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

Popular attractions near San Jose, CA include:

• The SubZERO art and music festival, a great place to find inspiration
• The macabre yet beautiful Winchester Mystery House
• The San Jose Museum of Art, which boasts both modern and contemporary art
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk, a small amusement park along the shoreline
• Japantown, one of the last remaining Japanese towns in the US

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
• Taking out some pins at 4th Street Bowl 

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