San Jose, CA

Travel Guide
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
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 Museum. 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 Innovation, 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 House to learn about an obsessive and disturbed rifle heiress and her haunted manor. Visit St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica 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)

Travelers choose South San Jose for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Blossom Hill Station (VTA) or Snell Station and check out top sights like Almaden Plaza.

South 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 Samsung Semiconductor Inc or Alum Rock Park and hop on the metro to see more the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
Most fantastic Burnt Almond Cake here.

Willow Glen

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

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

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 Winchester Mystery House and Santana Row Shopping Center.

West San Jose
Cape May

East San Jose

3.5/5(92 area reviews)

If you're spending time in East San Jose, check out sights like Raging Waters or San Jose Flea Market and hop on the metro to see more the city at Alum Rock Station or McKee Station.

East San Jose
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Airport
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Airport
2.5 out of 5
2585 Seaboard Ave, San Jose, CA
The price is ₩162,793 per night from May 19 to May 20
₩162,793
per night
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,472 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 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 ₩175,447 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩175,447
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,021 reviews)
"Nice stay, friendly staff. Quiet"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
1350 N 1st Street, San Jose, CA
Fully refundable
The price is ₩184,681 per night from May 30 to May 31
₩184,681
per night
May 30 - May 31
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Business stay, convenient and close to other areas
"Great place to stay at. Came for business for a week, close by downtown and airport. Lots of nearby food areas to check out."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
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.
Studios Inn
Studios Inn
3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
"Exellent location and staff!"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2023

Studios Inn
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 vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Levi's Stadium and SAP Center ...
7/10 Good! (30 reviews)
"Great place for a great price!!"

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose
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 Levi's Stadium ...
Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
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 30.838790146554413%
4 - Good
1492
" "4 - Good 46.52323043342688%
3 - Okay
597
" "3 - Okay 18.6155285313377%
2 - Disappointing
96
" "2 - Disappointing 2.9934518241347052%
1 - Terrible
33
" "1 - Terrible 1.028999064546305%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 1, 2020

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Apr 22, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Spencer
Mar 15, 2020

Was only traveling through, but would love to return.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 15, 2020

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 12, 2020

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

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