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Things To DoThings To Do

Arrived a couple of days early and not sure what to do in the area? We have a lot of great recommendations!

Municipal Rose GardenMunicipal Rose Garden

1649 Naglee Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126

Known as "America's Best Rose Garden", The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is a historic and beloved public garden in the heart of San Jose’s Rose Garden neighborhood, spanning about five and a half acres and dedicated exclusively to roses. The Rose Garden features thousands of rose bushes representing nearly 200 varieties, with vibrant blooms and fragrant paths that draw visitors from around the region—especially in the spring time and early summer. The beautiful venue offers rolling green lawns, a central fountain, and a peaceful setting ideal for walks, photography, and special moments like engagements or quiet afternoons surrounded by color and scent.

Japanese Friendship GardenJapanese Friendship Garden

1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112

A Living Symbol of Friendship: The Garden was built as a symbol of everlasting friendship between the City of San Jose and its Sister City of Okayama, Japan in 1965 and is patterned after the world famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama. In every direction the eye is delighted, complete with picturesque Japanese bridges, waterfalls and golden Koi fish.

Overfelt GardensOverfelt Gardens

2145 McKee Road, San Jose, CA 95116

This scenic, historical natural area features a Chinese cultural center & multiple gardens.

Guadalupe River ParkGuadalupe River Park

438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110

In the dense urban environment of downtown San José, the trails, parks and plazas of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens not only serve to preserve the natural ecology, they offer residents and visitors a multitude of ways to engage, relax, discover and enjoy the area. Here, you can ride, walk, run, or skate 2.6 miles of trails. You can enjoy the public art, attend a festival, romp in the Rotary PlayGarden, or simply watch the wildlife and river flow. Take time to stop and smell the roses – there are 3,700 varieties to choose from in the Heritage Rose Garden. See the fruit trees that put this valley on the map in the Historic Orchard, or cultivate your own plot in the Guadalupe Community Garden. Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Center to sign up for a class, pick up a map, and check out our local wildlife displays.

Alum Rock ParkAlum Rock Park

15350 Penitencia Creek Road, San Jose, CA 95127

Alum Rock Park was founded in 1872 and is one of California’s oldest municipal parks. Nestled within the Alum Rock Canyon in the foothills of the Diablo Range, the Park's 720 acres of natural, rugged beauty, provide visitors with many leisure outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, family and group picnicking, and of course just relaxing. Picnic tables, barbecue pits, water and restrooms are available in most picnic areas, with lawns and a children's playground in the mid-canyon area.

Kelley ParkKelley Park

1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112

This park, which contains a zoo & living history museum, offers picnic spots & lawn bowling greens.

San Jose Museum of ArtSan Jose Museum of Art

110 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Have we met? We are an art museum that nurtures empathy and connection by engaging communities with socially relevant contemporary art. With every visit, you’ll see exhibitions that explore the art of our time through painting, sculpture, film, and new media—there’s something for everyone!

San Jose Museum of Quilts & TextilesSan Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

520 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113

The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is your “go-to” for all things textiles! The mission of the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is to preserve, celebrate, and promote knowledge about quilts and textiles, their creation, their beauty, and their relationship to human culture and expression.

Rosicrucian Egyptian MuseumRosicrucian Egyptian Museum

1660 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95191

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America.

The Tech InteractiveThe Tech Interactive

201 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113

The Tech Interactive is a family-friendly science and technology center in the heart of downtown San Jose. Our hands-on activities, experimental labs and design challenge experiences empower people to innovate with creativity, curiosity and compassion.

Institute of Contemporary Art San JoseInstitute of Contemporary Art San Jose

560 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Mission: The ICA San José champions artists and cultivates engagement with contemporary art through thought-provoking exhibitions and programs.

California's Great AmericaCalifornia's Great America

4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Featuring thrill rides and South Bay Shores waterpark, California’s Great America is a top destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. If you are looking for things to do near San Jose, California's Great America has you covered with more than 50 rides, thrilling roller coasters, kid-sized fun in Planet Snoopy, and South Bay Shores waterpark – included with park admission. Exhilarating rides, tempting treats and restaurants means there’s always a reason to return.

San Jose Ghosts: Ghost Tours & Haunted Pub CrawlsSan Jose Ghosts: Ghost Tours & Haunted Pub Crawls

125 East San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA 95112

Embark on the most haunted ghost tour in San Jose, the city that’s spawned the latest technology and the most sinister spirits. San Jose Ghosts unveils centuries of murder, revenge, tragedy, and the cannibalistic acts that have made the former capital of California the capital of hauntings. Tours last 1 hour across a 1-mile walking distance. Ask about the bonus extended tour to additional haunted locations!

Winchester Mystery HouseWinchester Mystery House

525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95128

Discover the history of the Winchester Mystery House, nestled within the heart of San Jose, California. A place where mystery and intrigue come together in the architectural wonders of Sarah Winchester’s mansion.

The Escape Game San JoseThe Escape Game San Jose

2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95050

How is The Escape Game different? At The Escape Game, you’re not just solving puzzles - you’re stepping into an experience where every detail pulls you deeper into the story. From decoding ciphers to discovering hidden rooms, each puzzle is integrated into the environment and is part of a bigger picture.

SAP CenterSAP Center

525 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Stay tuned for events at the SAP Center

PayPal ParkPayPal Park

1123 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110

There is a women's soccer event happening at Paypal Park on Saturday, August 1st at 5:45 PM

Levi's StadiumLevi's Stadium

4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054

AC/DC will be performing at Levi's Stadium on Wednesday, August 5th at 7 PM for their Power Up Tour 2026