San Jose

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

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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 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 which includes a park

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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Willow Glen

When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or Ainsley House 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
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

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

West San Jose
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East San Jose

While you're in East San Jose, take in top sights like Raging Waters or San Jose Flea Market, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Alum Rock Station or McKee Station.

East San Jose
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 19 May to 20 May
€117
per night
19 May - 20 May
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 in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,459 reviews)
"Room was clean, breakfast good."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Airport
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Silicon Valley
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Silicon Valley
2.5 out of 5
1036 NORTH FOURTH STREET, San Jose, CA
The price is €148 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€148
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (269 reviews)
"Very clean, staff are friendly."

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Silicon Valley
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is €133 per night from 3 May to 4 May
€133
per night
3 May - 4 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"Very clean, comfortable and close to the airport but quiet! Perfect for an early morning flight!"

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2024

Sonesta Select 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.
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, onsite parking, and a patio. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. Popular attractions Levi's ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"I used to live in this neighborhood and it was so great being back. It is far enough out of downtown to not have too much noise but close enough to walk or grab the light rail to get to anything you need. Room was great and wish my trip had been longer to enjoy it more!"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (47 reviews)
"Exellent location and staff!"

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2023

Studios Inn
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 Levi's Stadium and ...
7/10 Good! (30 reviews)
"Great place, and everything was perfect."

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2024

Marbella Lane Triplex 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San Jose

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 31.25%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 37.5%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 18.75%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 12.5%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
19 Jan 2020

Santana Row was sophisticated and pleasant to walk around with many good restaurants.