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

4.5/5(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(4 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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North San Jose

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
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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 Ainsley House and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
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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East San Jose

5/5(3 area reviews)

While you're in East San Jose, take in top sights like Raging Waters or San Jose Flea Market, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Alum Rock Station or McKee Station.

East 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 NZ$191 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
NZ$191
per night
5 Jul - 6 Jul
Book a 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,497 reviews)
"The bar was closed"

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 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 NZ$230 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
NZ$230
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,049 reviews)
"It’s Expedia’s issue with their failure to relay to Sonesta of my request for breakfast included which I paid for two."

Reviewed on 5 Jun. 2024

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown
Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown
3 out of 5
282 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA
The price is NZ$301 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
NZ$301
per night
8 Jul - 9 Jul
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"perfect for my first visit to the States"

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 2024

Hyatt Place 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.
SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
Cozy
"The room was Beautiful the bed was beyond comfortable and the tub was amazing! I would definitely stay here again❤️"

Reviewed on 30 May 2024

SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
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, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"great no complaints"

Reviewed on 2 Jun. 2024

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 vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
7.2/10 Good! (32 reviews)
"It was a very nice little room , perfect for a few days ."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Marbella Lane Triplex 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of San Jose

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 21.05263157894737%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 57.89473684210526%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 21.05263157894737%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
8 Dec 2019

Was there for MedTech conference, not sightseeing.

3/5 - Okay

Simon
31 Oct 2019

We were just over-nighting.

5/5 - Excellent

John
15 Oct 2019

Located close to SFO international airport, downtown San Francisco and Bay areas.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
25 Jun 2019

Only came to San Jose for an ELO concert at SAP arena, also due to it’s close proximity to San Francisco airport.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 May 2019

Henrys Hi Life . Busy place unique american bar experience. Best steaks worth lining up for.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
10 Apr 2019

You will need to hire a car to get around as public transport seems useless.

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