San Jose Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Jose
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art showing interior views
San Jose
San Jose showing modern architecture

Snap photos of the surrounding mountains and enjoy the sunshine as you learn about innovation in the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley.

As a major player in the technology industry, San José is a modern city known for its scientific advances and informative museums. Bring your kids to this family-friendly community in the San Francisco Bay Area with many green spaces and ample opportunities for learning about the future.

San José’s forward-thinking philosophy is encapsulated by its iconic Children’s Discovery MuseumOpens in a new window. Enter the purple-walled complex for a world of science and technology across numerous exhibits. Let your kids do experiments in the Wonder Cabinetand produce works in the Art Loft. Walk north across the scenic Monopoly in the Park public games area. Consider a picnic on the Guadalupe River.

Nearby is The Tech Museum of InnovationOpens in a new window, where kids will learn about internet safety and healthcare advances. Build a robot and review recent inventions. Watch a movie about nature and technology on the huge IMAX screen. Relax in the adjacent Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park year-round on one of San José’s many sunny days.

The city’s strength lies in its blending of urban features with parks and trails. Stroll along Los Gatos Creek Trail and Los Alamitos Creek Trail for excellent views of the mountainous suburbs. Wander along the paths of the stunning San José Municipal Rose Garden to see the elegant fountain amid pretty flowers.

Aside from nature and technology, the city has fascinating stories to tell. Take a guided tour of the eerie Winchester Mystery HouseOpens in a new window to learn about an obsessive and disturbed rifle heiress and her haunted manor. Visit St. Joseph Cathedral BasilicaOpens in a new window for its acclaimed stained-glass windows and intricate pipe organ. Discover one of the largest collections of Egyptian relics in western North America at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.

The city is 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of San Francisco in Northern California. Fly to the Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport or the San Francisco International Airport. Get around the city by light rail or bus.

San José is a modern, green city at the height of modernity.

Where to stay in San Jose

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Downtown San Jose

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Kelley Park which includes a park

South San Jose

4/5(8 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in South San Jose. If sightseeing is on the list, Almaden Plaza is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Blossom Hill Station (VTA) or Snell Station to see more of the area.

South San Jose
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

If you're spending some time in West San Jose, Winchester Mystery House and Santana Row Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

West San Jose
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Willow Glen

When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or SAP Center at San Jose and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
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North San Jose

3/5(6 area reviews)

While you're in North San Jose, take in top sights like Alum Rock Park or Samsung Semiconductor Inc, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
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Northside

When in Northside, you can plan a visit to SAP Center at San Jose and San Jose City Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northside
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
82 Karina Court, Airport, San Jose, CA
The price is ₹10,019 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹10,019
₹11,549 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,405 reviews)
Concert stay
"Check in was quick! Appreciated since we were running late to a concert at SAP center. Bed was comfy and clean and the different hotel staff throughout the stay we're friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is ₹10,585 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹10,585
₹12,281 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,470 reviews)
"All the staff and room were fantastic"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
The Westin San Jose

The Westin San Jose

4 out of 5
302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
The price is ₹12,859 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
₹12,859
₹14,926 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"I would recommend to anyone, it’s just that great."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Westin San Jose
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown

4 out of 5
77 N Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in San Jose. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Santana Row ...
6.8/10 (20 reviews)
Overall great.
"Awesome building and location. Going through hotels.com created some complexity on the communication front. One big issue with this property is parking. You have to give them the details on your car 48 hour prior to arrival which is tough with rental cars."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose

Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose

3.5 out of 5
475 N 18th St, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in San Jose. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
Great place!
"We had a family trip to meet up with friends and families in the area. Perfect location and just exactly what we needed. Host was good at checking in before and after our stay."

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2025

Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose
Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning

Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning

3 out of 5
962 Sunbonnet Loop, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly holiday home in San Jose. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
"The curry smell was tolerable but the jacuzzi tub didn’t work and many of the light bulbs in the house were missing. The backyard had beer cans and cigarette butts I cleaned up myself. Some things in the house could use repairs. Feel the price was excessive for what you get"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of San Jose

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 31%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 13%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Santana Row was sophisticated and pleasant to walk around with many good restaurants.

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