What To Do In San Jose California Area - Just shy of San Francisco and the bustling city of Monterey, San Jose is really easy to visit while exploring the Bay Area. Not only that, but there are plenty of the best things to do in San Jose located throughout the city, making it a gem to visit.
With centuries of history to explore, epic trails and museums galore, it's the perfect stop along an extended California road trip.
What To Do In San Jose California Area
In many ways, San Jose is the California city that gets overlooked in favor of its famous neighbors around the bay.
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So to make sure you don't miss the best spots, I wanted to highlight some of my favorites.
Check out the best things to do in San Jose, California below. Have a wonderful time!
The Winchester Mystery House was once owned by Sarah Winchester, the famous widow of William Winchester of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It is said that the weapons created by his company actually "won the west".
Anyway, without going through an entire history lesson, when William Winchester died, Sarah received a large fortune and splashed the cash on a new house, the mysterious Winchester House. Nowadays, visiting is one of the best things to do in San Jose, especially for its strange rooms and dire wolves.
Things To Do In San Jose
Once inside, you'll be able to explore a number of different rooms that Sara has chosen. From the false stairs to the disorienting doors, it's an absolute mystery and quite a unique sight.
The tours are great and worth checking out if you're interested in a pretty quirky and totally unique place in San Jose.
Although Sara never explained her plans, it is often said that the arrangement was designed to confuse some evil paranormal spirits.
From the edge of downtown San Jose, you take this beautiful drive ten miles south to Los Gatos.
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The last stop is the Lexington Reservoir, which is pretty epic and worth a day of exploring on foot. Whether you're walking or biking, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is absolutely gorgeous and fairly easy to navigate.
Just be sure to pack plenty of SPF and fluids for the road. No one likes to get sunburned or thirsty.
So a trip to Santana Row is one of the best things to do in San Jose for anyone looking for some retail therapy. You see, Santana Row has small boutiques, delicious food spots, and bigger shopping spots where you can spend that money.
In the evening, you can also catch the Makers Market, an outdoor craft fair that takes place in the area on certain days. There's everything from live music to a range of sustainable goods, local artists and independent producers; That's wonderful!
Top 15 Best Things To Do In San Jose, California
For a hearty treat, head to Chica's for their epic burritos and wings. They also have some absolutely amazing cocktails.
Over 120 acres of land has been turned into what is now the San Jose Flea Market, and it is absolutely amazing. Honestly, if you're anything like me, you'll love spending a few hours exploring here.
Open from dawn to dusk, the San Jose Flea Market is the largest of its kind in all of California. It's a sprawling scene with lots of little stalls and markets to explore.
As well as shops selling vintage items, trinkets and souvenirs, there are also a number of food stalls and stalls to keep you busy throughout the afternoon.
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There is also a small amusement park for children and a large farmers market offering a variety of fresh produce.
Visiting San Jose in the evening? Go explore the Berryessa Night Market that takes place on Friday evenings. It's epic
Located in the heart of San Jose, the Municipal Rose Garden is an idyllic little spot for a little stroll.
At nearly 100 years old, the park has a long history in the city and spans five acres (which is easy to explore). Not only that, but there are almost 200 varieties of roses to discover.
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If you decide to visit, apply in May; this is when the rose bloom really comes.
Then head to the chilled dining area, Park Station Hashery, for breakfast. This local and friendly diner is completely casual and makes the best pancakes and sandwiches. Bring your appetite though, the portions are huge.
With a permanent collection of over 2,500 pieces of modern and contemporary art, the Art Museum is one of the best things to do in San Jose if you're an art junkie. Not only are the permanent collections outstanding, but there is also a steady schedule of seasonal art exhibitions, so there is always something new to see.
Not your thing? Check out the Intel Museum. Filled with anything and everything you can imagine about nanotechnology and all things tech, this is an epic place to visit if you love gadgets. As you walk through the exhibits, you'll learn how Intel technology has evolved over time. It's pretty epic and totally worth watching.
Old Houses And Palm Trees On A Street In Downtown San Jose, California Editorial Stock Photo
Has the Intel Museum whetted your appetite for technology? Then head to Tech Interactive, proud of San Jose. Here, you'll be able to explore the various technological innovations and inventions that have transformed the world, and some are even available for hands-on experience.
Taking up an entire block, the Egyptian Rosicrucian Museum is quite an interesting place that takes you back to a time of seeds and pyramids. Within the complex is the iconic Rosicrucian Labyrinth, the Temple for the Rosicrucian Order, the Alchemy Exhibition and Garden and the Research Library, all of which are incredible to see.
Although, for me, the most impressive attraction of the whole complex is the Egyptian Rosicrucian Museum. It is said to have been built to resemble the Temple of Amun in Karnak, Egypt.
One of the largest collections of Ancient Egyptian artifacts on the West Coast, the Egyptian Rosicrucian Museum has tons of things to see; including mummies!
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Sitting on a former mining site, Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a historic site, park, and cultural destination all in one beautiful location.
Once a vibrant mining town, with over 135 years of mining history and home to a community of over 1,800 miners and their families. Even today, there are remains of pits and mining structures in the area. Although they are not open for research, of course for safety.
However, you can still view them as you wander the park's many hiking trails and bike paths. We love the Hacienda Trail and the Timber Road Trail, both of which are great for relaxing away from the roads.
Founded over 120 years ago by the first Japanese immigrants, this is one of the best things to do while wandering around San Jose.
Map Of San Jose, California
While you're here, be sure to visit the Japanese American Museum of San Jose and the San Jose Buddhist Church. Oh, and don't forget to visit the nearby Japanese Garden of Friendship, which is about a 10-minute drive away.
Then head to the San Pedro Square Market, home to a bevy of delightful vendors. They do everything from the most delicious sushi (Hyland House of Sushi), Nepalese momos (at Urban Momo) and tacos (at Loteria Tacos). It's very good.
Right in the heart of San Jose, Plaza de Cesar Chavez is really easy to visit after exploring the Museum of Art and Tech Interactive.
Now, it may be small, but it's loaded with history and is easily one of the best things to do in San Jose. In fact, it's one of the oldest public spaces in Northern California and steeped in history.
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Not only that, you have a bunch of spots located throughout the wider square area to explore. For example, head to Paper Plane for some epic cocktails (their delicious ginger ABG Milk Tea is delicious).
Oh, and for the tastiest and most popular pizza in all of San Jose, check out Kukar's House Of Pizza. They have been around since 1950 and are still going strong.
Finally, don't forget to take a tour inside St. Joseph's Basilica. The ceiling is so impressive and a place you cannot miss.
Dog protector. Food man. Chocolate and custard love. Sugar coat, paint or roll anything and I'm yours. FacebookTwitterInstagram Surrounded by hills, the city is a popular destination for both businessmen and tourists. Whether you're interested in its rich history or technology, it has something to offer everyone.
Top Things To Do In San Jose, California
If you're a wine lover, a tour of the Santa Clara Wine Trail might interest you. You will stop at wineries, learn about them and enjoy the wine. Your tour may also include lunch. If beer is more your style, you can visit local breweries. Strike Brewing Company offers tours and tastings.
Strike Brewing Co. is a microbrewery in the heart of San Jose's Silicon Valley. Photo by @strikebrewingco
If you're into history and mystery, you can visit the Winchester Mystery House. This supposedly haunted house was built
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