Location: San Jose
Top Things to do in San Jose
Countries
Top 5 Historic Sites 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. Roberto-Sunol House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. New Almaden Quicksilver Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Eleven miles south of San Jose, a marker now commemorates this historic spot.
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
There are many trails in the Almaden Quicksilver area. I assume this is the Hacienda Entrance. You’ll find a large parking lot and while there are facilities, they were locked the day we were there, but there are porta-potties. The really nice thing at this entrance is the old equipment and plaques explaining what each piece does and when it was used. There are a few pieces, outside the fenced area, that kids can play on. There are a lot of great hiking trails in the area. I highly recommend walking to the English Camp and the surrounding area, for a look into the past. There are only a few buildings, barely standing, but still worth the hike. Even if you are not planning to hike, if you’ve nothing else to do, it is a nice drive down to this entrance and the outside mining history exhibit and bell tower are worth a few pics.
3. History Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 86 reviews
Restored historical landmarks, replicas and original old homes form a quaint village overlooking Silicon Valley.
Reviewed By P9658FCpamelaa - Aurora, United States
We got there late on a rainy day and so didn't get to experience the whole park, but the parts we did were fabulous. We saw an exhibit about trolleys and one about printing. In both exhibits the volunteer docents provided excellent context and hands on experiences. I wish we had gotten there in time to see the rest of the exhibits. Highly recommend for families and those looking to pass an informative and leisurely day. There is limited free parking, but you can park for $6 fairly close by in a park.
4. Winchester Mystery House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,038 reviews
The Winchester Mystery House is the beautiful but bizarre mansion of Sarah Winchester, heiress of the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune. Construction began in 1884, and didn't stop for 38 years. Haunted by the spirits of Winchester rifle victims, Mrs. Winchester built the Victorian mansion with many odd and mysterious features. The Winchester Mystery House is an architectural wonder and historic landmark in San Jose, CA. Self-guided garden tours are available.
Reviewed By annettek341 - Boise, United States
After visiting several years ago and taking a hard hat tour, we decided it was time for another visit. We were right! The entry area has been redone and very open a bright, the Winchester Rifle Museum is still open and interesting to walk through as we wait for our paid house tour. The court yard is very welcoming. A couple of new additions: a shooting gallery, which we didn’t think Sarah Winchester would be too happy about and the green screen for photos taken while holding rifles. This house is so unique and there is so much to appreciate that the photos and shooting gallery cheapen a great experience. No more photos in the home but a fantastic tour given by Adam! We even were able to see rooms we have not yet visited! It was a great 1 hr 10 min tour. The tiffany windows are still beautiful the stories about Sarah still interesting and the early ideas and inventions of Sarah Winchester still exciting! Because we did not get enough in the first hour we opted for the Extended house tour for $10 more for each ticket. This was great, all new areas to us to investigate. Our guide Bennett was also very knowledgeable and gave a great tour! Would love to spend the night someday. Go visit this beautiful Victorian!
5. Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Historic Site
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
Built sometime before 1800, this is the most significant adobe structure remaining in San Jose.
