Best known for its sunshine and its ties to technology, San Jose has much to offer even the most discriminating traveler.  Whether for business or pleasure, this beautiful California city has something for everyone.  With over 300 days of sunshine, near perfect weather, a multitude of sites to see and, not to mention, the opportunity to play Monopoly on a 930 square foot board, as well as its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, it makes this a must see destination for anyone traveling to northern California.

It is hard to remember when looking at San Jose today that it is the oldest civil settlement in California, founded back in 1777.  It was also the first capital of California, even before California became an official state and at one time was a thriving agricultural area.   Few remnants of that period remain.  Instead, there are a host of new things to see and do. 

No matter what time of year for a visit, beautiful California weather awaits.  Summer tends to be the busiest season as tourists from around the world come to visit the area, enjoying its wonderful scenery, weather, entertainment and attractions.  Summer daytime temperatures reach into the mid 80’s F. but with very little humidity it’s quite comfortable.  It’s the perfect time for taking advantage of the many outdoor activities available.   Spring and fall are pleasant, although cooler.  Spring brings the average temperature to about 60 F and fall is slightly higher.  Although there is a winter season, the daytime temperatures rarely fall below 60 F, making it an ideal time to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. 

One thing to keep in mind when visiting this California city is that “California Casual” is the dress code for daytime and most evening outings.  From November until spring, a light sweater is advisable during the day and a light jacket for the evenings. 

The History Museum gives visitors a feel for what it was like when California’s first settlement was established back in the late 1700’s.  Guests can enjoy the 14 acre facility with a park-like setting including 27 original and reconstructed homes, businesses, and landmarks highlighting the culture and history of San Jose and Santa Clara Valley. The museum is unique with paved streets, running trolleys and an old-fashioned ice cream and even a candy parlor. 

Known for its ties to technology, San Jose also offers tours of  the Tech Museum of Innovation where Technology from Silicon Valley and beyond comes alive.   This unique museum features interactive exhibits for all ages. The Tech is a place that’s about real technology . . . changing the way people work and play, creating, harnessing, and sharing information about how we innovate, how we do things differently. It features over 250 interactive exhibits as well as an Imax Dome Theater.

For a little outdoor activity, a must visit attraction is Kelly Park.  The park is home to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the San Jose Historical Museum. Visitors may enjoy a train ride, picnicking, a beautiful lawn and shade tree areas or a walk through the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden. For those looking for more activity, visit the zoo, amusement park and play area of Happy Hollow.  For a unique adventure, try a game of Monopoly on a 930 square foot board at Guadalupe River Park.  Be sure to bring a camera for this once-in-a-lifetime picture.

For a day trip,  be sure to visit Paramount’s Great America and Six Flags Marine World.  Both are just minutes away from San Jose and offer fun and adventure for the entire family.  Great America is a  universe of Nickelodeon fun, friends, and adventures that burst into life daily.  The stars on Nickelodeon, one of the networks preferred by kids, come to life at one of Northern California’s favorite theme parks for family fun and thrills.  Marine World is the country's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park featuring over 30 thrilling rides, 35 exotic animal attractions and 10 great shows.  Of course, historic and beautiful San Francisco is also only an hour away. 

San Jose showcases a mix of  world class cultural and performing arts, name brand stores and quaint boutiques, superb dining, exciting night life, great sporting events and outdoor activities, year-round cultural events and festivities, many historic sites,  thrilling theme parks,  varied points of interest, and beautiful climate year-round.  It’s no wonder it has been an ongoing recipient of numerous honors and awards, and has become a stomping ground for millions of visitors each year.  Wouldn’t you like to be one of them?

Population:                  894,943

Elevation:                    87 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   174.9 square miles

Location:                     Located in the northwest section of California, San Jose is the gateway to the Bay area:  It is 45 minutes south of San Francisco and 70 minutes north of Monterrey

Time Zone:                  Pacific Time Zone (when it’s noon in San Jose, it’s 2pm in Chicago and 3pm in New York City).  San Jose observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

With 300 sunny days per year and an average annual temperature of 70 degrees F, San Jose is alive with activity year round.  The summer tends to be the busiest season as tourists from around the world come to visit the entire area, enjoying its wonderful scenery, weather, entertainment and attractions.  Summer daytime temperatures reach into the mid 80’s F but with very little humidity it’s quite comfortable.  Perfect for taking advantage of the many outdoor activities available.  In the evening, the temperature drops into the 50’s, just cool enough for a leisurely stroll after dinner at one of the areas fine restaurants.  Spring and fall are pleasant, although cooler, as well.  Spring brings the average temperature to about 60 F and fall is slightly higher.  Although there is a winter season, the daytime temperatures rarely fall below 60 F, making it an ideal time to take advantage of the beautiful scenery.  One thing to keep in mind when visiting this California city is that “California Casual” is the dress code for daytime and most evening outings.  From November until spring, a light sweater is advisable during the day and a light jacket for the evenings.  It’s the perfect setting for a perfect visit.

How to Get There:

By Air

San Jose International Airport – Norman Y Mineta

408-501-7600

Conveniently located only three miles from downtown San Jose, the airport is served by many of the national and internationally recognized airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.

Ground Transportation:

Rental car companies, limousine service, taxis, light rail, bus, and shuttle services are available at the airport as well as throughout the city

By Car

Easily accessible from the north via Highway 101 (San Francisco) or I-880 (Oakland) or from the south via I-880, San Jose is easy to find.

By Train

Amtrak

65 Cahill Street
San Jose, CA 95110

800-USA-RAIL

By Bus

Greyhound

70 S Almaden Ave.
San Jose, CA 95113

408-295-4151

How to Get Around:

As with most California cities, the best way to get around is by car, either personal or rental.  Getting to and around by car is effortless via four major freeways (Highway 101, Interstate 280, 880 and 680).  In addition there is a modern public transportation system. Caltrain, light rail and a fleet of buses navigate throughout San José and into neighboring cities, and reasonably priced rental cars and taxi services are also available.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day- Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day- 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day- 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day- last Mon. in May

Independence Day- July 4

Labor Day- 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day- 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day- Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve- Dec. 31

Emma Prusch Farm Park

647 S King Road
San Jose, CA 95116
408-926-5555

Hours: Park hours are daily from 8:30am until sunset

Admission Charged

Emma Prusch Farm Park is the result of a generous gift from one of San Jose's pioneer families. The property was deeded to the City of San Jose with the understanding that it become a center for learning about the region's agricultural past.

Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose

180 Woz Way
San Jose, CA 95110-2780
408-298-5437
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Children's Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum featuring over 150 interactive exhibits.

Children of all ages are invited to test, prod, taste, crank and tinker in the striking purple building in Discovery Meadow.

Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies

One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192
408-924-4590

Hours: Open Monday – Friday, 1pm – 5pm

Admission Charged

One of the largest collections of first and early editions of Beethoven's music outside of Europe.

Mexican Heritage Corporation

1700 Alum Rock Avenue
San Jose, CA 95116
408-928-5510

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

The heart and soul of cultural arts can be found at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, located in the oldest and largest Mexican-American community in East San José. Capturing the spirit of Mexican traditions creates a gateway to culture history, literary arts, and visual performance. Roam the historic Chinampa, floating gardens, view contemporary art in the exhibition galleries, or enjoy one of the many theatrical performances in a 500-seat state-of-the-art-theatre.

Peralta Adobe - Fallon House Historic Site

175 West St. John
San Jose, CA 95110
408-993-8182

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

This historic site offers a unique look into San Jose's Mexican and Spanish history through the daily lives of two prominent early San Jose families.

The adobe, built in 1797, is the city's oldest address and the last remaining structure from El Pueblo de San Jose & de Guadalupe. Across the street, the lavish 1855 Fallon House was home to one of San Jose's early mayors, Thomas Fallon. The mansion showcases 15 fully-furnished Victorian period rooms and also features an exhibit on Santa Clara Valley.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

1342 Naglee Ave.
San Jose, CA 95191
408-947-3635

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the western United States -- including objects from pre dynastic times through Egypt's early Islamic era.

San Jose Historical Museum

1650 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
408-287-2290

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The San Jose Historical Museum consists of 25 acres with 27 original and reconstructed homes, businesses, and landmarks highlighting the culture and history of San Jose and Santa Clara Valley. The museum is unique with paved streets, running trolleys and an old-fashioned Ice Cream and Candy Parlor, and a museum gift shop.

 

San Jose Museum of Art

110 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
408-271-6880

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The San Jose Museum of Art presents a full range of exhibitions with a focus on works created during the 20th Century, including painting, sculpture, installations, photography, works on paper, and video.

San Jose Museum of Quilts

110 Paseo de San Antonio
San Jose, CA 95112
408-971-0323

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 5pm, Thursday: 10am – 8pm

Admission Charged

Regularly changing exhibits of quilts and textiles from around the world as well as the Museum's own collection.

Tech Museum of Innovation

201 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
408-294-8324

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Technology from Silicon Valley and beyond comes alive in this unique museum featuring interactive exhibits for all ages. The Tech is a place about real technology . . . changing the way people work and play, create, harness and share information, how we innovate, how we do things differently. Featuring over 250 interactive exhibits and the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater.

Alum Rock Park

16240 Alum Rock Ave
San Jose, CA 95127
408-259-5477

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Free

Alum Rock Park is California's first and oldest municipal park, featuring 720 acres of natural, rugged beauty where visitors can enjoy many leisure outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, family and group picnics. The park has approximately 13 miles of trails including six miles of horse trails and six miles of bicycle trails. A privately operated riding stable offers trail rides in the park. In addition, there are two children's playgrounds and a Visitor Center. Alum Rock Park is also home to the Youth Science Institute.

Kelley Park

1300 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
408-277-4191

Hours: Park hours are daily from 8am to one-half hour after sunset

Admission Charged

Kelley Park is the home to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the San Jose Historical Museum. Visitors may enjoy a train ride, picnicking, beautiful lawn and shade tree areas or a walk through the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden. For those looking for more activity, visit the zoo, amusement park and play area of Happy Hollow or step back in time to the historic 1800s of San Jose at the Historical Museum.

Monopoly in the Park

Guadalupe River Park
San Jose, CA 95112
408-995-MITP

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Monopoly in the Park is said to be the world's biggest version of the most popular board game ever, and is San Jose's new "larger than life" attraction. Here in the park, the real estate market is always booming, as property is traded on a 930-square foot permanent Monopoly board. Now everyone has a chance to make it big in Silicon Valley real estate.

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden

Naglee Avenue and Dana Avenue
San Jose, CA
408-277-5422

Hours: Open 8am to one-half hour after sunset

Admission Free

San Jose's 5.5-acre Municipal Rose Garden (a one-time prune orchard) is exclusively devoted to shrubs of the rose family and features more than 3,500 rose shrubs with 189 varieties represented, including several miniature varieties. The Garden also features new rose varieties, serving as a test site for new roses before release to the general public. A favorite time to visit is early May when the acres of fragrant, majestic roses are at their most beautiful stage.

Nearby Fun:

Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park

3050 Hecker Pass Hwy
Gilroy, CA 95020
408-840-7100

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park combines the beauty of magnificent gardens with the appeal and excitement of a traditional family theme park. The park features 19 rides and 21 attractions, geared toward families with young children and garden lovers.

Paramount’s Great America

Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95052
408-988-1776

Hours: Varies by season, call for additional information

Admission Charged

A universe of Nickelodeon fun, friends, and adventures burst into life at Paramount’s Great America.  The stars on Nickelodeon, the network preferred by kids, come to life at one of Northern California’s favorite theme parks for family fun and thrills.

The Boardwalk

400 Beach St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-423-5590

Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information

Admission Free, charge for attractions

The Boardwalk is a half-mile long historic amusement park next to Santa Cruz's mile long main beach. It includes more than 34 rides and attractions (featuring two national historic landmarks: the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel plus plenty of modern ride thrills), dozens of restaurants, shops, games, indoor arcades, and miniature golf.

Six Flags Marine World

2001 Marine World Parkway
Vallejo, CA 94589
707-644-4000

Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information

Admission Charged

Six Flags Marine World is home to America's Favorite Thrills! It's the country's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park featuring over 30 thrilling rides, 35 exotic animal attractions and 10 great shows.

Blackhawk Museum

3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle
Danville, CA 95406
925-736-2277

Hours: Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am - 5pm, and holidays with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

Admission Charged

Smithsonian affiliate with changing exhibits/artifacts from Smithsonian collections: large galleries with over 100 of the world's greatest autos dating from the 1890's.

Events & Entertainment

January

Quilt National

Held in early January

Location: Museum of Quilts and Textiles

408-971-0323

The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles hosts Quilt National, the only West Coast venue for this innovative and inventive modern-day salon for contemporary quilt art.

San Jose International Auto Show

Held in early January

Location: San Jose McEnery Convention Center

An annual exhibition of over 350 vehicles from more than 36 manufacturers. See the latest offerings from the auto industry as well as factory concepts, specialty vehicles, race cars and accessory arcade.

Spectator Sports

Held late January – mid February

Location: Kids Park

A week of favorite sports. Decorate a colorful pennant, make a football pin, or play a game of indoor hockey. Ready, set, go for a week of fun and fitness.

February

Spectator Sports

Held late January – mid February

Location: Kids Park

A week of favorite sports. Decorate a colorful pennant, make a football pin, or play a game of indoor hockey. Ready, set, go for a week of Fun and fitness.

April

Post Street Mardi Gras

Held in April

Location: Post Street, San Jose

408- 885-9283

One of the West Coast's largest Mardi Gras Celebration is located in downtown San Jose. "The Post St. Mardi Gras". Experience a cross between New Orleans and San Jose bringing music, dance, theatrics, food and costumes with a "New Orleans Bourbon Street" ambience that only San Jose's historical Post Street can provide.

July

Summer Festival

Held in early July

Location: Bus Barn Theatre

Bus Barn Stage Company's annual adventurous summer festival, where they present seldom seen one person shows, premiere staged reading of new plays, and explore concert productions of rare musicals.

October

Arab Film Festival

Held in mid October

Location: Park Avenue, San Jose

415-564-1100

This is the Bay Area's largest event spotlighting a variety of films and videos reflecting different aspects of the Arab world.

November

Christmas in the Park

Held in late November

Location: Caesar Chavez Park

Celebrate 25 years of holiday magic on November 26, when Christmas in the Park and the Annual City Tree Lighting takes place in downtown San Jose’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez at 5:30pm.

Winter Wonderland

Held in late November – early January

Location: Downtown San Jose

The 60 foot tall classic Ferris Wheel and the colorful, old-fashioned Carousel make this a must-do tradition for the family year after year. The festive lights of the Winter Wonderland brighten up downtown from the San Jose Repertory Plaza, the Fairmont Paseo, to the corner of San Carlos and First St.

Gingerbread Contest Exhibition

Held late November – early January

Location: Coyote Museum

650-340-7573

Let your imagination run wild with your gingerbread creations! Everyone is invited to participate: Individuals of all ages, families, youth groups, schools, businesses and clubs.

Entertainment

American Harp Society

Los Gatos, CA
408-370-7728

Call for performance schedule and additional information

San Jose Repertory Theatre

101 Paseo de San Antonio
San Jose, CA 95113

408-367-7266

Call for performance schedule

The South Bay’s only fully professional residential theater company offering a wide variety of contemporary and classic plays.

South Bay Guitar Society

19 N. 2nd Street, # 102
San Jose, CA 95113
408-292-0704

Call for performance schedule

The South Bay Guitar Society hosts concerts and events for fans of the classical guitar, as well as more general interest guitar events.

 

Sports:

San Jose Earthquakes

Professional Soccer

408-260-6300

Call for game schedule

San Jose Giants

Class A Minor League baseball

Games played at Municipal Stadium

408-297-1435

Season runs April – September, call for schedule

Class A Minor League affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

San Jose Saber Cats

Professional Arena Football

Games played at the HP Pavilion

408-573-5588

Season runs April – August, call for game schedule

Professional arena football played in the HP Pavilion at San Jose.

San Jose Sharks

Professional Ice Hockey

Games played at the HP Pavilion

408-287-4275

Season runs October – April, call for game schedule

Professional Ice Hockey League games played in the HP Pavilion at San Jose.

San Jose Spitfires

Ladies Professional Baseball

800-729-8700
Call for location and game schedule

San Jose Stealth

Member of the National Lacrosse League

408-999-5700

8 home games played in the HP Pavilion

Call for schedule

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States today, and after attending one game, you’ll understand why – it’s fast, exciting, and it is lots of fun – “Action That’s Off the Radar”.

Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose

180 Woz Way
San Jose, CA 95110
408-298-5437
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Children's Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum featuring over 150 interactive exhibits.

Children of all ages are invited to test, prod, taste, crank and tinker in the striking purple building in Discovery Meadow.

History San Jose

1650 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
408-287-2290

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Historical Museum is a 14 acre facility with a park-like setting including 27 original and reconstructed homes, businesses, and landmarks highlighting the culture and history of San Jose and Santa Clara Valley. The museum is unique with paved streets, running trolleys and an old-fashioned ice cream and candy parlor and cafe, and a museum gift shop. The museum offers tours.

Tech Museum of Innovation

201 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
408-294-8324

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Technology from Silicon Valley and beyond comes alive in this unique museum featuring interactive exhibits for all ages. The Tech is a place about real technology . . . changing the way people work and play, create, harness and share information, how we innovate, how we do things differently. Featuring over 250 interactive exhibits and the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater.

Kelley Park

1300 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
408-277-4191

Hours: Park hours are daily from 8am to one-half hour after sunset

Admission Charged

Kelley Park is the home to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the San Jose Historical Museum. Visitors may enjoy a train ride, picnicking, beautiful lawn and shade tree areas or a walk through the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden. For those looking for more activity, visit the zoo, amusement park and play area of Happy Hollow or step back in time to the historic 1800s of San Jose at the Historical Museum.

Monopoly in the Park

Guadalupe River Park
San Jose, CA 95112
408-995-MITP

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Monopoly in the Park has been called the world's biggest version of the most popular board game ever, and is San Jose's new "larger than life" attraction. Here in the park, the real estate market is always booming, as property is traded on a 930-square foot permanent Monopoly board. Now everyone has a chance to make it big in Silicon Valley real estate.

Nearby Fun:

Paramount’s Great America

Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95052
408-988-1776

Hours: Varies by season, call for additional information

Admission Charged

A universe of Nickelodeon fun, friends, and adventures burst into life at Paramount’s Great America.  The stars on Nickelodeon, the network preferred by kids, come to life at one of Northern California’s favorite theme parks for family fun and thrills.

Six Flags Marine World

2001 Marine World Parkway
Vallejo, CA 94589
707-644-4000

Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information

Admission Charged

Six Flags Marine World is home to America's Favorite Thrills! It's the country's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park featuring over 30 thrilling rides, 35 exotic animal attractions and 10 great shows.