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

Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4.5/5(31 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 showing a garden

South San Jose

4/5(19 area reviews)

Southern region of San Jose, California, featuring a mix of businesses, green spaces, and parks. Explore trails like Coyote Creek and Guadalupe River, or visit parks such as Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Easily accessible via VTA stations and highways.

South San Jose
Nice little marsh on the edge of San Jose, CA.

North San Jose

4/5(18 area reviews)

If you're spending time in North San Jose, check out sights like Samsung Semiconductor Inc or Alum Rock Park and hop on the metro to see more the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
Most fantastic Burnt Almond Cake here.

Willow Glen

Explore this historic downtown with diverse architectural styles, and upscale living. Enjoy shopping and dining in Downtown Willow Glen, and access nearby VTA light rail and Caltrain stations.

Willow Glen
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting West San Jose, you might make a stop by sights like Winchester Mystery House and Santana Row Shopping Center.

West San Jose
Cape May

East San Jose

4/5(2 area reviews)

In the eastern region of San Jose, California, you'll find the Alum Rock and Evergreen districts, boasting landmarks like the Gurdwara Sahib, the world's largest Sikh temple outside India. Enjoy amenities such as Eastridge Center, Lake Cunningham, and Mexican Heritage Plaza.

East San Jose
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is CA $168 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $168
CA $194 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,026 reviews)
"Great location, clean, and the staff was great!"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
1350 N 1st Street, San Jose, CA
The price is CA $172 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $172
CA $198 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Business stay, convenient and close to other areas
"Great place to stay at. Came for business for a week, close by downtown and airport. Lots of nearby food areas to check out."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
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 CA $163 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $163
CA $189 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Book a 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,471 reviews)
"Room and property were very clean. Staff was all super friendly. And the breakfast was good especially for being free. Even has a waffle maker to make fresh waffles. I would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 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.
Studios Inn
Studios Inn
3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
"Exellent location and staff!"

Reviewed on Nov. 11, 2023

Studios Inn
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, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
Cute room and. Lean
"It was an adorable spot. Quirky and charming."

Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2024

SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
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 vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Levi's Stadium and SAP Center ...
7/10 Good! (30 reviews)
"Great place for a great price!!"

Reviewed on May 3, 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

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
24
" "5 - Excellent 26.08695652173913%
4 - Good
50
" "4 - Good 54.34782608695652%
3 - Okay
13
" "3 - Okay 14.130434782608695%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 3.260869565217391%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 2.1739130434782608%

5/5 - Excellent

Rhonda
Jan. 8, 2020

We went to the Winchester house and it was amazing. The staff there were great as well.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Sep. 6, 2019

We were in Mountain View for a concert at Shoreline Ampitheater. Best venue ever for a rock concert! Didn't spend any time visiting anything else so don't really have much to say about the city. Very friendly Uber drivers though.

4/5 - Good

J.
Sep. 2, 2019

Friendly people, things don't open until 10am, easy to get around using public transportation

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 25, 2019

Great place to stay for visit to Silicon Valley

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 24, 2019

Restaurants near this hotel close early and are not open on Sundays.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 10, 2019

They have friendly Uber drivers

Cities near San Jose