San Jose
City Travel Guide

San Jose Guide

Explore the best of San Jose, California, including attractions, local neighborhoods, transportation options, and travel tips to help you plan a smoother trip.

Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County (RHV) San Jose, California, United States 40 Live Events Next 90 days

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What are the top attractions in San Jose?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
All on Viator →

Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in San Jose, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.

Book San Jose Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
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Winchester Mystery HouseAttraction
★ 4.5
Winchester Mystery House
525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
Explore →16,010 reviews
California's Great AmericaAttraction
★ 4.4
California's Great America
4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Explore →16,083 reviews
Municipal Rose GardenAttraction
★ 4.7
Municipal Rose Garden
1649 Naglee Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA
Explore →7,747 reviews
Sikh Gurdwara San JoseAttraction
★ 4.9
Sikh Gurdwara San Jose
3636 Gurdwara Ave, San Jose, CA 95148, USA
Explore →4,464 reviews
Vasona Lake County ParkAttraction
★ 4.7
Vasona Lake County Park
333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032, USA
Explore →6,179 reviews
Happy Hollow Park & ZooAttraction
★ 4.5
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
748 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
Explore →5,342 reviews
Sierra Vista Open Space PreserveAttraction
★ 4.8
Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
Sierra Rd, San Jose, CA 95127, USA
Explore →3,036 reviews
Alum Rock ParkAttraction
★ 4.7
Alum Rock Park
15350 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose, CA 95127, USA
Explore →3,581 reviews
Hindu Temple & Community CenterAttraction
★ 4.7
Hindu Temple & Community Center
450 Persian Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, USA
Explore →3,272 reviews
Children's Discovery Museum of San JoseAttraction
★ 4.6
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
Explore →3,879 reviews
Central ParkAttraction
★ 4.6
Central Park
909 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA
Explore →3,565 reviews
Alviso Marina County ParkAttraction
★ 4.5
Alviso Marina County Park
1195 Hope St, Alviso, CA 95002, USA
Explore →4,273 reviews
The Tech InteractiveAttraction
★ 4.4
The Tech Interactive
201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
Explore →4,106 reviews
Emma Prusch Farm ParkAttraction
★ 4.6
Emma Prusch Farm Park
647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116, USA
Explore →2,729 reviews
Intel MuseumAttraction
★ 4.5
Intel Museum
2200 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Explore →3,129 reviews
Sunnyvale Baylands ParkAttraction
★ 4.5
Sunnyvale Baylands Park
999 E Caribbean Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, USA
Explore →2,598 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in San Jose?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
GetYourGuide →

Quick answer Top tour formats in San Jose include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.

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What events are happening in San Jose?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
All events →

Quick answer 40 upcoming events in San Jose across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ersSports
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ers
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Bruce JinglesArts & Theatre
Bruce Jingles
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ersSports
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ers
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
Phil MedinaEvent
Phil Medina
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ersSports
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ers
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
True North, Out In Front, PINKNOISEConcert
True North, Out In Front, PINKNOISE
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Damon Wayans Jr.Arts & Theatre
Damon Wayans Jr.
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ersSports
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ers
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
Damon Wayans Jr.Arts & Theatre
Damon Wayans Jr.
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
Alain Whyte - Performing Morrissey’s “Your Arsenal” Album + HitsConcert
Alain Whyte - Performing Morrissey’s “Your Arsenal” Album + Hits
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
Symphonic World Cup ??? Symphony San JoseEvent
Symphonic World Cup ??? Symphony San Jose
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)Arts & Theatre
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)
Jun 7, 2026
Get Tickets →
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ersSports
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ers
Jun 7, 2026
Get Tickets →
Damon Wayans Jr.Arts & Theatre
Damon Wayans Jr.
Jun 7, 2026
Get Tickets →
Symphonic World Cup ??? Symphony San JoseEvent
Symphonic World Cup ??? Symphony San Jose
Jun 7, 2026
Get Tickets →
Fiona Cauley & Ahren BelisleEvent
Fiona Cauley & Ahren Belisle
Jun 10, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ringo Starr and His All Starr BandConcert
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band
Jun 11, 2026
Get Tickets →
Jamie LissowEvent
Jamie Lissow
Jun 11, 2026
Get Tickets →
Daphnique SpringsEvent
Daphnique Springs
Jun 12, 2026
Get Tickets →
Frankie QuinonesArts & Theatre
Frankie Quinones
Jun 12, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sports
JUN
3
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ers
588 E. Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA
Arts & Theatre
JUN
3
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)
255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA
Arts & Theatre
JUN
3
Bruce Jingles
62 S Second St, San Jose, CA
Get Tickets USD 31-83
Sports
JUN
4
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ers
588 E. Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA
Arts & Theatre
JUN
4
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)
255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA
Event
JUN
4
Phil Medina
62 S Second St, San Jose, CA
Get Tickets USD 31-83
Sports
JUN
5
San Jose Giants vs. Inland Empire 66ers
588 E. Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA
Concert
JUN
5
True North, Out In Front, PINKNOISE
400 S 1st St, San Jose, CA
Get Tickets USD 22-521
Arts & Theatre
JUN
5
Back to the Future The Musical (Touring)
255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA
Frequently asked questions about San Jose
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in San Jose?
San Jose offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in San Jose?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in San Jose, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around San Jose?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County (RHV).
When is the best time to visit San Jose?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in San Jose?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in San Jose?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.

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