farm.” Stephens is notable for leading the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, the first wagon train to successfully cross the Sierra Nevada in 1844, predating the Donner Party by two years.

In 1864, Stephens sold his property to George McCauley and William McClellan, expressing that the area was becoming “too durn civilized.” He then relocated to Kern County, where he lived until his death in 1883.

Ownership and Operation

Over the years, Blackberry Farm changed hands and eventually became a popular swim resort. In 1991, the City of Cupertino purchased the property, transforming it into the public recreational facility it is today.

Currently, Blackberry Farm is owned and operated by the City of Cupertino’s Parks and Recreation Department. The park offers various amenities, including swimming pools, picnic areas, and access to the Stevens Creek Trail. It serves as a cherished community hub, blending its historical significance with modern recreational facilities.

Annual Events

Blackberry Farm hosts several annual events that foster community engagement. One notable event is Cupertino Day, celebrated in May, which features family-friendly activities, entertainment, and opportunities for residents to connect.

Operating Season and Hours

The park operates seasonally, with its pools, café, and picnic sites open to the public from May through September. Specific operating hours can vary, so it’s advisable to check the City of Cupertino’s official website for the most current information.

Admission Fees

Admission fees to the Blackberry Farm is free, with the exception of the golf course and pool. The pool offers daily or season passes, with different fees for residents vs. non-residents. You can view the pool’s schedule and fees here.

Amenities

Blackberry Farm boasts a variety of amenities designed to cater to diverse recreational interests:

Swimming Pools: The park features two pools, providing a refreshing retreat during the warmer months.
Picnic Areas: Multiple group picnic sites are available for reservation, each equipped with barbecue grills and serving tables, making them ideal for gatherings.
Playground: A well-maintained playground offers a safe and fun environment for children.
Sports Facilities: Visitors can enjoy:
- bocce ball courts
- sand volleyball court
- horseshoe pits
Trails: A one-mile ADA-accessible pathway meanders through the park, connecting to the larger Stevens Creek Trail system.

Trails and Connectivity

Blackberry Farm is seamlessly integrated into Cupertino’s trail network. The park connects to the Stevens Creek Trail, a scenic route that offers opportunities for walking, jogging, and cycling, extending through several neighboring communities.

Stevens Creek

Stevens Creek runs through the Blackberry Farm, adding to the park’s natural beauty. The creek provides a tranquil backdrop for visitors and supports local wildlife, contributing to the area’s ecological diversity.

Blackberry Farm remains a testament to Cupertino’s commitment to preserving natural spaces while providing modern recreational facilities. Whether you’re seeking a place to relax, engage in physical activity, or connect with the community, Blackberry Farm offers a welcoming environment for all.

Blackberry Farm Photo Gallery

Blackberry Farm Golf Course

The Blackberry Farm Golf Course is a public nine-hole facility that offers a welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels. Established in 1962, the course was privately owned until 1991, when the City of Cupertino purchased the property and has since managed its operations.

There are a number of golf events held there each year, check the city’s Blackberry Farm Golf Course webpage for the current schedule.

Course Layout and Design

The course features a par-29 layout, comprising seven par-3 holes and two par-4 holes, totaling 1,544 yards from the men’s tees. Set along the banks of Stevens Creek, it boasts narrow, tree-lined fairways and small greens, demanding accuracy and strategic play.

Amenities and Services

Blackberry Farm Golf Course provides several amenities to enhance the golfing experience:

Practice Facilities: A practice putting green is available for golfers to hone their skills before heading out onto the course.
Instruction: PGA-certified instructors offer lessons for those looking to improve their game.
Pro Shop: The on-site pro shop provides equipment and apparel for golfers’ needs.

Rates and Reservations

The course offers affordable rates, with discounts available for Cupertino residents upon presenting valid identification. Tee times can be reserved up to seven days in advance, ensuring accessibility for both spontaneous and planned visits.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the City of Cupertino has conducted feasibility studies to assess the future of the golf course, considering options such as necessary repairs and minor improvements or converting the site to natural habitat and trails. As of October 2023, the City Council directed staff to proceed with minimal repairs to maintain the golf course, ensuring its continued operation for the community.

Blackberry Farm Golf Course remains a cherished recreational asset in Cupertino, offering a scenic and challenging golfing experience amidst the natural beauty of the Stevens Creek Corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Blackberry Farm in Cupertino?

Blackberry Farm is a large public park in the heart of Cupertino, centered along Stevens Creek and connected to the Stevens Creek Trail system—making it an easy, “in-the-city” nature and recreation escape.

How big is Blackberry Farm?

Blackberry Farm is about 210 acres, offering a mix of recreational facilities (pools, picnic areas, sports courts) and open space with trails and creek-side scenery.

Why is it called “Blackberry Farm”?

The name traces back to the mid-1800s when Elijah Stephens settled the area near what was then Cupertino Creek and established a 160-acre property he named “Blackberry Farm.”

Who was Elijah Stephens?

Elijah Stephens was an early settler who established “Blackberry Farm” in 1848. He’s also known for leading the Stephens–Townsend–Murphy Party, the first wagon train to successfully cross the Sierra Nevada in 1844.

When did Blackberry Farm become a public park?

Over time the property changed hands and became a popular swim resort. In 1991, the City of Cupertino purchased the property and transformed it into the public recreational facility it is today.

Is Blackberry Farm free to enter?

General admission to the park is free. Fees typically apply for the pool and the golf course, and pool passes differ for residents vs. non-residents.

When is Blackberry Farm open?

The park operates seasonally for its pools, café, and picnic sites—generally from May through September. Because hours can change, it’s smart to confirm the current schedule before you go.

What amenities does Blackberry Farm have?

Blackberry Farm includes two swimming pools, reservable group picnic sites with grills and tables, a playground, bocce ball courts, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and an ADA-accessible pathway that links into the Stevens Creek Trail network.

Are there trails at Blackberry Farm?

Yes. The park includes a roughly one-mile ADA-accessible pathway and it connects directly to the larger Stevens Creek Trail system for longer walks, jogs, and bike rides.

What is Stevens Creek and why does it matter here?

Stevens Creek runs through Blackberry Farm and is a big part of what makes the park feel natural and relaxing. The creek corridor supports local wildlife and creates a scenic, shaded backdrop for the trails and open space.

What annual events happen at Blackberry Farm?

One of the notable annual events mentioned is Cupertino Day (typically in May), which features family-friendly activities and community-focused programming.

Tell me about the Blackberry Farm Golf Course.

The on-site Blackberry Farm Golf Course is a public nine-hole course that the City of Cupertino has managed since purchasing the property in 1991. It’s a compact par-29 layout (seven par-3s and two par-4s) with narrow, tree-lined fairways along Stevens Creek, and it offers practice areas, instruction, and an on-site pro shop. Tee times can be reserved in advance, and Cupertino residents may qualify for discounted rates.

Is the golf course staying, or will it be converted into trails or habitat?

The city has explored options over time, including feasibility studies evaluating repairs and improvements versus converting the site to habitat and trails. The article notes that as of October 2023, the City Council directed staff to proceed with minimal repairs to keep the golf course operating.