Location: San Jose
Top Things to do in San Jose
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Top 10 Things to do in San Jose, United States
Welcome to bustling San Jose, where Silicon Valley meets Spanish history and modern edifices sit alongside meticulously restored 19th-century buildings. Such is the contrast of this city rich in tradition and, thanks to the tech industry, just plain rich. Five star-hotels and fine restaurants line the streets of the restored downtown area, and the cultural scene is thriving with museums, theater and art to rival any world-class hub. Don't miss the Tech Museum of Innovation, an exploration of Silicon Valley and its impact on the area. History buffs will relish the old mansions and can delve into the city's past at the History Museum of San Jose. Save time for a round of golf or the locals' other favorite pastime, sipping coffee and people-watching at a crowded cafe.
Restaurants in San Jose
1. Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Built in 1876, this church serves the oldest parish in San Jose.
Reviewed By joepaulsenngoro2 - Dublin, California
Nice Basilica that was open late for a choral recital. Acoustics were excellent and could see the singers.
2. Municipal Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Reviewed By Louise925 - Rogers, Arkansas
Most of the beds were full of weeds, plants have not been pruned and many have black spot on leaves. Surely there is a garden club or some volunteers that could help maintain the gardens. This is the most poorly maintained garden I have visited anywhere.
3. Children's Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
Since opening in 1990, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose has become one of largest and most respected museums of its kind in the nation. With interactive exhibits and programs encompassing science, humanities, performing arts, and health and physical fitness, the award-winning Museum offers new exhibits each year that respond to children's diverse educational needs. With the broad themes of community, connections and creativity, hands-on exhibits invite self-directed, open-ended explorations.
Reviewed By Claudia G - Newark, New Jersey
This is a wonderful place where you can let the kids roam around and let them use their imagination for play. My 4 and 5 year old nieces LOVED the Museum and did not want to leave.
There are crafts which are nicely done by museum staff, there are many areas to discover--from science to history and its quite interactive! I HIGHLY recommend for anyone with children--it will be the best $15 you'll spend to entertain the kids for hours.
4. Los Gatos Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Paved trail great for running: cuts through parks, ponds, and downtown Los Gatos.
Reviewed By L0ve2travle - California
Hiking next to Lake Vasona is calming and peaceful. Nature, various birds, calm water, friendly people; what not to love. This beautiful atmosphere puts me in a meditative state of mind and centers me. Best time to hike during week days when it’s not crowded. Come with a dog or a friend and enjoy it.
5. Santana Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Santana Row is Silicon Valley's premier outdoor destination for shopping, dining, living and working. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, parks and plazas, Santana Row features over 50 shops, 30 restaurants, a 212-room boutique hotel and a six-screen movie theatre. Santana Row hosts a variety of events ranging from fashion shows to free outdoor concerts to the annual tree lighting ceremony. In addition to the dynamic shop & restaurant collection, Santana Row offers 615 luxury rental homes, 219 privately owned condos and 350,000+ square feet of Class A office space.
Reviewed By photograher - Stockton, California
We are first time visitors to Santana Row and found the environment quite classy. High end shops; from clothing, book stores, to eateries, seem to attract a wide clientele. Many of the shops are quite upscale and very pleasant to stroll through. Another nice thing...MoreHello, Thank you for taking the time to review Santana Row! We are so happy to hear about your pleasant experience at Santana Row, checking out our many stores and restaurants. Please visit us again soon!
6. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 690 reviews
Architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, it houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America, including objects from pre dynastic times through Egypt's early Islamic era.
Reviewed By greenham01 - San Jose, California
Very interesting museum, not in the high tech, glitzy sense but one with a very down to earth approach. Lots of reading of placards, little of the modern visuals, etc. But generally informative and engaging for those interested to read, possibly less for those interested in "interacting" with the displays. Those of the touch-screen video displays game playing preference might find this museum quite dated!
It was a slow rainy Sat afternoon and with nothing to do, we decided to check out this museum. Came before lunch, and thought we would be done by lunch time - mistake! We were there way past lunch time, and it was only hunger that drove us out of the museum, missing the tomb tour and the planetarium visit. As it were, we were there just over 2.5 hrs; I was surprised the museum was that much bigger than what I thought it would be when viewed from the outside.
Parking was easy at the back, free, and a short walk to the main entrance, through beautiful grounds. The people at front desk were really nice, and they voluntarily tried to find the classifications to give us the discounts that we never knew existed. At $9 regular, it is a steal as it is! Very casual, no id required, and if you need to go out, just let the desk know and they will let you back in. The docents were helpful and enthusiastic in what they do, in particular there is this guy Chris (I think) who is very knowledgeable and helpful.
Overall, an interesting way to spend a few hours learning about the Egyptian history, if one is interested in that area.
7. Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Park featuring 29 miles of well marked woodland trails.
Reviewed By REALTOROY - San Jose, California
Dog Park, Hiking Trails, Public Restrooms, Playground, Squirrels, Birds and Lizards and at the top of the hill get a thrill, looking out over the entire south bay. Young and Old regularly frequent the park, but THEY don't want you in there after dark.
8. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose has been a part of Bay Area families since it opened its’ gates in 1961. It’s a unique combination of family rides, amusements, a Puppet Theater, play areas and an accredited Zoo with over 140 animals, from endangered lemurs to miniature horses. Year round classes are offered for ages 12 months to adults as well as special events for all seasons. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo offers yearly Memberships for families and individuals.
Reviewed By L0ve2travle - California
This is a small local zoo that you can take your kids to instead of driving to Oakland or San Francisco. Through this exposure, children can learn about a variety of species and have a great time by riding a train and buying awesome souvenirs. This place is lots of fun for both, adults and kids.
9. Japanese Friendship Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
This well-maintained park covers six acres of manicured landscape, waterfalls, bridges and bonzai plants.
Reviewed By orracle - IL
A friend recommended this place, and I think in other times of the year it would be gorgeous. In December, however, the was a lot of maintenance and many areas were closed. It was still lovely, but I would suggest coming here at another time. Free to get in, but you pay for parking.
10. The Tech Museum of Innovation
Overall Ratings
4 based on 851 reviews
The Tech Museum of Innovation is a Silicon Valley landmark for visitors seeking a glimpse of the most innovative place on Earth. The 132,000 square foot museum is one of the nation's premier science and technology museums. The Tech is dedicated to inspire the innovator in everyone. Through fun, hands-on experiences and one of-a-kind floor programs, many supported by Stanford and NASA, the museum unleashes the creative sparks hidden within. Enjoy the largest IMAX dome screen in the West with its eight story-high screen and digital surround-sound system. New! Build, program, and decorate a "social robot" or explore The Tech Studio, a unique space that boasts the latest in cutting-edge digital fabrication with 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters. With so many experiences at your fingertips, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Don't miss the last chance to see Star Wars (R): Where Science Meets Imagination, the exhibition. Open now through February 23, 2014. This is the first and last chance to see this 10,000 sq foot exhibition that includes 80 authentic costumes from all 6 films, plus interactive hands-on labs. Museum opens at 10:00 a.m.; closing times vary.
Reviewed By maw8 - San Jose, CA
I love this place. Been coming for years! Even though lots of the exhibits remain the same they are really cool (space, earthquake, roller coaster) they always have something new going on. My family also loves the theater and the wonderful nature shows that are included with our membership.
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