Things to Do

San Jose’s most popular museums are the perfect destination for family outings, date nights and solo adventurers. Wander through space at Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, get hands-on with technology at the Tech Museum of Innovation, or take in the vibrant San Jose Museum of Art. Find your inspiration in San Jose’s fascinating museums!

Fuel your creative spirit with an afternoon of browsing through one of San Jose’s many collections of visual masterpieces at the San Jose Museum of Art, a popular spot for art and cultural enthusiasts, or seek a unique experience in the complex world of textile art at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles.

Journey back in time at one of the many history museums in San Jose. Put your archeologist hat on at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, it houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on display in Western North America. Looking to explore a world-renowned 1800’s curiosity instead? Check out the hauntingly beautiful halls of The Winchester Mystery House, where Sarah Winchester built her sprawling house filled with architectural anomalies. Visitors swear they can feel the spirit of Sarah Winchester wandering around this architectural mystery. (history museums content block)

The Santa Cruz Mountains wine region is nestled in one of the most unique and beautiful environments in the world. With over 150 unique wineries with exquisite varieties to try as you take in incredible views of the valley, redwoods and Pacific ocean, we’re extremely spoiled to have it all begin within 20 minutes from downtown San Jose. Home to places like the prestigious and award-winning Ridge Vineyards, the delightful Testarossa Winery, and the historic Mountain Winery, visitors can enjoy the taste of a wide variety of delicious vintages as well as live music, trailheads and horseback riding. We encourage you to explore the hidden treasures of this beautiful mountain region.

Staying true to its original name - the “Valley of the Heart’s Delight” - the Santa Clara Valley’s rich soils continue to produce exceptional wines and produce for the region, long before the birth of Silicon Valley. Step back in time to a more relaxed era and sip your way through more than two dozen historic wineries, tasting rooms and gorgeous vineyards. Daily tastings are available at most wineries, with some, like Clos LaChance Winery and Guglielmo Winery, featuring entertainment and live music.

Sampling exceptional varietals from the surrounding wine regions is easy to do staying in San Jose. Stay downtown and enjoy 300 days of sunshine with a glass of wine on the patio at Vino Vino, or take a pedicab to The Alameda and visit J.Lohr Vineyards & Wines for free daily tastings. You’ll find plenty of choices to taste no matter which neighborhood you visit.

The Biersch legacy has been succeeded by many local craft breweries, which continue to explore new brewing methods. Innovation is a staple attribute of Silicon Valley so it’s only fitting that San Jose’s Umunhum Brewing became California’s first co-op brewery – just one of many examples of our innovative approach to craft beer.

We encourage you to enjoy our craft beer scene and have a glass…or two!

Find world-class shopping right here in San Jose. Shop independent boutique and top designer brands and enjoy plenty of patio dining throughout Santana Row. Check out the brand new luxury wing at Valley Fair, or find incredible deals at the nearby Great Mall and 

Gilroy Premium Outlets. Get off the beaten path and explore one of the country’s largest 

open-air flea markets, the San Jose Flea Market.

From malls to outlets, and antiques to boutiques, San Jose has something for every kind of shopper. Browse all shopping in San Jose. 

Shop local vendors at one of several antique stores and farmers’ markets throughout San Jose. Skip from shop to shop along charming Willow Glen and compulsive shop down antique row for hidden treasures. Pick fresh produce and finds at the Downtown Farmers Market (May - November) and the San Jose Flea Market (year-round). 

Nestled in a valley surrounded by picturesque mountains, San Jose offers opportunities to spend time outdoors and see beautiful vistas from the endless trails and parks. Families, experienced hikers and novice explorers will find the perfect place to get outside in San Jose and the surrounding valley. Discover places where you can get some fresh air and take in the unforgettable views. 

Hike along trails at Alum Rock Park or in higher altitudes at Castle Rock State Park to immerse yourself in nature and see the valley vista. Explore the salt flats at Alviso Marina County Park or bike along native wildflowers at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.

During the springtime, you can find swaths of native wildflowers growing at many parks and trails – including the infamous California poppy. The colorful flowers can be found at Santa Teresa Park, Almaden Quicksilver County Park and Calero Reservoir County Park.

The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is a go-to picnic and photo spot filled with beautiful blooming roses of all colors and varieties. Take a peaceful walk at the Japanese Friendship Gardens complete with lush greenery, traditional Japanese architecture and koi fish pond.