Things to do in San Jose
Winchester Mystery House
Sarah Winchester – heiress to her deceased husband’s Winchester Rifle fortune – started construction on this enormous mansion in 1886. Believing it haunted, its disordered design includes staircases leading nowhere, doors opening into walls and 161 (mostly empty) rooms – all aimed at confusing evil spirits. Today it’s a California Historical Landmark and one of the state’s most unique attractions.
California’s Great America
Ride the thrilling Flight Deck rollercoaster, with its vertical loop and corkscrew twists and turns, at this fun-filled theme park in Santa Clara – a 15-minute drive away from Downtown. There’s a real carnival feel, with a water park to cool off on those hot California days and plenty for young children in the Planet Snoopy section.
Santana Row
Rapid development in the early 21st century thanks to Silicon Valley’s boom has transformed this popular shopping stretch. Situated a couple of blocks from Westfield Valley Fair, the palm and oak tree-lined streets form a beautiful village vibe. Browse the boutique and big-name brands, enjoy lunch at one of the restaurant terraces or visit the indie cinema.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Twinned with Okayama in Japan, this ornate garden has celebrated the cities’ friendship since it opened in 1965. The tranquil garden could have been plucked straight from the Land of the Rising Sun, with its koi pond, babbling streams, delicate bridges, array of Japanese plants, and peaceful aura.
Top San Jose restaurants
ADEGA
You’ll struggle to find finer dining across the city, as ADEGA is currently the only San Jose restaurant with a Michelin star. The Portuguese restaurant in Little Portugal – ten minutes east of Downtown – regularly welcomes guest Michelin-star chefs from their home country. Choose between the regular four-course meal or the seven-course Chef Tasting Menu.
Henry’s World Famous Hi Life
Situated in Little Italy, this laidback steak and barbecue house is a San Jose institution – and has been for more than 60 years. Tuck into a full rack of ribs or the whopping 24-ounce porterhouse steak to satiate your appetite. It’s also a short walking distance from the SAP Center – perfect if you’re heading to a Sharks game.
Hotels in San Jose
Fairmont San Jose
The downtown location of the 13-storey Fairmont San Jose is perfect for getting amongst the action in the city center. Enjoy great views from any of the more than 800 rooms, with four onsite restaurants and elegant rooms, including marble bathrooms.
Hotel Valencia Santana Row
Relax in this boutique and cozy hotel within the famous Santana Row district, around 15 minutes west of Downtown. Wonderfully furnished rooms with chic décor make it a popular spot for a romantic break. It’s complemented by the Cielo rooftop restaurant, outdoor pool and hot tub for a wonderful way to unwind.
The best museums in San Jose
Tech Museum of Innovation
You can’t escape the influence of technology in San Jose and this interactive, family-friendly museum is testament to that. Kids can get hands-on building and programming robots, while learning about space exploration, biotechnology and more. Changing exhibits keep things fresh and exciting – keeping up with constantly evolving technology.
San Jose Art Museum
This downtown art museum mostly celebrates contemporary artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries – and not just in the conventional sense. Permanent exhibitions feature paintings and photography, alongside video installments and more from the likes of Dale Chihuly and Deborah Butterfield. Temporary exhibits often focus on local north Californian artists.