San Jose

Travel Guide

San Jose
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art which includes interior views
San Jose
San Jose which includes modern architecture

Snap photos of the surrounding mountains and enjoy the sunshine as you learn about innovation in the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley.

As a major player in the technology industry, San José is a modern city known for its scientific advances and informative museums. Bring your kids to this family-friendly community in the San Francisco Bay Area with many green spaces and ample opportunities for learning about the future.

San José’s forward-thinking philosophy is encapsulated by its iconic Children’s Discovery MuseumOpens in a new window. Enter the purple-walled complex for a world of science and technology across numerous exhibits. Let your kids do experiments in the Wonder Cabinetand produce works in the Art Loft. Walk north across the scenic Monopoly in the Park public games area. Consider a picnic on the Guadalupe River.

Nearby is The Tech Museum of InnovationOpens in a new window, where kids will learn about internet safety and healthcare advances. Build a robot and review recent inventions. Watch a movie about nature and technology on the huge IMAX screen. Relax in the adjacent Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park year-round on one of San José’s many sunny days.

The city’s strength lies in its blending of urban features with parks and trails. Stroll along Los Gatos Creek Trail and Los Alamitos Creek Trail for excellent views of the mountainous suburbs. Wander along the paths of the stunning San José Municipal Rose Garden to see the elegant fountain amid pretty flowers.

Aside from nature and technology, the city has fascinating stories to tell. Take a guided tour of the eerie Winchester Mystery HouseOpens in a new window to learn about an obsessive and disturbed rifle heiress and her haunted manor. Visit St. Joseph Cathedral BasilicaOpens in a new window for its acclaimed stained-glass windows and intricate pipe organ. Discover one of the largest collections of Egyptian relics in western North America at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.

The city is 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of San Francisco in Northern California. Fly to the Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport or the San Francisco International Airport. Get around the city by light rail or bus.

San José is a modern, green city at the height of modernity.

Where to stay in San Jose

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Downtown San Jose

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like San Pedro Square and St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Kelley Park which includes a park

South San Jose

4/5(8 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in South San Jose. If sightseeing is on the list, Almaden Plaza is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Blossom Hill Station (VTA) or Snell Station to see more of the area.

South San Jose
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Willow Glen

When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or Santana Row Shopping Center and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

If you're spending some time in West San Jose, Santana Row Shopping Center and Winchester Mystery House are top sights worth seeing.

West San Jose
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North San Jose

3/5(6 area reviews)

While you're in North San Jose, take in top sights like Alum Rock Park or Samsung Semiconductor Inc, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
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Northside

When in Northside, you can plan a visit to San Jose Flea Market and San Pedro Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northside
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
82 Karina Court, Airport, San Jose, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$213 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$213
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,401 reviews)
"Consistent service"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
The Westin San Jose
The Westin San Jose
4 out of 5
302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
The price is S$220 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
S$220
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Parking is inconvenient and room too small . Pillows are not comfortable making back pain"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

The Westin San Jose
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is S$189 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
S$189
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,446 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
4 out of 5
77 N Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Santana Row ...
6.6/10 (19 reviews)
Overall great.
"Awesome building and location. Going through hotels.com created some complexity on the communication front. One big issue with this property is parking. You have to give them the details on your car 48 hour prior to arrival which is tough with rental cars."

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose
Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose
3.5 out of 5
475 N 18th St, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
Great place!
"We had a family trip to meet up with friends and families in the area. Perfect location and just exactly what we needed. Host was good at checking in before and after our stay."

Reviewed on 2 Feb, 2025

Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose
Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning
Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning
3 out of 5
962 Sunbonnet Loop, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San Jose

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 31%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 13%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Santana Row was sophisticated and pleasant to walk around with many good restaurants.