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San Jose
Officially the City of San José · 1,013,240 people (2020)
The capital of Silicon Valley pulses with tech-museum culture, a vibrant Vietnamese dining scene in Little Saigon, and historic adobe landmarks that predate the digital age. It's a surprisingly multifaceted urban stop where innovation history and California heritage collide.
Written by our AI
FoodieFamily-friendlyHistoric & culturalWeekend getaway
Our AI's themes
How long
2–4 days
Our AI's estimate of a typical stay.
Sightseeing weather
April, May, June, July and October
Weather only, worked out from the town's records.
On the map
Where it is, and the other places we have mapped around it.
Skip the map- This place
- Places to stay
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Tiles by OpenFreeMap.
Things to do in San Jose
25 of the 149 we list here · our AI's top picks first
Written by our AI
1Rosicrucian Egyptian MuseumTop pick·Museums & galleries·About 2h·Easy·Any timeExplore the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in Western North America, including mummies and intricate ancient relics.
2San Pedro Square MarketTop pick·Shopping & markets·About 1h·Easy·Any timeSan Pedro Square Market is a vibrant hub in San Jose filled with diverse food vendors and lively entertainment.
3Japanese Friendship GardenTop pick·Outdoor adventure·About 1h·Easy·Any timeThe Japanese Friendship Garden is a peaceful oasis featuring traditional landscaping, koi ponds, and meandering paths, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in serene natural beauty.
4San José Museum of ArtTop pick·Arts, music & nightlifeA contemporary and modern art museum focused on West Coast artists, centrally located in downtown.
5Happy Hollow Park and ZooTop pick·Wildlife & natureA hybrid of small zoo and amusement playground with storybook rides, animal encounters, and kid‑friendly exhibits.
6Children’s Discovery MuseumTop pick·Museums & galleriesAn interactive children’s museum offering hands‑on exhibits in science, creativity, and water play.
7History Park at Kelley ParkTop pick·Museums & galleriesAn indoor/outdoor history museum recreating early Santa Clara Valley life with historic buildings like a trolley barn, Chinese temple, and ice‑cream parlor.
8Japanese American Internment MemorialTop pick·Arts, music & nightlifeA reflective memorial honoring Japanese American internment history, significant for cultural remembrance.
9Luis María Peralta AdobeTop pick·Museums & galleriesOne of San Jose’s oldest structures, this adobe house offers a glimpse into California’s Spanish and Mexican era.
10Plaza de César E. ChávezTop pick·Outdoor adventureA historic downtown plaza and civic gathering spot near City Hall, used for events, markets, and cultural festivals.
11Saint James Square Historic DistrictTop pick·HistoryA historic neighborhood featuring period architecture and heritage ambiance around Saint James Park.
12Saint James ParkTop pick·Outdoor adventureA green urban park in the historic Saint James Square area, popular for relaxation and local events.
13Circle of Palms PlazaTop pick·Outdoor adventureA small plaza marking the site of California’s first state capitol, with historical markers and a circular palm layout.
14Downtown San Jose Farmers’ MarketTop pick·Shopping & marketsA vibrant weekly market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local food in a lively downtown setting.
15Guadalupe River ParkTop pick·Outdoor adventureA long, green recreational corridor along the Guadalupe River with trails, public art, and parklands.
16San Jose Flea MarketShopping & markets·About 3h·Easy·Best in the morningThe San Jose Flea Market is a vibrant open-air marketplace where you can explore a diverse selection of goods, including fresh produce, unique antiques, and delicious food stalls.
17San Jose Museum of Quilts & TextilesMuseums & galleries·About 1h 30m·Easy·Any timeExplore the unique artistry of quilts and textiles at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the first museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to this craft, showcasing a vibrant collection of over…
18Raging WatersFamily & kids attractionsRaging Waters is a large water park featuring a variety of thrilling water slides and attractions for all ages.
19Institute of Contemporary Art San JoséArts, music & nightlifeThis contemporary art museum showcases innovative and often provocative works from emerging artists.
20San Pedro Square Market HallShopping & marketsThis vibrant market hall features a variety of food vendors, shops, and live entertainment, making it a great spot for dining and socializing.
21Olympics Black Power StatueAttractions & monumentsThis landmark commemorates the impactful Black Power salute made by athletes at the 1968 Olympics.
22Taylor Street Night MarketShopping & marketsThe Taylor Street Night Market features a vibrant mix of food, music, and local artisans, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
23Silver Creek Valley Country ClubOutdoor adventureRenowned for its challenging golf course and stunning vistas, this country club is a must-visit for golf lovers.
24Mexican Farmers MarketShopping & marketsAn exciting market showcasing fresh produce and authentic Mexican foods.
25Arena GreenOutdoor adventureArena Green is a picturesque park with beautiful views of the nearby SAP Center and the Guadalupe River.
Durations, effort and best times are our AI's estimates.
Places to eat in San Jose
25 of the 825 we list here
Written by our AI
1Copita Tequileria y ComidaMexican·Suits dinner, drinks·$$$This vibrant restaurant offers a fantastic selection of tequila along with delicious Mexican dishes, known for their high quality.
2Senro SushiJapanese·Suits dinner·$$$Senro Sushi is acclaimed for its fresh sushi and innovative rolls.
37Leaves CafeSuits snack, late-night·$$7Leaves Cafe is a popular destination for Vietnamese-inspired drinks and snacks, particularly their unique boba teas.
4Sushi MaruSushi·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$Sushi Maru is highly recommended for its fresh sushi and quality service, often regarded as one of the best in the area.
5Maiwand Kabob HouseAfghan·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$Maiwand Kabob House is celebrated for its authentic Afghan kabobs and savory rice dishes.
6Le PapillonFrench·Suits dinner·$$$$An elegant French restaurant offering contemporary cuisine in a refined setting, perfect for special occasions.
7Scott’s SeafoodSeafood·Suits dinner·$$$Scott’s Seafood is celebrated for its upscale seafood offerings and elegant ambiance, making it a fantastic choice for special occasions.
8Alma TequileriaSuits dinner, late-night·$$Alma Tequileria specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine and a wide selection of tequila, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts.
9AdegaPortuguese·Suits dinner·$$$$Adega is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Portuguese cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and innovative techniques.
10Morton’s The SteakhouseSteak·Suits dinner·$$$$Morton’s offers a classic steakhouse experience with prime cuts of beef and an extensive wine list.
11Henry’s Hi-LifeBarbecue·Suits dinner·$$$Henry's Hi-Life is famous for its classic Californian barbecue and hearty steaks.
12Angelou’s TaqueriaMexican·Suits lunch, dinner·$$Renowned for its authentic Mexican tacos and vibrant flavors, this taqueria is a local favorite.
13Mariscos Costa AlegreMexican, Seafood·Suits lunch, dinner·$$Mariscos Costa Alegre is a popular destination for seafood lovers, offering a vibrant menu filled with fresh catches and authentic Mexican flavors.
14John's of Willow GlenAmerican·Suits dinner·$$$This upscale restaurant features a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and classic American dishes.
15SanseiJapanese·Suits dinner·$$$Sansei is a highly-rated sushi restaurant offering fresh sushi and creative rolls, expertly crafted by skilled chefs.
16Uproar Brewing CompanyA popular pub that brews its own beer and offers a tasty pub menu.
17Poor House BistroItalian·Suits dinner, brunch·$$$Known for its lively atmosphere and live music, this bistro serves up a delicious menu featuring Southern-influenced dishes.
18Smoking Pig BBQ CompanyBarbecue·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$Smoking Pig BBQ Company is highly praised for its mouthwatering smoked meats and hearty portions.
19Petiscos AdegaSuits dinner·$$$A gem for those craving Portuguese cuisine, Petiscos Adega is celebrated for its authentic flavors and warm service.
20Birria Patro JaramilloMexican·Suits lunch, dinner·$$Birria Patro Jaramillo is celebrated for its authentic birria tacos and flavorful consomé.
21Bún An Nam 2Vietnamese·Suits lunch, dinner·$$Bún An Nam 2 is highly praised for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, particularly its pho and bún dishes.
22AJI Bar & RobataJapanese·Suits dinner·$$$$AJI Bar & Robata offers an upscale dining experience focused on authentic Japanese robata grilling.
23HuếVietnamese·Suits dinner·$$Huế is a celebrated Vietnamese restaurant known for its rich, authentic cuisine from the city of Huế, including unique dishes like bun bo Hue.
24Sweet Fix CreamerySuits dessert, snacks·$$Sweet Fix Creamery is known for its delicious homemade ice cream with a variety of creative flavors.
25Đà-LạtVietnamese·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$This restaurant is known for its authentic Vietnamese specialties, particularly known for their flavorful pho.
Cuisine from OpenStreetMap. "Suits" and price bands are our AI's estimates.
Places to stay in San Jose
10 we list here
Written by our AI
Type of stay from OpenStreetMap. "Good for" and price bands are our AI's estimates.
Each place opens our booking partner, where you can check prices and book. We may earn a commission if you book.
The weather you'd get
Typical daily high and low, and the share of days with rain, from historical records (2011-2025). Average weather for San Jose, not a forecast.
January high 60°
low 43°
rain on 25%
February high 61°
low 44°
rain on 26%
March high 64°
low 46°
rain on 32%
April high 69°
low 49°
rain on 15%
May high 74°
low 52°
rain on 8%
June high 81°
low 57°
rain on 2%
July high 83°
low 59°
rain on 1%
August high 84°
low 60°
rain on 0%
September high 83°
low 60°
rain on 3%
October high 77°
low 56°
rain on 9%
November high 66°
low 48°
rain on 21%
December high 59°
low 44°
rain on 28%
Warmest month: August, highs around 84°F, 29°C. Wettest: March, rain on about 32% of days. Driest: August.
Sightseeing weather. The mildest, driest and calmest months for sightseeing are April, May, June, July and October. That is weather only. It says nothing about ski seasons, beach days or festivals, which is often why people go.
Nearby towns
Read about San Jose
More from OpenStreetMap
Everything else OpenStreetMap holds for this place, as mapped.
Admin level8
Capital6
From Wikipedia
San Jose, officially the City of San José, is the most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, and the 13th-most populous in the United States, with an estimated 989,814 residents as of 2025. The city's metropolitan area is home to nearly two million people, while the broader combined statistical area has a population of over nine million. Located in Santa Clara Valley on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay, San Jose covers an area of 179.97 sq mi (466.1 km2) and is the county seat of Santa Clara County.
Text: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Sources and credits
Names, place details, opening times and addresses © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence.
Text: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Weather: Open-Meteo historical weather data.
Airports: OurAirports, public domain.
Photo: Valencia Hotel, Santana Row (cropped) by Payton Chung, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Descriptions, themes and estimates are written by Journey Builder's AI.