Visit San Jose

Discover everything you need for an unforgettable visit to San Jose! Plan out your stay and explore downtown activities, Bay Area attractions, dining options, travel tips, and entertainment highlights. Your ultimate guide to making the most of your visit awaits!

Family Fun & Museums

The Tech Interactive Museum

A world-class science and technology center offering hands-on activities, exploratory labs and exhibits. The Tech is also home to the largest IMAX Dome Theater!


San Jose Museum of Art

Spend some time at the San José Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum dedicated to inclusivity, new thinking, and visionary ideas. SJMA is committed to being a borderless museum, essential to creative life throughout the diverse communities of San José and beyond!


Children's Discovery Museum of Art

Over 150 hands-on exhibits and programs in the sciences, humanities, arts, nature, and health spark curiosity and ignite family fun where children build life skills in creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence.


Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

The Rosicrucian is home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America.


Children's Musical Theater

Check out one of many theatrical shows at the Montgomery Theatre produced by CMT. A nationally acclaimed theater organization and the oldest performing arts organization in San José.


California's Great America

NorCal's premier amusement park for thrill-seekers and families! Open April 12 & 13.


Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

A family-friendly park and farm featuring rides, entertainment, and educational experiences. Stroller rentals available.


Topgolf San Jose

Topgolf is a sports entertainment complex featuring an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy, paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays and music. 


Winchester Mystery House

Visit this historical landmark shrouded in mystery for nearly 140 years. Built by Sarah Winchester, the heir to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, this 24,000 sq. ft. mansion continues to astonish visitors from around the world.


West Wind Capitol Drive-In

When was the last time you watched a movie at the drive-in?! Drive back in time to Capitol Drive-In and experience a family pasttime!

Retail Therapy/Shopping Centers

Santana Row

Westfield Valley Fair Mall

Westfield Oakridge Mall

Eastridge Center

Gilroy Premium Outlets

San José Market Center

San José Market Center: Target, Marshall's, Cost Plus World Market, Trader Joe's, and more.

Eateries

Easy Going & Quick Bites

San Pedro Square Market

Casual, open air food market offering eclectic food options.

La Victoria Taqueria

"LaVics" if you're a local, this popular taqueria is known for their delicious orange sauce. A must-try for San José goers.

Back-A-Yard Caribbean Grill

Flavorful caribbean sauces and spices are a-plenty in each dish. They're as friendly as the food is delicious!

Jackie’s Place

A woman led, family-owned and operated soul food and BBQ spot.

Henry’s Hi-Life BBQ

A cherished SJ institution operating for over 50 years and featured in the Travel Channel's Man v. Food, this joint offers BBQ and all the fix'ns!

Cali Spartan Taco Truck

The only night-time taco truck for when the midnight munchies hit.

Duc Huong Sandwiches

Offering several locations scattered throughout San Jose, this is one Banh Mi spot we signoff on.

Whispers Cafe & Creperie

Located next to our very own Hammer Theatre, this cafe offers fulfilling portions for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, and a friendly staff. Outdoor seating available.

The Crab Bay

A bit further out, but totally worth it. This is the go-to place to find cajun seafood and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Vegetarian/Vegan

Good Karma

A vibey, hole-in-the-wall spot for vegan cooking, craft ales, and friendly service.

Tofoo Com Chay

Tofoo Com Chay is a purveyor of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine from the esteemed Chef Ben. A small space packing big flavor.

Vegan Bistro Donuts & Cafe

Often selling out before closing, this cafe offers donut selections like chocolate Oreo, green tea matcha, and blueberry.

Aina's Vegan Banh Mi Sandwiches

Located in Vegan Bistro, don't let the small menu fool you -- these banh mi are absolutely delicious and always made to order.

Vegetarian House

A plant-based dining experience with both East- and West-inspired dishes. Gluten-free and raw options available.

Finer Fares

Olla Cocina

Flavorful (and colorful) Mexican cuisine in an open airy dining space. Outdoor seating available. 

Morton's The Steakhouse

Multi award-winning upscale chain known for their aged prime beef and other tasty New American entrees.

Scott's Seafood San Jose

A South Bay tradition for 30+ years winning the People's Choice Award for their Boston-style clam chowder several years running.

Japantown SJ Dining

Known as J-Town to some, these few blocks are small but mighty. Fresh sushi, ramen, and authentic Hawaiian dishes are just some of the foods offered in this historical cultural district of San José.

Santana Row Dining

Santana Row never disappoints and their dining options are no different. From fine dining to laid back, pick from nearly 20 restaurants to satisfy your craving.

Sweets & Bakeries

Bijan Bakery and Cafe

Premier European bakery offering fine pastries and other sweet treats.

La Lune Sucrée

Wide variety of baked goods, including breads, cakes, pastries, and more, all made fresh daily.

San Jose Candy Kitchen

Huge variety of chocolates, popcorn, milkshakes and ice cream in customizable options.

Peter’s Bakery

Oldest family-owned bakery in the Silicon Valley.

Pastelaria Adega

Portuguese bakery & Michelin Star donuts.

California Bakehouse

Creators of the original green waffle!

Activities for 21+

San Jose Improv

A San José staple in the world of live comedy entertainment, many A-listers catapulted their careers from this very stage.

San Pedro Social

Bringing games, food, drinks, entertainment and fun to the heart of historic Downtown San José.

Tipsy Putt 

Mini-golf for 21+ only!

Outdoor + Nature

Municipal Rose Garden

10 acres of rolling green lawns and showy blooms of roses and plantings.

Overfelt Gardens & Chinese Cultural Gardens

A 33-acre park built around three percolation ponds featuring a variety of native and exotic greenery. Picnic areas on-site.

Alviso Marina County Park

20+ acres of bayside park, this marina is the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco National Wildlife Refuge. Great spot for bird watching! 

Explore the Bay Area

Saratoga - (14 miles from SJSU)

Montalvo Arts Center

Big Basin Tasting Room

Hakone Estate and Gardens


Morgan Hill - (21 miles from SJSU)

Morgan Hill Wineries


Santa Cruz Area - (32 miles from SJSU)

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Roaring Camp

Capitola Village


San Francisco - (55 miles from SJSU)

Golden Gate Park

California Academy of Sciences


Monterey - (70 miles from SJSU)

Monterey Bay Aquarium


Napa - (87 miles from SJSU)

Napa Valley Wine Country