San Jose Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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 San Pedro Square and St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, 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, Santana Row Shopping Center and Winchester Mystery House 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 Santana Row Shopping Center 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 San Jose City Hall and San Jose Flea Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northside

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