Summary
With 300 sunny days a year and a rich mix of cultural, historical, and natural landmarks, California’s San Jose is so much more than the capital of Silicon Valley.
The Best Things to Do in San Jose, California
The Winchester Mystery House was always just a big house we’d drive by on the way to my favorite restaurant, Khanh’s Restaurant. However, my recent visit to the 24,000-square-foot mansion of Sarah Winchester, the heiress to the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune, opened my eyes to its fascinating history and architectural wonder. This landmark went under renovations in 1886 and was never completed by the time of her death in 1922.
The mansion is filled with intriguing architectural and supernatural elements that defy expectations. From its 10,000 windows and 2,000 doors to its 160 rooms and 52 skylights, the sheer scale is impressive; but it’s the unique quirks, like stairs leading to nowhere, that add to its allure. Stories reveal that the house is allegedly haunted by spirits of those who met unfortunate ends by the Winchester rifle, making a visit to this labyrinthine house truly worthwhile. Enthusiasts of the eerie will find joy in its Houdini’s Spirit Escape tour.
With this newfound appreciation, I began noticing the cultural jewels of my hometown. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which I once begrudgingly attended during school field trips, boasts the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in Western North America. Moreover, its impressive replica of a rock-cut tomb is a highlight. The surrounding Rosicrucian Park features the Rosicrucian Labyrinth, Peace Garden, Grand Temple, and a planetarium, with plans for the country’s first Alchemy Museum.
Adjacent to this is the expansive San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, renowned as America’s Best Rose Garden by the American Rose Society. The garden, with its stunning blend of California redwoods and 3,500 rose plantings, was the venue for my high school graduation. Additionally, the Children’s Discovery Museum, where I previously volunteered, remains a playful architectural marvel with its distinctive triangular purple design. At the entrance of Discovery Meadow, one can find the Guinness World Record-honored Monopoly in the Park, showcasing an impressive 930-square-foot game board.
San Jose’s classic sites foster a deep sense of hometown pride, while also reflecting the city’s significant evolution since my departure over twenty years ago.
San Pedro Square Market has revitalized a historic area surrounding the preserved Gonzales/Peralta Adobe—the city’s oldest structure dating back to 1797—transforming it into a thriving food court that showcases the city’s cultural diversity. Notable stalls include Alma Tequileria, Jora Peruvian Food, and Mochinut, reflecting the city’s rich culinary landscape. The area also exemplifies sustainability initiatives, such as those led by the women-owned The Source Zero, reinforcing San Jose’s forward-thinking ethos.
Leading the way in innovation is the iconic mixed-use community, Santana Row, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. This vibrant space is home to over 70 businesses and 20 restaurants, serving as a hot topic in conversations worldwide when I share my San Jose roots. Additionally, the city’s Japantown is one of the last three authentic Japantowns remaining in the United States, paralleling the city’s rich Asian American history. The space is also complemented by numerous hiking trails, with beautiful excursions available around Almaden Lake Regional Park and the recently restored Mount Umunhum, one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Where to Stay in San Jose, California
Yet, Signia by Hilton San Jose stands out in my memories. Formerly a Fairmont hotel, I have fond memories of stepping into its lobby for the first time while walking off downtown’s treasured Plaza de Cesar Chavez. This place represented luxury for me, especially when I first encountered towels rather than disposable ones in a public restroom. While the hotel underwent a closure, it reopened this spring with a new Hilton identity.
I was admittedly apprehensive about revisiting a place filled with such nostalgia. However, the moment I stepped inside, a comforting warmth enveloped me. The modernized lobby perfectly mirrors the Silicon Valley atmosphere while encapsulating the city’s laid-back essence. Among the inviting spaces is Aji Bar and Robata, serving a delightful fusion of Peruvian-inspired dishes with Japanese grilling techniques. The Fountain Restaurant, having evolved from an upscale soda shop to a French-inspired breakfast haven, is a testament to the culinary richness of San Jose.
Navigating the elegantly adorned corridors leading to the hotel’s rooms and suites, some equipped with city or mountain views, rekindled cherished memories from past visits. From attending events hosted by Junior League to festive family meals, this hotel has been a backdrop to many significant moments. The holiday season, in particular, drew our family to bask in the hotel’s charm after visiting the nearby Christmas in the Park, a heartfelt local celebration complete with decorated trees and whimsical holiday scenes surrounding a towering 60-foot Community Giving Tree.
The Best Time to Visit San Jose, California
Choosing the best time to visit is effortless—San Jose is inviting throughout the year. The city boasts an impressive 300 days of sunshine, with January temperatures dipping into the 50s and July basking in the 70s. It’s easy to understand why Dionne Warwick sang, “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?”—this melody was once the theme song of our local news broadcast.
Returning home can evoke mixed feelings, yet with each departure, my fondness for the wonders of San Jose deepens. Consequently, I find myself sharing with new acquaintances on my travels why the South Bay city might just be California’s best-kept secret.
