City centre San Jose buzzes with Silicon Valley energy, mixing tech innovation with cultural charm. The SAP Centre hosts thrilling hockey games while art lovers explore the San Jose Museum of Art and The Tech Interactive. St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica offers quiet reflection amid the urban bustle, and San Pedro Square tempts foodies with diverse dining options. Multiple metro stations connect visitors to city highlights, making car-free exploration a breeze. Hotels cater primarily to business travellers but offer weekend deals when corporate guests depart. The area transforms after dark with lively performances at the Centre for the Performing Arts and casual nightlife around the SAP Centre.
Willow Glen combines small-town charm with big-city perks in this beloved San Jose area. Stroll down Lincoln Avenue where boutique shops and cosy cafes line the historic high street. Tree-canopied residential blocks showcase beautiful Craftsman and Tudor Revival homes from the 1920s-40s. The area invites you to slow down, grab a coffee, and wander its picture-perfect streets. Getting around is easy with three metro stations (Bascom, Fruitdale, and Virginia) connecting you to San Jose's highlights. Most visitors stay in holiday rentals or B&Bs tucked into historic homes. Lincoln Avenue's restaurants offer everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavours, perfect for dinner after exploring this authentic slice of California suburban life.
The Rose Garden area feels like San Jose's secret garden hideaway, with leafy streets and classic homes that make you forget you're in the middle of a city. The stunning Municipal Rose Garden steals the show with thousands of colourful blooms from April through October. History buffs will love the gorgeous Victorian and Craftsman architecture that gives this area its timeless charm. Driving is your best bet for getting around since public transit options are limited. Most visitors take short trips to nearby Santana Row for dining and shopping since this is primarily a peaceful residential area. The area specialises in upscale holiday rentals and quaint bed & breakfasts housed in historic homes rather than chain hotels.
South San Jose combines suburban calm with outdoor adventure in the shadow of Silicon Valley. Hiking trails wind through Almaden Quicksilver County Park where historic mining sites tell tales of California's past. Santa Teresa County Park offers peaceful oak woodlands perfect for nature lovers, while the Japanese Friendship Garden provides a serene retreat with koi ponds and traditional landscaping. Family-friendly restaurants dot the area, from authentic Vietnamese pho shops to cosy Mexican taquerias. VTA light rail connects to city centre San Jose, though having a car makes exploring easier. Accommodation is budget-friendly compared to other Bay Area spots, with extended-stay hotels and holiday rentals in quiet residential areas.
Northside's tree-lined streets reveal San Jose's history through exquisite Victorian and Craftsman homes with ornate details. This quiet residential haven offers a peaceful escape from city centre bustle while preserving Italian and Portuguese cultural influences. Wander past stained glass windows and wraparound porches that create an outdoor museum of 19th-century craftsmanship. Local family-owned restaurants serve authentic pasta and Portuguese specialities in cosy, multigenerational establishments. Charming bed-and-breakfasts in converted historic homes provide intimate accommodation with period furnishings. Most visitors need cars or ride-sharing services since public transit options are limited.
If you like shopping, take time out to go to Santana Row Shopping Center when in San Jose. Our travellers also like the museums in the area – your cultural tour starts here. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. Splash some more cash at Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall.
San Jose McEnery Convention Center is worth a pic or two when discovering Downtown San Jose. Our travellers also like the art galleries and museums in the area. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander.
Learn about the local history of San Jose when you spend time at Winchester Mystery House. Experience the fascinating museums and great live music in this family-friendly area.
Bring your family to Raging Waters and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in San Jose. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.
Explore the great outdoors at Alum Rock Park, a lovely green space in San Jose. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at The Tech Interactive during your trip to San Jose. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Explore the tech-centric heart of Silicon Valley, home to Apple, Google, and countless startups. Visit The Tech Interactive museum or wander through tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden for a taste of local culture.
San Jose is also notable for its live music. Why not go on a fun excursion to SAP Center at San Jose? Popular sights in the surrounding area include Levi's Stadium.
