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
Travel Guide





Visit Silicon Valley
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 Stanford Shopping Center.

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

Willow Glen
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.

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

Rosemary
When in Rosemary and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Casino M8trix or PayPal Park and hop on the metro to see more the city at Mineta Airport Station or Gish Station.

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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.

Santana Row Shopping Center
You can browse for souvenirs with a trip to Santana Row Shopping Center, a favorite shopping spot in San Jose. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Googleplex
After visiting Googleplex, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Mountain View. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

San Jose McEnery Convention Center
Learn about the events happening at San Jose McEnery 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.

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.

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.
Things to do

San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette

San Jose Earthquakes Football Game at PayPal Park
- Stanford University
- Levi's Stadium
- Santana Row Shopping Center
- SAP Center at San Jose
- California's Great America
- Googleplex
- Stanford University Medical Center
- San Jose McEnery Convention Center
- Winchester Mystery House
- CSU San Jose State University
- Shoreline Amphitheatre
- Santa Clara University
- Santa Clara Convention Center
- Yahoo Headquarters
- Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall
- Great Mall of the Bay Area
- Stanford Shopping Center
- Apple Campus
- Mountain Winery
- Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center
- Facebook Campus
- Stanford Stadium
- Apple Park Visitor Center
- Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters
- Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
- The Pruneyard Shopping Center
- San Pedro Square
- Menlo College