Silicon Valley, CA

Travel Guide
San Jose featuring a bay or harbor, mountains and landscape views
This hub of all things high-tech also offers excellent parks, wineries and a well-established cultural scene.

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.

Where to stay in Silicon Valley

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 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
Default Image

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.

Stanford
Kelley Park showing a garden

South San Jose

4/5(916 area reviews)

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.

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)

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.

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 Winchester Mystery House and Santana Row Shopping Center.

West San Jose
Maple Tree Inn
Maple Tree Inn
3 out of 5
711 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA
The price is ¥13,547 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
¥13,547
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sunnyvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,498 reviews)
"Had a great stay"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Maple Tree Inn
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is ¥19,091 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥19,091
per night
May 26 - May 27
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! (1,021 reviews)
"Nice stay, friendly staff. Quiet"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Creekside Inn
Creekside Inn
3.5 out of 5
3400 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥15,572 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥15,572
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this hotel in Palo Alto. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,266 reviews)
"Great place at an affordable price"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Creekside Inn
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.
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
4 out of 5
588 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Santa Clara. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Levi's Stadium ...
9/10 Wonderful! (21 reviews)
"Comfortable and clean, we would stay here again."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Locale Menlo Park
Locale Menlo Park
4 out of 5
550 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Menlo Park. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Shoreline Amphitheatre and Allied Arts ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"Great experience."

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2024

Locale Menlo Park
Studios Inn
Studios Inn
3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
"Exellent location and staff!"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2023

Studios Inn
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

Cities near Silicon Valley