San Jose, CA

Travel Guide

San Jose which includes modern architecture
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art showing interior views
Winchester Mystery House showing a park
San Jose featuring 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 Cabinet and 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

Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 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 showing a garden

South San Jose

4/5(916 area reviews)

Southern region of San Jose, California, featuring a mix of businesses, green spaces, and parks. Explore trails like Coyote Creek and Guadalupe River, or visit parks such as Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Easily accessible via VTA stations and highways.

South San Jose
Most fantastic Burnt Almond Cake here.

Willow Glen

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Explore this historic downtown with diverse architectural styles, and upscale living. Enjoy shopping and dining in Downtown Willow Glen, and access nearby VTA light rail and Caltrain stations.

Willow Glen
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

While visiting West San Jose, you might make a stop by sights like Santana Row Shopping Center and Winchester Mystery House.

West San Jose
Nice little marsh on the edge of San Jose, CA.

North San Jose

3.5/5(1,015 area reviews)

If you're spending time in North San Jose, check out sights like Alum Rock Park or Samsung Semiconductor Inc and hop on the metro to see more the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
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Northside

4/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Northside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like San Jose City Hall and San Jose Flea Market.

Northside
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
82 Karina Court, Airport, San Jose, CA
The price is NT$3,389 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
NT$3,389
NT$3,907 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
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! (1,406 reviews)
"Perfect hotel for those who have flights the following morning. The rooms are clean, there’s a fridge in each room. There’s a breakfast option available if you want it. They also have drinks available for purchase in the lobby."

Reviewed on 2025/7/12

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is NT$3,747 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
NT$3,747
NT$4,344 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
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! (1,454 reviews)
"I booked this hotel for my friend to stay. He is very happy during his stay! Thank you."

Reviewed on 2025/7/12

Sonesta Select 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 NT$4,353 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
NT$4,353
NT$5,053 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
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! (1,009 reviews)
"The front desk lady was very welcoming"

Reviewed on 2025/7/10

The Westin San Jose
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 ...
6.8/10 (20 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 2025/6/26

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 2025/2/2

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 ...
"The curry smell was tolerable but the jacuzzi tub didn’t work and many of the light bulbs in the house were missing. The backyard had beer cans and cigarette butts I cleaned up myself. Some things in the house could use repairs. Feel the price was excessive for what you get"

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

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

Reviews of San Jose

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
989
5 - Excellent 31%
4 - Good
1492
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
597
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
96
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
33
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Covid 19 made it a ghost town during our visit but over a quiet stay this time around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I AM FROM SAN JOSE . I LOVE HANGING OUT THERE.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

A big city which many distinct districts, some terrible, some nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Spencer

Was only traveling through, but would love to return.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Other than everything being closed because of the coronavirus, it was nice.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

For communities run into Metropolitan area should have very few sightseeing opportunities of worth

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