Top Things To Do In San Jose

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.

Up to 59% Off on Inline / Roller Skating Lessons at The Plex
Up to 59% Off on Inline / Roller Skating Lessons at The Plex
800 Embedded Way, San Jose7.5 mi
4.7
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100 ratings
$34 $20$16
 Sale Ends 6/5
Open skate plus skate rentals for 2
Batting Cages at South Bay Sports Training (Up to 60% Off).
Up to 60% Off Batting Cages at South Bay Sports Training
995 E Santa Clara St, San Jose1.4 mi
4.8
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462 ratings
$12 $5.99$4.79
 Sale Ends 6/5
One Batting-Cage Session with 30 Pitches
Basic Party Package for Up to 10 People at Rockin Jump San Jose (Up to 9% Off)
Up to 9% Off Basic Party Package at Rockin Jump San Jose
1901 Monterey Road, San Jose2.7 mi
4.7
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25,280 ratings
$270 $245
9% discount_off
Basic Party Package for Up to 10 People
Up to 60% Off Glass Fusing Class at Bay Area Glass Institute
Up to 60% Off Glass Fusing Class at Bay Area Glass Institute
635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose2.4 mi
4.9
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1,005 ratings
$118 $59$47.20
 Sale Ends 6/5
Glass Fusing Experience for One
Axe Throwing for One, Two, Three, Five, or Ten at AxeVentures (Up to 36% Off)
Axe Throwing at AxeVentures
850 Park Avenue, San Jose1.1 mi
4.7
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60 ratings
$41 $32.80$26.24
 Sale Ends 6/5
75-Minute Axe Throwing for One Person, Valid Tuesday
Up to 36% Off One 30-Minute Rage Smash Room Session at Smash City Rage Rooms
Up to 36% Off One 30-Minute Rage Smash Room Sessions
858 Park Ave, San Jose1.1 mi
4.4
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5 ratings
$45 $36$28.80
 Sale Ends 6/5
One 30-Minute Session for One; Valid Wednesday-Thursday
Introductory Flight Lesson in Option of Cessna 172 Aircraft from Trade Winds Aviation (Up to 48% Off)
Up to 48% Off Introductory Flight Lesson
2505 Cunningham Ave., San Jose4.1 mi
4.8
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96 ratings
$465 $241
48% discount_off
Executive introductory flight package
$80.36 for "Shape a Bowl" Glass Blowing Class for One at Bay Area Glass Institute ($198 Value)
Glass Blowing Class for One at Bay Area Glass Institute 
635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose2.4 mi
4.9
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1,005 ratings
$198 $98$80.36
 Sale Ends 6/5
"Shape a Bowl" Glassblowing Class for One
Paintball Admission with Gear for Groups, Parties, and Team Building from Paintball Tickets  (Up to 93% Off)
Paintball Admission with Gear Up to 93% Off
11 Locations3.6 mi
4.5
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3,619 ratings
$35 $5
86% discount_off
One All-Day Admission with Gun & Mask; Valid During Open Play (Paint & Air Not Included)

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

Events in San JoseView All

Up to 92% Off on Fashion Show at Wedding Expo Bridal Events
Up to 92% Off on Fashion Show at Wedding Expo Bridal Events
84 West Santa Clara Street, #Ste. 100, San Jose0.3 mi
$25 $3$2.40
 Sale Ends 6/5
One Ticket - General Admission on Feb 26 at 2:00 PM
1 bought
Two Movie Tickets at Ciné Lounge Fremont 7 Cinemas (Up to 20% Off)
Two Movie Tickets at Ciné Lounge Fremont 7 Cinemas
39160 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont15.6 mi
4.5
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118 ratings
$27.50 $22
20% discount_off
Two Movie Tickets
Computer History Museum Visit for Two with Optional T-Shirts, or a Visit for Four or Six (Up to 51% Off)
Up to 51% Off Computer History Museum Visit
1401 North Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View11.3 mi
4.8
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4,470 ratings
$35 $17
51% discount_off
Admission for up to four people
Hot Summer Nights with TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston on July 9 at 7 p.m.
TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston – Up to 54% Off
2000 Kirker Pass Rd., Concord
$43.30 $20
54% discount_off
Events at Concord Pavilion on July 9, 2023
1,000+ bought
Experience the Magic of the Movies at Universal Studios Hollywood - Your Ultimate Entertainment Destination!
Universal Studios Hollywood Admission Tickets
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
4.6
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4,739 ratings
$154 $109
29% discount_off
1-Day General Admission Tickets
Admission to SeaWorld San Diego with Optional Dining (Up to 49% Off)
Up to 49% Off Admission to SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
4.6
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589 ratings
$109.99 $69.99
36% discount_off
SeaWorld San Diego Single Any Day Admission for One (Ages 3 and Up)
KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour on September 9 at 6 p.m.
KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour – Up to 43% Off
One Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View
$35.30 $20
43% discount_off
KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour at Shoreline Amphitheatre on September 9, 2023
560+ bought
Boy George & Culture Club: The Letting It Go Show with Howard Jones and Berlin on August 20 at 7 p.m.
Boy George & Culture Club w/Howard Jones – Up to 52% Off
2000 Kirker Pass Rd., Concord
$41.75 $20
52% discount_off
Boy George & Culture Club: The Letting It Go Show with Howard Jones and Berlin on August 20 at 7 p.m.
240+ bought
Pentatonix – The World Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina on September 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Pentatonix – The World Tour with Lauren Alaina – Up to 54% Off
One Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View
$43.30 $20
54% discount_off
Pentatonix – The World Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina on September 12 at 8:00 p.m.
130+ bought

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  

With its many parks, museums, and events, there is no shortage of things to do in San Jose. Here are a few some more of our top suggestions for how to spend your time in this exciting city:

Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation: This museum, located in the heart of San Jose, is a great place to learn about the latest technology and how it is shaping the world. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits, including a robotics lab and a virtual reality playground.

Explore the San Jose Museum of Art: This museum is home to a collection of over 3,000 works of art, ranging from contemporary paintings to ancient artifacts. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Take a stroll through the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden: Located in the center of the city, this beautiful garden is home to over 200 varieties of roses. It's the perfect place to relax and take in the sights and smells of the flowers.

Go for a hike at Alum Rock Park: This park, located on the eastern edge of San Jose, offers over 7 miles of hiking trails, as well as picnicking and rock climbing. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and birds of prey.

Visit the San Jose Flea Market: This popular market, which is held on weekends, is a great place to find unique gifts, vintage items, and other treasures. The market is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and is a great way to support local businesses.

Check out the San Jose Giants: This minor league baseball team, which is affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, plays its home games at Municipal Stadium in San Jose. Attending a game is a fun and affordable way to spend an evening in San Jose.

These are just a few of the many things to do in San Jose. Whether you're interested in technology, art, or the great outdoors, San Jose has something for everyone.


FAQs about things to do in San Jose:

What are some popular tourist attractions in San Jose, California?

  • The Tech Museum of Innovation
  • San Jose Museum of Art
  • The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • San Pedro Square Market
  • The Winchester Mystery House
  • The Children's Discovery Museum
  • The Japanese Friendship Garden
  • The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
  • The San Jose McEnery Convention Center
  • The Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Are there any good parks in San Jose?
Yes, there are several popular parks in and around San Jose, such as:

  • Guadalupe River Park
  • Alum Rock Park
  • Kelley Park
  • Los Gatos Creek Trail
  • San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
  • Emma Prusch Farm Park
  • Almaden Quicksilver County Park
  • Santa Teresa County Park
  • Martial Cottle Park


Are there any good hiking trails near San Jose?
Popular hiking trails near San Jose include:

  • Almaden Quicksilver County Park
  • Rancho San Antonio County Park
  • Saratoga Gap Trail
  • Castle Rock State Park
  • Uvas Canyon County Park
  • Arastradero Preserve
  • Mount Umunhum
  • Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve


Are there any good shopping areas in San Jose?
Yes, there are many popular shopping areas in San Jose, including:

  • Westfield Valley Fair
  • Santana Row
  • Eastridge
  • The Plant Shopping Center
  • The Pruneyard Shopping Center
  • Lincoln Glen Village Shopping Center
  • Downtown San Jose

Are there any good places for family activities in San Jose?
Yes, there are lots of places for families to visit and activities to do in San Jose, such as:

  • Visiting the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
  • The Children's Discovery Museum
  • The Tech Museum of Innovation
  • Raging Waters water park
  • The San Jose Flea Market
  • Alum Rock Park for picnic and hiking

Are there any good nightlife options in San Jose?
San Jose has a vibrant nightlife, and some popular locations & venues include:

  • The bars and clubs on San Pedro Square
  • Concert or shows at the San Jose Civic Auditorium
  • Llive music at The Ritz
  • The Comedy Sportz improv theater