Best Things To Do in San Jose, CA
Sightseeing
The city of San Jose is the third largest in California and the tenth largest in the whole of the United States based upon population. The area is now known for its booming high tech industry and has gained the nickname ‘Capital of Silicon Valley’. It is not cheap to live in this city and to purchase property you need to be fairly affluent. The city has a colorful history that includes the Spanish as well as the Mexicans. You will see as you look through the list many places to visit that look at the history of this great city. So without further waiting let us have a look at the top 25 things to do in San Jose.
If you are looking for something a little different, then this might just be the thing. Initially the house was the property of Sarah Winchester, she was the widow of William Winchester, a famous gun magnate. Sarah Winchester inherited a huge amount of wealth when he passed away and construction on this strange house started soon after. The legend has it that the property took 38 years to construct, and work was forever ongoing until the day that Sarah Winchester herself died. The building was built from the ground up and is an interesting maze of rooms and alcoves with no real plan behind them.
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Dom pani Winchester
525 S Winchester BlvdIf you are looking for something a little different, then this might just be the thing. Initially the house was the property of Sarah Winchester, she was the widow of William Winchester, a famous gun magnate. Sarah Winchester inherited a huge amount of wealth when he passed away and construction on this strange house started soon after. The legend has it that the property took 38 years to construct, and work was forever ongoing until the day that Sarah Winchester herself died. The building was built from the ground up and is an interesting maze of rooms and alcoves with no real plan behind them.
The Tech Museum of Innovation is a great place for the whole family. The museum was set up initially in a garage and it proved to be so popular that after 8 years in the garage it moved into the 132,000 square foot facility that you see today. The aim of the museum is to show a glimpse of Silicon Valley and also to inspire the next generation. This is more than just a large building to walk around and enjoy, this place goes so much further than that as it engages with the youth of today to improve the world of the future.
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The Tech Interactive
201 S Market StThe Tech Museum of Innovation is a great place for the whole family. The museum was set up initially in a garage and it proved to be so popular that after 8 years in the garage it moved into the 132,000 square foot facility that you see today. The aim of the museum is to show a glimpse of Silicon Valley and also to inspire the next generation. This is more than just a large building to walk around and enjoy, this place goes so much further than that as it engages with the youth of today to improve the world of the future.
This museum has seen more than 7 million people walk through it’s doors since is opened in 1990. The museum is full of interactive exhibits that are designed to respond to the different needs that children have. The museum is constantly expanding and another expansion is planned for the near future. There are also many talented staff working within the building to make sure your children are getting the most out of their visit.
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Children's Discovery Museum
180 Woz WayThis museum has seen more than 7 million people walk through it’s doors since is opened in 1990. The museum is full of interactive exhibits that are designed to respond to the different needs that children have. The museum is constantly expanding and another expansion is planned for the near future. There are also many talented staff working within the building to make sure your children are getting the most out of their visit.
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose is a museum dedicated to the ancient Egyptians. The museum is the largest collection of items from Ancient Egypt in the Western United States. Apart from the artifacts though, the museum is constructed in the architectural style of the Ancient Egyptians to make you really feel like you are there. There are several notable exhibits in the museum including, a statue of Taweret and a stone figure of Cleopatra VII.
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Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
1660 Park AveThe Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose is a museum dedicated to the ancient Egyptians. The museum is the largest collection of items from Ancient Egypt in the Western United States. Apart from the artifacts though, the museum is constructed in the architectural style of the Ancient Egyptians to make you really feel like you are there. There are several notable exhibits in the museum including, a statue of Taweret and a stone figure of Cleopatra VII.
The San Jose Heritage Rose Garden has a world class collection of roses that were initially planted by over 750 volunteers in 1995.
The garden is still maintained by volunteers
Want more roses? Why not visit the nearby Municipal Rose Garden! More than 180 different varieties of flower and 3,500 plantings make up the main attraction at these beautiful gardens.
Set in five and a half acres of land that in the past was a prune orchard, the garden is now entirely dedicated to members of the rose family. The gardens have been open to visitors since 1937 and are a beautiful, quiet place to come and enjoy.
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Heritage Rose Garden
438 Coleman AveThe San Jose Heritage Rose Garden has a world class collection of roses that were initially planted by over 750 volunteers in 1995.
The garden is still maintained by volunteers
Want more roses? Why not visit the nearby Municipal Rose Garden! More than 180 different varieties of flower and 3,500 plantings make up the main attraction at these beautiful gardens.
Set in five and a half acres of land that in the past was a prune orchard, the garden is now entirely dedicated to members of the rose family. The gardens have been open to visitors since 1937 and are a beautiful, quiet place to come and enjoy.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is a Roman Catholic church set in the center of downtown San Jose. The cathedral was named after Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the universal church. This is the fifth church that has stood in this spot as the previous four have been destroyed by either fire or earthquakes. Over the years several periods of restoration have been undertaken, with the most recent taking place in 1990. The Cathedral is truly beautiful with amazing artwork and attention to detail. Well worth a visit on a trip to San Jose.
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Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
80 S Market StThe Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is a Roman Catholic church set in the center of downtown San Jose. The cathedral was named after Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the universal church. This is the fifth church that has stood in this spot as the previous four have been destroyed by either fire or earthquakes. Over the years several periods of restoration have been undertaken, with the most recent taking place in 1990. The Cathedral is truly beautiful with amazing artwork and attention to detail. Well worth a visit on a trip to San Jose.
Alum Rock Park is located at the foothills of the Diablo Mountain Range. It is one of the oldest municipal parks in California. Here you will find 740 acres of rugged beauty that many visitors each year get to enjoy. You can go jogging, hiking and cycling and then stop off somewhere secluded for a picnic. There are many wild animals throughout the park including mountain lions, deer and bobcats. There is even an active mineral spring in the park as well as nine barbecue pits that can be booked in advance.
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Alum Rock Park
15350 Penitencia Creek RdAlum Rock Park is located at the foothills of the Diablo Mountain Range. It is one of the oldest municipal parks in California. Here you will find 740 acres of rugged beauty that many visitors each year get to enjoy. You can go jogging, hiking and cycling and then stop off somewhere secluded for a picnic. There are many wild animals throughout the park including mountain lions, deer and bobcats. There is even an active mineral spring in the park as well as nine barbecue pits that can be booked in advance.
The Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a small zoo and amusement park, it covers 16 acres and houses approximately 150 animals. Over the last few years the park underwent some major renovations before reopening its doors to an eager public. Despite its small size there is still a lot to do apart from looking at the animals. Visitors can enjoy a puppet show or go to the education center to learn more about the animals in the park. There is also a selection of amusement rides, including a roller coaster and carousel.
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Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
748 Story RdThe Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a small zoo and amusement park, it covers 16 acres and houses approximately 150 animals. Over the last few years the park underwent some major renovations before reopening its doors to an eager public. Despite its small size there is still a lot to do apart from looking at the animals. Visitors can enjoy a puppet show or go to the education center to learn more about the animals in the park. There is also a selection of amusement rides, including a roller coaster and carousel.
Kelley Park is set in the city of San Jose and covers around 156 acres. The park has many different facilities within its borders, including the above mentioned Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. This whole park was once a farm owned by a Mrs. Louise Kelley, when she passed it was given to the city to use for the people. If you are not visiting one of the attractions you can relax in one of the many picnic areas or take a hike through the groves of trees.
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Kelley Park
1300 Senter RdKelley Park is set in the city of San Jose and covers around 156 acres. The park has many different facilities within its borders, including the above mentioned Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. This whole park was once a farm owned by a Mrs. Louise Kelley, when she passed it was given to the city to use for the people. If you are not visiting one of the attractions you can relax in one of the many picnic areas or take a hike through the groves of trees.
The San Jose Flea Market has had its roots in San Jose since 1950. Here you can enjoy an inexpensive day out as you wander around the many stores. Each member of the family will find a stall that has something they like, from antique comic books to fashionable clothing, this place has it all. When you are finished with the shopping you can go to one of the many outlets that sell food. Finally before home time you can take a ride on the vintage carousel or the mini-Ferris wheel.
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San Jose Flea Market
1590 Berryessa RdThe San Jose Flea Market has had its roots in San Jose since 1950. Here you can enjoy an inexpensive day out as you wander around the many stores. Each member of the family will find a stall that has something they like, from antique comic books to fashionable clothing, this place has it all. When you are finished with the shopping you can go to one of the many outlets that sell food. Finally before home time you can take a ride on the vintage carousel or the mini-Ferris wheel.
For nearly 50 years the San Jose Museum of Art has collected and shared artworks that define the time they were created in. The museum has various exhibitions including one that looks at life post 9/11. The museum is very hands on and encourages people to photograph the artwork and explore everything the museum has to offer. Since its opening the museum has been expanded to cope with the ever growing art collection that is on display to the thousands of visitors this museum attracts.
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Muzeum Sztuki w San Jose
110 S Market StFor nearly 50 years the San Jose Museum of Art has collected and shared artworks that define the time they were created in. The museum has various exhibitions including one that looks at life post 9/11. The museum is very hands on and encourages people to photograph the artwork and explore everything the museum has to offer. Since its opening the museum has been expanded to cope with the ever growing art collection that is on display to the thousands of visitors this museum attracts.
History Park in San Jose was designed to look how a small US town may have looked at the beginning of the 1900s. There is lots to explore including a dentist, a doctors, a packing shed, livery stable and blacksmiths. You can also explore the Paulson House which was an 1890s house and the Hellenic Heritage Museum (a museum dedicated to Greek Heritage) This is a great opportunity to step back in time and look at how America was over 100 years ago.
History Park
635 Phelan AveHistory Park in San Jose was designed to look how a small US town may have looked at the beginning of the 1900s. There is lots to explore including a dentist, a doctors, a packing shed, livery stable and blacksmiths. You can also explore the Paulson House which was an 1890s house and the Hellenic Heritage Museum (a museum dedicated to Greek Heritage) This is a great opportunity to step back in time and look at how America was over 100 years ago.
Japantown was initially next to Chinatown in San Jose. However, during World War II the population was removed from their town and put to work in camps. When the war was finished the Japanese returned to settle down in a different part of the city. Due to the rise of Silicon Valley many have left for different areas but the town still remains and is designated as an authentic ethnic neighborhood. There are some fantastic Japanese restaurants here owned by the locals who put all their knowledge into making the best Japanese food in the city.
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Japantown
Japantown was initially next to Chinatown in San Jose. However, during World War II the population was removed from their town and put to work in camps. When the war was finished the Japanese returned to settle down in a different part of the city. Due to the rise of Silicon Valley many have left for different areas but the town still remains and is designated as an authentic ethnic neighborhood. There are some fantastic Japanese restaurants here owned by the locals who put all their knowledge into making the best Japanese food in the city.
The San Jose McEnery Convention Center is right in the heart of downtown San Jose. Here you can attend hundreds of events each year. The center recently went through a huge renovation and expansion at the cost of $130 million. Silicon Valley Auto Show is held here annually as are several Fanime events.
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San Jose McEnry Convention Center
150 W San Carlos StThe San Jose McEnery Convention Center is right in the heart of downtown San Jose. Here you can attend hundreds of events each year. The center recently went through a huge renovation and expansion at the cost of $130 million. Silicon Valley Auto Show is held here annually as are several Fanime events.
The Los Gatos Creek Trail in San Jose is 9.7 miles long. It is a walking and cycling path that runs alongside the Los Gatos Creek. The trail goes from Lexington Reservoir to Meridian Avenue in San Jose. The trail is still in progress and will eventually take you to the Guadalupe River in the downtown area. The trail is exceptionally popular with visitors and locals alike as it affords some beautiful views in a truly relaxed environment.
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Los Gatos Creek Trail
Los Gatos Creek TrailThe Los Gatos Creek Trail in San Jose is 9.7 miles long. It is a walking and cycling path that runs alongside the Los Gatos Creek. The trail goes from Lexington Reservoir to Meridian Avenue in San Jose. The trail is still in progress and will eventually take you to the Guadalupe River in the downtown area. The trail is exceptionally popular with visitors and locals alike as it affords some beautiful views in a truly relaxed environment.
San Jose is home to the Museum of Quilts & Textiles. Here you will see various examples of quilts and textiles and celebrate the craft and its history. There is a warm welcome guaranteed at this museum as the staff are happy to talk to you about the various exhibitions and go through the history of the pieces. There are also activities to try that will bring out the artist in every visitor. The exhibitions change on a regular basis to keep you coming back for more.
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San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
520 S First StSan Jose is home to the Museum of Quilts & Textiles. Here you will see various examples of quilts and textiles and celebrate the craft and its history. There is a warm welcome guaranteed at this museum as the staff are happy to talk to you about the various exhibitions and go through the history of the pieces. There are also activities to try that will bring out the artist in every visitor. The exhibitions change on a regular basis to keep you coming back for more.
Santana Row is an outdoor shopping mall that is located in San Jose. Here you will find a good range of brand name shops, small local boutiques and twenty restaurants to enjoy. There are also nine spas, a movie theater and a hotel. The shops themselves stock many luxury products including Gucci and Kate Spade. The area has won many awards over the years for its impressive and bespoke design. During the building of the area a fire took place in the largest building causing $130 million worth of damage and ruining 13 buildings.
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Santana Row
Santana RowSantana Row is an outdoor shopping mall that is located in San Jose. Here you will find a good range of brand name shops, small local boutiques and twenty restaurants to enjoy. There are also nine spas, a movie theater and a hotel. The shops themselves stock many luxury products including Gucci and Kate Spade. The area has won many awards over the years for its impressive and bespoke design. During the building of the area a fire took place in the largest building causing $130 million worth of damage and ruining 13 buildings.
The design of the San Jose City Hall is what makes it worth a visit. On the east side of the building is an 18 story tower, on the west side a 3 story wing and in the middle a domed rotunda that is the equivalent of about ten story’s. The building was designed by renowned architects Richard Meier and Partners, it has been designed in such a way that you cannot help but stop and stare at its beauty. The entire building covers an area of 530,000 square feet of public and office space.
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San Jose City Hall
200 East Santa Clara StreetThe design of the San Jose City Hall is what makes it worth a visit. On the east side of the building is an 18 story tower, on the west side a 3 story wing and in the middle a domed rotunda that is the equivalent of about ten story’s. The building was designed by renowned architects Richard Meier and Partners, it has been designed in such a way that you cannot help but stop and stare at its beauty. The entire building covers an area of 530,000 square feet of public and office space.
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a part of the Pacific Cast Ranges, they run along the San Francisco Peninsular and separate San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The highest point of the mountain range is at Loma Prieta Peak, here you are standing at 3,786 feet. This is also the epicentre of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The Skyline Boulevard which is also known as Route 35 runs along much of the peninsular affording beautiful views whilst you make your journey.
Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a part of the Pacific Cast Ranges, they run along the San Francisco Peninsular and separate San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The highest point of the mountain range is at Loma Prieta Peak, here you are standing at 3,786 feet. This is also the epicentre of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The Skyline Boulevard which is also known as Route 35 runs along much of the peninsular affording beautiful views whilst you make your journey.
Hayes Mansion resort hotel is a stunning hotel and one of the most impressive structures in the city. The mansion is a mixture of turn of the century luxury and high tech convenience. Certain parts have uninterrupted views of the glorious mountain ranges behind that will sweep you away with their splendor. The resort is set within 26 acres of lush greenery and has a fantastic restaurant and lounge. For those feeling energetic there is a fitness center, outdoor pool and tennis courts.
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Hayes Mansion
200 Edenvale AveHayes Mansion resort hotel is a stunning hotel and one of the most impressive structures in the city. The mansion is a mixture of turn of the century luxury and high tech convenience. Certain parts have uninterrupted views of the glorious mountain ranges behind that will sweep you away with their splendor. The resort is set within 26 acres of lush greenery and has a fantastic restaurant and lounge. For those feeling energetic there is a fitness center, outdoor pool and tennis courts.
In 1968 the city of Mountain View bought the Shoreline Park and used it for landfill until 1983 when it was decided they could make better use of it as a recreational facility. The park has many facilities including an 18 hole golf course, complete with driving range and pro shop. There is also a 50 acre artificial lake in the park as well that caters to windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and various other water sports. Many miles of trails can be found for those wishing to go for a walk or a run.
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Shoreline Golf Links
2940 N Shoreline BlvdIn 1968 the city of Mountain View bought the Shoreline Park and used it for landfill until 1983 when it was decided they could make better use of it as a recreational facility. The park has many facilities including an 18 hole golf course, complete with driving range and pro shop. There is also a 50 acre artificial lake in the park as well that caters to windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and various other water sports. Many miles of trails can be found for those wishing to go for a walk or a run.
One of the star attractions of History San Jose is the Portuguese Historical Museum. The museum is set up so that it mimics life as it was in the Santa Clara Valley at the beginning of the 20th Century. This historical place is a replica of the first imperio that was built in 1915. The building was built to honor the Holy Spirit and became a hub for much religious activity. There are two floors to the museum, the ground floor has a reconstructed altar and the 2nd floor has different exhibitions that relive events of the past such as the 1957 volcanic eruption that took place on the Azorean island of Faial.
Portuguese Historical Museum
1650 Senter RdOne of the star attractions of History San Jose is the Portuguese Historical Museum. The museum is set up so that it mimics life as it was in the Santa Clara Valley at the beginning of the 20th Century. This historical place is a replica of the first imperio that was built in 1915. The building was built to honor the Holy Spirit and became a hub for much religious activity. There are two floors to the museum, the ground floor has a reconstructed altar and the 2nd floor has different exhibitions that relive events of the past such as the 1957 volcanic eruption that took place on the Azorean island of Faial.
When you want to get some quiet time or just relax in the fresh air a good place to head is the Guadalupe River Trail. The trail spans for 11 miles and is a pedestrian and bicycle path that runs through the city of San Jose. The great thing about the trail is that it runs along the side of the river giving you a sense of calm on your journey. The trail is very popular not only with tourists but also with commuters as you can access many neighborhoods along the path. There is paving right along the route helping you to avoid any muddy parts that so many other trails have.
Guadalupe River Trail
Guadalupe River TrailWhen you want to get some quiet time or just relax in the fresh air a good place to head is the Guadalupe River Trail. The trail spans for 11 miles and is a pedestrian and bicycle path that runs through the city of San Jose. The great thing about the trail is that it runs along the side of the river giving you a sense of calm on your journey. The trail is very popular not only with tourists but also with commuters as you can access many neighborhoods along the path. There is paving right along the route helping you to avoid any muddy parts that so many other trails have.
In the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains is a place called Villa Montalvo. Villa Montalvo is a Mediterranean Revival mansion. It was constructed in 1912 and was the home of James Phelan. After he passed away the property was donated to the state and was eventually turned into a cultural and art center. The villa sits within 175 acres of land and has this art gallery, two theaters, hiking trails, gardens and much more. The main attraction is the Montalvo Art Center which has many resident artists staying there who produce some spectacular pieces of art. There is a small gallery where these pieces can be viewed.
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Villa Montalvo
15400 Montalvo RdIn the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains is a place called Villa Montalvo. Villa Montalvo is a Mediterranean Revival mansion. It was constructed in 1912 and was the home of James Phelan. After he passed away the property was donated to the state and was eventually turned into a cultural and art center. The villa sits within 175 acres of land and has this art gallery, two theaters, hiking trails, gardens and much more. The main attraction is the Montalvo Art Center which has many resident artists staying there who produce some spectacular pieces of art. There is a small gallery where these pieces can be viewed.