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Why Visit San Jose
What is San Jose famous for is tech, but its history as California's first civilian town is vital. Its architecture shows this, from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph's grandeur to Japantown's preserved storefronts and the Art Deco Hotel De Anza.
When visiting San Jose, explore the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alum Rock Park, one of California's oldest municipal parks, has 13 miles of trails and unique geologic formations. A night visit to Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton offers stunning celestial views.
The diverse culinary scene is one of the best reasons to visit San Jose. It is a hub for authentic Vietnamese pho and Mexican cuisine, best explored at San Pedro Square Market. Don't leave without trying the iconic burnt almond cake from Dick's Bakery.
- San JoseUnited States
- San JoseUnited States
- San JoseUnited States
- San JoseUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, blooming flowers
- Jun-Augwarm, high tourist traffic
- Sep-Novcooler, fewer crowds
- Dec-Febcool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #WinchesterMysteryHouse
- #SanJoseMuseumOfArt
- #Children'sDiscoveryMuseum
- #RosicrucianEgyptianMuseum
- #SAPCenter
- #JapaneseFriendshipGarden
- Explore the gardens at the Municipal Rose Garden
- Visit the Tech Interactive museum
- Dine at Santana Row
- Stroll through the Willow Glen neighborhood
- Enjoy live music at a local venue
Recommended Hotels in San Jose by Experience
Things to do in San Jose
Discover
Exploring San Jose reveals a mix of tech innovation and historic charm. See the iconic Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive museum, and the fragrant Municipal Rose Garden. Lick Observatory offers stunning views from Mount Hamilton.
Experience
Hike the trails of Alum Rock Park or catch a San Jose Sharks hockey game. Discover local produce at downtown farmers' markets and experience cultural events like the annual Tết Festival or the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival.
Winchester Mystery House
Sprawling mansion with bizarre architectural oddities.
The Tech Interactive
Hands-on science and technology museum in downtown.
Municipal Rose Garden
Award-winning garden with thousands of rose bushes.
San Jose Museum of Art
Museum focusing on West Coast modern and contemporary art.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Serene garden modeled after Japan's Korakuen Garden.
Alum Rock Park
Municipal park with hiking trails and geologic formations.
Santana Row
Upscale outdoor shopping and entertainment district.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Mineta San José International Airport (SJC). To get from the San Jose airport to city center, take the free VTA Route 60 bus to the VTA Light Rail. Diridon Station connects the city via Caltrain and Amtrak, providing a train to San Jose.
Getting Around
Navigate using VTA Light Rail and buses, the primary public transport in San Jose. For easy payment across the Bay Area, use a Clipper Card. Downtown is compact and walkable, with Bay Wheels bike-sharing available for covering more ground.
Local Essentials
If you plan a trip to San Jose with a car rental in San Jose, be mindful that driving in San Jose involves heavy freeway traffic, especially during peak hours. Pre-booking parking downtown is a smart move. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Where to Stay in San Jose
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore San Jose's culinary scene, a hub of diverse flavors. Taste traditional food in San Jose like Mission-style burritos and authentic Phở. Dining is casual, often centered around food trucks and outdoor patios.
Enjoy
To eat like a local, try Original Joe's San Jose for its classic vibe, order classics. Grab a drink at Yard House, a bustling spot with a huge beer list. For brunch, hit Bill's Cafe, a hectic favorite, expect waits.
Original Joe's San Jose
A San Jose institution serving Italian-American classics.
Din Tai Fung
World-famous soup dumplings. Known for long, worthy lines.
Smoking Pig BBQ Company
Award-winning BBQ with a lively, bluesy atmosphere.
Aqui Cal-Mex
Famous for its industrial-strength blended 'Swirls'.
Scott's Seafood
Upscale seafood dining with city views from the 6th floor.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore San Jose's heritage through events like the July Obon Festival in Japantown, offering folk dances and food. Discover Mexican traditions at the Día de los Muertos celebrations in October and November, honoring ancestors with ofrendas and art.
Enjoy
Discover must-see modern San Jose cultural activities. Experience indie films and VR at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival in March. Enjoy live jazz, blues, and R&B at the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest each August.
Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival
March festival for indie films, tech, and creative arts.
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
August festival with jazz, blues, R&B, and Latin music.
Silicon Valley Pride
August parade and festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
San Jose Obon Festival
Japanese cultural festival with dancing and food in July.
Christmas in the Park
Holiday displays from November to January in Plaza de César Chávez.
Fountain Blues & Brews Festival
June outdoor festival with blues music and craft beer.
Tết Festival
Vietnamese Lunar New Year event with food and performances.
A Really Pleasant City
San Jose is a really pleasant city with a relaxed pace. It's clean and modern, but not overwhelming. Loved walking around Santana Row in the evening, so many nice shops and places to eat. Felt very safe and welcoming everywhere we went.
Great for Outdoor Lovers
Great base for exploring the outdoors. The hills surrounding the city are beautiful. Spent some time on the trails at Alum Rock Park and the views were incredible. It's easy to escape into nature just a short drive from the city center.
Cool Neighborhoods
San Jose has some cool, distinct neighborhoods to explore. Japantown was a highlight for us. The history is fascinating and we had some of the best ramen I've ever tasted. It's a very walkable and interesting part of the city.
Impressive and Efficient
Came for a conference but was impressed by what the city offered. It's the center of Silicon Valley, and you can feel that energy. The Tech Interactive was a fun stop downtown. Everything is efficient and well-organized for getting around.
Perfect for a Family Getaway
A really nice city for a family trip. It's quieter than San Francisco but still has plenty to do. The Municipal Rose Garden was beautiful. Lots of green space for kids to run around and felt very safe and clean throughout our stay.
Amazing Food Scene!
The food scene here is fantastic, especially the Mexican food. The burrito culture is serious, and that famous orange sauce at some spots is a must-try. So many great, authentic places to eat without breaking the bank.