Location: San Jose
Top Things to do in San Jose
The 10 Best Free Things to do in San Jose, California (CA)
Welcome to bustling San Jose, where Silicon Valley meets Spanish history and modern edifices sit alongside meticulously restored 19th-century buildings. Such is the contrast of this city rich in tradition and, thanks to the tech industry, just plain rich. Five star-hotels and fine restaurants line the streets of the restored downtown area, and the cultural scene is thriving with museums, theater and art to rival any world-class hub. Don't miss the Tech Museum of Innovation, an exploration of Silicon Valley and its impact on the area. History buffs will relish the old mansions and can delve into the city's past at the History Museum of San Jose. Save time for a round of golf or the locals' other favorite pastime, sipping coffee and people-watching at a crowded cafe.
Restaurants in San Jose
1. Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By karimexicogdl - Guadalajara, Mexico
It’s such a beautiful collection inside the public library, there’s thousands of books, albums, documents, art, etc. The paradise of Beethoven’s world in America. Must visit when in California!
2. Los Gatos Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Paved trail great for running: cuts through parks, ponds, and downtown Los Gatos.
Reviewed By GlobalViajer0 - Sacramento, United States
Pleasant walk with much foot traffic, feels safe with sporadic shade. Loop around the reserve is about 1.5 miles. Bring water if you plan to stick around for a bit, parking nearby.
3. Coyote Creek Parkway Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Running trail stretching from Kelley Park to Morgan Hill.
Reviewed By Stefani1220 - San Jose, United States
Great place for walking, jogging, bikes, strollers.... When there is water in the creek it adds a great ambience. Wild flowers in the spring!! It's wonderful. Park on the street outside the park - there is no fee for parking.
4. Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Park featuring 29 miles of well marked woodland trails.
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
The Almaden Quicksilver area has quite a few trails of various lengths and difficulty levels. I recommend you search on All Trails for a hike with the difficulty level and length that interests you. Note that if you go on a longer hike, don’t rely entirely on All Trails, as you will likely loose connection. Write down the various trails, as there are many intersecting trails – most of which are well marked. There are parking lots and facilities near most of the entrances, although one is in a neighborhood and you just park on the street. I recommend you hike to English Camp and the surrounding area to see the few remains of an old mining town. Be sure to look around as you hike as there are other old buildings and mining equipment, etc. We really enjoy hiking in this area.
5. Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Built in 1876, this church serves the oldest parish in San Jose.
Reviewed By 202colml
An amazing piece of art history and well worth a visit. Beautiful paintings and art inside this old cathedral and the original high altar and tabernacle is still there, just look behind the 'modern' bishops chair.
6. Heritage Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Stefani1220 - San Jose, United States
This park is FREE! A great place for a picnic, sitting in the sun or shade to read a book, or taking a stroll through the fabulous rows of roses.
7. Alum Rock Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Alum Rock Park is 718 acres, has restrooms, 149 picnic tables, 85 BBQs, and 2 playgrounds.
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
Very large park with plenty of hiking trails of various levels. One can walk on the paved, flat, easy road or can hike up the mountain with a pretty good incline. There is a small stream that goes through part of the park, which is rather nice. There are also a lot of picnic areas with restrooms, but most of these areas are temporarily closed due to Covid. Still a great place to go for a hike/walk, or just to relax.
8. San Jose Betsuin Buddhist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Founded in 1902, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin (SJBCB) is a Temple of the Jodo Shinshu Nishi Hongwanji tradition of Buddhism. We are located in the Japantown area of downtown San Jose.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We like to go to the community events at the San Jose Buddhist Church in San Jose. It is close to Japantown. There is a nice garden area, and community center as well. The temple was founded in 1902.
9. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
We invite you to explore our limited-production and club-only wines at our J. Lohr Wine Centers in San Jose and Paso Robles. These wines include many of our award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines and more. Effective January 2, 2019, visitors can choose six wines to taste for a $15 fee. The tasting fee is waived with club membership or a minimum two-bottle purchase from the tasting menu.(Closed New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Reviewed By 713jackm - Ottawa, Canada
You won’t find the vineyards here, but you can try all their great wines within a charming atmosphere. Ask for Mike...he’s a fixture and full of stories and knowledge of the wines, the regions, and just makes the experience so much better. Then take some wine home with you! Enjoy.
10. Emma Prusch Farm Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Emma Prusch Farm Park is 43.5 acres, has restrooms, 35 picnic tables, and 5 BBQs
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We have been to Emma Prusch Farm Park a number of times. The park is lots of fun. There is an international rare fruit orchard to see. There are lots of roosters and chickens. There is a very nice playground for children. it was sad that the barn no longer has the variety of animals it used to have; there was one goat. We like walking in the park. its a good place to visit.
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