San Jose

Travel Guide

San Jose
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art which includes interior views
San Jose
San Jose showing modern architecture

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 MuseumOpens in a new window. 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 InnovationOpens in a new window, 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 HouseOpens in a new window to learn about an obsessive and disturbed rifle heiress and her haunted manor. Visit St. Joseph Cathedral BasilicaOpens in a new window 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

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Downtown San Jose

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Kelley Park which includes a park

South San Jose

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers choose South San Jose for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Blossom Hill Station (VTA) or Snell Station and check out top sights like Almaden Plaza.

South San Jose
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Northside

While there might not be top attractions in Northside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like SAP Center at San Jose and San Jose City Hall.

Northside
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

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

West San Jose
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Willow Glen

When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or Orchid Beauty & Spa and hop on the metro to see more the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
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North San Jose

4/5(1 area review)

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

North San Jose
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
82 Karina Court, Airport, San Jose, CA
The price is P6,618 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P6,618
P7,628 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,413 reviews)
"The breakfast was fantastic!! The best ive had at a hotel the staff was friendly nobody bothered us I would def come again thank you"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
The price is P7,317 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P7,317
P8,483 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,492 reviews)
Great stay
"Room wasn’t the cleanest and the pull out couch was broken, but staff was so kind and professional, offering switch us room.things gets overlooked, accidents happen but they had top notch excellent customer service. I will be booking with this hotel again."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Towneplace Suites By Marriott San Jose Downtown

Towneplace Suites By Marriott San Jose Downtown

2 out of 5
495 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA
The price is P7,479 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,479
P8,684 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions SAP Center at San Jose and PayPal Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
"Very spacious, loved the parking garage. Felt very safe. Staff was very welcoming and kind. Room was outstanding."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Towneplace Suites By Marriott San Jose Downtown
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 3.5-star aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Studios Inn
Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown

4 out of 5
77 N Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour business center. Popular attractions SAP Center ...
6.8/10 (21 reviews)
Great location and apartment
"Great location and great apartment. Good value for what you get. Kitchen could be better appointed. Pickup process was pretty bad. Concierge with keys was nowhere to be found."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning

Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning

3 out of 5
962 Sunbonnet Loop, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions SAP Center at ...
"The curry smell was tolerable but the jacuzzi tub didn’t work and many of the light bulbs in the house were missing. The backyard had beer cans and cigarette butts I cleaned up myself. Some things in the house could use repairs. Feel the price was excessive for what you get"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Sunny Serenity: Pet Friendly 5BR Home In San Jose by RedAwning
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.

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