San Jose

Tourist Attractions in San Jose

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in San Jose. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

16 Attractions

★4.5 Average rating

9 Categories

About San Jose

San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, blends high-tech energy with Mediterranean-style sunshine and a welcoming, approachable vibe. Here, innovation sits alongside centuries of California history, from the adobe foundations of the Peralta Hills to the gleaming campus of tech giants. Visitors savor diverse dining, vibrant farmers markets, and a thriving arts scene, with museums like the Tech Interactive and the Lick Observatory offering hands-on discovery. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy rolling hills, scenic trails, and the festive pace of downtown San Jose, especially around Santana Row and the historic SoFA district. With year-round events, family-friendly attractions, and easy access to iconic Bay Area attractions, it’s a gateway to California’s best.

Municipal Rose Garden — Garden, rated 4.7/5

1

Garden Park

Municipal Rose Garden

4.7 ★★★★★ 7,781 reviews

The Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose is a serene, formal 5-acre haven boasting more than 4,000 rose varieties in quarter-acre, neatly arranged parterres and gravel pathways. Founded in 1930, it offers a fragrant, postcard-perfect setting just steps from downtown, ideal for a leisurely stroll, a romantic photo op, or a peaceful afternoon picnic. Visitors can expect meticulously maintained blooms from spring through fall, periodic special exhibits, and panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. With free entry and benches dotted along the routes, it’s a timeless retreat for horticulture lovers and casual explorers alike.

1649 Naglee Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

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Santana Row — Market, rated 4.5/5

2

Market Shopping Mall

Santana Row

4.5 ★★★★★ 16,586 reviews $$

Santana Row in San Jose is a vibrant, open-air market and lifestyle destination blending high-end shopping, dining, and stylish hotels into a cohesive district. Stroll its tree-lined promenades to browse luxury brands, boutique shops, and chic cafés, then linger over globally inspired cuisines from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere with seasonal events, outdoor concerts, and friendly pedestrian-friendly streets that invite people-watching and people-watching. With modern architecture, fountains, and well-lit plazas, Santana Row offers a polished, convenient hub for day trips and evening outings alike.

377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Monday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Cards accepted

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Winchester Mystery House — Historic site, rated 4.5/5

3

Historic site Historical PlaceMuseumEvent Venue

Winchester Mystery House

4.5 ★★★★★ 16,053 reviews

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is a sprawling 19th-century Victorian mansion renowned for its architectural oddities, staircases to nowhere, secret passages, and whimsical features commissioned by Sarah Winchester, heiress of the Winchester rifle fortune. Visitors hike through 160 rooms spanning whimsical windows, hidden doors, and eclectic design, reflecting a legendary belief in perpetual construction to appease restless spirits. Guided tours reveal the house’s storied past, ornate parlors, and lush grounds, offering a blend of mystery, history, and suspenseful storytelling that makes for an atmospheric, family-friendly day of exploration.

525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve — Natural wonder, rated 4.8/5

4

Natural wonder Nature PreserveHiking AreaParkSports Activity Location

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,045 reviews

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve in San Jose offers sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and rolling foothills, blending rugged desert-like odysseys with lush California ecosystems. Hiking trails wander through oak woodlands, grassy meadows, and rare vernal pools, inviting wildlife sightings—from hawks and lizards to springtime butterflies. The preserve protects a critical corridor for local biodiversity while rewarding visitors with panoramas of Silicon Valley’s skyline receding into a quilt of green. Expect tranquil slopes, a well-marked trail system, shaded picnic spots, and the chance to connect with nature just minutes from urban life.

4200 Sierra Rd, San Jose, CA 95127, USA

Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 8:45 PM

Monday7:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Thursday7:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Friday7:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Saturday7:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Sunday7:00 AM – 8:45 PM

Good for kids

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California's Great America — Theme park, rated 4.4/5

5

Theme park Amusement ParkAmusement Center

California's Great America

4.4 ★★★★★ 16,137 reviews

California's Great America in San Jose is a beloved regional theme park offering thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment across its several themed areas. Visitors can ride roller coasters like the high-adrenaline Gold Striker and the looping Flight Deck, enjoy splashy water adventures at Planet Snoopy’s watery zones, and meet beloved Peanuts characters in seasonal parades. Beyond the rides, the park delivers seasonal events, tasty bites from diverse eateries, and shaded areas for picnics. Plan a full day to experience the variety, from adrenaline-packed coasters to upbeat family experiences.

4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
FridayClosed
Saturday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Alum Rock Park — Park, rated 4.7/5

6

Park Summer Camp OrganizerChildrens Camp

Alum Rock Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,586 reviews

Alum Rock Park, San Jose’s oldest municipal park, unfolds along a scenic canyon carved by Coyote Creek with dramatic temperatures and oak-studded hills. Visitors come for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing amid gentle trails, shaded groves, and mineral springs once prized for their purported health benefits. Expect a family-friendly atmosphere with picnic areas, playgrounds, and rustic stone stairways linking viewpoints to shaded valleys. The park’s historic lodge and tranquil creek crossings offer nostalgic charm, while nearby vistas reward climbers and camera-toting explorers with sweeping Bay Area landscapes and sunset silhouettes.

15350 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose, CA 95127, USA

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose — Theme park, rated 4.6/5

7

Theme park MuseumAmusement CenterEducational Institution

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,886 reviews

The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a hands-on, interactive science and culture museum designed for young children and their families. Spanning multiple floors of playful exhibits, it invites kids to explore, experiment, and imagine through tactile activities, pretend play, and rotating programs that spark curiosity about science, engineering, and the arts. Expect immersive, age-appropriate spaces such as a pretend city, water and light labs, and craft corners, all set in a bright, welcoming environment. It’s a fantastic, educationally rich outing that keeps kids engaged for hours.

180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110, USA

Opening hours · Today: Closed

MondayClosed
Tuesday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Good for kids

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Happy Hollow Park & Zoo — Zoo, rated 4.5/5

8

Zoo Amusement CenterSummer Camp OrganizerAmusement ParkPerforming Arts Theater

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

4.5 ★★★★★ 5,359 reviews

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose blends a whimsical amusement park with a compact, well-regarded zoo, making it a friendly choice for families. The destination offers interactive animal exhibits, engaging shows, and kid-friendly rides amid shaded pathways and lush gardens, creating a relaxed, approachable vibe. Expect close encounters with otters, monkeys, and reptiles, plus seasonal events and a splashy kids’ playground. With easy parking, affordable admission, and convenient combo offerings, it’s a practical, entertaining day trip that pairs educational wildlife glimpses with lighthearted fun for all ages.

748 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5

9

Museum

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,690 reviews

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose captivates visitors with an extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts set in an atmospheric, pyramid-inspired building. Explore a richly curated gallery of statues, jewelry, daily life implements, and the famed mummies, complemented by a recreated ancient Egyptian village and a meticulously landscaped palm garden. Beyond the artifacts, the museum offers engaging exhibits, detailed interpretive displays, and educational programs that illuminate pharaonic history, religion, and daily life. A must-see for history lovers and families seeking a vivid, immersive Egyptian antiquities experience in California.

1660 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95191, USA

Opening hours · Today: Closed

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Hellyer County Park — Park, rated 4.6/5

10

Park

Hellyer County Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,139 reviews

Hellyer County Park in San Jose blends scenic natural beauty with family-friendly recreation, anchored by the 350-acre landscape that hosts rolling meadows, woodlands, and the dramatic Hellyer Gorge overlook. Visitors can explore the historic Hellyer Mansion, stroll along shaded trails, or watch planes time their touchdown on nearby Runway 24R from the park’s elevated vantage points. The Chuck Wagon Picnic Area, a serene pond, and a popular skate park add variety, while the adjacent Cody complex offers community events. It’s ideal for picnics, hiking, and capturing vibrant California sunsets.

985 Hellyer Ave, San Jose, CA 95111, USA

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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The Tech Interactive — Museum, rated 4.4/5

11

Museum Cultural CenterEducational Institution

The Tech Interactive

4.4 ★★★★★ 4,108 reviews

The Tech Interactive in San Jose is a dynamic science and technology museum that invites visitors to explore hands-on exhibits, immersive simulations, and cutting-edge maker spaces in a bright, modern setting. It’s worth a visit for families, students, and curious travelers seeking interactive learning—from robotics and virtual reality to biology and sustainable design—plus engaging demonstrations and seasonal exhibitions. Expect interactive labs, a planetarium-style theatre, and opportunities to design, test, and iterate ideas, all with bilingual resources and a focus on inspiring the next generation of innovators.

201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Opening hours · Today: Closed

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Plaza de Cesar Chavez — Park, rated 4.4/5

12

Park City Park

Plaza de Cesar Chavez

4.4 ★★★★★ 3,364 reviews

Plaza de César Chávez is a central, historic park in the heart of downtown San Jose that beckons withGreen landscape, shaded benches, and a continuous schedule of cultural events. Named for the beloved labor leader, it serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike, hosting farmers’ markets, outdoor concerts, and art installations amid fountains and mature trees. Expect easy pedestrian access, nearby museums and eateries, and a welcoming sense of community. It’s ideal for a relaxed stroll, people-watching, or a quick shelter from city bustle between downtown sights.

1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Kelley Park — Park, rated 4.4/5

13

Park

Kelley Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 3,055 reviews

Kelley Park, a lush 177-acre oasis in San Jose, blends history, culture, and nature just minutes from downtown. Home to the serene Los Gatos Creek Trail, the pristine Japanese Friendship Garden, and the family-friendly Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, it offers a peaceful escape with scenic ponds, shaded groves, and well-kept picnic spots. Visitors can explore the historic Gamble Garden, relish seasonal events, and learn at the restored Santa Clara University Mission, while hiking, cycling, or enjoying zoo encounters. Kelley Park rewards with easy accessibility and a welcoming, multi-generational outdoor experience.

1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Monday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph — Religious site, rated 4.7/5

14

Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,046 reviews

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose stands as a soaring testament to California’s religious and architectural heritage, blending Spanish Colonial Revival and modern Gothic influences after a 1990s renovation. Inside, visitors encounter dazzling stained glass, serene chapels, and a grand nave that hosts regular masses, concerts, and community events, all within a compact, intimate footprint that invites quiet reflection. Outside, the stately facade and surrounding historic district offer photo-worthy perspectives. Accessible, with informative tours and helpful staff, it’s a meaningful stop for faith travelers and architecture lovers alike.

80 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

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Japanese Friendship Garden — Garden, rated 4/5

15

Garden

Japanese Friendship Garden

4 ★★★★★ 2,400 reviews

The Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose is a serene, meticulously designed oasis inspired by Kyoto’s stroll-gardens, featuring koi-filled ponds, winding streams, stone lanterns, and graceful bridges set within Kelley Park. Built as a symbol of cultural harmony and international friendship, it offers a tranquil escape from the city with well-kept grounds, seasonal blossoms, and traditional teahouse experiences. Visitors can wander the gravel paths, observe carp and cranes, participate in cultural events, and discover informative plaques that illuminate Japanese garden aesthetics and San Jose’s historic sister-city ties.

1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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San Jose Museum of Art — Museum, rated 4.1/5

16

Museum Art MuseumGift ShopNon Profit OrganizationStore

San Jose Museum of Art

4.1 ★★★★★ 1,493 reviews

The San Jose Museum of Art showcases a dynamic spectrum of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on West Coast perspectives and innovative commissions. Housed in a striking Frank O. Gehry–inspired building, it invites visitors to explore rotating exhibitions, immersive installations, and a thoughtful sculpture garden in the heart of downtown San Jose. Expect accessible, thoughtfully curated displays that span painting, sculpture, video, and new-media works, plus programs for families and artists. It’s a compact, engaging cultural stop that deepens appreciation for regional creativity and evolving artistic voices.

110 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Opening hours · Today: Closed

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday4:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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