What to do in San Jose, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

San Jose which includes modern architecture
San Jose which includes modern architecture
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art featuring interior views
Winchester Mystery House showing a park

San Jose Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that San Jose has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

San Jose is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in San Jose to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

San Jose Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of San Jose.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to San Jose attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

What to do in San Jose


Discover the most popular places to visit in San Jose

Explore areas of 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 San Jose Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Silicon valley

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
Aerial sunset view of downtown Danville in California

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
San Jose, Silicon Valley view from downtown to the north and San Jose International Airport at sunset.

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 Topgolf San Jose and hop on the metro to see more the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
Beautiful historic mansion owned by Sarah Winchester owner of the Winchester rifle. Many believe the house to be haunted by the souls who was killed from the Winchester rifle. House is well maintained but some of its structures was destroyed from the earthquake. Still it’s a beautiful place to check out if you are in the area. #history #travel

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
Sikh temple in San Jose area and one of the largest temple in California.

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from San Jose

Frequently asked questions

Is San Jose worth visiting?
Providing a blend of culture and markets, there are many things to do in San Jose. When you're here, head to Raging Waters, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in San Jose?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Raging Waters and The Tech Interactive, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in San Jose.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Jose?
The top tourist attraction in San Jose is Raging Waters, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in San Jose?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Raging Waters, San Jose Centre for the Performing Arts and The Tech Interactive with a three-day getaway in San Jose. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Santa Cruz.
Is San Jose a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to see and do in San Jose. Several key attractions, such as San Jose Centre for the Performing Arts and The Tech Interactive, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of San Jose's neighbourhoods, Rosemary is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Downtown San Jose is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Jose with kids?
Planning what to do in San Jose with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in San Jose for adults?
SAP Centre at San Jose and San Jose Civic Auditorium are just a couple of the things to do in San Jose. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Jose?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in San Jose. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia