California, the Golden State, is a destination that is certain to leave a lasting impression on anyone who chooses to visit. While there are so many fabulous cities to explore and things to do, San Jose is the perfect place to see on a trip to the US. Nestled in Silicon Valley and brimming with innovation and attractions, there are so many things to do in San Jose.
From theme parks to cathedrals, hip artistic districts to cultural neighbourhoods, San Jose promises a dynamic blend of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers.
In this article, we showcase the best things to do in San Jose that make it the gem of the Golden State. If you’re going on a San Jose vacation, we’ve highlighted the top things to do, unique and cool things to do, as well as some of the opportunities that can be had just outside of the city.
You will find a fantastic array of things to do in San Jose that will ensure you have an unforgettable adventure. You can visit many of San Jose’s attractions on a guided sightseeing tour, but just be sure to make time for our recommendations. From the heartstopping rides at Great America to the cultural delights of San Jose’s museums, here are the top things to do in San Jose.
We thought we’d start this list off with a real highlight of California. Perfect for families or even just the young at heart, California’s Great America Theme Park is an absolute must for anyone visiting San Jose. Just 8 miles north of downtown San Jose, it is one of the best attractions in California and offers a variety of thrills.
Great America has a variety of rides that are suitable for daredevils and even more cautious travellers. Rides like ‘Delirium’ and ‘Demon’ are essential options for visitors who like top-notch thrills, whereas attractions like ‘Carousel Colombia’ and ‘Flying Ace’ are perfect for families with young children. With near-endless rides and experiences spread across 112 acres, it is one of the most fun things to do in San Jose for any visitor.
You can easily get to Great America on a short drive from San Jose via Route 101 and California State Route 237. There are also public transportation options available if you choose not to rent a vehicle. We do suggest you book your tickets in advance as the park can get very busy, especially during school holidays.
San Jose has a wealth of museums which make it an excellent choice for travellers who love to immerse themselves in culture. There are a variety to choose from but if you’ve only got a few days in San Jose, you’re best off visiting the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the San Jose Museum of Art.
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is the perfect place to visit if you’re obsessed with ancient Egypt as it houses the largest collection of Egyptian artefacts in western North America. It was established by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, an international mystical organisation which adds to the museum’s magical appeal. The museum houses over 4000 artefacts relating to Egypt, including mummies, statues and pottery which shed light on the daily lives of ancient Egyptians.
If you prefer art over history, then the San Jose Museum of Art is one of the best things to do when visiting San Jose. This museum focuses on modern and contemporary art and the collections include paintings, sculptures, photographs and other forms of visual art. Its permanent collection is rather sparse but it frequently rotates its exhibitions to feature established and burgeoning artists, making the visitor experience dynamic and unique.
If you’re wondering where to go in San Jose, Santana Row is an absolute must for anyone visiting the bustling city. It is a major hub for dining, shopping and entertainment in San Jose which makes it appealing in every sense of the word. Whether you’re looking for upscale shops, casual dining or live music performances, you are certain to find what you desire in this colourful communal space.
Santana Row features a range of outlets like luxury brands and bespoke boutiques which sell everything from fashion to beauty, making it a haven for travellers who want to shop till they drop. Likewise, foodies will have the most sumptuous culinary experience when wandering the sunny streets. Whether you’re looking for a quaint cafe or fine dining, every taste is catered for and accentuated with fabulous outdoor dining spaces, letting visitors enjoy spectacular food alongside Santana Row’s lively ambience.
While most cities will have similar offerings no matter where you go, San Jose is blessed with some very unique things to do which make it a top destination for travel. When you visit San Jose you can marvel at the wonders of the Winchester Mystery House and step into Japanese-American Culture in Japantown, which are experiences that will leave an indelible impression.
One of the most unique things to do in San Jose is to visit the Winchester Mystery House, a famous mansion renowned for its curiosities and oddities. The house features labyrinthian architecture, with doors leading to nowhere and windows that look into other rooms. Your visit to Winchester Mystery House is bound to be filled with surprises and delights as you explore secret passages and architectural anomalies.
It was constructed between the late 1800s and early 1900s and underwent various periods of expansion, which have resulted in its unique interior. The mansion was owned by Sarah Winchester whose husband was treasurer of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. According to local legend, the house is haunted by the spirits of individuals killed by Winchester rifles and the puzzling features of the house were designed to placate or confuse the entities.
Winchester Mystery House is situated within the heart of San Jose, making it easily accessible and a top tourist destination. One of the best ways to visit the mansion is on a guided tour which will take you through all 160 rooms and the verdant Victorian gardens. Your guide will be able to provide more details about the history and paranormal legends, giving you a more insightful experience of the mysterious mansion.
During a visit to San Jose, you also have the fantastic opportunity to get a taste of Japanese culture. Japantown is a thriving neighbourhood that was established by Japanese immigrants during the 19th century. It is recognised as one of the last 3 authentic Japantowns in the U.S., offering visitors exciting experiences and the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese-American culture.
Japantown is one of the most unique things to do in San Jose which makes it an absolute must for anyone visiting. There are a variety of shops selling authentic Japanese goods and crafts as well as a diverse culinary scene that features Japanese staples such as sushi, ramen and tantalising tempura. A standout feature of Japantown is the Peace Plaza, which functions as a gathering place for community events and is adorned with sculptures and plaques that commemorate the history of the Japanese-American community.
Being so close to Silicon Valley, it’s no surprise that San Jose is a very cool city for a holiday. There are some amazing places to visit in San Jose which will leave you feeling astounded by their awesomeness! Whether you’re exploring downtown, thrifting at San Jose Flea Market or getting stuck into the exhibits at The Tech Interactive, there are so many cool things to do in San Jose.
Many of our recommendations on this list are situated in downtown San Jose, but with it being such a diverse area filled with attractions, we thought it deserved its own special mention. When you explore this spirited hub, you can take in dazzling murals, attend bustling markets and lap up the cultural scene. With so much on offer for visitors, wandering the different downtown attractions is undoubtedly one of the cool things to do in San Jose.
A great place to visit in downtown San Jose is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph. This stunning architectural masterpiece is the first non-mission parish built in California and immediately catches the eye. It’s a cool thing to do in San Jose as it is unlike any other building within the city.
Other highlights of downtown San Jose include the SoFA District which is the centre for all things art and culture. There are a variety of galleries and trendy studios which are some of the coolest places in San Jose. Be sure to visit the district on the first Friday of the month to experience the South First Friday art walk, a monthly event where venues and galleries open their doors to the public to showcase their works and live performances.
Travellers who enjoy attending local markets and interacting with traders will have a fabulous time at the San Jose Flea Market. It is one of the most famous flea markets in the U.S. and provides visitors with a near-overwhelming experience of goods, food and entertainment. From a humble beginning, this market now spans over 120 acres and features both indoor and outdoor sections, making it suitable for a visit year-round.
At San Jose Flea Market, visitors will find a plethora of vendors offering everything from vintage fashions, antiques, electronics and so much more. The maze-like market is sure to have just what you’re looking for even if you aren’t sure exactly what that is. It even includes exciting entertainment like amusement rides and live music which makes it one of the coolest things to do in San Jose.
The market can be found at 1590 Berryessa Road, in San Jose. There is ample parking space which makes it very accessible. Admission to the market is free as long as you have paid for your parking.
It is worth noting that the flea market is usually only open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but be sure to check the website for operating hours. It often hosts special events, like concerts and car shows which can attract very large crowds which could impact your experience.
If you’re a tech fan visiting San Jose, then you have to take a trip to The Tech Interactive. Once known as The Tech Museum of Innovation, this institution is focused on engaging the public with science and technology with an emphasis on interactive exhibits. It’s one of the cool things to do in San Jose if you want to see a museum that does things differently.
The different exhibits at The Tech Interactive include hands-on activities, simulations and design challenges that serve to provide a more involved experience of science and technology. Being situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s the perfect place to learn more about technological innovation and experimentation. What’s more, the museum features an IMAX Dome Theater that screens both educational documentaries and blockbusters that go hand in hand with the museum’s educational mission.
Aside from being a very cool thing to do in San Jose, it is also a top place to explore if you’re looking for fun activities. With exhibits that make you think outside the box, it is one of the best places for entertainment in San Jose.
While we’ve discussed some of the best things to do in San Jose, there are also some excellent opportunities just outside the city that offer a welcome escape from the modern metropolis. In this section, we’ll discuss the best things to do around San Jose, with an emphasis on natural experiences which will be the perfect complement to a city renowned for its technology.
One of the best things to do around San Jose is to explore the natural beauty of Big Basin Redwood State Park. This reserve is situated within the Santa Cruz Mountains and is home to some of the largest and oldest redwood trees in the world. As you explore the grounds, you will be mesmerised by these towering giants which can reach heights of over 90 metres.
This park is also where you will find some of the best hikes near San Jose. This makes it a perfect place to visit for travellers who love being active and discovering the outdoors.
The park is approximately 105 km from San Jose, so it will take around 2 hours to drive there. It’s a great option for a day trip out of the city and also has campgrounds if you would like to stay overnight. These camps are nestled amongst the skyscraping redwoods, which creates a serene and peaceful experience within nature.
There are an incredible amount of things to do in San Jose that make it a must-see city. Whether you want to explore the top sites, dive into the unique offerings of Winchester Mystery House and Japantown, or explore the cool aspects of the city which make it so hip.
There are even opportunities for outdoor adventures at Big Basin Redwood State Park. This allows visitors to experience not only the delights of a modern city but also relish unique natural settings that can’t be experienced anywhere else in the world.
Thinking about travelling stateside? Check out our other blogs on USA destinations like Sin City on a Budget: Las Vegas, USA and The Best Things to Do in New York City in the Winter for more travel tips.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
© 2009-2025 – BACKPACKERBOY
WEBSITE DESIGN BY SEO TRAVEL
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
Everything You Need to Know about Diving in Utila, Honduras 