Hellyer County Park
San Jose, CA
A 233-acre county park along Coyote Creek with excellent shade in the picnic areas, a velodrome, dog park, and miles of creek-side trails. The northern picnic areas offer the best shade coverage from mature sycamores and oaks.
🌳 Shade Analysis
Canopy Coverage
65% in picnic areas, 10% in open fields
Shade Structures
Covered picnic pavilions in group areas
Best Shaded Areas
Yerba Buena & Sylvandale picnic areas along Coyote Creek
Least Shaded Areas
Dog park and open field areas
Shade is concentrated along the Coyote Creek riparian corridor. Mature sycamores, oaks, and willows provide dense canopy. Areas away from the creek are significantly more exposed.
🛝 Playground Details
Age Range
2-12 years old
Surface
Rubber and wood chips
Equipment
- Climbing structure
- Slides
- Swings
- Sand play area
- Toddler section
✨ Features
🏛️ Amenities
- ✓ Parking ($6/vehicle)
- ✓ Restrooms
- ✓ Water fountains
- ✓ BBQ grills
- ✓ Picnic tables
- ✓ Visitor center
📋 Plan Your Visit
📍 Address
985 Hellyer Ave, San Jose, CA 95111
🅿️ Parking
$6 per vehicle. Multiple parking lots throughout the park. The lot near the Yerba Buena picnic area fills up on weekends.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Morning (9-11am) for cooler temps and available parking. The creek-side areas stay shaded through midday.
🎒 What to Bring
- • Sunscreen
- • Water bottles
- • Snacks
- • Bug spray (near creek)
- • Bike or scooter for trail
Nearby Food & Drinks
Senter Foods & Deli
Restaurant
988 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95111
Delizias Bakery
Coffee Shop
1009 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
In-N-Out Burger (Capitol Expy)
Restaurant
607 Capitol Expy Auto Mall, San Jose, CA
💡 Tip: Always call ahead to confirm hours and availability, especially on weekends and holidays.
📍 Location
Last updated: 2026-03-30 · Reviewed by The FamilyParkFinder Team
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