Known as the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a forward-thinking city surrounded by creative innovation on a daily basis. As one of the major hubs in the Bay Area – the city has the third-largest population in California – tech is far from the only attraction on offer.
From its lively art scene to themed bars and trendy foodie spots, professional sports teams, kid-friendly attractions, and a love for ancient history, these are the top things to do in San Jose to get to know the city in the best way.
High-end Shopping and Dining in Santana Row
Take your time as you walk down the wide streets of Santana Row, lined with palm trees and Lamborghinis juxtaposed with Tuscan-style architecture, striped awnings, and umbrella-covered patios. This is where the rich tech scene of Silicon Valley meets European-inspired architecture for a unique and upscale dining and shopping atmosphere.
For two decades, Santana Row has been the bustling go-to hub for shopping, people watching, and catching up with friends over dinner or a drink. With 70 shops, 20 restaurants, and nine spas and salons, there’s a little something for everyone. If your budget won’t stretch to Santana Row’s heights, there are plenty of free things to enjoy in San Jose as well.
Travel the World on One Table in San Pedro Square Market
On sunny weekends (and there are many in San Jose), you’ll find the patios at San Pedro Square Market filled with friends sipping iced coffees and enjoying delicious dishes from various food vendors.
With the backdrop of busy downtown San Jose, this vibrant location allows you to appreciate dog-friendly outdoor dining and taste an array of diverse cuisines. From craft beer to cocktails, hipster-approved coffee, and various culinary inspirations from Peru, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Nepal, Vietnam, and the US, it’s a food lover’s paradise.
Live Like a Local in Willow Glen
To experience a more local side of San Jose, head to Willow Glen, where you can enjoy brunch from a sidewalk café, explore antique stores, and admire the charming Victorian architecture.
Snag a seat at The Table for the neighborhood’s best brunch, pick up irresistible chocolates from Powell’s, and discover local boutiques along Lincoln Avenue for the full Willow Glen experience. On Saturdays, the small farmer’s market offers fresh pastries and vegan food, allowing you to interact with locals. If time permits, consider exploring more of San Jose’s neighborhoods.
Come Face-to-Face with a Sphinx at Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is the coolest museum in San Jose, featuring the most extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts in Western North America.
As you approach, you’ll be welcomed by ram-headed sphinxes and impressive architecture reminiscent of Karnak, adorned with white and blue columns and golden doors.
Step inside to immerse yourself in history, with exhibits featuring mummies, tomb replicas, alchemy, and insights into daily life in ancient Egypt.
Must-Dos for Thrill-Seekers: California’s Great America & Raging Waters
For thrill-seekers, there’s no better place to get your adrenaline pumping than at California’s Great America and Raging Waters. Operating since 1976, California’s Great America is a 112-acre wonderland featuring exhilarating roller coasters, live music, and summer weekend fireworks.
Looking to cool off during those hot summer days in San Jose? Head over to Raging Waters, where you can splash into pools and zip down thrilling waterslides.
Teach the Kids About Conservation at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Located in Kelley Park, the 16-acre Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has been delighting kids since 1961 with its rides and over 150 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals. With proceeds from ticket sales contributing to conservation efforts for threatened and endangered species, this zoo allows visitors to support a commendable cause.
Other features, like a repurposed broken glass entry walkway, one of California’s oldest puppet theaters, dedicated nursing rooms, and an eco-friendly café with locally sourced food, demonstrate that this is no average zoo.
Explore the SoFA District
Once San Jose’s red-light district until the 1980s, SoFA (South First Arts) has transformed into a trendy, Instagram-famous neighborhood to experience art, unique cocktail bars, and various creative festivals throughout the year.
During the day, enjoy a cup of craft coffee from a knowledgeable barista, explore the Institute of Contemporary Art, visit art galleries, and admire colorful street murals. After hours, catch a show at the California Theatre featuring Symphony Silicon Valley, listen to live jazz, sip drinks at a speakeasy, or dance the night away at a neon nightclub.
The possibilities are endless as long as you’re eager to embrace art, culture, and fun. Once a month, don’t miss South First Fridays, a free art gallery walk featuring local artists and live music.
Look Out for High Spirits at Winchester Mystery House
Who doesn’t love a creepy mansion filled with ghost stories, mystery, and peculiar design choices? Located next to Santana Row, the Winchester Mystery House was the home of Sarah Winchester, heiress to the fortune of the Winchester Rifle Company in the 19th century.
Sarah lived in the house for over 50 years, during which the sprawling 160-room mansion underwent continuous renovations. A century later, many questions and legends remain about why Sarah never stopped building onto the maze-like manor. Today, visitors can explore secret rooms, doors that lead to walls, and stairways that go nowhere to unravel the mystery themselves.
Get Your Cheer On at a San Jose Sharks Game
Around town, you’ll often spot San Jose Sharks bumper stickers on cars. However, you won’t truly grasp how deeply San Joseans love their sports teams until you experience the electrifying atmosphere of a game at the SAP Center.
If hockey isn’t your passion, Santa Clara County hosts various stadiums and parks for professional and minor league sports. Most notably, catch a San Francisco 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium or a San Jose Earthquakes game at PayPal Park.
Get Experimental at Tech Interactive
There’s no better place to explore the impact of technology and science on our world than in San Jose, particularly at one of the city’s most popular museums, the Tech Interactive.
This future-focused hub offers hands-on exhibits suitable for both kids and adults, inspiring everyone to become the next innovator. Before concluding your visit, experience the Birdly VR simulator that provides a unique flying experience and catch an educational film at the IMAX theater.
Find Some Treasure at the San Jose Flea Market
As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and this holds true at the extensive San Jose Flea Market, also known as the Berryessa Flea Market. Here, you can ride the carousel, shop for fresh produce, enjoy live music and entertainment, and feast on ready-to-eat food from local vendors while browsing through an array of antiques and collectibles from different eras.
This article was first published on Oct 4, 2021, and updated on Jan 3, 2022.
