15 Things To Do In San Jose in 2023

What’s special about this place?

Originally a small adobe church serving the settler, the Cathedral Basilica of St. José ph is now a large Roman Catholic church in downtown San José . Located a one-minute walk from the San José  Museum of Art, it sits on the former basilicas that suffered damage from earthquakes and fire in the 19th century.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re an architecture geek, visiting the Cathedral Basilica of St. José ph is a must. The domes paired with the stained-glass windows impress even those who don’t have an eye for design. You can also come here to pray and sit in peace while appreciating the cathedral for its looks.

What to do here?

Join the daily Mass offered both in English and Spanish on the weekends or book a tour to view the cathedral on your own time. Access the cathedral’s official website to make a formal reservation for the tour. Although the entrance is free, it’s recommended that you make a $2 donation when on a tour.

Best Time to Visit

The cathedral is open to the public every day of the week. It’s at its busiest on Sundays between 9 AM and 12 PM and the least crowded on Mondays and Tuesdays. For a Spanish Mass, come at 10 AM, 1 PM, or 5:30 PM on a Sunday.

Learn more about the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joséph here!

What’s special about this place?

Founded in 1927, Municipal Rose Garden is exclusively dedicated to roses featuring over 3,500 shrubs that represent 189 rose varieties. It’s a popular venue for weddings and other grand events like graduation ceremonies due to the popularity of the place.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Flowers, and in particular roses lovers, are welcome to take a stroll through the Municipal Rose Garden when in San José . If it’s a sunny day, you’ll want to spend an hour or two exploring the many types of roses cultivated here.

What to do here?

Expect to see floribundas, grandifloras, miniature roses, polyanthas, and climbers in the garden. There’s a detailed map of plantings listing hundreds of varieties of roses with names ranging from ‘Ole’ to ‘Voo Doo’, ‘Bon Bon’, and ‘San José  Sunshine’ you can consult to learn more about roses.

Best Time to Visit

Visitors will get the best views of the blooms from April till November. The best time to visit the Municipal Rose Garden is in early May when the acres of fragrant roses are at their most beautiful stage. The garden is open to guests every day from 8 AM till 7 PM.

Learn more about the Municipal Rose Garden here!

What’s special about this place?

When the gun magnate William Winchester died in 1881, his hefty fortune left for his widow was turned into this building. Built in Queen Anne and Late Victorian styles, Winchester Mystery House is a tile-clad muddle of chimneys, gables, conical finials, and towers without any logical design plan. It’s for this sense of disorder that the building has a reputation of being haunted by ghosts.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you love solving mysteries, you can easily get spooked at the Winchester Mystery House. There are over 160 rooms and as many as 40 bedrooms to help you put the puzzles together. Horror movie lovers and even those who like investigating old buildings with a rich history will enjoy spending an hour here too.

What to do here?

Book a tour — there are the Grand Estate Tour, the Mansion Tour, and the Behind the Scenes Tour available — and be prepared to get scared at this mystery house. The tour lasts around an hour which gives you plenty of time to get an up-close look at the house on your own before or after the tour.

Best Time to Visit

Open every day from 10 AM till 5 PM (until 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday), the Winchester Mystery House hosts a number of tours for guests to choose from. Regardless of which one you choose, keep in mind that Fridays and Saturdays are the most crowded days at the house.

Learn more about the Winchester Mystery House here!

What’s special about this place?

This interactive science and technology center offers hands-on activities including labs, design challenges, and other STEM education resources. San José  is known for being tech heaven, which is why a place like The Tech Interactive is the go-to destination with gadgets, robots, virtual reality, and gizmos available for use.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

This place is a magnet for curious kids who want to learn more about scientific concepts like biotechnology, space exploration, clean energy, genetics engineering, and the like. Adults can learn a thing or two here too; the many exhibits at the museum can teach everyone something new.

What to do here?

Compose your own digital robot. Learn all about the latest technological advances at the BioDesign Studio. Find out more about internet safety at Cyber Detectives. Visit the IMAX theatre to watch an educational movie and share the findings with your friends and family.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open to the public every day from 10 AM till 3 PM (with a few exceptions). It gets particularly busy on the weekends between 12 PM and 3 PM when the local kids are out of school with the rest of the week being relatively free from crowds.

Learn more about The Tech Interactive here!

What’s special about this place?

San Pedro Square Market is an informal, loftlike place in downtown San José  with eating and drinking spots. The selection of restaurants is great, and so is the range of fresh produce and handmade goods sold at the market. Thursdays and Sundays are the days for live music, trivia, and karaoke.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

This hot spot has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a Latin American dish to have for lunch or a sports game to watch on a Sunday evening, San Pedro Square Market has you covered. Even children might enjoy it here too — there are fun events organized for them too.

What to do here?

Bring your group of friends and try a variety of foods including tacos, falafel, pizza, pho, pasta, and burgers along with creative cocktails, craft beer, and artisanal coffee. You might get lucky to catch a live concert or partake in a trivia, karaoke session, or a film-watching event.

Best Time to Visit

San Pedro Square Market operates Sunday through Wednesday from 11 AM till 10 PM and Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM till 12 AM. Keep in mind that the individual vendor hours and entertainment schedule may vary. The weekends are the busiest days at the market.

Learn more about San Pedro Square Market here!

What’s special about this place?

Referred to as Great America, this 112-acre amusement park is a Cedar Fair entertainment branch located just a 15-minute drive from downtown San José  in Santa Clara. It’s no Disneyland but it’s home to over 60 rides, roller coasters, and a South Bay Shores waterpark aimed at entertaining all day long.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Kids, adults, and everyone in between will enjoy spending a day at California’s Great America. You shouldn’t miss out on it if you’re in San José  and are looking for a thrilling adventure. Those who want to chill are welcome here too — there are cabanas and a wave pool to unwind.

What to do here?

Go on a wooden Gold Striker rollercoaster that reaches over 50 mph on a 31.5-meter first drop shooting you into a 50-meters long tunnel. Try out the steel coaster Flight Deck with zero-gravity barrel rolls and Demon featuring four inversions. Visit the Peanuts-themed Planet Snoopy if you’re here with kids — they’ll love the carousels, spinners, and dodgems.

Best Time to Visit

Check with California’s Great America’s official website to see when the park is open. Their schedule varies from season to season, so keep this in mind when planning a visit here. There’s a good chance that it’ll be busy on the weekends, especially if you come in the summer months.

Learn more about California’s Great America here!

What’s special about this place?

Partly funded by the Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San José  has 150 interactive exhibits to explore. Ever since it opened its doors in 1990, the museum has been able to provide interactive educational entertainment to 6 million visitors.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

The museum offers hands-on experience for kids and exciting displays for adults too. Located in downtown San José , the Children’s Discovery Museum houses exhibits that help kids understand the world around them through a variety of experiences, interactions, and inquiries.

What to do here?

Dig for mammoth fossils, solve engineering problems, and make gigantic bubbles. Check out everyone’s favorite exhibit called WaterWays, the large collection of water-filled tubes with colorful bubbles traveling through them. There’s also a food court to fuel up, although you’re allowed to bring your one food if you want to.

Best Time to Visit

Open every day from 9:30 AM till 12:30 PM and from 1:30 PM till 4:30 PM (from 8:30 AM on Mondays) except for Tuesdays when it’s closed. It’s best to visit during the workweek since Mornings and afternoons on Saturdays and Sundays tend to be the busiest days of the week.

Learn more about the Children’s Discovery Museum of San José here!

What’s special about this place?

SP2 Communal Bar+Restaurant is a New American restaurant with elevated American eats and craft cocktails set in the rustic-chic dining room and patio. Although the cuisine is the bistro, the chefs Ben Robin and Jacob Farleigh are able to transform the simple dishes into a real treat.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re looking for a low-key place that serves good food and drinks, SP2 is the spot for you. From the pleasant ambiance to live music, there’s nothing quite like this restaurant to help you relax while sipping on your favorite alcoholic drink.

What to do here?

Get a mushroom frittata and a freshly squeezed lemonade from the brunch menu. If you’re here for dinner, order shrimp ceviche for an appetizer, ora king salmon for an entree, and a blood orange margarita to wash it all down. There isn’t a kid-friendly menu.

Best Time to Visit

SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant is open every day of the week except for Mondays and Tuesdays. The happy hour takes place Wednesday through Saturday from 4 PM till 6 PM. You can also get takeout if you don’t feel like sitting down at the restaurant Wednesday through Saturday from 3 PM till 8:30 PM.

Learn more about the SP2 here!

What’s special about this place?

Located in the Rose Garden neighborhood of San José , the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is devoted to ancient Egypt with over 4,000 artifacts. A nice bonus is the detailed descriptions of exhibits and timelines attached to the displays for an easier learning process.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re an ancient history geek, coming here should be a priority. You might just want to learn more about Egypt, in which case the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a great place to visit too. You can also bribe your kids with the on-site planetarium that they’ll likely enjoy.

What to do here?

There are plenty of exhibits to check out at the museum. From the tomb tour to the alchemy exhibit and beyond, you’ll have an opportunity to pick and choose what to spend your time on. Kids are welcome to sign up for the Junior Archaeologist Program consisting of 6 workshops and a graduation ceremony at the end.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is currently open from 10 AM till 5 PM on Fridays and from 11 AM till 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Fridays and Sundays are the least crowded days which means that you’d be better off avoiding Sundays if you want to bring your children here.

Learn more about the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum here!

What’s special about this place?

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a small 16-acre zoo and amusement park which opened in 1961. It has animal enclosures, a puppet theater, rides, and even a fully-equipped animal hospital. The zoo mainly keeps small animals because the space is limited.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

All ages are welcome here. Small kids will like the puppet show and the wide range of attractions and amusement rides. Adults will also not get bored here — there’s a big number of animals they’ll see here for the first time in their lives.

What to do here?

Check out the guinea pigs, meerkats, lemurs, capybaras, turtles, and owls among other animals. The park is home to an education department with hands-on interactive exhibits that help visitors learn about animals. Don’t forget to stop by the park’s picnic basket restaurant offering sandwiches, entrees, salads, desserts, and drinks.

Best Time to Visit

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM till 4 PM, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo gets busy on Saturdays. It’s much less crowded the rest of the week, so keep this in mind when visiting the zoo with small kids.

Learn more about Happy Hollow Park & Zoo here!

What’s special about this place?

This chic commercial district located in West San José  is filled with eateries, designer shops, and other entertainment venues. The mix of fountains, palms, oaks, musicians, restaurant terraces, and pedestrian-friendly makes it feel like an organic neighborhood that isn’t reminiscent of the ‘village in the city’ that it was before the 21st century.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Shopaholics are welcome to splurge in their favorite stores like Kate Spade, Gucci, and Ted Baker among others. There are also cheaper alternatives like H&M and Sephora if you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe on a budget and buy a lipstick or two on sale. Foodies will enjoy spending some time here too thanks to the many cafes and restaurants situated in this district.

What to do here?

Get yourself a pair of Gucci tennis shoes or a bag from Kate Spade. Once you’re done shopping, have lunch (or dinner, if you were shopping all day long) at one of the restaurants here and watch people passing by. You can also watch a movie at the six-screen CineArts Santana Row that plays foreign films, arthouse, and documentaries.

Best Time to Visit

The restaurants and the shops open at 10 AM and close at 9 PM which gives you plenty of time to explore the neighborhood. Some cater to late-night crowds too, so keep an eye out for those if you plan on staying here until late.

Learn more about Santana Row here!

What’s special about this place?

Spread over 156 acres, Kelley Park is home to the Japanese Friendship Garden, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, San José  History Park, Portuguese Historical Museum, and Viet Museum. You can freely spend a day here exploring each one of them in detail.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Bring your furry friends and learn more about the many parks located here. The amusement park attractions at the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo target young children and toddlers, while the Japanese Friendship Garden is a peaceful retreat where people of all ages can enjoy cherry blossoms and a traditional tea house.

What to do here?

Visit the History Park with replica buildings of old San José , including the post office, firehouse, migrant cabins, the Hellenic Heritage Museum, and other historical buildings. Check out the pagoda at the Japanese Friendship Garden and the zoo at the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.

Best Time to Visit

Open every day from 8 AM till 7 PM (except for Saturdays when it’s open until 8 PM), Kelley Park tends to get busy on Saturdays in the afternoons. The rest of the week it isn’t as crowded, which is great for having a picnic with your friends and family without too many people around.

Learn more about Kelley Park here!

What’s special about this place?

The San José  Flea Market comprises vendors, food stalls, crafts, a carousel, and even a mini Ferris wheel. It’s been a local hotspot for the past 59 years, with locals and tourists attending it every year.  The choice of vendors here is mind-boggling, which means that you’re likely to find whatever you’re looking for.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Children will quickly get bored and agitated at the San José  Flea Market because of the somewhat chaotic atmosphere. If you’re traveling without them, you’ll have an easier time hopping from one food stall to the other and finding all the antique pieces you came here for.

What to do here?

The entire family can have fun here; there are Mexican and BBQ food spots, clothing and electronic stands, as well as vendors selling handmade stuff to choose from. Have a soft drink and get an adrenaline pump at the Ferris wheel if you’re afraid of heights. If you’re here during the weekend, you might even be able to attend the free live concert.

Best Time to Visit

You can stop by the San José  Flea Market on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays when in the city. It’s open from 8 AM till 5 PM, with Saturday and Sunday being the busiest days. Parking is free on Wednesdays.

Learn more about the San José Flea Market here!

What’s special about this place?

Located in Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks, Raging Waters is the largest park in Northern California, offering 23 acres of family fun. There are over a million gallons of San José  rides, water slides, and other attractions. Some of the top-rated attractions include the Endless River and the 350,000-gallon Wave Pool.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Children of all ages will have a blast at the Raging Waters San José  Waterpark. There are adult-friendly rides, too, if you want to release your inner child too. If not, there are events to attend and gift shops to purchase a couple of trinkets from.

What to do here?

Step into an enclosed capsule high in the sky and plummet through the inverted looping flume for over 200 feet at the Bombs Away slide. Try out Pirate’s Cove, Dragon’s Den, and the all-time favorite serpentine slide. Little Dipper and Wacky Water Works are the kids’ go-to’s.

Best Time to Visit

Raging Waters San José  Waterpark opens in May and stops operating in September. You can visit it from 10 AM till 5 PM, which gives you plenty of time to try out every slide and ride. Keep in mind that just like with every other amusement and waterpark.

Learn more about the Raging Waters San José Waterpark here!

What’s special about this place?

Starting at the Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is a 9.7-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail running through Campbell and Meridian Avenue in San José . The path is paved for easy hiking either by bike or by foot.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll enjoy the views constantly changing all throughout your hike. You don’t need to be a professional athlete or biker to complete the trail — it’s relatively easy, no matter the level of physical preparation. You can make a fun family adventure out of it.

What to do here?

Take in the views of the mountains as you pedal through the Los Gatos Creek Trail and enjoy the warm breeze if you bike in the summer. You’ll travel south from downtown San José  and pass through the city of Campbell before reaching the town of Los Gatos. If biking with children, make a pit stop at the Vasona Lake County Park.

Best Time to Visit

Los Gatos Creek County Park is open to the public year-round from 8 AM until sunset. The vehicle entrance fees are collected all year long. If you’re planning on making a picnic reservation, you’ll also have to pay a fee.

Learn more about the Los Gatos Creek Trail here!

What’s special about this place?

Formerly known as Avaya Stadium and Earthquakes Stadium, PayPal Park is home to the Major League Soccer’s San José  Earthquakes. Featuring a canopy roof and steep-raked seating aimed at providing the best views, the stadium has the capacity of as many as 18,000 people.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

If you’re a fan of soccer, coming to watch a game at PayPal Park is a must. You’ll get to see your favorite teams compete against each other and make bets on the one you want to win. Or, if you’ve always wanted to see San José  Earthquakes in action, this is the stadium you have to buy the tickets at.

What to do here?

The Earthquakes typically play 17 regular season games, excluding playoffs, exhibitions, and the U.S. Open Cup fixtures. Check with the schedule and purchase tickets beforehand to guarantee your spot. If you have a teen interested in soccer, bring him with you.

Best Time to Visit

San José  Earthquakes play at the PayPal Park from March to October. This is also the busiest season, so expect crowds of fans and sold-out tickets if you’re not quick enough. You can also book a tour to learn more about the stadium and the teams that play here; you’ll avoid the crowds due to the limited tour group capacity.

Learn more about PayPal Park here!

What’s special about this place?

Located in downtown San José , this 8-story public library and university library was opened in 2003. It has since acquired 475,000-square feet of collections, meeting rooms, collaborative workspaces, exhibit areas, and unique resources dedicated to the community’s lifelong learning.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Even if you’re not looking for resources for your academic research, you can still enjoy spending a few hours exploring the library. There’s immersive art on each floor for those into art and even a tech space where you can use a computer to send that email you forgot to send before going on this trip.

What to do here?

Investigate the Jennifer and Philip DiNapoli exhibit gallery with thought-provoking objects on display. Check out Mel Chin’s art consisting of 34 artworks spread throughout the library that is designed to pay homage to the Library’s book collections. You can also reserve space for an event and attend a study room with a librarian available for every subject taught at San José  State University.

Best Time to Visit

With people typically spending around 2 hours here, you’ll likely want to spend quite a bit of time exploring every corner of the library. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the weekend. It gets busy during the workweek when the wave of students and professors comes to the library for hours at a time.

Learn more about the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library here!

What’s special about this place?

Alum Rock Park is California’s oldest municipal park featuring 13 miles of biking and walking trails of varying difficulty levels. The 720 acres of vegetation and the scenic views of Silicon Valley make it an appealing destination to spend an afternoon at for tourists and locals alike.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Nature enthusiasts are welcome to hike and bike through the park when visiting San José  on the weekend. The number of outdoor leisure activities at the Alum Rock Park is seemingly infinite, too — engage in horseback riding if this is your hobby of choice, or stick with following a hiking trail that will offer you some of the city’s best views.

What to do here?

Pick a sunny day and have a picnic at the Alum Rock Park. There are barbecue pits, picnic tables, water, and restrooms available in most picnic areas. Bring a book with you and immerse yourself in the world of fiction. If you want to take a step further, put on your hiking shoes and go on a hike. You can also take a bike and follow the three miles of bicycle trails.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open to the public Monday through Sunday from 8 AM until half an hour after the sunset. There’s a good chance that you’ll have to share the picnic space with others if you visit in the afternoon on either Saturday or Sunday. The best time to visit would be the workdays.

Learn more about Alum Rock Park here!

What’s special about this place?

Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill is an upscale eatery spotlighting Japanese and Korean flavors, including creative handcrafted cocktails. The ambiance here is comfortable and elegant, allowing you to have the proper Asian cuisine experience without compromising the taste or the atmosphere.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

Are you an avid fan of Asian cuisine? Or are you interested in discovering a new taste palette that everyone’s raving about? Stop by this sushi restaurant and immerse yourself in Japanese and Korean dishes you’ve never had before. You might get hooked and want to find an alternative in your hometown.

What to do here?

Get a Mizu Bomb consisting of spicy tuna and crab for an appetizer and a couple of signature rolls like Scallop King or Popcorn Lobster. If visiting with family or a group of friends, order a signature boat with the chef’s selection of sushi, sashimi, and signature roll. Entrees include Salmon Teriyaki and Chicken Bulgogi. There’s also a kids’ menu with meals served with rice and sweet potato fries.

Best Time to Visit

The sushi restaurant is open every day from 11:30 AM till 2 PM and from 5 PM till 8:30 PM. You might get lucky to catch the happy hour if you come between 5 PM and 6:30 PM during the workweek. There’s a 15-minute wait on Friday and Saturday in the evening.

Learn more about the Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill here!

What’s special about this place?

Situated on South First Street, the Institute of Contemporary Arts San José  is a sleek and minimalist space featuring three contemporary art galleries. It’s home to exhibitions that include visually compelling and conceptually challenging works of art and educational programs aimed at helping audiences reflect upon them.

Who’ll enjoy it here?

This art space is a gold mine for visitors of all ages who appreciate contemporary art. Individuals and groups create the installations located inside the institute; these types of events are opened with receptions that give newbies a chance to learn more about contemporary art.

What to do here?

Check out the always-changing exhibitions featuring reflective surfaces, variable lights, sculptures, and paintings that might not make sense at first glance. Take an artist lecture and attend an art auction. If you happen to be at the gallery at the right time, you might catch a live music performance.

Best Time to Visit

ICA is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 PM till 5 PM. Although appointments are not required, they are recommended. This helps avoid coming across large crowds and allows you to spend more time exploring the exhibits you’re most interested in. Every appointment takes around 45 minutes in total.

Learn more about the Institute of Contemporary Art San José here!