I’ve had a solid amount of layovers in San Jose over the years, so I’ve gotten to know the area pretty well
Sections
2
Things to do, Attractions, Hikes, Gardens, Parks
Places to eat and drink
Things to do, Attractions, Hikes, Gardens, Parks
So many great places to explore in San Jose, lots of hiking and gardens if you are on a budget and just want to take in some great views.
This tour was so cool! Amazing history on this huge mansion, some interesting twists and turns on the house as well! Highly suggest doing
Winchester Mystery House
Great place to walk amongst the giant redwoods 20 minutes from San Jose
Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Mix of grassy rolling hills and shaded trails within the trees, pretty wide open spaces
Saratoga Gap Trail to Achistaca Trail Loop, California - 674 Reviews, Map
Gorgeous rose gardens right in the heart of san jose
Municipal Rose Garden
San Jose is a great place to bike around, there’s several places you can rent bikes from
Summit Bicycles
Pretty little botanical style garden to walk around. Very peaceful environment
Japanese Friendship Garden
Small gardens but nice to walk around and also good place to see planes taking off and landing
Guadalupe Gardens
Amusement park with lots of rides, roller coasters and different light displays at night
California's Great America
Catch a soccer game at the San Jose Earthquake’s team field
PayPal Park
Calm pretty walking area by the water
Alviso Marina County Park
Good place to catch concerts, many big namers come through here, any time I’ve looked tickets have been reasonably priced
Shoreline Amphitheatre
Cool concept giant monopoly board in the park, also cool sculptures through out
Monopoly in the Park
Indoor virtual golf simulator, perfect for rainy days or to escape the heat
Fox Hole Golf Club
Beautiful views great hikes
Mission Peak Loop from Stanford Avenue Staging Area, California
Just hiked here yesterday, such a pretty area, a mix of easy and moderate hikes to choose from. Highly suggest doing the Rim trail for views above
Alum Rock Park
Places to eat and drink
San Jose has amazing food options! Lots of different style cuisine too from all American burgers and bbq to authentic Mexican and tequila bars, to Korean and sushi
Popular instagram worthy cafe with cute pastries, beautiful decor and great coffee and other beverages
Moments & Memories (@kcafeteahouse) · San Jose, CA
Great area with lots of restaurants and bars, can find places with live music, patios, sports games and more
San Pedro Square Market
If you like tequila this is the place to go. I ordered a spicy skinny marg with pineapple juice and it was delicious, have an outdoor area that leads into a courtyard with sometimes live music
Alma Tequileria
Food and drinks are so good! Have only been for been for dinner but have heard they have great breakfast as well!
I’m a sucker for crepes and this place has absolutely amazing ones as well as lots of other breakfast options
Whispers Cafe Downtown San Jose | Breakfast, Brunch & Coffee
Great outdoor area for live music, good for all ages
Market Bar
Kind of a dive bar but great vibes and awesome live music, good place to play pool
The Caravan Lounge
Amazing Mexican food, very authentic and so so tasty! Nice outdoor seating
Olla Cocina
The best bagels and bagel sandwiches! Family owned and great employees!
CITY BAGELS - Updated September 2025 - 183 Photos & 372 Reviews
Great place to dance! Dj music and fun cocktails!
Temple Bar and Lounge
Fun unique cocktails with the prettiest bar!
Paper Plane
Cannot believe these are all vegan they are so good you would never know that its all vegan!
Vegan Bistro Donuts & Cafe
The most beautiful winery about 40 mins away from San Jose in the rolling hills
Loma Prieta Winery
Everything I’ve had here is so delicious! I love their bim bop bowls topped with fried egg and so many delicious flavors
Omogari - San Jose, CA
An interesting and different experience mixing interactive art with delicious and divine cuisine.
7 Paintings Dinnershow Mountain View– The Art of Dining
Yard House are throughout the US but are solid go to restaurant. With an insane amount of beers on tap and full bar plus a large menu offering lots of great American style dishes its a win all around.
