Summary of Attractions in San Jose
Located just a short distance from the vibrant cities of San Francisco and Monterey, San Jose is conveniently accessible while exploring the Bay Area. The city is home to numerous extraordinary attractions that make it an enchanting destination.
With a history spanning centuries, remarkable trails, and abundant museums, San Jose serves as an ideal stop on a broader California road trip.
In many respects, San Jose is the type of Californian city that often goes unnoticed in favor of its more famous neighbors around the bay. To ensure you experience the best of this city, here are some of the top attractions to visit.
Explore below the finest activities available in San Jose, California. Enjoy your visit!
1.) Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House was formerly owned by Sara Winchester, the well-known widow of William Winchester of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It is said that the products manufactured by his company played a significant role in shaping the west.
Upon William Winchester’s passing, Sara inherited substantial wealth and invested it in the construction of her new residence, known as the Winchester Mystery House. Today, visiting this site is among the premier activities in San Jose, particularly due to its unusual rooms and rumored spectral inhabitants.
Inside, guests have the opportunity to explore numerous eccentric rooms designed by Sara. With misleading stairs and deceptive doors, the layout presents a truly puzzling experience and offers a unique location to discover.
The guided tours are excellent and well worth the visit if you are intrigued by this quirky and completely distinctive site in San Jose.
Although Sara never articulated her design strategy, it is commonly suggested that the construction was aimed at perplexing malevolent paranormal spirits.
2.) Los Gatos Creek Trail
If you enjoy walking, then the Los Gatos Creek Trail is perfect for you!
Beginning on the periphery of San Jose’s downtown area, you can embark on this lovely ten-mile trail extending southward to Los Gatos.
The endpoint is the breathtaking Lexington Reservoir, which is especially worthwhile for those exploring on foot. Whether walking or cycling, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is enjoyable and straightforward to navigate.
Ensure that you pack plenty of sunscreen and water for your journey, as no one relishes the experience of being sunburned or parched while hiking!
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Consider visiting California’s Great America, a family-friendly theme park that offers exhilarating rides, including the impressive Patriot rollercoaster!
3.) Santana Row
For those in search of a bit of retail therapy, visiting Santana Row is one of the top activities in San Jose! This destination features small boutiques, delightful dining options, and larger retail stores to indulge your shopping desires.
In the evening, you may even catch the Makers’ Market, an outdoor artisan fair occurring on designated days. Expect a lively atmosphere with live music, sustainable goods, local artists, and independent producers; it’s a fantastic event!
For a spicy delight, visit Chika for exceptional burritos and wings. They also offer amazing cocktails as well!
Santana Row is conveniently situated near the Winchester Mystery House, making it a perfect follow-up stop after your visit.
4.) San Jose Flea Market
A sprawling 120-acre farm has now been transformed into the San Jose Flea Market, and it is truly exceptional! If you have a penchant for exploration, you will enjoy spending a few hours here.
The San Jose Flea Market, which operates from dawn until dusk, is the largest market of its nature in California. It features an array of small stalls and bazaars to discover.
In addition to shops offering vintage items, trinkets, and souvenirs, you’ll find an abundance of culinary vendors and stalls that will keep you satisfied throughout the afternoon.
The market features a small amusement park for children and a large farmer’s market offering a variety of fresh produce.
Planning to visit San Jose for the evening? Be sure to explore the Berryessa Night Market that takes place on Friday nights—it’s spectacular!
5.) Municipal Rose Garden
Situated in the center of San Jose, the Municipal Rose Garden is a picturesque location for a leisurely stroll.
With a history close to a hundred years, this park spans five acres and features nearly 200 species of roses for visitors to admire.
Should you opt for a visit, aim for the month of May, as this is when the roses are in full bloom.
After your visit, consider stopping by Park Station Hashery for brunch, a friendly local diner famous for its hearty pancakes and sandwiches. However, be mindful of your appetite, as the portions are generously sized!
6.) Visit San Jose’s Museums
Your first stop should be the San Jose Museum of Art, an attraction truly worthwhile to visit!
This world-renowned museum houses a permanent collection of over 2,500 pieces of modern and contemporary art, making it an essential destination for art enthusiasts. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum frequently hosts seasonal exhibitions, ensuring there is always something new to explore.
If art is not to your liking, then consider visiting the Intel Museum. Filled with exhibits related to nanotechnology and other technological advancements, this location is a remarkable experience for gadget lovers. As you wander through the displays, you’ll discover how Intel’s technology has evolved throughout the years—it’s truly fascinating!
Does the Intel Museum heighten your interest in technology? If so, make your way to the Tech Interactive, which occupies a significant position in San Jose. Here, you can delve into various groundbreaking innovations and technological inventions that have transformed the world, with some even available for hands-on experiences!
At this venue, you have the chance to design your own robot and view plasticized anatomical figures up close.
7.) Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Don’t forget to include the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum on your itinerary!
This extensive complex transports visitors back to the era of pharaohs and pyramids. Within the grounds, you will find the renowned Rosicrucian Labyrinth, the temple dedicated to the Rosicrucian order, an alchemy exhibit, and a stunning garden, all of which are remarkable to see.
However, the most striking attraction is arguably the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum itself. It is said that the architecture closely resembles the Temple of Amun in Karnak, Egypt.
Boasting one of the largest collections of Ancient Egyptian artifacts on the West Coast, the museum holds thousands of items, including mummies!
Be sure to allocate a few hours to thoroughly explore the entire complex.
8.) Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Set on a former mining site, Almaden Quicksilver County Park serves as a historical, recreational, and cultural hub.
Once a thriving mining district, the location has a rich history stretching back over 135 years and was home to over 1,800 miners and their families. Today, traces of mining activities and structures can still be observed throughout the area, although they are not open for exploration to ensure safety.
Nonetheless, visitors can appreciate these remnants while traversing the park’s many hiking trails and biking paths. We recommend the Hacienda and Wood Road Trails, both of which offer a calming escape from urban life.
9.) Japantown
Japantown (also referred to as Jtown or Nihonmachi) is a charming neighborhood worth exploring during your time in San Jose.
This area, established by the first wave of Japanese immigrants over 120 years ago, presents a perfect opportunity for a leisurely exploration.
Whilst you’re there, consider visiting the Japanese American Museum of San Jose and the San Jose Buddhist Church. Additionally, take some time to wander through the nearby Japanese Friendship Garden, located just a ten-minute drive away.
After your visits, make your way to San Pedro Square Market, which features a plethora of delicious eateries, serving everything from delectable sushi (at Hyland House of Sushi), Nepalese momos (at Urban Momo), to tacos (at Loteria Tacos). It’s worth the trip!
10.) Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Located centrally in San Jose, Plaza de Cesar Chavez is easily accessible after visiting the Museum of Art and Tech Interactive.
This small plaza is rich in history and regarded as one of the best attractions in San Jose, being one of the oldest public spaces in Northern California.
Moreover, the surrounding area features numerous attractions worth exploring. For instance, if you are looking for delightful cocktails, head to Paper Plane (their ABG Milk Tea with ginger is divine).
If it’s delicious pizza you crave, visit Kukar’s House Of Pizza, which has been serving outstanding dishes since 1950 and is still thriving!
Lastly, do make sure to step inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. The ceiling is truly stunning and not to be missed.
