Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose stands as the central business district of the city and is recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s most significant technological hubs. However, it also offers a vibrant social and cultural environment, shaped by decades of redevelopment.

Experience a fascinating art walk or explore the riverside trail, visit technology and history museums, and conclude your day by indulging in the sophisticated night spots and restaurants that Downtown San Jose has to offer. Visitors will find themselves with a multitude of options, making it challenging to experience everything the area has to offer in a single day.

Although Downtown San Jose was established in the late 18th century, it continues to adapt to contemporary developments, maintaining strong internet connectivity throughout the area. Almost every location within the district provides free Wi-Fi, making it convenient to stay informed about local events or access interactive maps. Here are the fifteen best activities to consider during your visit to Downtown San Jose.

1. San Jose Brew Bike

Experience sightseeing in Downtown San Jose aboard a Brew Bike. Begin your tour on Park Avenue, and although steering is left to the guided driver, be prepared to pedal.

Cycle through Downtown San Jose, taking in major attractions and stopping at several selected pubs for refreshments along the way.

The Brew Bikes accommodate up to fifteen participants, creating a festive atmosphere on wheels. Each tour lasts between two to three hours and is ideal for both groups and solo travelers seeking a social experience.

2. Tech Museum of Innovation

The Tech Museum of Innovation, located in the Plaza de César Chávez, showcases the trajectory of science and technology, emphasizing both historical and future elements.

Featuring numerous exhibits across three floors, the museum delves into various scientific topics, including technology’s impact on society, synthetic biology, and augmented reality.

The Tech aims to inspire creativity among visitors, providing opportunities to construct their own robot and encouraging engagement in an interactive cyber security display.

3. San Pedro Square Market

The San Pedro Square Market, situated on San Pedro Street in Downtown San Jose, buzzes with activity throughout the week, from early morning until late evening.

Although classified as a market, it resembles a vibrant food hall combined with live music rather than typical produce stalls. With nearly twenty food vendors offering a diverse range of cuisine, the options are extensive.

The market features two stages, presenting live music performances each night and outdoor events when weather permits.

4. SAP Center

Located on West Santa Clara Street, the SAP Center is a prominent venue for sports and concerts, hosting NHL ice hockey matches and performances by top artists like Fleetwood Mac and Elton John.

This twenty-thousand-seat arena serves as the home ground for the San Jose Sharks and features exclusive lounges and VIP suites alongside standard seating options.

Multiple food and beverage concessions are available on every level, offering a diverse selection of culinary options.

5. Black Power Olympic Statue

For a distinctive photo opportunity, visit the San Jose State University’s central campus and pose at the site of the Black Power Olympic Statue.

This twenty-two-foot tall fiberglass statue, known as the Victory Salute, commemorates the moment when 1968 Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith and bronze medalist John Carlos raised their fists during the award ceremony to silently protest human rights issues of their time.

6. San Jose Center for Performing Arts

The San Jose Center for Performing Arts features a seating capacity of two thousand five hundred and is located on Almaden Street.

This venue hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway musicals, contemporary and classical dance, and theatrical productions.

The center offers two bar facilities, including the cozy President’s Club and the Ridder Lounge, which boasts an outdoor courtyard.

7. San Jose Original Joe’s

Since 1956, Original Joe’s has been serving Italian-American cuisine in a stylish setting on South 1st Street in Downtown San Jose. Enjoy a meal in one of the booths, accompanied by attentive service from a tuxedo-clad waiter.

Prepare for large portions, featuring items like the thirty-ounce Porterhouse and twenty-six-ounce Rib steak grilled over mesquite charcoal, alongside traditional Italian dishes such as Chicken Parmigiana and Veal Scallopini.

8. Plaza de César Chávez

The Plaza de César Chávez, established in the late 18th century, is one of the oldest spots in Downtown San Jose. This two-acre plaza provides a serene environment for leisurely outdoor activities.

Visitors can enjoy wide paved paths, expansive lawn areas adorned with palm trees, and several impressive fountains. The plaza also features an open-air theater that hosts festivals, musical performances, and dramatic presentations.

This venue serves as an ideal resting point between visits to nearby museums.

9. Liquid

Experience the nightlife at one of Downtown San Jose’s premier clubs, Liquid, located on South 3rd Street. The venue features modern decor illuminated by vibrant blue lighting, complemented by a spacious dance floor.

At Liquid, enjoy an array of music genres spun by top Bay Area DJs, ranging from R&B to pop.

In addition to a varied drinks menu, Liquid offers an Asian-themed restaurant that enhances the evening’s experience.

10. San Jose Museum of Art

Situated in Downtown San Jose’s Circle of Palms Plaza, the San Jose Museum of Art is both a cultural hub and a historic landmark.

The museum showcases over two thousand pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and digital media. Both permanent and temporary collections feature modern and contemporary art from the twentieth century to the present.

A cafeteria is available for refreshments, alongside a gift shop featuring art-related souvenirs.

11. Downtown San Jose Public Art Walk

In addition to traditional art galleries, the streets of Downtown San Jose are adorned with vibrant works of public art that contribute to the district’s unique character.

The Downtown Doors Program and the Art Box Project San Jose incentivize artists to transform utilitarian structures into public art displays.

Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of various murals crafted by local artists and students by downloading the location map from the sanjose.org website.

12. Guadalupe River Trail

For those looking to stay active, the Guadalupe River Trail, which stretches through Downtown San Jose, provides an excellent venue for walking, jogging, or cycling.

This section of the twelve-and-a-half-mile paved trail is popular and makes for a scenic way to observe the city.

Begin at the Guadalupe River Park and conclude at the Children’s Discovery Park, or vice versa, for a different perspective on Downtown San Jose.

13. Cafe Stritch

Immerse yourself in the true nightlife of Downtown San Jose at Cafe Stritch on South 1st Street. The club features rustic decor with exposed brick and reclaimed wood floors, combined with exceptional live jazz performances.

Arrive early to secure a table, as they fill up quickly before performances commence. Enjoy dinner and prepare to be captivated by San Jose’s most talented jazz musicians, ranging from solo acts to quartets.

If you appreciate poetry, consider attending the Cafe Stritch poetry competition held every second Sunday of the month.

14. City National Civic

While in Downtown San Jose, review the event schedule at City National Civic to plan an exciting evening.

The exterior of City National Civic resembles a medieval castle, complete with high walls and turrets. Following a comprehensive renovation, the interior now features cutting-edge sound and lighting technology.

This two-thousand-eight-hundred-seat auditorium regularly hosts performances by international artists, including Il Divo and classic rock band ZZ Top.

15. Scott’s Seafood

One significant attraction of Scott’s Seafood restaurant, aside from its culinary offerings, is the spectacular view of Downtown San Jose and the Silicon Valley hills from its sixth-floor setting.

Choose a seat by the panoramic windows or outside on the terrace, if weather permits, and indulge in seafood specialties, including fresh oysters, prawns, and crab filled with salmon. On cooler evenings, the clam chowder or shrimp bisque is highly recommended.

It is easy to appreciate why Scott’s Seafood is a favored destination for enjoying the nighttime skyline of Downtown San Jose while savoring an after-dinner Maple Hot Toddy or a Mexican Hot Chocolate.