San Jose

Travel Guide

San Jose
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art showing interior views
San Jose
San Jose showing 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 kilometres) 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

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Downtown San Jose

3.5/5(5 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(8 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in South San Jose. If sightseeing is on the list, Almaden Plaza is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Blossom Hill Station (VTA) or Snell Station to see more of the area.

South San Jose
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Northside

When in Northside, you can plan a visit to SAP Center at San Jose and San Jose City Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northside
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

If you're spending some time in West San Jose, Winchester Mystery House and Santana Row Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

West San Jose
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Willow Glen

When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or Orchid Beauty & Spa and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
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North San Jose

3/5(6 area reviews)

While you're in North San Jose, take in top sights like Alum Rock Park or Samsung Semiconductor Inc, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
82 Karina Court, Airport, San Jose, CA
The price is €117 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€117
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (1,408 reviews)
"Wish to provide 2 free water bottles as a welcome gift. No free breakfast either."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 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
Fully refundable
The price is €128 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
€128
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (1,490 reviews)
Great stay
"Room wasn’t the cleanest and the pull out couch was broken, but staff was so kind and professional, offering switch us room.things gets overlooked, accidents happen but they had top notch excellent customer service. I will be booking with this hotel again."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Towneplace Suites By Marriott San Jose Downtown

Towneplace Suites By Marriott San Jose Downtown

2 out of 5
495 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA
The price is €131 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€131
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions SAP Center at San Jose and PayPal Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
"Staff was very kind. The pet fee is overpriced in my opinion. It’s a brand new building so everything is new and very well taken care of."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Towneplace Suites By Marriott San Jose Downtown
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.
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 in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Studios Inn
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 business center. Popular attractions SAP Center ...
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 26 Jul 2025

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
Spacious 4 Bd 4 Ba home close to all the best of San Jose

Spacious 4 Bd 4 Ba home close to all the best of San Jose

San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions SAP Center at San Jose and Santana Row Shopping Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
Nice house
"The house was perfect for a group of 6. Nice bedrooms with their own bathrooms. Living area was comfortable. Kitchen and dining area were very nice. Also the house was very clean. Did find used soap in the shower of the far bedroom which was yucky. The reason for the four stars was due to the parking ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Spacious 4 Bd 4 Ba home close to all the best of 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.

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