Top Attractions in San José, California
San José, California is known for many different tourist attractions and great places to visit.
Tourists visit San José to take in the natural beauty of California, watch professional sports games, learn about the local history at museums and monuments, or see a show at the local theaters.
Different tourist attractions are suited for all different age groups, so kids and adults alike will have a blast on their trip to San José.
Some attractions are free of charge, while others may have an admission fee.
However, sightseeing in San José is fun for anyone on any budget.
What you need to know about San José
San José is located in the southern San Francisco Bay Area in California, also known as Silicon Valley.
The region is home to many high-tech companies, including Google and Adobe Systems.
The climate in San José is perfect for those who enjoy warm, sunny days – the climate is classified as Mediterranean and can typically be enjoyed year-round.
San José has many tourist attractions and great places to visit.
Best Places to See in San José
While tourist attractions in San José, California are extensive and fun for all ages, there are a handful that should not be missed.
We are going to show you the top 10 attractions, including some of the best places to visit in San José.
San José Museum of Art
The San José Museum of Art is one of the top tourist attractions in San José, California.
Art enthusiasts will love this place because it is one of the most comprehensive art museums in Northern California.
The museum is home to many different works, including contemporary and modern pieces from artists all over the world.
The museum also features rotating exhibits, so visitors can enjoy new art on a regular basis.
Municipal Rose Garden
The Municipal Rose Garden is an outdoor garden that is home to many different styles of roses.
There are over 2,500 rose bushes in this beautiful garden, with varieties native to California.
There are also special rose gardens that highlight different countries or regions of the world.
Googleplex
Just outside of San José, you can visit the Googleplex in Mountain View, California.
It is the Google HQ and is the perfect place to see some of Google’s latest products and technology.
Tourists and locals alike can learn about the different Google products and services, such as Maps and Translate.
Google offers tours of their campus, making this one of the most unique tourist attractions in San José.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
Another attraction that is not to be missed in San José is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph.
The cathedral itself has been around since 1803 making it a historic tourist attraction.
It is one of the oldest buildings in San José and has been designated as a historic landmark.
The cathedral is also home to the tombs of three former archbishops.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Right in the middle of the city you will find the Japanese Friendship Garden.
The garden was designed to symbolize friendship between California and Japan.
There are many different areas of the garden that have been built to resemble different parts of Japan.
The gardens feature a koi pond, a pagoda, a Japanese tea house and a variety of different types of flora.
Mount Hamilton
Located in the Santa Clara Mountains of California, Mount Hamilton is a gorgeous tourist attraction.
The viewpoint offers some of the best views in all of California.
There are countless hiking trails and picnic spots that allow visitors to enjoy views of the Santa Clara Valley.
On the top of Mount Hamilton, you will also find the Lick Observatory, which has been operating since 1888.
The observatory is a great place to visit because it offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the area.
Winchester House
One tourist attraction that will give you nightmares is Winchester House.
This mansion was built by Sarah L. Winchester, and it was intended to confuse and ward off ghosts.
The Winchester House is filled with secret passages, staircases, and doors that lead to nowhere.
There are also rooms that have been left unfinished or partially completed.
This tourist attraction is definitely creepy and not for everyone, but it is certainly an experience.
San José with Kids
San José also is a great destination if you’re travelling with kids.
Many of the tourist attractions are designed with kids in mind.
California’s Great America, Raging Waters San José and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo are just a few of the tourist attractions that kids will absolutely love.
Raging Waters San José
Raging Waters San José is an outdoor water park that features multiple slides, pools and other attractions to keep kids entertained.
The water park is located right next to Lake Cunningham, and it is a popular tourist attraction year-round.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Next, visit Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. This zoo features over 140 different species of animals and over 100 types of plants.
Some of the animals you can expect to see on your visit include black bears, grizzly bears and even a white tiger.
There are also interactive exhibits where you can get up-close to the animals.
California’s Great America
Another tourist attraction that kids will love is California’s Great America.
California’s Great America has rides, games, restaurants and plenty of entertainment for the entire family.
The amusement park has over 100 different attractions and is perfect for thrill seekers and those who want to relax and enjoy the views.
San José Like a Local
If you want to get to know San José like a local, you can also venture off the tourist path.
There are many great places to visit in San José that aren’t tourist attractions like museums, local parks, restaurants and more!
You should definitely pay a visit to the Mountain Winery even if you don’t have a ticket to a show.
The winery is an extremely popular tourist attraction because it has beautiful grounds and hosts outdoor music shows.
The Mountain Winery has hosted famous musicians like Ray Charles, James Taylor and even the Beatles.
You can also take a break from tourist attractions by visiting SoFA Market.
SoFA Market is a market that features art galleries, food vendors and craft markets.
This market is perfect for discovering local artists and their original creations.
SoFA Market also hosts weekly food vendors, so you can try some delicious local food.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the top attractions in San José.
For more travel tips, visit one of our other posts:
0 Comments