We’ve lived in San Jose for over 4 years, and while it’s often overshadowed by nearby San Francisco, this city is full of unique attractions and hidden gems that are absolutely worth exploring. If you’re planning a trip here or thinking about spending a few days in San Jose, we recommend setting aside at least 2-3 days to check out its top spots or those that really catch your interest.
From historic landmarks and thought-provoking street art to family-friendly activities and thrill rides, here are the best 29 activities to discover the best of San Jose!
1. Explore the Hauntingly Unique Winchester Mystery House
Take a tour of the Winchester Mystery House, a one-of-a-kind Victorian mansion that Sarah Winchester spent 36 years building. Famous for its mysterious design, this house has 160 rooms, with 110 open to explore on the Mansion Tour.
As you walk through famous rooms like Sarah’s Bedroom, the Grand Ballroom, and the Twin Dining Rooms, you’ll see bizarre features like the “Stairs to Nowhere” and “Door to Nowhere” that make this place truly unforgettable. The mansion isn’t wheelchair accessible and has lots of stairs and long hallways, so be ready for a bit of a hike!
2. Shop in Style at Santana Row
For an outdoor shopping experience, head to Santana Row, San Jose’s upscale shopping and dining district. With over 70 shops, 20 restaurants, and 9 spas and salons, it’s packed with options for fashion, food, and relaxation. It’s our go-to spot to impress out-of-town friends and family, with plenty of outdoor activities and events year-round. We loved the Santana Row Snow Showers last year, bringing a touch of snow to San Jose!
Parking is simple. Self-parking is free for the first 2 hours, then just $2 per hour (capped at $10), or opt for valet at $12. For even more shopping, just across the street is Westfield Valley Fair Mall, Northern California’s largest mall. It’s where we go for all things mall shopping when family’s in town.
3. Step Back in Time at History San Jose
Visit History San José, a unique spot inside Kelley Park that brings the 1880s to life with replica buildings, historical landmarks, and interactive exhibits. Kelley Park is a large community park with gardens, a zoo, and History Park. History San José has paved streets, trolley rides, and an old-fashioned candy shop for an authentic look into Santa Clara Valley’s past.
Walk around 30+ original and recreated homes, businesses, and landmarks that show what life in the area used to be like. After 4+ years in San Jose, we were excited to finally visit this hidden gem. Make sure to visit the Chinese American Historical Museum and the Portuguese Historical Museum, which are open only on Saturdays, for its exhibits on local heritage.
It’s free to enter, though there’s a parking fee in the lot (and a small free area on Phelan Avenue if you’re lucky!). Take a photo of the map at the South Gate to make the most of your visit, and don’t miss the trolley rides on weekends, with the last one departing at 3:15 pm. Before you go, grab some old-fashioned candy at O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor to round out your day in the past!
4. Discover Art at San Jose Museum of Art
Explore inspiring exhibits at the San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA), a contemporary museum near Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Featuring a mix of post-1980 and early 20th-century art, SJMA is dedicated to inclusivity and forward-thinking ideas, with pieces that reflect Silicon Valley’s diversity and innovation. With over 2,700 works and exhibitions touching on themes like migration, identity, and even AI, we recommend SJMA if you love art.
General admission is $20/adult and $15 for seniors, with free entry for youth 17 and under, plus college students and teachers with ID. On First Fridays (6 pm onwards), enjoy free admission with a lounge-like vibe, music, drinks, and open galleries.
For more art, visit Institute of Contemporary Art San Jose and MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana), both free to explore and just a short distance away.
Pro-Tip: if you’re in the Bay Area, use the Discovery and Go program for free admission to SJMA!
5. Get Hands On at The Tech Interactive
Dive into the world of science and innovation at The Tech Interactive, San Jose’s premier science and technology center. Perfect for families and curious minds of all ages, this spacious facility offers 100+ hands-on exhibits, experimental labs, and design challenges that make learning fun and interactive.
Whether you’re coding, building, or exploring, The Tech Interactive brings out your inner innovator. Admission varies from $28 to $34, depending on age.
One highlight is the IMAX Dome Theater with a 280-seat setup and the world’s first laser projector for dome theaters. It’s an unforgettable way to experience nature documentaries or science films in full immersion.
I saw a film about Antarctica and penguins in IMAX and OMG it felt surreal – just like I was there in the continent. Sitting there, it felt just like I was on the icy continent, right alongside the penguins. The experience was so immersive, it’s something you have to see to believe!
6. Experience Thrills at California’s Great America
California’s Great America is known for its family-friendly theme park rides, water slides, rollercoasters with live shows and great food options. With 40+ rides, you can easily spend 1-2 days here. We recommend the Gold Striker, one of the world’s top wooden roller coasters!
We visited during WinterFest before, and it was like stepping into a holiday wonderland. Everything was lit up and beautifully decorated. It’s one of the best spots to get into the holiday spirit! Tickets start around $20, depending on the season and age, so it’s a fun spot for the whole family.
7. Go Hiking Around San Jose
If you love hiking, San Francisco isn’t the only place with great trails! San Jose offers some incredible hiking spots that each have a little something unique. Here are a few favorites:
Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a historic park that was once a mining site and it’s perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. The trails here take you through wildflower-covered landscapes, and if you’re lucky, you might spot local wildlife like tarantulas, rattlesnakes, vultures, or deer early in the morning or near sunset. Be sure to stop by the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum to explore exhibits with 19th-century photos and a mine shaft diorama.
Founded in 1872, Alum Rock Park is one of California’s oldest parks, located in the scenic foothills of the Diablo Range. This wildlife sanctuary has plenty of trails and picnic areas, but keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed. You’ll find picnic tables, BBQ pits, restrooms, and a playground in the mid-canyon area.
Almaden Lake Park has a 32-acre lake for fishing and trails for walking or biking. There’s also bocce courts, basketball, horseshoes, volleyball, and 2 playgrounds. Parking is $6 per day, and during the season, there’s a concession stand for snacks.
8. Unearth Ancient History at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Step back thousands of years at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America. Located in Rosicrucian Park, the museum isn’t just packed with treasures like jewelry, bronze tools, and displays on ancient burial practices—it’s also the only museum in the world with buildings designed in authentic Ancient Egyptian style, set within an Egyptian Revival-styled park. It’s $10 per person.
9. Climb for Views on Top of the Grand Staircase
For one of the best viewpoints in San Jose, head to The Grand Staircase on Communications Hill. This steep climb rewards you with panoramic views of the city and the Santa Cruz mountains in the background. Inspired by San Francisco’s famous Telegraph Hill steps, the Grand Staircase has 252 steps and a trail connecting 2 staircases for a great outdoor workout with a view!
Though the stairs are open to the public, they technically close at night, so if you visit later, please keep noise to a minimum and pack out any trash. For easier parking, head to the top entrance at Casselino Drive and Lina Street.
10. Gaze at the Stars from Lick Observatory
Take a scenic (and a bit scary!) drive up Mount Hamilton to reach the Lick Observatory, a historic astronomy center sitting over 4,200 feet above the Santa Clara Valley. The road up is twisty, with tight hairpin turns that will test your driving skills, but the incredible views and chance to see powerful telescopes make it worth the trip.
Lick Observatory, the world’s first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory, was built in the late 1800s in Classical Revival style. Once you’re there, check out the free talks in the dome of the 36-inch Great Refractor telescope.
11. Take your Kids to the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a dream come true for all curious kids! With 150+ hands-on exhibits, this museum encourages open-ended, play-based learning across topics like science, art, nature, and health. It’s perfect for kids of all ages and has 2 floors, plus an outdoor play area to keep little ones engaged and active.
On the first floor, kids can splash around in the water works, pretend to be firefighters on a full-size fire truck, build with foam blocks, and explore the mammoth era. Upstairs, there’s a space-themed area, an art section, and a safe toddler room where kids aged 4 and under can play freely. There’s even a special crawl space for the tiniest visitors!
Tickets are $18 for adults and kids, $16 for seniors, and free for infants under 1. For families with kids, you can’t miss this attraction.
12. Meet Animals at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
With 60 animal species and family-friendly rides, head to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, a fun spot with a little bit of everything—animals, rides, puppet shows, and even a big playground. Admission is $18 for ages 2+ to adult, which includes access to the zoo, roller coaster, fair rides, puppet theater, and plenty of open picnic spots. You can bring your own food or grab a bite from the on-site cafe. Even better, lines for rides are usually short!
13. Select from a Variety from San Pedro Square Market
San Pedro Square Market is the go-to spot for anyone craving diverse flavors and a lively vibe. With live music and 2 buildings packed with food stalls, it’s perfect for sampling various cuisines from around the world including Indian, Mexican, Latin American, Asian, American comfort food, European, healthy & vegan options, fusion and more.
14. Walk Around Japanese Friendship Garden
Walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden, a peaceful 5.5-acre oasis in Kelley Park. Built in 1965 to honor San Jose’s sister city, Okayama, Japan, this garden features koi ponds, red bridges, and waterfalls, mirroring the famous Korakuen Garden in Japan. I’ve visited twice – once in May and once in October. The larger pond was dried up in October, but there’s a smaller pond where you can still spot koi fish.
Entry is free, though nearby parking costs $6. For free parking, use the lot at History San Jose on Phelan Avenue, where you can explore both the garden and History San Jose.
15. Relax at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Unwind at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, a lively open space in downtown San Jose that hosts concerts, events, and a splash pad fountain that’s perfect for kids in the summer. Its central location gives you a view of nearby attractions like The Tech Interactive and the San Jose Museum of Art. While some areas of the park may have homeless people, they typically won’t disturb you.
16. Look for Bargains at the San Jose Flea Market
The San Jose Flea Market has hundreds of vendors, food stalls, and kid-friendly rides like a carousel and mini Ferris wheel. Wander through lively aisles lined with unique finds, snack on tasty treats like tacos, BBQ, and churros, and enjoy live music as you shop. Visit on Friday nights for the Berryessa Night Market (April – October), featuring local eats and entertainment. And don’t miss the new Garden at the Flea, a community event space and beer garden for some laid-back fun!
17. Admire Architecture at Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
Step inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, a peaceful oasis in downtown San Jose. As California’s first non-mission parish, this basilica features mesmerizing stained glass windows, intricate decor, and a majestic pipe organ. It’s a beautiful place for reflection and to admire historic craftsmanship. Entry is free, though a small donation is appreciated to help maintain this spiritual sanctuary. Whether you’re here for quiet reflection or to soak in the stunning architecture, this basilica is a must-visit.
18. Spot San Jose’s Street Art
Walk through the city to spot street art that transforms alleyways and walls into bold, colorful displays of creativity. These murals tell the story of San Jose’s diverse culture, history, and community spirit through abstract designs, local stories, and powerful social messages. Check out the San Jose Mural Map to explore 23 unique murals, including a collaborative piece made up of 100 individual squares designed by 100 local artists, celebrating the city’s diversity.
19. Explore Tech History at the Computer History Museum
You can leave Silicon Valley without learning more about tech and its history at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. The museum offers an in-depth look at the evolution of computers and the growth of the Internet.
From historic IBM machines to interactive exhibits, it lets you step back in time and explore the origins of technology. It’s a fascinating place if you’re interested in computers, with puzzles and hands-on activities that make learning about coding basics fun. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here to fully take in the displays and appreciate how tech has shaped our world.
20. Dance through the Sonic Runway
Located in front of San Jose City Hall, the Sonic Runway is a mesmerizing light-art installation that brings the speed of sound to life through lights and music. Free and open to the public, it’s active nightly from 5pm to midnight and will be around until 2028. This hidden gem is fun for all ages. We had fun walking through the tunnel of lights!
21. Play Life-Sized Monopoly in the Park
Play Monopoly on a giant, 930-square-foot granite board at Monopoly in the Park. It’s the only officially licensed life-sized Monopoly board in the world, featuring massive game tokens, scale replicas of houses and hotels, and even oversized dice! Perfect for team-building events, family reunions, or just a fun activity with others, don’t forget this Guinness World Record attraction in San Jose.
22. Watch a Show at California Theatre
Enjoy a performance at the California Theatre, a beautifully restored 1927 theater that’s now one of San Jose’s premier performing arts venues. With elegant, tri-level seating and excellent views from every seat, it’s a top spot for Opera San Jose, Symphony Silicon Valley, and more. Known for its intimate, world-class ambiance, the California Theatre combines the grandeur of its movie palace past with modern upgrades.
23. See Unique Art at San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
Here’s another hidden gem that I didn’t know was in San Jose until a few months ago while looking at the map! The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the beauty and cultural significance of quilts and textiles. You’ll enjoy this museum if you’re interested in art, sewing, or crafts, with exhibits showcasing intricate designs and the stories behind them.
Spend 1-2 hours exploring this unique space. If you’re a Bay Area resident, enjoy free admission anytime through the Discovery and Go program. Open Thursday through Sunday, with free admission for everyone on First Fridays from 6 pm to 9 pm.
24. Cheer for a Game
Attend a game played by a San Jose or San Francisco team! For ice hockey, catch the San Jose Sharks (NHL) at the SAP Center. If soccer’s more your thing, you can watch the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at PayPal Park. And if you’re a football fan, head to nearby Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara to see the San Francisco 49ers (NFL).
25. Solve Puzzles at an Escape Room
If you’re a fan of solving puzzles with your family or friends, try out an escape room experience in San Jose, where you solve puzzles and uncover clues to “escape” within a set time. We visited The Escape Room San Jose and played the ‘Special Ops: Mysterious Market’ game with my family. It was hands down our favorite activity and the highlight of their trip.
26. Experience Holiday Magic at Enchant Christmas
Step into a winter wonderland at Enchant Christmas, an award-winning holiday light maze that brings the magic of the season to life. Held at PayPal Park, this enchanting experience features larger-than-life light sculptures, an 80,000-square-foot maze, and an ice skating trail and seasonal food and drink options. We went last year with friends, and it was truly a magical experience even as adults in our 30s. And if you’re flying into San Jose during the event, keep an eye out—you can spot the glowing park from above!
27. Celebrate the Season at Christmas in the Park
For a festive experience, visit Christmas in the Park in San Jose. This beloved tradition, held for 44+ years at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, transforms 2 acres into a holiday wonderland with more than 40 musical and animated displays, a 50-foot Community Giving Tree, and an enchanted forest of trees decorated by local schools and groups. It’s a free, community-focused event filled with lights, music, and holiday magic.
If you’re looking for something unique, try the Drive-Thru Light Show, an immersive experience featuring light tunnels, festive displays, and giant candy canes synced to holiday tunes. While the walk-through park event is free, the drive-thru show adds a new level of fun and serves as a fundraiser to keep this cherished holiday event going. We’ve enjoyed both, but I liked the drive-thru more.
28. Smell the Roses at Rose Garden
One of the best free things to do in San Jose is to visit the Municipal Rose Garden. Once you walk in, you can see and smell the roses with 3,500+ rose bushes and 180 different varieties. It’s free to visit and it’s open every day from 8 am to half an hour after sunset. Named “America’s Best Rose Garden,” it’s a beautiful 5.5-acre space with green lawns, picnic tables, and a fountain and it’s perfect for photoshoots. The roses bloom from April to November, and early May is when they’re at their best.
29. Spend a Few Hours In Japantown
San Jose’s Japantown is one of only three historic Japantowns left in the U.S., and it’s just a few blocks north of City Hall. This lively area is packed with authentic Japanese and Hawaiian eateries, unique shops, art galleries, and karaoke bars.
You can explore the Japanese American Museum to learn about immigration and WWII history, or visit the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin for a moment of inner peace. With its regular events, markets, and festivals, Japantown is a great spot to dive into San Jose’s cultural history.
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