What to do in San Jose, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

San Jose which includes modern architecture
San Jose which includes modern architecture
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art showing interior views
Winchester Mystery House showing a park

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!

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Most fun & popular experiences in San Jose

Tours & day trips

See all 23 activities
San Jose: "The Escape Game" Ticket at Valley Fair

San Jose: "The Escape Game" Ticket at Valley Fair

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £34 per adult
San Jose: "The Escape Game" Ticket at Valley FairOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop

Turkish Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £70 per adult
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Making WorkshopOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 3 activities
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Bay Area

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Bay Area

Activity duration is 3 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £21 per adult
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Bay AreaOpens in new tab

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Recommended things to do in San Jose

Number of things to do
38
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Walking Tour in Agnews Historic Park: £4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in San Jose

Popular places to visit

View of Silicon Valley at Dusk, San Jose, California, USA

San Jose McEnery Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening in San Jose McEnery Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Jose. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

San Jose McEnery Convention Center
Winchester Mystery House

Winchester Mystery House

Wonder about the alleged hauntings and other mysteries as you chart the life of a gun magnate’s widow in this unfinished manor.

Winchester Mystery House
A perfect holiday evening ❤

Santana Row Shopping Center

During your trip to San Jose, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Santana Row Shopping Center. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Santana Row Shopping Center
San Jose is a great city in all respects. The MLK, Jr. Library is situated in dowtown just 5 minutes away from town hall . The campus is great especially behind the library where you can find this old constructions covered in ivy and if the sky will cooperate that day you might get amazing pictures. Great location for group photos and other events.

CSU San Jose State University

Enjoy the student vibe at CSU San Jose State University during your stay in San Jose. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

CSU San Jose State University
City National Civic theater building close to downtown San Jose, south San Francisco bay area, California

San Jose Civic Auditorium

You can enjoy a show at San Jose Civic Auditorium on your trip to San Jose. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

San Jose Civic Auditorium
Raging Waters showing a waterpark and swimming as well as a large group of people

Raging Waters

Bring your family to Raging Waters and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in San Jose. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Raging Waters
Tech Museum which includes interior views

The Tech Interactive

Bring your kids to learn about modern advances and enjoy building your own robot and playing with the interactive displays in this museum’s themed galleries.

The Tech Interactive
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo showing a park, zoo animals and signage

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

The perfect blend of amusement park and accredited zoo, this San Jose favorite has been entertaining and educating families since 1961.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

SAP Center at San Jose

Catch an event at SAP Center at San Jose during your trip to San Jose. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

SAP Center at San Jose

Explore areas of San Jose

Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

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

Downtown San Jose
Silicon valley

South San Jose

4/5(8 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in South San Jose. If sightseeing is on the list, Almaden Plaza is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Blossom Hill Station (VTA) or Snell Station to see more of the area.

South San Jose
Aerial sunset view of downtown Danville in California

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.

Willow Glen
San Jose, Silicon Valley view from downtown to the north and San Jose International Airport at sunset.

North San Jose

3/5(6 area reviews)

While you're in North San Jose, take in top sights like Samsung Semiconductor Inc or Topgolf San Jose, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
Beautiful historic mansion owned by Sarah Winchester owner of the Winchester rifle. Many believe the house to be haunted by the souls who was killed from the Winchester rifle. House is well maintained but some of its structures was destroyed from the earthquake. Still it’s a beautiful place to check out if you are in the area. #history #travel

West San Jose

If you're spending some time in West San Jose, Winchester Mystery House and Santana Row Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

West San Jose
Sikh temple in San Jose area and one of the largest temple in California.

East San Jose

While you're in East San Jose, take in top sights like Raging Waters or San Jose Flea Market, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Alum Rock Station or McKee Station.

East San Jose

 

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

Santa Clara

Santa Clara

Awesome place to hike 👌👌

Cupertino

Campbell Water Tower against a blue summer sky. City of Campbell, Northern California.

Campbell

Fremont Central Park which includes a garden and a lake or waterhole

Fremont

Los Gatos Beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Los Gatos

Green Hills Behind Milpitas Lake in the Afternoon

Milpitas

Aerial view of a high school grounds in residential neighborhood near Don Burnett bicycle pedestrian cable-stayed bridge over Interstate 280, spanning Cupertino and Sunnyvale, California

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.

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