A Local’s Guide to 30 Best Things to Do in San Jose, California

Sure, San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, packed with cutting-edge tech and gleaming office towers. But just beneath that polished surface, you’ll find a city full of personality: colorful public murals, hidden gardens, family-owned taquerias that rival anything across the border, and hiking trails that unroll like secret invitations into the hills.

This is a place where you can geek out at futuristic science exhibits by day, then sip craft cocktails in historic neighborhoods by night. Where one turn leads you to an Egyptian museum, and the next to a rose garden so beautiful it feels like stepping onto a movie set. It’s a city built by innovation but grounded in stories — old, new, and still unfolding.

If you’re planning your first trip — or even if you think you know San Jose — this guide will show you 30 of the best things to do. Expect iconic sights, local secrets, outdoor escapes, and plenty of chances to be surprised along the way.
Bring comfortable shoes, an open mind, and your appetite — San Jose is ready to rewrite your idea of what a "tech city" can be.

1. Explore the Winchester Mystery House

📍 Location: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Few places in California stir up more myths and shivers than the Winchester Mystery House. Built by Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester rifle fortune, this bizarre Victorian mansion sprawls across 160 rooms, with staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows installed in the floors. The constant construction — reportedly driven by Sarah’s belief that restless spirits haunted her — makes for a one-of-a-kind architectural maze. Guided tours take you through the twisting hallways, grand ballrooms, and secret passageways, revealing both the craftsmanship and the mystery behind every oddly placed element. The gardens are beautiful too, offering a more peaceful place to wander after the intense indoor experience.

2. Shop, Sip, and Stroll at Santana Row

📍 Location: 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128

If you're looking for a slice of Europe in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santana Row is your spot. This vibrant, upscale outdoor shopping and dining district feels like a stylish European boulevard, complete with cobblestone walkways, street musicians, sidewalk cafes, and twinkling lights strung between palm trees. Browse high-end shops like Gucci and Tesla, or pop into local boutiques and indie bookshops. Hungry? Santana Row is a foodie’s playground — from French pastries at Cocola Bakery to tapas at Oveja Negra. If you just want to chill, grab a cappuccino and people-watch from one of the many patios. Nights here buzz with energy, as wine bars, rooftop lounges, and live music performances light up the row. There's even a boutique hotel, Hotel Valencia, if you want to stay in the middle of it all.

3. Get Hands-On at The Tech Interactive

📍 Location: 201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

If you think science museums are only for kids, The Tech Interactive will change your mind fast. Located right in downtown San Jose, this bright orange building is packed with mind-bending exhibits that let you tinker, create, and even invent. You can program a robot, step into virtual reality simulations, design your own earthquake-proof structures, and explore how cutting-edge technology shapes everything from healthcare to space travel. One of the highlights is the BioDesign Lab, where you can experiment with genetic engineering (safely, of course). And if you love big-screen thrills, the onsite IMAX theater shows jaw-dropping nature documentaries and blockbuster films. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find something that sparks their curiosity here.

4. Eat and Play at San Pedro Square Market

📍 Location: 87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

Think of San Pedro Square Market as San Jose’s answer to a European piazza — buzzing, open-air, and always alive with good smells and good vibes. This lively food hall and social hub brings together dozens of local vendors serving up everything from gourmet grilled cheese to sushi burritos to craft beer brewed just down the street. Grab your food and snag a seat in the courtyard, where live bands and pop-up events keep the atmosphere festive.

If you’re into craft cocktails, stop by Market Bar or District for creative takes on classics. History buffs can take a quick stroll over to the Peralta Adobe right next to the main plaza — the oldest surviving structure in San Jose. Nighttime is prime time here, with string lights crisscrossing the patio and a relaxed but lively crowd spilling out from every corner.

5. Stroll Through the Japanese Friendship Garden

📍 Location: 1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112

Hidden inside the larger Kelley Park complex, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers a peaceful break from San Jose’s urban energy. Three koi-filled ponds, arched wooden bridges, winding stone paths, and manicured bonsai trees create an atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. It's not a massive garden — you can walk the entire loop in about 30 minutes — but the sense of calm it brings is outsized. Watch koi dart through the water, spot turtles sunning themselves on warm rocks, or sit under the cherry trees and listen to the rustle of bamboo in the breeze. Spring is an especially magical time to visit when the blossoms explode in shades of white and pink.

6. Step Back in Time at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

📍 Location: 1660 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95191

You don’t have to book a flight to Cairo to get up close to ancient Egyptian history — just head to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Tucked into a quiet, palm-lined part of San Jose, this museum feels like discovering a hidden treasure. You’ll find real mummies, towering statues, ancient jewelry, and intricate hieroglyph-covered sarcophagi. One of the coolest parts? A full-scale replica of an ancient Egyptian tomb you can actually walk through, complete with hieroglyphic carvings and chamber replicas. The museum is surprisingly expansive, offering hours of fascinating exhibits that blend archaeology, mythology, and daily life in ancient times. Outside, beautifully manicured gardens and even a planetarium round out the experience.

7. Smell the Roses at the Municipal Rose Garden

📍 Location: Dana Ave & Naglee Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

Imagine 3,500 rose bushes exploding in color and scent, right in the middle of the city — that’s the magic of the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. This five-and-a-half-acre park is one of the most beautiful (and most photogenic) spots in town, especially in late spring and early summer when the roses are in full bloom. You’ll find classic reds, dreamy pinks, buttery yellows, and even wild striped varieties as you wander the neatly arranged beds. There’s a small reflecting pool and fountain at the center, perfect for sitting quietly or snapping a few postcard-worthy shots. Entry is free, and the vibe is relaxed — locals often come here for reading, picnics, or just to take a break from the hustle of daily life.

8. Catch the Action at SAP Center ("The Shark Tank")

📍 Location: 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Nicknamed "The Shark Tank" by die-hard hockey fans, SAP Center isn’t just for sports junkies — it's one of the city’s main hubs for big entertainment. During hockey season, catching a San Jose Sharks game here is electric: fans in teal jerseys roar with every goal, and the in-arena energy is contagious even if you’ve never followed hockey before. But the SAP Center also hosts A-list concerts, comedy shows, and family events year-round. The sightlines are good from almost any seat, and the acoustics for concerts are better than you’d expect from a hockey arena.

9. Hike and Heal at Alum Rock Park

📍 Location: 15350 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose, CA 95127

If you want to escape the buzz of Silicon Valley without driving hours into the mountains, Alum Rock Park is your answer. Nestled at the base of the Diablo Range, this rugged green space feels like a deep breath after the city's nonstop pace. Crisscrossed with hiking trails that range from easy strolls to leg-burning climbs, the park offers mineral springs, wooded canyons, and epic valley views. Watch for deer, red-tailed hawks, and the occasional bobcat if you're lucky. The Penitencia Creek Trail is a popular choice for an easygoing walk along shady streambeds, while the South Rim Trail serves up panoramic vistas if you're up for more of a workout.

10. Play Big at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

📍 Location: 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110

Don’t let the name fool you: while the Children’s Discovery Museum is built for kids, it's secretly pretty irresistible for adults too. Inside the iconic purple building near downtown, you'll find hands-on exhibits covering everything from paleontology (check out the life-size mammoth!) to bubbles you can literally step inside. Younger kids can splash and play in the outdoor Bill's Backyard, while older ones get busy with STEM challenges, art projects, and a massive water play area that’s part science, part chaos. Exhibits rotate often, so even repeat visitors find something fresh. Parents appreciate the thoughtful, interactive layout — and honestly, it’s hard not to get pulled into the fun.

11. Reach for the Stars at Lick Observatory

📍 Location: 7281 Mt Hamilton Rd, Mt Hamilton, CA 95140

For a sky full of stars and a true sense of wonder, head up to Lick Observatory atop Mount Hamilton. The drive is part of the experience — a winding, scenic route that climbs nearly 4,200 feet above the valley floor. Once you reach the summit, you’re greeted by sweeping views and a historic observatory that feels frozen in time. Explore the visitor center, check out the original Great Refractor telescope, and dive into exhibits about space research that’s still happening today. If you time your visit right, you can catch an evening program with telescope viewings and talks by real astronomers. Just driving there at sunset — watching the Bay Area glow far below — is worth the trip alone.

12. Go Retro at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

📍 Location: 748 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95112

Part amusement park, part zoo, and part nostalgic throwback, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo delivers pure, simple joy. Designed with younger kids in mind, this place nails that old-school charm without feeling stuck in the past. Expect pint-sized rides like the iconic mini roller coaster, a puppet theater with surprisingly hilarious shows, and animal enclosures featuring lemurs, jaguars, capybaras, and endangered species like the fossa. The layout is compact enough to be manageable for little legs, but varied enough to easily fill a few hours. Adults will appreciate the beautifully landscaped grounds and the peaceful vibe — there’s a reason generations of locals grew up coming here.

13. Wander Through Japantown San Jose

📍 Location: Jackson St & 5th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Small but mighty, Japantown San Jose packs a lot of soul into just a few blocks. Walking down Jackson Street, you'll find mom-and-pop ramen shops, serene Buddhist temples, Japanese-American history museums, and colorful street murals blending tradition with pop art. Grab fresh mochi at Shuei-Do, slurp a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen, or browse the vintage shops and quirky galleries scattered throughout the neighborhood. Events like the Obon Festival in summer and the Spirit of Japantown car show in fall keep the community buzzing with life year-round. What sets this Japantown apart is its authenticity — it’s not a tourist trap; it’s a living, breathing neighborhood with real stories stitched into its walls.

14. Walk or Bike Along Guadalupe River Park

📍 Location: 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110

San Jose may be all about tech, but the Guadalupe River Park offers a refreshing dose of green in the middle of the city. Stretching along the banks of the river, this linear park features biking and walking trails that connect downtown with the airport and beyond. It's a favorite for joggers, dog walkers, and anyone needing a quick nature fix between meetings. The park includes sculptures, rose gardens, playgrounds, and even a small outdoor amphitheater where concerts and events pop up throughout the year. In spring, the cherry blossoms around the river trail are a sight to see.

15. Sip and Stroll Through Little Italy San Jose

📍 Location: 323 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110

Small but packed with charm, Little Italy San Jose brings a slice of Italian soul to the city’s urban heart. Anchored around West St. John Street near the Guadalupe River, the neighborhood is now home to gelato shops, cozy trattorias, and restaurants serving housemade pasta and bold espresso. Sip limoncello at sidewalk cafés under striped awnings, catch an Italian heritage festival in the plaza, or explore the museum that tells the story of Italian immigrants who helped build San Jose. Street murals, twinkling lights, and restored historic homes give the whole place an old-world vibe without feeling manufactured.

16. Get Down on the Farm at Emma Prusch Farm Park

📍 Location: 647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116

Emma Prusch Farm Park feels like a living postcard from San Jose’s agricultural past. Spread across 47 acres, this working urban farm is home to orchards, crops, a rare breeds livestock barn, and roaming chickens that strut like they own the place (because they kind of do). It’s a favorite for families, school trips, and anyone craving a break from concrete and screens. Kids can pet goats, admire giant heritage turkeys, and check out seasonal 4-H Club projects. Adults will appreciate the heirloom fruit trees and the peaceful vibe that hangs over the open fields. There are picnic areas, shaded trails, and even a community garden if you want to get your hands dirty.

17. Bike or Jog the Los Gatos Creek Trail

📍 Location: 1250 Dell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008 (Trail Access Point)

For anyone looking to get outside without driving hours to the wilderness, Los Gatos Creek Trail offers the perfect urban escape. This scenic path follows the gently flowing creek through wooded parks, quiet neighborhoods, and lively downtowns — giving walkers, bikers, and runners a rare sense of continuous green space in the heart of Silicon Valley. Sections like Vasona Lake Park and Campbell Park are packed with picnicking families and weekend warriors, while other parts feel secluded and serene. You can customize your trip: do a short stroll near Pruneyard Shopping Center or tackle a longer ride all the way to Los Gatos’ historic downtown.

18. Soak in the Vibe at Plaza de César Chávez

📍 Location: 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113

In the heart of downtown San Jose sits Plaza de César Chávez, a small park that punches way above its weight in personality. During the day, you’ll find office workers relaxing with coffee, street musicians filling the air with music, and kids chasing pigeons across the grass. But the plaza really comes alive during events: Christmas in the Park transforms it into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights and festive displays, while the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest turns it into a pulsing live music venue. Food trucks often ring the perimeter, and sculptures and public art pieces keep the scene colorful year-round.

19. Take a Self-Guided Walk at SJSU Campus

📍 Location: 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192

SJSU’s downtown campus might seem like just another cluster of college buildings at first glance, but slow down, and you’ll find one of San Jose’s richest hidden-in-plain-sight treasures. Beautifully preserved historic architecture stands shoulder-to-shoulder with sleek modern design. The iconic Tower Hall, built in 1910, looks straight out of a movie set. Stroll through wide plazas dotted with fountains, colorful student murals, and sculptures honoring civil rights legends like César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. The Martin Luther King Jr. Library — a partnership between the city and the university — is worth a visit too, even if you’re not a student.

20. Dig Into History at New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum

📍 Location: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120

Before Silicon Valley, San Jose had mercury mines — and they were some of the richest in the world. Tucked into the rolling hills south of town, the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum at Casa Grande gives a fascinating glimpse into this lesser-known side of California history. Set inside a gorgeous 19th-century mansion, the museum showcases artifacts from the mining days, including equipment, maps, and stories of the diverse workers who lived and labored here. The surrounding Almaden Quicksilver County Park offers miles of hiking trails through abandoned mine entrances, rusted structures, and panoramic overlooks of the valley below.

21. Taste Tradition at Original Joe’s

📍 Location: 301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Sometimes you just want a big plate of old-school comfort food — and nobody does it better than Original Joe’s. Step inside, and it feels like time slowed down: red leather booths, wood-paneled walls, and tuxedoed waiters balancing trays of sizzling steaks and giant plates of ravioli. The menu is pure Italian-American classic, with house specialties like veal parmigiana, spaghetti and meatballs, and garlic bread that’s basically a religious experience. Portions are generous, service is warm, and the vibe is somewhere between Rat Pack cool and hometown cozy.

22. Conquer a Super Burrito at La Victoria Taqueria

📍 Location: 140 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112

Ask any San Jose local where to grab a burrito, and chances are they’ll send you straight to La Victoria — better known simply as "La Vic’s." This casual, no-frills taqueria near San Jose State University has been slinging legendary super burritos for decades. The food itself is solid: juicy carne asada, smoky al pastor, and perfect veggie options. But the real star is the Orange Sauce — a mysterious, creamy, spicy magic that locals drizzle on absolutely everything. The sauce is so beloved that people buy it by the pint.

23. Savor Caribbean Flavors at Back A Yard Caribbean Grill

📍 Location: 80 N Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

If you need a break from tacos and tech talk, Back A Yard Caribbean Grill brings island soul straight to downtown San Jose. The cozy restaurant is known for its bold, spicy flavors — think jerk chicken smoked to perfection, savory oxtail stew, and fried plantains that taste like sunshine. Every plate comes loaded with rice, beans, and enough flavor to make you start googling flights to Jamaica. Despite its low-key location and casual setup, Back A Yard has a devoted fanbase who swear by the authenticity of the dishes.

24. Bite Into a Falafel Legend at Falafel’s Drive-In

📍 Location: 2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

Some spots live up to the hype — Falafel’s Drive-In absolutely does. This family-run Middle Eastern stand has been serving crispy, flavor-packed falafel sandwiches and their famous banana milkshakes for over 50 years. The menu is simple, the prices are fair, and the food is ridiculously good. The falafel balls are perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside, stuffed into soft pita with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy tahini sauce. The banana shake? It's sweet, creamy nostalgia in a cup. Expect a line — especially during lunch — but it moves fast.

25. Grab a Banh Mi at Minh’s Deli

📍 Location: 979 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122

Tucked into a small strip mall on Story Road, Minh’s Deli doesn’t look flashy — but what it lacks in appearance, it more than makes up for in incredible Vietnamese sandwiches. Their banh mi are stacked high with tender grilled pork, sweet pickled carrots, spicy jalapeños, and fresh herbs, all packed into a crispy, airy baguette. The bread-to-filling ratio is perfect, and the flavors sing. For under $10, you’ll walk away full and happy.

26. Hike the Sandstone Giants at Castle Rock State Park

📍 Location: 15451 CA-35, Los Gatos, CA 95033

If you’re craving dramatic landscapes without driving too far from San Jose, Castle Rock State Park is pure gold. Just about 40 minutes west, this rugged stretch of the Santa Cruz Mountains delivers sweeping canyon views, mossy forests, and the park’s namesake — towering sandstone formations sculpted by wind and rain over centuries. Popular trails like the Castle Rock Trail lead you right to stunning overlooks and caves where climbers often practice their moves. Even casual hikers can find epic vistas without too much effort. If you’re up for a real adventure, the Saratoga Gap Trail offers challenging loops that reward you with breathtaking scenery.

27. Play Like a Kid Again at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

📍 Location: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Less than an hour from San Jose, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk lets you trade tech meetings for cotton candy and roller coasters. This classic oceanfront amusement park is pure Americana: neon lights, screaming seagulls, and endless arcade bells. Ride the historic Giant Dipper, play mini-golf under black lights, or just wander the boardwalk with a giant corn dog in hand. The beach itself stretches wide and sandy, perfect for laying out after a morning of rides and sugar highs. Summer weekends often bring free concerts right on the sand — imagine dancing barefoot with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.

28. Stand Among Ancient Giants at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

📍 Location: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Walking into Big Basin feels like stepping into another time. Towering redwoods soar hundreds of feet above, creating a cathedral of green light and misty air. After devastating wildfires in 2020, parts of the park are gradually reopening, and even the scorched areas offer an eerie, powerful beauty. Trails like the Redwood Loop give easy access to surviving ancient giants, while more rugged hikes like Berry Creek Falls showcase waterfalls tumbling through lush canyons.

29. Stroll the Misty Beaches of Half Moon Bay

📍 Location: Half Moon Bay State Beach, Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

About an hour’s drive from San Jose, Half Moon Bay feels like a secret coastal escape. Fog drifts over rugged cliffs, tide pools hide starfish and anemones, and cozy bakeries wait with warm sourdough bread. Start your day with a beach walk at Half Moon Bay State Beach, where wide sandy stretches meet dramatic bluffs. Hit downtown for fresh seafood — Sam’s Chowder House lobster rolls are legendary — and browse the quirky shops lining Main Street. If you’re visiting in October, the pumpkin patches explode into a full-blown festival scene, complete with hayrides and giant gourds.

30. Climb to the Cold War Past at Mount Umunhum

📍 Location: Mount Umunhum Trailhead, Hicks Rd, San Jose, CA 95120

If you want to end your San Jose trip with a true hidden gem, head to Mount Umunhum. Rising over 3,400 feet above the valley, this peak offers jaw-dropping panoramic views — from the sparkling Bay waters to the deep folds of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The paved path to the summit is a relatively easy climb, leading to the eerie, blocky Cold War-era radar tower known as "The Cube." Once part of an air defense system scanning the skies for Soviet bombers, today the tower stands silent — a strange monument to another time. Wildflowers in spring, golden hills in fall, crisp air all year round: it’s a payoff that feels far greater than the modest effort to get there.

Conclusion

San Jose often flies under the radar — and honestly, that’s part of its charm.
This isn’t a city screaming for attention with flashy tourist traps. Instead, it wins you over with real experiences: the winding staircases of the Winchester Mystery House, the spicy kick of La Vic’s Orange Sauce, the cool hush of a redwood grove just an hour away. It’s a place where you can dive deep into history, stroll through blooming rose gardens, or lose yourself in art and science — sometimes all in a single afternoon.

The beauty of San Jose is how easily it balances the future and the past. Tech innovation and old-world traditions sit side by side here, giving visitors a taste of something truly different. Whether you’re chasing big adventures or quiet moments, thirty ideas are just a starting point.

You can get amazing deals on Vacation Rentals when you visit San Jose.

FAQ

1. How far is San Jose from San Francisco?

San Jose is about 48 miles south of San Francisco. Depending on traffic, you’re looking at around a 1 to 1.5-hour drive. If you want to skip the freeway, Caltrain offers an easy rail option connecting the two cities — a relaxing way to see more of the Bay Area without dealing with parking headaches.

2. What is San Jose known for?

Most people know San Jose as the heart of Silicon Valley, home to tech giants like Adobe, eBay, and Cisco. But beyond the innovation, it’s also known for the quirky Winchester Mystery House, historic Japantown, colorful murals, sprawling parks, and one of the best taco truck scenes in California. It’s where high tech meets high flavor.

3. Is San Jose worth visiting?

Definitely. San Jose offers a unique blend of old and new — historic neighborhoods, cultural festivals, tech museums, outdoor adventures, and a seriously underrated food scene. It’s perfect for travelers who want a Bay Area experience without the nonstop crowds you find in San Francisco. Plus, it’s an ideal base for day trips all over Northern California.

4. When is the best time to visit San Jose?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) are sweet spots — with sunny skies, warm afternoons, and fewer crowds. Summer can get hot, especially inland, but it’s great for hiking and outdoor festivals. Winters are mild compared to most of the country, but you might catch a few rainy days between sunny stretches.

5. What’s the weather like in San Jose?

San Jose boasts a Mediterranean climate: warm, dry summers and mild, slightly rainy winters. Average highs range from the mid-70s°F in summer to the low 60s°F in winter. It’s sunnier and warmer than San Francisco most of the year — you’ll still want layers, but you can leave the heavy coats at home.