San Jose Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
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 Museum. 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 Innovation, 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 House to learn about an obsessive and disturbed rifle heiress and her haunted manor. Visit St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica 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
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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 Samsung Semiconductor Inc or Alum Rock Park, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

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

West San Jose
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Rosemary

When in Rosemary and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Avaya Stadium or Mission Santa Clara de Asis and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Mineta Airport Station or Gish Station.

Rosemary
Wyndham Garden San Jose Silicon Valley
Wyndham Garden San Jose Silicon Valley
3.5 out of 5
399 Silicon Valley Boulevard, San Jose, CA
The price is ₹7,879 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
₹7,879
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (1,325 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Wyndham Garden San Jose Silicon Valley
The Westin San Jose
The Westin San Jose
4 out of 5
302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
The price is ₹12,423 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
₹12,423
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Close to SJSU, nice hotel with lots of character"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

The Westin San Jose
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Airport
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Airport
2.5 out of 5
2585 Seaboard Ave, San Jose, CA
The price is ₹9,233 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
₹9,233
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,456 reviews)
"Everything was great! Friendly staffs, Nice and complimentary breakfast... Except one thing. There was a big stain on the middle of sofa when I check-in the room. Somehow cleaning lady said it couldn't be removed. She kindly covered the stain with towels. I don't know how earlier guest made that ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Airport
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.
Studios Inn
Studios Inn
3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (47 reviews)
"Exellent location and staff!"

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2023

Studios Inn
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 WiFi, free parking and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions SAP Center at San Jose ...
7.2/10 Good! (29 reviews)
"Great place, and everything was perfect."

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2024

Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose
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 WiFi, on-site parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions SAP Center at San ...
Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
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 31.25%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 37.5%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 18.75%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 12.5%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
19 Jan 2020

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

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