Sitting in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, San Jose enjoys more than its fair share of success in the technology industry. Spread out around the southern end of the San Francisco Bay, it also has easy access to the nature reserves, parks and gardens the Bay Area is renowned for.
Explore the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge to watch for migratory and endangered birds. For a different take on Bay Area wildlife and terrain, head to Alum Rock Park. There are miles of walking tracks through woodlands and hills, where you’re likely to spot deer, squirrels and maybe even a puma.
When you get back to town, brush up on your Bay Area history by dropping into the Los Altos History Museum. To go even further back in time, check out the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. With a collection of over 4,000 artifacts, including mummies and objects from daily life in ancient times, there’s enough to keep budding Egyptologists occupied for hours. Wander outside to admire the Ancient Egyptian-inspired grounds.
At Kelley Park enjoy more outdoor beauty, as well as indoor attractions. This 156-acre (63-hectare) public space has cultural centers dedicated to local immigrant communities, as well as a selection of heritage buildings. Kids will love the nearby Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.
For a taste of contemporary Bay Area culture, visit the San Jose Museum of Art or the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. Both feature works by local artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Techies should also take some time to explore the Intel Museum, where they’ll learn how microprocessors are designed and constructed.
Restore your inner zen at the Hakone Japanese Gardens, an immaculately cultivated space nestled in the tranquility of in the Saratoga Hills. Garden enthusiasts will also want to visit the award-winning San Jose Municipal Rose Garden.
San Jose is Silicon Valley’s unofficial capital. Its highly-educated population and strong economy ensure a thriving cultural scene, while its prime location allows locals and visitors to enjoy the Bay Area’s natural beauty without traveling too far from town.
Silicon Valley, CA
Where to stay in Silicon Valley
Downtown San Jose
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.
Stanford
You'll enjoy the churches and monuments in Stanford. You might want to make time for a stop at Stanford Stadium or Hoover Tower.
South San Jose
Travelers choose South San Jose for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Blossom Hill Station (VTA) or Snell Station and check out top sights like Almaden Plaza.
North San Jose
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.
Willow Glen
When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or Children's Discovery Museum and hop on the metro to see more the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.
West San Jose
While visiting West San Jose, you might make a stop by sights like Winchester Mystery House and Santana Row Shopping Center.
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Popular places to visit
Stanford University
Enjoy the collegiate vibe around Stanford University, a top university in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
San Francisco Bay
Explore the great outdoors at San Francisco Bay, a popular spot to commune with nature in San Francisco. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.
Santana Row Shopping Center
During your trip to San Jose, you can enjoy retail therapy at Santana Row Shopping Center. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.
San Jose Convention Center
Learn about the events happening at San Jose Convention Center during your trip to San Jose. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Shoreline Amphitheatre
You can enjoy a show at Shoreline Amphitheatre during your stay in Mountain View. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Winchester Mystery House
Wonder about the alleged hauntings and other mysteries as you chart the life of a gun magnate’s widow in this unfinished manor.
Things to do
San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in San Jose by Crazy Dash
- Stanford University
- Levi's Stadium
- San Jose Convention Center
- California's Great America
- San Jose State University
- Stanford University Medical Center
- Shoreline Amphitheatre
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Santa Clara University
- Winchester Mystery House
- Santa Clara Convention Center
- Googleplex
- Apple Campus
- Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall
- Yahoo Headquarters
- Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters
- Great Mall of the Bay Area
- Mountain Winery
- Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center
- Stanford Shopping Center
- The Pruneyard Shopping Center
- Apple Park Visitor Center
- Alum Rock Park
- El Camino Hospital