Welcome to the unofficial “capital” of Silicon Valley. As one of the most populous cities in California—and, indeed, the USA—San Jose is a rich and vibrant destination for any traveller eager to explore the Golden State. It is chock-full of fascinating sights and sounds, from the famously quirky architecture of Winchester Mystery House to the mummies of Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. There’re enough unique sightseeing opportunities to ensure a truly memorable vacation. The city’s downtown area is, unsurprisingly, the hub around which so much of San Jose’s many attractions revolve. The hands-on scientific marvels of The Tech Interactive museum, the city’s many theatres, and the sporting and musical heavyweights who frequent the SAP Center—these, and many more sights, are just some of the memorable experiences that await tourists. So stick around and read on for some of the top things to do in downtown San Jose, California.
1. Gaze at the revolving exhibits of the San Jose Museum of Art
For the past 50 years, San Jose Museum of Art has been wowing art lovers with its contemporary and modern pieces. Set within a former 19th-century library, it boasts a permanent collection of more than 26,000 objects and presents a wide array of revolving exhibitions. Recent shows have included Catherine Wagner’s exploration of scientific research in Paradox Observed, another exhibition showcasing female artists and filmmakers, and one showcasing the delights of walking. It also hosts special events, such as lunchtime lectures, so it’ll be worth checking its calendar before visiting.
San Jose Museum of Art
Address: 110 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: San Jose Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Adult: 10 USD; Over 65 years: 8 USD; Children 17 years old and under go free
2. Visit the iconic Olympic Black Power Statue
One of the 20th century’s most iconic images, the Black Power salute made by U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos as they collected their medals at the 1968 Olympic Games continues to inspire generations of people all over the world. Little wonder then that such a quietly powerful image has inspired artistic tributes everywhere—from Sydney, Australia, to downtown San Jose. The latter, a statue entitled “Victory Salute,” is located on the grounds of San Jose State University, where both men were once students. What’s more, a space on the podium invites you to “Take a Stand”—giving visitors the chance to join the pair in their message of solidarity.
Victory Salute
Address: Robert D. Clark Hall and Tower Hall, San Jose State University, San Jose, California 95112
Website: San Jose State University
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Appreciate the colourful Downtown San Jose streets
One of the true delights of any travel experience has to be simply wandering new streets and soaking up the atmosphere of your destination. San Jose’s downtown boasts plenty of colourful architecture for you to enjoy. Indeed, many of the 19th-century buildings here are deemed historically important enough to have made the USA’s National Register of Historic Places, while the area’s Victorian homes feature a range of architectural styles—from the Mission Revival movement to the California-bungalow look of the inter-war years. It is also home to many visually striking landmarks, such as Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph and The Tech Interactive museum. Speaking of which…
Downtown San Jose
Address: Downtown San Jose, San Jose, California 95112
Website: San Jose Downtown Association
Opening hours: Varies depending on venue/attraction
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4. Embrace technology at The Tech Interactive
A great destination for inspiring those technology-minded members of your group, The Tech Interactive is a family-friendly science and technology museum featuring a host of hands-on spectacles. These enable visitors to experiment and learn by doing—as well as enjoying a feast for the eyes along the way. Exhibits have ranged from insights into volcanic forces on the site’s IMAX movie screen to full-body VR flight simulators. It’s an approach that has won plenty of plaudits—with it being awarded the highest honour a U.S. museum can achieve, the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
The Tech Interactive
Address: 201 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: The Tech Interactive
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Adult: 25 USD; Senior, Student, Child: 20 USD
5. Soak in some culture at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts plays host to a wide range of stage productions every year. What’s more, you’ll likely find something to suit either your personal taste or those of your loved ones or friends, with shows ranging from child-centred Nick Jr. Live! to the high art of the Russian Ballet Theatre making it onto this 2,600-seat theatre’s busy calendar. So whether it’s the high-octane delights of Queen’s We Will Rock You musical, iconic shows like Jesus Christ Superstar, or such famous acts as Blue Man Group, there’s something for everyone.
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 255 South Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily, box office only); performance times vary
Price: Varies depending on show
6. Soak in some history at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
Dating back to 1797, this plaza is known for being the oldest public space in California. Its prominent location downtown also places it within easy reach of several city landmarks, including the aforementioned Tech Interactive and San Jose Civic (more on that in a bit), making it a good stopping-off point while out exploring other sights. Photographers will also likely enjoy the challenge of snapping an arresting image or two of the pavement fountains. Time your visit right and it may also coincide with special events, such as San Jose Jazz Festival or Christmas in the Park.
Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
Address: 1 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: San Jose Parks
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Catch a game of hockey at the SAP Center
Welcome to Shark Tank! The home of the NHL San Jose Sharks—from which it derives its colourful nickname—the SAP Center plays host to dozens of ice hockey games every season. However, if your trip doesn’t coincide with one of the Sharks’ games, check out American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda, which also call the city home. What’s more, this large arena features other sports and major concerts too. Such big names as Hollywood star Hugh Jackman and rock legends Queen are among those to have performed at the venue.
SAP Center
Address: 525 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: SAP Center
Opening hours: Varies depending on event
Price: Varies depending on demand and seating location
8. Soak in the nightlife at Liquid Restaurant & Lounge
Open from morning until late, Liquid Restaurant & Lounge appeals to diners and dancers alike, proving suitable for meals and hosting some of Bay Area’s most popular and well-known DJs on the weekends. Pop, classic hits, electronic, hip-hop, and R&B are just some of the musical styles that get patrons dancing. The restaurant features a range of Asian fusion dishes, and there are a number of drink specials on many evenings should you decide to stretch your holiday cash a little further.
Liquid Restaurant & Lounge
Address: 32 South 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: Liquid Restaurant & Lounge
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 10pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 2pm; Sat - Sun: 5pm - 2am (closed on Mon)
9. Interact with locals at San Pedro Square Market
San Pedro Square Market is home to more than 20 individual vendors selling all manner of goods. These range from tapas and sushi dishes to goods for the house. What’s more, the site is also home to the oldest building in San Jose, Peralta Adobe, while the plaza outside makes for a popular spot to tuck into food and drink or listen to one of the venue’s regular evening concerts. The market hosts weekly entertainment and live bands every Thursday to Sunday. The long hours coupled with a range of unique goods and food has made this place a popular hangout among locals and visitors alike.
San Pedro Square Market
Address: 87 North San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Website: San Pedro Square Market
Opening hours: Varies depending on each establishment
10. Have a meal at San Jose Original Joe's
Delighting food fans for decades with its mix of Italian-American dishes, Original Joe’s serves everything from slap-up breakfast specials and sandwiches to seafood, steaks, pasta, and burgers—including Original Joe’s Famous Hamburger! There’s also a children’s menu should you have any little ones with you. Its tasty dishes, tuxedoed waiters, history, and counter seating have proven popular with the public, who have hailed it a “classic choice” in downtown San Jose and lauded it as the “best place” for Italian dishes.
San Jose Original Joe's
Address: 301 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: San Jose Original Joe’s
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 11am - 12am
11. Cycle through the scenic Guadalupe River Trail
Guadalupe River Trail stretches for 18 km (11 miles) and is a dedicated bike and pedestrian path that follows the banks of the river from which it gets its name. Popular both for recreational use and commuter access, the trail is made up of two sections—a short stretch on Upper Guadalupe River, which runs for 2.3 km (1.4 miles) from Almaden Lake Park to Chynoweth Avenue, and a much longer section on Lower Guadalupe River that continues from West Virginia Street through several parks and past the SAP Center before terminating at Gold Street in Alviso. On your way, you’ll pass the home of the San Francisco 49ers, Levi’s Stadium.
Guadalupe River Trail
Address: Almaden Lake Park to Chynoweth Avenue (southern section) and West Virginia Street to Gold Street (downstream section); San Jose, Calfornia
Website: Guadalupe River Trail
12. Attend an event at San Jose Civic
San Jose Civic has played host to major legends in the world of music over the decades—including The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Dylan—so you’ll be following in the footsteps of some seriously big names if you pay the site a visit. Following a multi-million dollar renovation earlier this decade, this 2,850-seat venue continues to showcase famous comedians like Patton Oswalt and musicians like REO Speedwagon and Engelbert Humperdinck. If you don’t find anything to tempt you to part with your cash at the aforementioned San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, there’s every likelihood there’ll be something at the Civic.
San Jose Civic
Address: 135 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: San Jose Civic
Opening hours: Varies depending on event
Price: Varies depending on event
13. Listen to music at Cafe Stritch
San Jose is also home to plenty of bars and smaller venues should you wish to eschew larger sites to enjoy music. Cafe Stritch is one such example. Located close to San Jose State University, this self-styled “premier live-jazz venue” in the San Jose and South Bay area plays host to live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Wax Wednesday all-vinyl DJ nights cover a range of styles. Naturally, as a cafe, this spot lets you make an evening of it by tucking into some tasty treats while enjoying the performances. Menu options range from burgers to grilled salmon, ratatouille, and grilled chicken.
Cafe Stritch
Address: 374 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: Cafe Stritch
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 5pm - 2am (closed Sun - Tue)
14. Catch an outdoor movie at Starlight Cinemas
Movie fans who time their visit right may be able to enjoy open-air cinema screenings in one of San Jose’s parks. Starlight Cinemas runs a free programme of movies at St. James Park every summer, with the films starting at dusk on select Saturdays. Free admission makes them a great option for travellers on a budget or families. Organised by San Jose Downtown Association, Starlight cinema nights also transfer to Backyard at Fountain Alley for select autumn screenings—from big Hollywood blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame, to family-friendly classics like Hocus Pocus.
Starlight Cinemas
Address: St. James Park, North 2nd Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Website: Starlight Cinemas
Opening hours: Sat only (films start at dusk)
Price: Free
15. Admire the stunning architecture of Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
San Jose is home to some visually stunning buildings—and one of its many fine architectural sights is Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. This active Roman Catholic church is regarded as one of the jewels in the downtown landscape and boasts an interior even more jaw-dropping than the outside. The beautiful frieze that adorns its vaulted ceilings proves an irresistible target for photographers—as, too, the impressive stained-glass windows that, like the frieze, date back more than 140 years.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
Address: 80 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
16. Watch a performance by Opera San Jose at California Theatre
One of the city’s numerous art venues, California Theatre, plays host to regular productions from Opera San Jose. Maintaining a company of resident performers, this professional opera company has been delighting audiences since the mid-1980s. What’s more, its decision to specialise in the finest up-and-coming professional singers means you may well see a star or two of the future during your visit. Recent and imminent productions have included some world-famous opera classics, including Die Fledermaus and The Magic Flute.
California Theatre
Address: 345 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Website: Opera San Jose at California Theatre
Opening hours: Varies depending on show
Price: From 9 - 261 USD (Varies depending on show/seating)
So much to see, so little time...
Downtown San Jose is an enticing prospect for travellers, boasting everything from thrilling hockey action at the SAP Center to entertaining shows at popular theatres like San Jose Civic. Outdoor fans, meanwhile, will enjoy the parks and such walking and cycling possibilities as Guadalupe River Trail. Whatever your holiday preference, there’ll likely be something to suit you.
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