Whether you’re a foodie, nature enthusiast, artist, or techie, there’s adventure for everyone in San Jose. The Silicon Valley is surrounded by parks and outdoor recreation areas, including several paths on the Los Gatos Creek Trail. San Jose’s vibrant downtown is bursting with culture and houses both the Tech Museum of Innovation and the San Jose Museum of Art. Discover the quirky side of the city with a movie at the Retro Dome, a giant game of Monopoly in the Park, or a fancy drink at one of San Jose’s many speakeasies.
San Jose is bustling with life, culture, historic neighborhoods, and unique museums. The culinary scene is also to die for. Diners can find cuisine from all over the world, including Somalian, Morrocan, and Cambodian restaurants. Some of the best places to visit near San Jose, CA include:
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a unique cultural experience
Willow Glen, a neighborhood full of shops and restaurants with a small-town feel
The Great America amusement park, just a short drive from downtown San Jose
The Tech Museum of Innovation, an excellent adventure for families
Firehouse No. 1 Gastropub, a restaurant with a superb dining experience
With so many museums, parks, and outdoor activities, it’s easy to find fun for the whole family around San Jose. Whether you’re raising an animal lover or a gamer, there’s plenty of activities to help nurture your little one’s favorite hobby. Family-friendly things to do include:
Visiting the Children’s Discovery Museum for a scientific adventure
Hanging out with wild animals at the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Hitting Nickel City Family Entertainment Center for some arcade fun
Playing an exciting game of laser tag at Laser Quest
Learning about the rustic world of farming at Deer Hollow Farm
When the temperature starts to rise, museums and indoor workshops are our refuge. San Jose has plenty of indoor art galleries, spas, and performances. San Jose’s best indoor activities include:
Taking some time for reflection at WORKS art gallery
Visiting the Lick Observatory for both city and star gazing, day or night
Taking a workshop or attend a lecture at NUMUNew Museum Los Gatos
Treating yourself to a well-earned pampering at Silver Sea Day Spa
Checking out a play or performance at the Montgomery Theater
San Jose is full of quirky spots for dining and exploration. Look for hole-in-the-wall speakeasies and cozy coffee shops during your stay. Must-see places near San Jose include:
Seeing a show or taking a class at Made Up Improv Theater
Experiencing the prohibition era at the Haberdasher speakeasy
Visiting the San Pedro Square Market for music, food, coffee, and more
Learning about local folklore at the Bigfoot Discovery Museum
Taking a guided walk and watching the elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park
As one of the largest cities in the state, San Jose has enough restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries to last a lifetime. That said, consider working a few of these local favorites into your routine. Exciting activities near San Jose include:
Catching the newest flicks at CineArts Santana Row
Getting your puzzle on with a Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt
Snacking on your favorite sandwich at Freshly Baked Eatery
Sitting down with a flight of beers at Faultline Brewery
San Jose’s nightlife is both vibrant and diverse. With craft breweries, karaoke bars, and dance clubs, you’re sure to find an engaging evening experience for everyone in your group. Nighttime activities near San Jose include:
Discovering your new favorite comedian at ComedySportz club
Sipping one of Paper Plane’s signature, uniquely named cocktails
Dancing the night away at San Jose’s OPAL nightclub
Choosing from more than 100 craft beers at Yard House
Grabbing a drink at District, a wine, whiskey, and cocktail bar downtown