What to do in San Jose, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A modern building with a glass facade reflecting the sky and surrounding trees.
An art gallery with wooden floors, white walls, and various artworks displayed.
A well-manicured garden with geometric hedges, a winding path, and a traditional building in the background.
A modern architectural structure with a curved glass dome and a grid-like facade.
A modern sculpture with a metallic, radiating structure, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a reflective glass building.

San Jose Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that San Jose has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to San Jose, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to San Jose with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in San Jose

San Jose is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in San Jose, and make it a breeze to explore San Jose and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in San Jose to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to San Jose, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in San Jose.

San Jose attractions

San Jose has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in San Jose to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of San Jose.

Looking for things to do in San Jose can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of San Jose or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to San Jose attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area

£22
per adult
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area
Private 2-hour San Jose State University Tour: Secret Stories

San Jose State University: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

£4
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
San Jose State University: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Picture 2 for Activity San Jose: Valley Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour

San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette

£24
per adult
San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette
Prison Break

The Escape Game at Great Mall in Milpitas

£31
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Escape Game at Great Mall in Milpitas
Special Ops: Mysterious Market

The Escape Game San Jose: Epic 60-Minute Adventure at Valley Fair

£35
per adult
The Escape Game San Jose: Epic 60-Minute Adventure at Valley Fair
Silicon Valley Tech Tour

Silicon Valley Tech Tour

£137
per adult
Silicon Valley Tech Tour
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area

Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area

£96
per adult
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area
See all activities in San Jose
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Recommended things to do in San Jose

Number of things to do
44
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Agnews Historic Park Personalised Self-Guided App Tour: £4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in San Jose

Stay near popular San Jose attractions

A city square with a large planter, a pedestrian crossing sign, and a historic building with a pointed arch entrance.
Photo by Ramona
Open Photo by Ramona

Santana Row Shopping Center

8.8/10 (1,217 reviews)
Stroll through Silicon Valley's premier shopping district, where European-inspired architecture houses 50+ luxury shops. Unwind at Hotel Valencia or savour culinary delights at one of 30 diverse restaurants after dark.
See properties

Where to stay in San Jose

Find the best San Jose areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Jose
Learn more about San Jose
A large white church with domes and columns, located at the intersection of San Fernando St and Market St.

Downtown San Jose

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

A cityscape with a sunset over mountains.

Willow Glen

When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or Orchid Beauty & Spa and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

A fountain in a circular pool with a surrounding fence and flower beds.

Rose Garden

Rose Garden might not have many top sights, but Santana Row Shopping Center and SAP Center at San Jose are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Little Saigon

When in Little Saigon, you can plan a visit to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and Tech CU Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A row of traditional paper lanterns with Japanese characters, hanging from a wooden structure.

Japantown

While Japantown isn't home to many top sights, SAP Center at San Jose and San Jose City Hall are some notable places to visit nearby.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from San Jose

A church with a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and a well-maintained garden.

Santa Clara

An aerial view of a cityscape with a distinctive circular building, residential areas, and autumn foliage.

Cupertino

A fountain with water jets, surrounded by trees and buildings with illuminated windows.

Campbell

A waterfront with a dock, a house, and a bridge.

Fremont

A beach with clear water, palm trees, and a cruise ship in the background.

Los Gatos

A panoramic view of a city at sunset with rolling hills in the foreground and a clear sky.

Milpitas

Modern buildings by a calm river.

Sunnyvale

Frequently asked questions

Is San Jose worth visiting?
Providing a blend of culture and markets, there are many things to do in San Jose. When you're here, head to Raging Waters, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in San Jose?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Raging Waters and The Tech Interactive, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in San Jose.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Jose?
The top tourist attraction in San Jose is Raging Waters, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in San Jose?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Raging Waters, San Jose Centre for the Performing Arts and The Tech Interactive with a three-day getaway in San Jose. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Santa Cruz.
Is San Jose a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to see and do in San Jose. Several key attractions, such as San Jose Centre for the Performing Arts and The Tech Interactive, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of San Jose's neighbourhoods, Rosemary is 3 kms (2 miles) away from downtown, while Downtown San Jose is 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Jose with kids?
Planning what to do in San Jose with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in San Jose for adults?
SAP Centre at San Jose and San Jose Civic Auditorium are just a couple of the things to do in San Jose. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Jose?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in San Jose. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia