San Jose, California’s third-largest city, is more than just the heart of Silicon Valley. With 300+ days of sunshine a year and a fascinating mix of history, culture, and innovation, this Bay Area gem offers plenty of things to do in San Jose for every type of traveller. Ready to explore?
Top 12 San Jose Tourist Attractions
1. Santana Row
Start your San Jose adventure at Santana Row, an upscale outdoor San Jose shopping mall. This European-style village is one of the most popular San Jose tourist attractions, with over 70 shops, 20 restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options.
Some highlights:
-
Shop at high-end stores like Gucci, Kate Spade, and Anthropologie
-
Dine at Left Bank Brasserie for authentic French fare
-
Catch a movie at the CineArts theatre
-
Enjoy live music at one of the many outdoor plazas
Travel Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the Mall San Jose, CA, crowds and snag a coveted parking spot.
2. Winchester Mystery House
Next on our list of top places to go in San Jose is the bizarre yet fascinating Winchester Mystery House. This 160-room Victorian mansion was built by Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, over 38 years. Some quirky features:
-
Staircases leading nowhere
-
Doors that open to walls
-
Windows overlooking other rooms
Travel Tip: Guided tours offer a glimpse into Sarah’s eccentric world and the mansion’s paranormal history. Book tickets online to skip the queues.
3. San Jose Museum of Art
Art lovers wondering what things to do in San Jose must visit the San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA). This modern and contemporary art museum showcases works by 20th and 21st-century artists, with a focus on the West Coast. Don’t miss:
-
The Catherine Wagner photography collection
-
Sculptures by Ruth Asawa and Fletcher Benton
-
The outdoor sculpture garden with large-scale installations
4. Japantown
One of just three remaining Japantowns in the US, San Jose’s Japantown offers a glimpse into Japanese-American history and culture. This six-block district is packed with:
-
Authentic Japanese restaurants like Gombei and Kazoo
-
Speciality stores selling Japanese gifts, books, and groceries
-
The Japanese American Museum of San Jose
Travel Tip: Visit in July for the Obon Festival, with things to do in San Jose‘s Japantown featuring taiko drumming, folk dancing, and delicious street food.
5. Municipal Rose Garden
Fragrant and colourful, the Municipal Rose Garden is a lovely spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll. This 5.5-acre park boasts:
-
Over 3,500 rose shrubs of 189 varieties
-
A two-tiered water fountain
-
Grassy lawns perfect for lounging
Travel Tip: Admission is free, and the garden is open daily from dawn to dusk. Peak bloom time is April through November.
6. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
History buffs wondering what to see in San Jose can’t miss the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts on the West Coast. Highlights include:
-
Mummies and sarcophagi
-
A replica of an ancient Egyptian rock-cut tomb
-
Hands-on activities like hieroglyph rubbing
7. San Pedro Square Market
Foodies wondering what things to do in San Jose will love San Pedro Square Market, a lively food hall in downtown San Jose. This market features:
-
Over 20 food vendors serving global cuisine
-
A spacious outdoor patio with ample seating
-
Live music and events on weekends
Travel Tip: Must-try dishes include the lobster rolls at Cousins Maine Lobster and the empanadas at Yerba Mate Bar.
8. Alum Rock Park
Escape the city and explore Alum Rock Park, one of the oldest and best places to go in San Jose. This 720-acre park in the foothills of the Diablo Range offers:
-
Over 13 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails
-
A scenic creek and several small waterfalls
-
Picnic areas and a playground
9. The Tech Interactive
Budding scientists and tech enthusiasts won’t want to miss The Tech Interactive, a hands-on science and technology museum. Exhibitions cover topics like:
-
Robotics and artificial intelligence
-
Virtual reality and augmented reality
-
Biotechnology and health tech
10. Willow Glen
For a taste of small-town charm and quaint things to do in San Jose, head to Willow Glen, a quaint neighbourhood in San Jose. This tree-lined district features:
-
Boutique shops and art galleries
-
Cosy cafes and farm-to-table restaurants
-
Historic Victorian and Craftsman homes
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Willow Glen Farmers’ Market on Saturdays for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music.
11. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Travelling with kids? Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is one of the best places to visit in San Jose for families. This 16-acre park features:
-
Over 150 animals, including meerkats, jaguars, and capybaras
-
Amusement park rides like the Frog Hopper and Pacific Fruit Express
-
Puppet shows and animal encounters
12. Guadalupe River Park
Last but not least on our list of things to do in San Jose is Guadalupe River Park, a three-mile linear park that runs along the Guadalupe River. This urban oasis offers:
-
Walking and biking trails
-
Public art installations
-
The Heritage Rose Garden with over 3,000 rose varieties
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the “Parade of Animals” sculpture series featuring 42 whimsical bronze creatures along the river’s edge.
Stay Connected in San Jose with Airtel
From making online reservations to sharing photos with friends back home, reliable internet access is a must when exploring San Jose tourist attractions and deciding what things to do in San Jose. With Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming plans, you can stay connected wherever your San Jose adventures take you. Whether you’re navigating to a hidden gem or video-calling loved ones, Airtel keeps you connected so you can focus on making unforgettable memories in San Jose.