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 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

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 SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, 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
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
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
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
Default Image

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 SAP Center at San Jose and San Jose City Hall.

Northside
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
82 Karina Court, Airport, San Jose, CA
$118 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
$136 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,414 reviews)
"Love everything about this place. I stay here frequently for work."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

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
$128 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$149 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,480 reviews)
"My family and I stayed here and thought it was wonderful. We got to spend plenty of time at the pool, it was clean, the room was great, we truly loved everything about it. The only thing we wished we had was a continental breakfast as opposed to having to pay for breakfast every day."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
The Westin San Jose

The Westin San Jose

4 out of 5
302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
$149 nightly
The price is $173 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$173 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,008 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

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 (21 reviews)
Great location and apartment
"Great location and great apartment. Good value for what you get. Kitchen could be better appointed. Pickup process was pretty bad. Concierge with keys was nowhere to be found."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
LOVELY HOUSE IN SAN JOSE

LOVELY HOUSE IN SAN JOSE

San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Raging Waters and SAP Center at San Jose are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (29 reviews)
Clean, well stocked, easy freeway access, BUT....
"The bed in the master bedroom was terrible. My parents slept in that bed and they said it was super uncomfortable. The neighborhood was quiet, but seemed a little shady. We are not familiar with the neighborhood, but based on the houses, it seemed like it could be a little less than ideal of a neighborhood. ..."

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

LOVELY HOUSE IN SAN JOSE
Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers

Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers

San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Raging Waters and SAP Center at San Jose are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
Review
"Love the place and my friends liked it as well"

Reviewed on May 23, 2025

Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers
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.

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