San Jose Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Jose
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art which includes interior views
San Jose
San Jose featuring 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

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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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
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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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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Northside

When in Northside, you can plan a visit to San Jose Flea Market and San Pedro Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northside
The Westin San Jose
The Westin San Jose
4 out of 5
302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
The price is NZ$284 per night from 4 July to 5 July
NZ$284
4 July - 5 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,016 reviews)
"Updated room with fridge (for personal use, not selling drinks & snacks). Comfortable bed and good desk. Parking isn't great, either a public lot a couple blocks away or valet for which you need to text ahead. Room service has four taxes & fees to add to the already expensive, mediocre food. A $31 ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

The Westin San Jose
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is NZ$233 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$233
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,439 reviews)
"Nice & quiet location good for business travel."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Hotel De Anza
Hotel De Anza
4 out of 5
233 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA
The price is NZ$221 per night from 4 July to 5 July
NZ$221
4 July - 5 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Every"

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Hotel De Anza
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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Santana Row ...
6.6/10 (19 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
Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers
Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers
San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Raging Waters and SAP Center at San Jose are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Review
"Love the place and my friends liked it as well"

Reviewed on 23 May 2025

Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers
LOVELY HOUSE IN SAN JOSE
LOVELY HOUSE IN SAN JOSE
San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Raging Waters and SAP Center at San Jose are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
Clean, well stocked, easy freeway access, BUT....
"The bed in the master bedroom was terrible. My parents slept in that bed and they said it was super uncomfortable. The neighborhood was quiet, but seemed a little shady. We are not familiar with the neighborhood, but based on the houses, it seemed like it could be a little less than ideal of a neighborhood. ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb. 2025

LOVELY HOUSE IN 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.

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Activities

Reviews of San Jose

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 21%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 58%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 21%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Was there for MedTech conference, not sightseeing.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We were just over-nighting.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

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