San Jose

California

United States

North America

San Jose is situated in Silicon Valley making it a popular spot for tourists. From museums to restaurants there is something to keep everyone entertained when visiting. Touring the missions, temples and observatories are only a few of the fun things to do in San Jose.

San Jose is situated in Silicon Valley making it a popular spot for tourists. From museums to restaurants there is something to keep everyone entertained when visiting. Touring the missions, temples and observatories are only a few of the fun things to do in San Jose. With places such as Santa Cruz, Pebble Beach, San Francisco and Lake Tahoe within driving distance, San Jose is a great base for all the adventures in the area. Steeped with Western history the city is abundant with architecture and charm of the old days.
<h2>1. Children’s Discovery Museum</h2>
One of the great adventures awaiting children in San Jose is the Children’s Discovery Museum. Since its opening in 1990, this museum has entertained and enriched over 7 million people since. Growing regularly the museum is home to exhibits that will challenge and educate children of all ages and all walks of life. Well educated and friendly staff members eagerly work to create an exciting environment for children to learn.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/907916618-1024x683.jpg" alt="Children’s Discovery Museum" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Radist / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2.  Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum</h2>
An Egyptian Museum might seem like an unusual destination in a western city like San Jose, but this is a fun attraction for all ages. The museum is home to the largest Ancient Egypt artifacts in the Western United States. The exhibits change regularly, and the fun architecture of the building and surroundings brings visitor right to Egypt.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/904498616-1024x683.jpg" alt="Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">yuriz / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3.  Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph</h2>
For any visitor to San Jose that loves architecture, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is a destination not to be missed. This Roman Catholic church that stands impressively in the downtown area of the city. The history of this church is unique because it is one of five churches that have been constructed on this site. All others had been previously destroyed in fires and earthquakes. The church as it stands now has been restored in 1990 and stands strong filled with beautiful detail and artwork.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/502616640-1024x672.jpg" alt="Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum" width="1024" height="672" /><span class="image-caption">Robert_Ford / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4.  Alum Rock Park</h2>
Nestled in the Diablo Mountain Range foothills, Alum Rock Park is one of the oldest parks in California. Mountain lions, deer and bobcats call the 740-acre wilderness space home. The walkways throughout the terrain make this a great location for hiking, jogging, biking or just a stroll. With an active mineral spring and multiple barbeque pits, picnicking can be a fun outing for all.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/580102352-1024x684.jpg" alt="Alum Rock Park" width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">aido75 / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5.  Happy Hollow Park &amp; Zoo</h2>
Visitors looking for a nice afternoon out might find the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo to be just the right spot. The 16-acre zoo is home to over 150 animals and has lots of amusement rides such as a carousel and roller coaster. With an educational center providing exhibits about the animals and puppet shows there is plenty for kids of all ages to do.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/173681964-1024x768.jpg" alt="Happy Hollow Park and Zoo" width="1024" height="768" /><span class="image-caption">filo / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6.  San Jose Flea Market</h2>
Travelers that love a bargain won’t want to miss the San Jose Flea Market! A shopping destination since 1950, this sprawling market of antiques, fashion, food and much more is well worth the trip. A vintage carousel and mini-Ferris wheel bring a little fun to the day for the kids. The flea market is a mix of old and new products and design for all ages.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/157309348-1024x681.jpg" alt="San Jose Flea Market" width="1024" height="681" /><span class="image-caption">claudio.arnese / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7.  San Jose Museum of Art</h2>
The San Jose Museum of Art has been bringing the art world to San Jose for over 50 years. The architecture of the museum alone is something to look at with rock-like walls and turrets. The museum provides exhibits that reflect the times that the artwork was created. One of their most admired exhibits is that of post 9/11. With art from all over the world, the destination is a great way to spend an afternoon.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/869841178-1024x681.jpg" alt="San Jose Museum of Art" width="1024" height="681" /><span class="image-caption">guruXOOX / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8.  History Park</h2>
Those looking to step back in time will find History Park in San Jose to be the right place. This museum mimics a small town in the early 1900s West. The museum has a livery, packing shed, doctor, dentist and general store. The Paulson House located on the property is a former house and museum from the 1890s designed to show Greek heritage. The park is an exploration of the West over 100 years ago.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/89943501-1024x768.jpg" alt="History Park San Jose" width="1024" height="768" /><span class="image-caption">cwinegarden / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9.  Japantown</h2>
Located in the heart of the Western city of San Jose is Japantown. Visiting this community is like stepping into another country with the food, architecture, and lifestyle of Japan. There is excellent shopping for trinkets and clothing of Japan as well as restaurants and groceries sporting the best in Japanese food. Take a break from the West and become immersed in Japanese culture.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/172228546-1024x681.jpg" alt="San Jose Japantown" width="1024" height="681" /><span class="image-caption">halbergman / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10.  Museum of Quilts &amp; Textiles</h2>
One of the most unique museums in all of San Jose is the Museum of Quilts &amp; Textiles. The museum shows off a wide variety of quilts and textiles from all eras. The exhibits provide an interesting look at how the process of creating quilts has changed through the years. The eras are reflected in the different designs that came about over time. This is a good stroll through history in an unusual way.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/827709358-1024x683.jpg" alt="Museum of Quilts and Textiles" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Melnikof / Getty Images</span>

San Jose

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10 Fun Things to Do in San Jose