Whats the Best Place to Sit in San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
The best things to do in San Jose, California – i of the most overlooked cities in the Bay Area.
Often neglected in favor of San Francisco and other Bay Area cities like Oakland or Napa, you may be surprised to know that San Jose really has a larger population than any other city in Northern California.
In fact, information technology's California'southward 3rd largest city subsequently Los Angeles and San Diego.
San Jose may not have the secret art culture or the trendiness assigned to other spots around the Bay , simply there are plenty of interesting and fun things to exercise in the metropolis if you know where to look.
After living in the Bay Area for the terminal few years and making more than a dozen trips down to San Jose in that time, these are my recommendations for the top things to practice in San Jose, California to really explore what this South Bay urban center has to offer.
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55 Best Things to do in San Jose, California
Top Things to do in San Jose, California
Walk Around Santana Row
As the best shopping and dining destination in the city, Santana Row is i of the best places to visit in San Jose if you relish poking your head into interesting stores.
This is the ritzy upscale part of town and even if you don't have the greenbacks to spend, information technology'southward a fun place to but walk around, window shop, people sentinel, and look at nice cars.
Remember of it as the equivalent of what Beverly Hills is to LA or Nob Hill is to San Francisco.
In addition to the shopping, there are quite a few bars and restaurants in Santana Row, such equally El Jardin, which is perfect to visit for a margarita on a hot summer night. Just notation that most bars in the area shut upward by xi pm.
Get Your Saccharide Fix at Psycho Donuts
Although not every bit good as Bob'south Donuts in San Francisco, Psycho Donuts is a fun and tasty donut shop in San Jose, if just for their originality.
They specialize in wacky and over-the-acme unique donut flavors. When I was there last I tried their donut with peanut butter drizzle and cereal bits on top.
They likewise accept flavors such equally the Canadian Morning Squeal with maple icing and salary $.25, and the Dead Elvis with bananas, salary, peanut butter, jelly, and a cream filling.
Their donuts are really rich, so you probably only need one or yous might desire to share depending on what you order.
Update: Psycho Donuts used to be located in downtown San Jose but they've since moved to Campbell (not also far from downtown) and the Westfield Valleyfair Mall.
Grab a Bite to Consume at San Pedro Square Market
One of the best things to practise in downtown San Jose, San Pedro Square Marketplace is the marketplace that merely keeps on giving.
There are then many eateries to choose from here that you'll probably accept trouble deciding what to try first.
This is also a good place to sample arts and crafts beer at either Market Beer Co. or the Market Bar.
Some vendors validate parking so ask for validation with purchases so y'all tin enjoy costless parking.
If yous're after more than of a caffeine buzz to start off a solar day in San Jose, B2 Coffee has some of the tastiest java in the metropolis!
Get Spooked at the Winchester Mystery House
If you're looking for unusual things to do in San Jose, the Winchester Mystery Business firm is an odd mansion that exists right next to Santana Row.
The house was built by Sarah Winchester, the spouse of William Winchester, from the family that created the popular Winchester Rifle Company.
After Sarah lost both her child and her husband, she was convinced that the spirits of all the people killed by Winchester rifles were coming back to haunt and punish her.
She started edifice the Winchester House to misfile the spirits and continuously built and remodeled the house until her death.
She kept carpenters on a rotating shift so there was always work being done on the house at whatsoever given time while she was living in it.
Information technology'south an eccentric and interesting stop in San Jose and worth visiting at least once if you're in the expanse…as long as you lot're not easily spooked. 😉
Do a Self-Guided Tour of San Jose Craft Beer
The craft beer culture in San Jose is becoming more of a matter, as it is for the remainder of the Bay Surface area.
There are a few craft breweries to check out in the San Jose area now, and a few pubs for taste-testing a variety of arts and crafts beers.
One of my favorite beer spots isOriginal Gravity , which offers enough tasty beers to final you for days.
With fifteen rotating taps, you can pretty much find any style and a multitude of breweries on tap from around the West Coast and across.
I was happy to find my favorite beer, Ballast Point Sculpin pouring on nitro. A arts and crafts beer girl'southward dream come up true.
At that place are a few breweries in the San Jose area that are a must-visit as well, including Hermitage Brewing , Strike Brewing , Cloak-and-dagger Brewing , and Faultline Brewing in Sunnyvale.
And, if you lot're as into craft beer every bit I am, other bars to find a crafty pint around San Jose as well Original Gravity are ISOBeers and Practiced Karma .
Some other selection, if you want a fun fashion to explore San Jose'due south arts and crafts beer scene is to hop on the San Jose Brew Bicycle.
They offer private and group tours that accept yous around to two bars/restaurants in town to sample the beer. The catch is that you have to pedal the "brew bike" to become to your stops.
Cheer on One of the Local Sports Teams
If there's one thing San Jose locals have seriously it's their sports teams.
If you lot've never seen a professional person hockey game before, catching a San Jose Sharks game at the SAP Center is a unique experience.
Not a fan of hockey? San Jose also has a professional soccer team chosen the San Jose Earthquakes that play at Avaya Stadium.
And lastly, even though the 49ers are technically San Francisco'due south professional person football team, they really play in San Jose.
And then if yous're looking to experience an NFL game, caput over to Levi Stadium.
San Jose is a bang-up metropolis for sports enthusiasts since locals are loyal fans and at that place's bound to be at least one professional sporting upshot going on at any given fourth dimension of the year.
Take a Night of Opera at the California Theatre
If you're looking for a fancy nighttime out in San Jose, there's aught that says classy like the opera.
The San Jose Opera is unique in that it maintains a resident visitor of principal artists and information technology features a lot of talented young performers.
And too the stellar opera performances, shows are put on in the historic California Theatre, which is ane of the most beautiful performing arts venues in San Jose.
It was built in the 1920s as a movie theater earlier beingness turned into the performing arts venue it is today.
The California Theatre only makes San Jose opera shows that much more special, with its unique acoustics and ornate interior.
Grab Dinner in Japantown
In San Jose's Japantown, yous'll find fine art galleries, souvenir shops, local boutiques, karaoke bars, and tons of succulent restaurants. It's also one of the concluding iii authentic Japantowns in the United states of america.
And in terms of this Japantown, information technology's unsurprisingly ane of the best places to discover good Japanese food in San Jose.
If you have a craving for sushi, regional Japanese fare, or unpretentious Japanese-American diners, spend at to the lowest degree one night eating out in Japantown.
A few of the all-time places to consume in the neighborhood include:
- Okayama Sushi
- Minato Japanese Cuisine
- Kumako Ramen
- Gombei
- Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill
Bask a Night of Laughs at San Jose Improv
If you want to savor a night of laughs, one of the best comedy spots in the city is San Jose Improv.
You won't find as large of names as you might at Cobb's Comedy Club and the Punchline in San Francisco, but there are a good dose of regional comedians and some bottom-known national comedians that grace the San Jose Improv stage every dark.
Tickets are relatively affordable, unremarkably starting at around $15-$20 for the cheap seats.
San Jose Improv also has a full dinner bill of fare, and so if you want to brand it a proper night out you tin reserve a spot for dinner earlier the show.
Plus, dinner can be used for the two-detail minimum that's required for every bear witness.
Swallow to Your Centre's Content at the San Jose Farmers Market
San Jose is situated in an ideal location that's non likewise far from prime agronomical areas in California.
This means that the city has a solid weekly farmers market that features several regional growers and fresh produce.
The San Jose Farmers Market happens every Friday, and besides the regional growers selling different types of fresh produce, y'all'll notice hot lunches and prepackaged food options as well.
Information technology's a not bad way to feel the San Jose customs, shop local, and support local businesses and farmers.
Plus, it'southward easy to get to. The San Jose Farmers Market is conveniently located in downtown San Jose in San Pedro Square between Santa Clara Street and St. John Street. Parking is free at the market and the San Pedro Garage.
Shop 'til Yous Driblet at Westfield Valley Fair
Unlike Santana Row, which features a lot of upscale chains, Westfield Valley Fair is where you'll find more often than not budget and mid-range international and national chains, with a handful of luxury brands thrown in.
I used to visit Valley Fair for my back-to-school shopping when I was growing upwardly because they had such a good selection compared to anything you could find in Santa Cruz.
In fact, information technology's one of the largest malls in the The states – you could literally spend hours here and feel similar y'all've barely scratched the surface.
If yous want to see just how many stores at that place are at Valley Fair, yous can view the full mall directory here.
Slip Downwardly a Water Slide at Raging Waters
It gets hot in San Jose in the summertime and early fall, and a fun way to cool off is to make a visit to Raging Waters.
Established in 1985, this 23-acre park is the largest water park in Northern California and features diverse slides and dissimilar types of water activities.
Don't miss the Endless River, the Family Raft Ride, the wave puddle, and the many water slides on offer for thrill-seekers similar Bombs Abroad, Dragon'south Den, and Barracuda Equalizer.
Best Free Things to do in San Jose, California
Admire the Architecture at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is one of the prettier fixtures in downtown San Jose.
Information technology was built for the Roman Catholic Diocese in San Jose, and it'south the oldest not-mission parish in the land of California, having been consecrated in 1877.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph ane of the best things to see in San Jose if you appreciate compages and lofty interiors.
Cathedrals are such calm places and usually take a lot of thought and beauty put into their construction.
This is the perfect place to have a pause while exploring downtown San Jose.
Odour the Flowers at the Municipal Rose Garden
Touted as "America's All-time Rose Garden," the Municipal Rose Garden is a peaceful place to have a break from San Jose sightseeing, read a book, and smell the flowers.
This historic rose garden was founded in 1927 and exclusively features roses – a total of 189 rose varieties to be exact.
May and the springtime as a whole is the best fourth dimension to visit the gardens for the almost blooms.
Nonetheless, because there are and so many unlike types of roses, there's almost always at to the lowest degree some roses blooming at any time of the year.
And if y'all're looking to explore more gardens, San Jose has a lot of options. I'd recommend adding the Japanese Friendship Garden, Heritage Rose Garden, and Overfelt Gardens to your garden itinerary.
Stride Back in Fourth dimension at History Park
If you lot're looking to feel what life was like in the Santa Clara Valley in the early 1900s, head over to the San Jose Historic Park (located in Kelley Park).
At the park, you'll discover 14 acres of historic (and rebuilt) buildings, landmarks, and onetime-fashioned ice foam parlors and trolleys.
While walking around the park, don't miss the Trolley Barn, the Associated Oil Service Station, the Print Shop, the Pacific Hotel, and the historic houses that give you a glimpse into life in California in the early 20th century.
Relish a Day Around Willow Glen
Willow Glen has become the hipster and trendy neighborhood of San Jose in contempo years.
Spend a day exploring the historic downtown, checking out the local boutiques that line Lincoln Artery, and poking your head into independent bookstores.
Don't get out without trying a scoop at Willow Glen Creamery or a drink at The Table.
This is where many of the city'south almanac cultural and fine art events happen and there's a Sat farmers marketplace in the neighborhood likewise.
Larn Nearly the California Missions at Mission Santa Clara
California has a total of 21 Castilian missions that were built by the Franciscan Order in the late 1700s and early 1800s when the Spanish took over what is now present-twenty-four hours California.
Mission Santa Clara was built in 1777 and was the 8th mission congenital in the string of 21 missions.
Located on Santa Clara University'south campus, Mission Santa Clara was also the first Mission to laurels a female saint – Saint Claire of Assisi.
Although the original mission burned downwardly, the current mission (rebuilt in 1929) is a replica of the original one and is withal a practiced place to larn about Spanish history in California.
Mission Santa Clara is an operating church of the academy, but visitors are welcome to visit the historical mission and spend time in the rose garden adjacent door.
If you have time afterwards touring the mission, spend an hour exploring Santa Clara University, which was founded in 1851 and is the oldest academy in California.
Peruse the Unique Finds at the San Jose Flea Market
Happening multiple times a calendar week on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the San Jose Flea Market (also known as the Berryessa Flea Market), is one of the largest outdoor markets in the United states.
At 120 acres, you could easily spend the whole day perusing the rows of hidden finds and trinkets.
From clothing to fresh produce, antiques, furniture, electronics, and more, there'southward a piffling something for anybody at the flea marketplace.
There'southward also ordinarily live music in the form of mariachi bands, a mini Ferris wheel, arcade, and various local food and drink vendors to keep you happy and total throughout the twenty-four hour period.
Especially with the good atmospheric condition that San Jose ordinarily enjoys, this is one of the all-time things to practice in San Jose on a sunny solar day.
Since the flea marketplace is only an 11-minute drive from the airport, information technology'south also one of the best things to do near San Jose airport before you lot hop on a flight if you're looking for unique souvenirs to accept home.
Proceed an Art Clamber at SoFA District First Fridays
If you happen to exist in San Jose on the start Friday of the calendar month, you won't want to miss South First Fridays in the SoFA District of San Jose.
This monthly self-guided art walk consists of an evening enjoying the best fine art galleries in the neighborhood.
It'due south an ideal way to support local creatives and businesses each calendar month and to relish a cultured evening full of community, art, and performances.
And even if your trip doesn't line upwardly with being in San Jose on the first Friday of the month, the SoFA district is a fun spot to explore for an afternoon or evening.
Effectually the neighborhood, you lot'll non only find art galleries, only trendy restaurants, museums, and a decent nightlife scene every bit well.
It'due south one of the best things to exercise effectually San Jose if you're looking to get an art prepare, grab a potable, and immerse yourself in San Jose civilisation.
Walk Along the Los Gatos Creek Trail or the Guadalupe River Trail
Spanning over 11 miles, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is an urban path for walkers, joggers, and cyclists looking to stretch their legs and enjoy a dissimilar side to Santa Clara County.
If you want to just focus on the San Jose section of the trail, you can first from Dupont Street (Off San Carlos Street) and first walking south or from Meridian Avenue.
The full trail goes all the way down to Los Gatos and beyond, passing through scenic spots like Los Gatos Creek County Park and the Lexington Reservoir along the way.
Another urban trail that is worth checking out is the Guadalupe River Trail. This 12-mile trail heads north instead of south and starts just south of where the Los Gatos Creek meets the Guadalupe River.
Fifty-fifty if you just practice only parts of either of these trails, information technology'due south a overnice mode to spend a sunny afternoon, maybe with an iced java in hand.
Visit Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Part of the San Jose State University campus and San Jose'due south main public library, if you love cool architecture and being surrounded past books, a visit to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is a must.
Built in 2003, this eight-story library is fun merely to walk around with its unique interior and countless supply of books. There are a number of exhibits and pieces of art throughout the library equally well.
One of the best ways to have the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in fully is to hop on a docent-led tour. They have a Th drop-in tour at 11:30 am and an fine art and library history tour that tin be scheduled online.
People Watch at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Ane of the best places to people picket or simply relax between all of the sightseeing is Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
This 2-acre plaza and park is a pop spot for San Jose events throughout the yr and a principal hangout spot and thoroughfair in downtown San Jose.
With the Plaze de Cesar Chavez'due south history going all the way back to 1797, it's also the oldest public space in Northern California.
Local Things to practice in San Jose
Grab a Flick at the West Current of air Capitol Drive-In
Bulldoze-ins have started making a comeback since 2020 and San Jose has one of the best drive-in options in the Bay Area.
The West Wind Capitol Drive-In is actually a chain that has survived the test of time.
The franchise can be found around the Western Usa, including four locations in California.
West Current of air Drive-In in San Jose tends to feature a mix of recently released movies and popular classics in a diverseness of genres.
And every bit a bonus, it's an inexpensive night out at but $eight.25 for general admission and $i.75 for kids under 12.
On Tuesdays, they practice Family Fun Night where full general admission drops downwardly to $5.50 for general admission.
This is one of the best things to practise in San Jose at night if you don't want to hit the bars and want to get to a good ol' retro drive-in.
Experience a Speakeasy at Haberdasher
There are various places to go in San Jose to experience the city's nightlife, but one of the all-time bars in the city if you lot're looking for a 1920s speakeasy theme is Haberdasher.
As soon as you lot walk into the bar, yous'll find yourself stepping back in time to the 1920s with costly red sofas and bartenders in themed uniforms.
And it's not just the temper that makes this bar such a special place, the cocktails are succulent and some of the best in the urban center.
You can either club a drink from the bill of fare or enquire the bartender to make their own concoction based on the flavors you desire and the liquor base you prefer.
If you lot merely accept time to go to i bar in San Jose, this one should be it.
Test Your Escape Skills at OMESCAPE San Jose
Escape rooms accept popped up in most major cities around the world in recent years, just San Jose'due south OMESCAPE is one of the best ones yous'll come across in California.
In fact, it's been voted the #1 escape room in the Bay Expanse.
OMESCAPE is really a Bay Surface area chain, with a total of three locations, including two others in Richmond and Sunnyvale.
At their San Jose location, they offer 5 themed experiences that become further than your average escape room.
From Kingdom of Cats to Sorcerer'southward Sanctum, and Pandemic Zero, the alternating realities you're thrown into are creative and 1-of-a-kind.
And near importantly, they're a lot of fun.
If you're a fan of non-generic escape rooms, OMESCAPE is a good option for a fun place to visit in San Jose with friends.
Do a Couple Rounds of Mini Golf at Emerald Hills Golfland
Although San Jose has its off-white share of actual golf courses, if you're looking for something a footling more colorful and family-friendly doing some rounds of mini golf at Emerald Hills Golfland is a fun afternoon or evening activity.
At Golfland, you'll find two mini golf game courses, an arcade, a snack bar, and fifty-fifty a few water slides if you lot bring your bathing suit.
Play Some Games at Miniboss
If you lot're looking for something a little more adult simply yet in the vein of a game nighttime, you won't want to miss Miniboss – San Jose's best barcade choice.
At Miniboss you tin grab a pint or cocktail while yous play Killer Queen, pinball, or a number of other vintage arade games.
I absolutely beloved barcades and Miniboss has a lot to offer with its 26 arcade games, 10 different pinball machines, and a full bar and restaurants.
Catch a Prove at the SAP Center
What used to be known as the HP Pavillion when I was growing upwardly in the 90s, has since become the SAP Center – aka the place to go for big events, such equally concerts or San Jose Sharks games.
I've gone to a variety of concerts hither (including seeing John Mayer in his prime number correct after his Continuum anthology came out!), also as Disney on Ice when I was a kid and it'southward always been such a fun feel.
If at that place's anything happening at the SAP Middle when you're in town, you should definitely experience this huge venue for yourself. It's conveniently located right outside of downtown San Jose, next to Diridon Station.
Gear Upwards and Declare State of war at Santa Clara Paintball
If you're looking for fun things to do in San Jose with friends, expect no further than Santa Clara Paintball. Running since 2003, this is the all-time place to challenge your friends to a paintball state of war in San Jose, whether you're an experienced paintballer or a newbie.
Santa Clara Paintball features 12 playing fields with enough of obstacles to hide behind, plus a laser tag course for anyone who wants the no-contact version of paintball.
If y'all're doing paintball, merely make sure to comprehend yourself in thick wear considering those paintball welts tin injure!
Try Not to Become a Gutter Ball at one of San Jose's Many Bowling Alleys
With four bowling alleys within San Jose metropolis limits and enough more outside of it, there are a lot of options for hitting the lanes and putting on some of those snazzy bowling shoes.
These are three bowling alleys you'll detect in the metropolis:
- fourth Street Bowl – The most conveniently located bowling alley nearly downtown, quaternary Street Bowl has 32 lanes, a lounge with a full bar, pool tables, karaoke, and a coffee shop. This one definitely has a more local experience.
- Bowlero San Jose – The largest of the bowling alleys in San Jose, Bowlero is a national concatenation and has 50 lanes where you can practise blacklight bowling, a full bar and eating house, and arcade. And fifty-fifty though it'southward a chain, Bowlero feels more than like a boutique place to bowl.
- Round 1 Eastridge – Another concatenation bowling spot (but one that's non as fancy as Bowlero), Round one is located in the Eastridge Mall and offers bowling, an arcade, pool, darts, ping pong, and a bar and restaurant.
Spend the 24-hour interval Golfing
Ane of the benefits of having such a spread out area and so much space (at least compared to other parts of the Bay Expanse) is that there are a number of quality golf courses in San Jose.
If you're looking for a day out on the green, I'd recommend checking out Cinnabar Hills Golf Order, Los Lagos Golf Form, Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Grade, San Jose Municipal Golf Course, or Santa Teresa Golf Guild.
Lace Up and Hit the Ice at Solar4America Ice Rink
California isn't exactly known for its common cold weather activities, just in San Jose yous tin can go ice skating twelvemonth round at the Solar4America Ice Rink.
This is multi-use rink that is used by everyone from the San Jose Sharks to new skaters taking group classes. For those who are looking to drop in to feel the rink for themselves, they too offering public skate sessions.
Information technology's best to cheque their website for current schedules since it's constantly changing these days, but it'southward a fun way to spend an afternoon while trying not to fall on your butt.
Also, don't miss getting some poutine from Stanley's before yous leave!
See a Show at City Lights Theater Company
Looking for a unique nighttime out in San Jose? The Urban center Lights Theater Company is a pocket-size non-profit theater that produces half dozen creative shows per year that are usually written past local writers.
Many of their productions focus on relevant modern-day topics or put a spin on a classic storyline. Recent productions have included stories about internet trolls, classist entitlement, and Vietnamese refugees.
All-time San Jose Museums
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
San Jose has a few unique museums and one of the most interesting ones in the city is the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
If you've ever been interested in life in aboriginal Egypt, this is a practiced introduction to all things Egyptian.
The museum is home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the Western US and includes exhibits that span from the predynastic menstruation to the early Islamic era in Egypt.
Exhibits go into depth about everything from Egyptian history to the beginnings of mummification and dwelling house life in ancient Egypt.
And don't be fooled by how small it looks when yous walk in.
Every bit yous become through the exhibits, you'll realize just how much there is to read and see.
Information technology could easily take a whole afternoon to go through the museum.
If you only have fourth dimension for ane museum in San Jose, this is the one I would recommend visiting.
San Jose Museum of Fine art
If you want to get cultured during a day in San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Art is the ideal place to go look at classic and modern artwork from local, regional, and international artists.
The main depict to this museum is its large permanent drove of West Coast artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.
This is San Jose's main art museum, simply it's relatively pocket-sized and manageable plenty to walk through all of the exhibits within an hr or 2.
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Fine art
1 of the few free museums in San Jose, the San Jose Plant of Contemporary Art is where y'all'll find unique local and regional artists on display in a minimalist infinite.
This art museum is on the smaller side with but three galleries, but the multifariousness of idea-provoking pieces means information technology's well worth stopping in for 30 minutes to an hour.
And all of their exhibits are constantly rotating then yous'll always find something new to appreciate with each visit.
San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
It may non have the most interesting proper noun, simply the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles is a quirky museum that houses artwork fabricated from, yous guessed it, quilts and textiles.
Founded in 1977, the museum features a number of rotating exhibits and hosts various workshops, talks, and events throughout the yr. If you lot're into unlike patterns and fabrics at all, make this a stop on your San Jose itinerary.
Japanese American Museum of San Jose
In the middle of Japantown, yous'll observe the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.
At the museum, you lot can larn more almost Japanese culture through art, historical artifacts, photographs, and a discussion about what it ways to identify as Japanese-American in this country.
Best Things to do in San Jose With Kids
Bring Your Kids to the Children'south Discovery Museum
If you're wondering what to do in San Jose if you're traveling with kids, the Children's Discovery Museum is another highly ranked attraction in the city and one of the best things to practise in downtown San Jose.
It's ranked as i of the acme 10 children's museums in the US and has various interactive scientific discipline exhibits geared towards the younger ones.
Relish a Sunny Afternoon at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
A popular 16-acre zoo and amusement park, Happy Hollow is one of the best San Jose tourist attractions to visit if you're traveling to the city with kids under the age of viii.
Operating since 1961, the park features kids' rides, puppet shows, fauna exhibits, a petting zoo, and educational programs that put an accent on conservation and sustainability.
Have a Day on the Farm at Emma Prusch Farm Park
If yous're looking for a full twenty-four hours of animals and fun for the whole family unit, Emma Prusch Farm Park is another great option for a San Jose activeness with kids.
This 47-acre park was once a working dairy farm in the San Jose expanse.
Today, it offers a glimpse into San Jose'south agronomical by.
At the park, you'll find fruit orchards, community gardens, small animal areas, a plant scientific discipline eye, butterfly gardens, and plenty of open spaces for picnics.
One of the best ways to experience the park is by visiting on the get-go Sat of the month when they have their farmers market place event that features nutrient from the gardens and live music.
Get Nerdy at the Tech Interactive
If you desire to learn most Tech, there's actually no better place to practice that than the Upper-case letter of Silicon Valley.
One of the more popular San Jose attractions, the Tech Interactive is located in downtown San Jose and features hands-on scientific discipline and technology exhibits.
The museum is more geared for children than it is for adults and in that location tends to be a lot of school field trips that take place here.
Because of this, information technology's the perfect interactive museum to visit if you have school-historic period kids in tow.
At that place's also an IMAX theater within that features educational films near science, animals, and the Earth.
All-time Outdoor Things to do in San Jose
Alum Rock Park
Alum Rock Park is one of the all-time historic parks and outdoor places to visit near San Jose.
It has roots that go back to 1777 when it was a pueblo.
And information technology'southward California'due south oldest municipal park, having been established in 1872.
Besides its layered history, Alum Rock Park is an ideal place to take a twenty-four hours in nature that's not as well far from the urban center.
The park features 720 acres of hiking trails, picnic areas, bike paths, as well as a few scenic views.
Don't miss walking the South Rim Trail (4.three miles) or the lookouts from Hawkeye Rock, Inspiration Bespeak, or Canyon View.
Almaden Quicksilver County Park
An even amend place to go for a hike well-nigh San Jose is Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
The park covers over 4,000 acres and includes the celebrated remnants of 135 years of mining, including various onetime mercury mines.
At the park, you'll find over 35 miles of hiking trails, 30 miles of equestrian trails, and 16 miles of bike trails with scenery that varies from open up meadows to oak woodland.
If you're looking to hike for a few hours, a good trail to start with is the Quicksilver Trail (v miles).
Otherwise, the Senador-Guadalupe and Guadalupe-Mine Loma Loops are short and easy trails to tackle.
If y'all're able to visit the park during the spring, do it.
This is where you'll find some of the almost impressive wildflower displays in the San Jose area.
Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
If you lot're more interested in wide-open up spaces and valley views than long hikes, the Sierra Vista Open Infinite Preserve is a good spot to visit near San Jose.
Located in the Eastern foothills of Santa Clara County, just above Alum Rock Park, Sierra Vista is 1,611 acres of panoramic views, peaceful walks, and grassland.
Information technology's also domicile to diverse protected wildlife species and only a 25-minute drive from downtown San Jose.
A good hike to showtime with that provides some of the all-time views in the park is the 2-mile Aquila Loop Trail.
Related: Best Hikes in San Francisco
Best Seasonal Events in San Jose
- SubZERO Festival (June)
- Santa Clara Canton Off-white (July)
- Obon Festival (July)
- Viva Fest: Mexican Heritage & Mariachi Festival (July-Oct)
- C2SV (September)
- Christmas in the Park (last week of November to January 1st)
All-time Things to practice Almost San Jose, California
Wine Tasting Around the Santa Cruz Mountains
1 of the best things to practice in the South Bay, and only outside of San Jose, is vino tasting.
I don't know why I never realized how many great wineries there are but exterior the urban center, but there are a ton in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
With the sometimes pretentiousness of Napa Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains is the perfect alternative to trying some tasty local wines with the backdrop of rolling hills and forested vistas.
When I did my ain bout, I was impressed at how beautiful some of these wineries are.
They convinced me just how gorgeous the South Bay can be.
If you lot want to do your own self-guided winery tour effectually the Santa Cruz Mountains, a few that shouldn't be missed include Regale, Loma Prieta, and Picchetti.
Read my full guide to doing a winery road trip in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Lick Observatory
About a i-hour drive e of San Jose, you'll find the Lick Observatory perched atop Mount Hamilton.
The observatory was built in 1888 and is an agile research facility owned and operated by the Academy of California.
If you lot're into astronomy or yous just want a stunning view of the Santa Clara Valley, this is a great selection for a day trip from San Jose.
At the observatory, you can view exhibits, hear talks near the history of the observatory and James Lick, take a wait at the Nifty Lick Refractor in the 36-inch telescope dome, and view the 120-inch Reflector in the Shane Dome.
During the summertime, they usually accept a concert and lecture series in the evenings by renowned scientists – it's 1 of the best ways to experience the observatory to its fullest.
Simply note that the road upward to the observatory is winding and remote so drive safely and fill up on gas ahead of time.
Explore Downtown Los Gatos
Ranked the 33rd wealthiest city in the US, Los Gatos is an upscale hideaway and one of the best day trips from San Jose.
Non everyone can afford to live there, but information technology has a beautiful lilliputian downtown area that's fun to visit for an afternoon if y'all're looking for a dissimilar pace from San Jose.
Incorporated as a boondocks in 1887, it'south as well i of Santa Clara Canton'south oldest communities.
Spend the afternoon walking along North Santa Cruz Avenue, poking your head into the boutiques and local shops that line the master downtown thoroughfare.
You lot really can't go incorrect with the food in downtown Los Gatos, simply I'd recommend luncheon from Campo di Bocce, Los Gatos Buffet Uptown, or Oak & Rye.
Afterward, you can go for a tasting at one of the many Los Gatos wine bars to try the delicious wine varieties found in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains.
A couple favorites include Rootstock Wine Bar or Cin-Cin Wine Bar.
If y'all have more than just an afternoon, there are enough of things to see just exterior of the downtown area likewise.
Vasona Lake County Park, Castle Stone Land Park, or wine tasting effectually the vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains are just a few options.
Get Your Thrills at California'southward Great America
If rollercoasters are your thing, then California's Great America is a goodbye trip to include if y'all have more than one day in San Jose.
Simply a 15-20 minute drive from downtown San Jose, this 100-acre amusement park , has eight rollercoasters in addition to its many other thrill rides.
It'southward something to experience at least once if you're in the area and perfect to visit if y'all're traveling with older kids.
Related: 101 Things to practice in California
Where to Swallow & Drink in San Jose
Coffee
- Nirvana Soul
- Voyager Craft Coffee
- Academic Coffee
Breakfast/Brunch
- House of Bagels
- Mimosas of Willow Glen
- The Table
Lunch
- LUNA Mexican Kitchen
- Bertucelli's La Villa
- Falafel'due south Bulldoze In
Dinner
- Firehouse No.ane Gastropub
- SJ Omogari Korean Restaurant
- Sugariness Mango
Bars & Live Music
- Paper Plane
- Haberdasher
- Original Gravity Public House
- Cafe Stritch
Get your Gratuitous California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite ii-week itinerary for the state.
Where to Stay in San Jose
Once you're done checking out the many things to do in San Jose, California, these would exist my recommendations for where to stay in San Jose for any upkeep.
If you're looking for a decent hotel, expect to crush out at least $150 – $250 a nighttime. If you have more than of a cushy upkeep, I would highly recommend staying at one of the classy hotels on Santana Row.
LUXURY
Hotel Valencia Santana Row
I had the risk to stay hither once on a trip to San Jose and could not recommend it enough.
Hotel Valencia not merely offers groovy customer service, but information technology's also from i of my Mediterranean daydreams – with a rooftop and balcony rooms that characteristic grand views looking out over Santana Row and the valley.
Detect updated prices & availability here
MID-RANGE
Pavilion Inn
An affordable choice for those who don't want to go completely budget.
Pavilion Inn is located a niggling bit outside the city center (about an eight-minute drive), but offers a clean, quiet, and comfortable stay with a quality continental breakfast (including waffles!).
Find updated prices & availability here
Budget
The Flamingo Motel
If you lot're looking for an inexpensive stay correct in the heart of downtown, this motel is right next to the SAP Heart (formerly the HP Pavilion) and offers free parking.
The motel is 100% nonsmoking and features basic amenities, too equally kitchens in some rooms.
Notice updated prices & availability here
What to Pack for San Jose
- Sunglasses
- Beanie
- Jacket
- Sweater
- Proficient walking shoes
- Nice pair of shoes (for going out at night)
- Sunscreen
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Portable charger
- Travel insurance for San Jose
Best Time to Visit San Jose
Like most of California, San Jose has a temperate climate that stays within a adequately comfy range yr round.
Information technology'southward by and large a few degrees warmer than San Francisco on any given day and the metropolis enjoys hot summers and winters that rarely get below freezing.
My favorite seasons for nice weather and fewer crowds are spring and fall. Summer, peculiarly July and August, can be very busy then you lot might want to avoid those months if you don't want to deal with crowds.
FAQs About San Jose, CA
What is San Jose Known For?
San Jose is the third-largest city in California by population (larger than San Francisco).
It's part of Silicon Valley, and fifty-fifty considered the "Capital of Silicon Valley," which is where many large tech companies are based.
Although the price of living is slightly less than San Francisco, it'southward still one of the nigh expensive cities to live in California.
San Jose is too known for its temperate and Mediterranean-similar climate.
How Many Days Practice I Need in San Jose?
Give yourself at least a day in San Jose.
If you desire to tackle everything on this listing or add on a day trip, I'd requite yourself up to a week to see a adept chunk of the San Jose area.
In full general, 1-3 days is commonly a good timeframe for exploring San Jose.
How Far is San Jose From San Francisco?
San Jose is 48 miles from San Francisco. It usually takes around an hour to drive from San Francisco to San Jose.
Or you can have the Caltrain from San Francisco to Diridon Station in San Jose. The journey on Caltrain is around an hour and a half.
Related: All-time Weekend Trips from San Francisco
Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite ii-calendar week itinerary for the state.
PRACTICAL INFO FOR SAN JOSE
Find accommodation, volume your rental machine, or sign upward for a local tour.
Book a holiday rental on Airbnb (and get $twenty off your first booking).
Buy your Northern California Travel Guide.
Get travel insurance for your trip hither.
Looking for more Northern California travel inspiration? Check out these related posts below!
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The Best Things to do in Lake Tahoe (For Every Season)
46 Things to do in San Francisco at Night
15 Best Restaurants in Sausalito
101 Things to practise in Santa Cruz
Where to See the Redwoods Near San Francisco
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Mimi founded The Atlas Heart to create a community of travelers inspired to see the world. The Atlas Middle is a infinite where you'll observe anecdotes on slow travel, arts and crafts beer, outdoor adventures, and all the eccentric $.25 in between that this earth has to offering.
Source: https://theatlasheart.com/things-to-do-in-san-jose-california/
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