Your guide to San Jose

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Less than an hour south of San Francisco, the bustling city of San Jose is the gateway to the greater Bay Area. During your time here, you’ll explore a sprawling city surrounded by hills within Silicon Valley. Discover nature parks and Spanish Colonial Revival structures alongside modern architecture and the headquarters of leading tech companies. Get inspired with our San Jose travel guide.

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San Jose highlights

Tech innovation

The birthplace of the hard drive and the floppy disk, San Jose has always been a hub of technological innovation. These days it’s home to leading tech companies like Adobe, PayPal and eBay. The city celebrates its pioneering spirit with family-friendly attractions like The Tech Interactive and the Computer History Museum. Spend the day exploring feats of science and technology or take part in hands-on activities.

Nature calls

Tucked in a valley framed by towering mountains, San Jose offers a variety of hiking trails, from high-altitude climbs to salt flats. Walk the Grant Lake Trailhead and watch for blue herons in the lake’s shallows. Book flights and hotels to San Jose in spring to catch sweeping vistas of wildflowers — including the California poppy — growing in the city’s parks.

Where to stay

Be close to the action on Santana Row, a European-inspired retail strip packed with restaurants, bars and shops. You’ll also find theatres and live music on your doorstep. There are more lodging options near San Pedro Square, home to some of California’s oldest buildings. For somewhere a bit quieter, try Willow Glen, a family-friendly neighbourhood with indie shops and casual dining.

San Jose: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)
High season	June - August
Low season	January - February

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Things to do in San Jose

Places to eat

It’s not all corporate credit card lunches in this Bay Area hotspot. San Jose’s food scene is for the people, by the people and features a wide variety of options from prix fixe French bistros to New York–style pizza joints. But the city’s claim to fame might be its wealth of immigrant-owned eateries. Sample top-quality Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Vietnamese and Ethiopian cuisine and more.

Take in the culture

San Jose is California’s oldest Spanish civilian settlement, and the museums here pay homage to this history. Get inspired at the San Jose Museum of Art with its impressive collection of 20th-century works. Or brush up on your ancient history while strolling the subterranean tombs at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. And the hands-on Children’s Discovery Museum is always a hit with families.

Beaches

San Jose is situated inland, but an hour’s drive will get you to some stunning beaches. Head to Santa Cruz Main Beach for the hustle and bustle or to Gray Whale Cove for whale watching between January and early May. Ano Nuevo State Park is an excellent place to watch northern elephant seals in their natural habitat.

FAQs about visiting San Jose

Is San Jose a good place to visit?

Whether you're into shopping, art, or anything else, there are plenty of things to do in San Jose. Winchester Mystery House and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum are just scratching the surface of what this city has to offer.

How many days do you need in San Jose?

You can see the city’s major highlights in a day or two, but you may like to book flights and hotels to San Jose for upwards of five days. That way, you can soak up everything the city offers and make time for a day trip to one of the nearby beaches.

Is it safe to visit San Jose?

San Jose is generally considered a safe place, especially if you stick to areas popular with tourists. As with any destination, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Read up on any travel notices or safety tips to ensure your stay in San Jose is relaxing and worry-free.

What language is spoken in San Jose?

English is widely spoken here. Get familiar with a few local phrases during your city break in San Jose and you'll blend right in.

What is the coldest month in San Jose?

January brings the coolest conditions. Plan your San Jose trip then and you can expect lows of 3ºC (37ºF).

What currency is used in San Jose?

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for payments while in San Jose. Pay with a debit or credit card whenever possible, but keep a small amount of cash on you for businesses that don't accept cards.

What is the hottest month in San Jose?

With temperatures reaching a high of 32ºC (90ºF), August is the warmest month in San Jose.

How expensive is a trip to San Jose?

Whether you want to indulge or keep things more affordable, your preferred travel style will partly influence the cost. When budgeting for your San Jose flights and hotels, consider all the options, from flying economy class or business to booking basic or luxury stays. When you go also matters, with some seasons bringing better value for a city break in San Jose.

What is the rainiest month in San Jose?

With around 140 millimetres of rainfall, December is the rainiest month. If you're visiting San Jose then, you'll want to plan a few indoor activities. Dine at one of the best spots in town, unwind in a cosy cafe, or indulge in a shopping spree.

When is the best time to visit San Jose?

The best time in San Jose is between May and September, when there’s typically less rain. The city is busiest during summer, and if you don't mind the rain, the beloved Christmas in the Park is a seasonal tradition.

Is San Jose a good city break?

A trip to San Jose is a great city break, offering a mix of new-world innovation and cultural history. The capital of Silicon Valley and the oldest Spanish settlement in California, San Jose has many things to keep you busy, including museums, hiking trails and more.