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)

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
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)

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
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
Cape May

East San Jose

3.5/5(92 area reviews)

In the eastern region of San Jose, California, you'll find the Alum Rock and Evergreen districts, boasting landmarks like the Gurdwara Sahib, the world's largest Sikh temple outside India. Enjoy amenities such as Eastridge Center, Lake Cunningham, and Mexican Heritage Plaza.

East San Jose
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is $123 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$123
$142 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (1,049 reviews)
Definitely stay here
"Excellent customer service and room was clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on May 28, 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
The price is $131 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$131
$151 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Nice hotel, easy access to city, great staff and amenities area is not the greatest"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
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 $117 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
$117
$136 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
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! (1,480 reviews)
"Perfect for airport access, but expect to drive if you need something to eat. Very helpful staff!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 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.
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 3.5-star vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
7.2/10 Good! (32 reviews)
"It was a very nice little room , perfect for a few days ."

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Marbella Lane Triplex 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, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
"Exellent location and staff!"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2023

Studios Inn
SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Database Admin
"Very pretty, very good property."

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
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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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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