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

Wyndham Garden San Jose Airport
Wyndham Garden San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1355 N 4th Street, San Jose, CA
The price is $86 per night from Oct 9 to Oct 10
$86
per night
Oct 9 - Oct 10
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
5.8/10 (1,128 reviews)
Old & new
"Old on the outside, new & contemporary on the inside . Comfortable bed ,ton of drawers. Easily accessible to the freeway & plenty of food options within a couple of blocks"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2023

Wyndham Garden 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 $112 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
$112
per night
Oct 29 - Oct 30
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Levi's Stadium and California's ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Im happy we chose to stay here! 15$ parking is no big deal to me i didnt mind. Friendly staff is my biggest concern when bringing my family places so im thankful for the kindness we were shown here. The fire pit was nice. Clean room and clean floors through out. Paying for breakfast seemed like a ..."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023

Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
82 Karina Court, Airport, San Jose, CA
The price is $139 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$139
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,270 reviews)
"Super clean. Staff was friendly and helpful. The airport shuttle was a convenient perk."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2023

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
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.
Cute 1BR/1BA Pvt entry & yard
Cute 1BR/1BA Pvt entry & yard
San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and private yards. Popular attractions Levi's Stadium and California's Great America are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (12 reviews)
Great place
"Very nice place for price paid per night Very responsive host"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2023

Cute 1BR/1BA Pvt entry & yard
WhyHotel by Placemakr, San Jose
WhyHotel by Placemakr, San Jose
4 out of 5
28 N 4th St, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions California's Great America and San ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (63 reviews)
"My only issue was the parking, i never get toll abiut where to park or how to get into the structure but fortunately you can park on the street and is free"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

WhyHotel by Placemakr, San Jose
Studios Inn
Studios Inn
3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Levi's Stadium and California's Great ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
"A nice place, in a convenient location for longer stays."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2023

Studios Inn
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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