San Jose downtown with palm trees on a sunny day, California

Things to do in  San Jose

The heart of Silicon Valley

The heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is all about innovation, California-style. Beyond the world of microchips, you'll find a vibrant city with quirky things to do, like exploring the Winchester Mystery House, wandering through the flower-filled Municipal Rose Garden, or fanning your curiosity at The Tech Interactive. Upscale attractions abound, too, like the shops on Santana Row—after all, California’s tech economy flows right through San Jose. See it for yourself, and you’ll see the California dream in action.

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Top 3 attractions in San Jose

#1

Computer History Museum

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Located in Mountain View, the Computer History Museum chronicles the history of computing and technology. Visit to see a range of exhibits, demonstrations and interactive activities—including the world’s largest collection of computer-related artifacts—for an educational and family-friendly day out.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

California's Great America

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From roller coasters to a relaxing lazy river, California’s Great America combines amusement park thrills with refreshing water rides for the perfect family day out. The park appeals to both adrenaline seekers to toddlers, and offers a daily programme of live entertainment.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

The Tech Interactive

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The Tech Interactive in San Jose, California, encourages kids and adults alike to find their inner innovator. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this STEAM museum redefines the traditional museum experience by prioritizing touching and participating over reading and looking. Families will want to return again and again.More
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Explore San Jose by interest

Top activities in San Jose

Monterey 1-Day Tour

Monterey 1-Day Tour

From
$199.00
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose

Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose

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47
From
$289.00
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area

Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area

From
$119.00
Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose

Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose

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35
From
$398.00
San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour

San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour

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4
From
$55.00
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: San Jose The Heart of Silicon Valley

Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: San Jose The Heart of Silicon Valley

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5
From
$12.31
Outdoor Rock Climbing - Level 2

Outdoor Rock Climbing - Level 2

From
$119.00
San José to Norman Y. Mineta San José Airport (SJC) - Departure Private Transfer

San José to Norman Y. Mineta San José Airport (SJC) - Departure Private Transfer

From
$133.70
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in San Jose by Crazy Dash

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in San Jose by Crazy Dash

From
$10.00
San Jose City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest

San Jose City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest

From
$10.00
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Santa Clara by Zombie Scavengers

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Santa Clara by Zombie Scavengers

From
$20.00
per group
Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in San Jose by Wacky Walks

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in San Jose by Wacky Walks

From
$10.00
San José Airport (SJC) to San Francisco - Arrival Private Transfer

San José Airport (SJC) to San Francisco - Arrival Private Transfer

From
$288.28
Norman Y. Mineta San José Airport (SJC) to San José - Arrival Private Transfer

Norman Y. Mineta San José Airport (SJC) to San José - Arrival Private Transfer

From
$133.70
Vacation Photographer in San José

Vacation Photographer in San José

From
$261.13
per group
San Francisco Airport to or from San Jose

San Francisco Airport to or from San Jose

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1
From
$175.00
per group
San Jose Unveiled: A Private Walking Tour

San Jose Unveiled: A Private Walking Tour

From
$284.11
Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in San Jose, California

Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in San Jose, California

From
$261.13
per group
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in San Jose by Zombie Scavengers

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in San Jose by Zombie Scavengers

From
$20.00
per group
Vacation Photographer in Salinas

Vacation Photographer in Salinas

From
$261.13
per group
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All about San Jose

When to visit

San Jose quite literally shines year-round, but for the most ideal weather, target the “dry” season (aka May to September), when the calendar is full of warm, sunny days perfect for exploring. June through August are the peak tourist months; if you crave cooler weather and smaller crowds, consider spring or fall, though winters are also mild (if a bit wet).

Getting around

For the United States, San Jose has pretty decent public transportation. The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) offers light rail and buses around town, and Caltrain whisks riders to San Francisco or points south. Of course, taxis, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, and even pedicabs are available, too. In other words, do what you can to avoid having to navigate that Bay Area traffic yourself.

Traveler tips

When it comes to the San Jose food scene, this city’s dining tables aren’t just for the affluent traveler. Those on a budget can easily experience some of Silicon Valley’s best dishes; dining at food trucks showcases the city’s global flavor, while flea markets and food halls always keep things fresh and local. In neighborhoods like Japantown, Japanese, Japanese-American, and Hawaiian diners serve up some of the city’s tastiest fare.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PST (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
3
Tours
99
Reviews
220
EN
b75eda95-6050-45c7-a96d-556044a637ec
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What are the top attractions to visit in San Jose?

The top attractions to visit in San Jose include the bizarre Winchester Mystery House, a mansion famed for its eccentric architecture and intriguing history; The Tech Interactive, where interactive exhibits pique the curiosity of children and adults alike; and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in western North America.

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Are there any free things to do in San Jose?

San Jose offers plenty of free activities to fill an itinerary. The Municipal Rose Garden is a beautiful spot for a stroll, while First Fridays downtown turn the ‘hood into a public art fest. For a different kind of scene, try the area’s nature trails, like the Guadalupe River Trail.

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What are the best shopping spots in San Jose?

The best shopping spots in San Jose depend on your budget. Santana Row, a European-style, upscale district, is known for its high-end retailers and boutiques. Westfield Valley Fair offers a pretty typical mall experience, and for more local vibes, try the San Jose Flea Market or the San Pedro Square Market.

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What are some day trips from San Jose?

San Jose is surrounded by day-trip destinations. Santa Cruz, about a 45-minute drive away, claims the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, about 1.5 hours away, are known for their seaside views. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, an hour’s drive, is California’s oldest state park, while San Francisco is about an hour north.

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Is San Jose walkable?

San Jose’s walkability varies by neighborhood. Downtown is particularly walkable, and areas like Santana Row and Willow Glen also offer pleasant, pedestrian-friendly environments with their array of shops and eateries. In general, however, San Jose is a sprawling city, and you’ll need some type of transportation to navigate between neighborhoods and attractions.

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What are the best family-friendly attractions in San Jose?

The best family-friendly attractions in San Jose include the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, and California’s Great America, a large amusement park (and waterpark) with rides and attractions for all ages. Catching a San Jose Giants Minor League Baseball game is a budget-friendly experience, too.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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What are the top things to do in San Jose?
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