San Jose, CA

Travel Guide
San Jose which includes 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 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

Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 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 showing a garden

South San Jose

4/5(916 area reviews)

Southern region of San Jose, California, featuring a mix of businesses, green spaces, and parks. Explore trails like Coyote Creek and Guadalupe River, or visit parks such as Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Easily accessible via VTA stations and highways.

South San Jose
Nice little marsh on the edge of San Jose, CA.

North San Jose

3.5/5(1,015 area reviews)

If you're spending time in North San Jose, check out sights like Alum Rock Park or Samsung Semiconductor Inc and hop on the metro to see more the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
Most fantastic Burnt Almond Cake here.

Willow Glen

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Explore this historic downtown with diverse architectural styles, and upscale living. Enjoy shopping and dining in Downtown Willow Glen, and access nearby VTA light rail and Caltrain stations.

Willow Glen
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

While visiting West San Jose, you might make a stop by sights like Santana Row Shopping Center and Winchester Mystery House.

West San Jose
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Northside

4/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Northside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like SAP Center at San Jose and San Jose Flea Market.

Northside
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
1350 N 1st Street, San Jose, CA
The price is $140 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
$140
includes taxes & fees
$122 per night
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Close to airport n highways"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is $120 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
$120
includes taxes & fees
$103 per night
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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! (1,179 reviews)
"Restaurants / near airport"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley
La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley
3.5 out of 5
399 Silicon Valley Boulevard, San Jose, CA
The price is $96 per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
$96
includes taxes & fees
$83 per night
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (158 reviews)
"The rooms and everything went nice but we kept having issues with our room key demagnetizing"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley
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, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
"Liked every thing about the place, it was safe, quiet, near shopping, dinning, off street parking easy access to freeway and local culture"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions SAP Center at ...
8/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
Nice location
"Very nice location and nice apartment"

Reviewed on Aug 25, 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 vacation 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! (38 reviews)
Don’t pass up this stay
"This home isn’t only beautiful. But super cozy. The stay was excellent. The check in was a very fast process. This is our second time renting from this company different locations and both are amazing. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 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

Things to do

Reviews of San Jose

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
989
" "5 - Excellent 30.838790146554413%
4 - Good
1492
" "4 - Good 46.52323043342688%
3 - Okay
597
" "3 - Okay 18.6155285313377%
2 - Disappointing
96
" "2 - Disappointing 2.9934518241347052%
1 - Terrible
33
" "1 - Terrible 1.028999064546305%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Covid 19 made it a ghost town during our visit but over a quiet stay this time around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I AM FROM SAN JOSE . I LOVE HANGING OUT THERE.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

A big city which many distinct districts, some terrible, some nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Spencer

Was only traveling through, but would love to return.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Other than everything being closed because of the coronavirus, it was nice.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

For communities run into Metropolitan area should have very few sightseeing opportunities of worth

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