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 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
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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
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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

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 ₹9,005 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹9,005
per night
6 Jul - 7 Jul
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,510 reviews)
"Price was good and it was clean and quiet"

Reviewed on 6 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 ₹10,615 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
₹10,615
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
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
Fully refundable
The price is ₹13,433 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
₹13,433
per night
14 Jun - 15 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Central location to the local theaters and restaurants. Good breakfast buffet. Staff was friendly and efficient."

Reviewed on 8 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.
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 Wi-Fi, 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
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Terrible onboarding. Good property"

Reviewed on 27 May 2024

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 ...
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

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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