Silicon Valley

Travel Guide

San Jose showing signage
Silicon Valley
San Jose Museum of Art featuring a city
San Jose showing signage, street scenes and a city
Silicon Valley
From historic parks to high tech museums, this Silicon Valley city has been, and remains, anything but dull.

California's third-largest city is nestled in Silicon Valley, the heart of America's technological industry. Though one of the world's tech capitals, San Jose has given much more to society than the odd microchip. Here is an area of overwhelming natural beauty, and of immensely diverse and creative communities. Come to San Jose to wander through its vast parks and reserves and to dip into its back catalogue of mesmerizing art and culture.

You could spend your entire time here getting to know San Jose's green spaces and nature reserves. Start at Alum Rock Park where the South Rim Trail leads you to inspiring views over Silicon Valley. Take your binoculars to Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and spot the rare and endangered birds who make their homes among the salt ponds and mudflats. Pack a picnic to eat at Fremont Central Park, which is covered in picturesque pathways and verdant lawns. Then take a boat out onto Lake Elizabeth and drift as the rest of the world goes by. Inhale the sweet scents of the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, whose flower beds perennially blossom with rare flower species. Hakone Gardens is another peaceful hangout a faithful Japanese replica, featuring a Zen garden and tea house.

A different kind of park altogether is Kelley Park. Here, you'll find some of San Jose's most riveting attractions. Let the kids loose at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. They'll be thrilled to pet animals and climb with the lemurs. The immersive History Park is the place to gen up on the area's colourful past.

Discover more about the region and what it's achieved at the Los Altos History Museum which features a replica 1930s railroad. The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles sheds light on a favourite hobby and art, currently enjoying a resurgence. Seek out more local artistic gems at the San Jose Museum of Art, which puts a strong focus on modern and contemporary works from California. Admire the work of an entirely different era at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.

Complete your visit to San Jose by calling in at the Intel Museum, where you'll see how the famous company cut its teeth, and what its next big product is likely to be. San Jose is competent at flaunting its past achievements, but forever has one eye fixed on the future.

Where to stay in Silicon Valley

Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like San Pedro Square and St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
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Stanford

You'll enjoy the churches and monuments in Stanford. You might want to make time for a stop at Stanford Stadium or Stanford Shopping Center.

Stanford
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Northside

While there might not be top attractions in Northside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like San Jose City Hall and San Jose Flea Market.

Northside
Most fantastic Burnt Almond Cake here.

Willow Glen

When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or Orchid Beauty & Spa and hop on the metro to see more the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

While visiting West San Jose, you might make a stop by sights like Santana Row Shopping Center and Winchester Mystery House.

West San Jose
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SNAIL

Though SNAIL might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Historic Murphy Avenue and Yahoo Headquarters.

SNAIL
Sonesta Silicon Valley
Sonesta Silicon Valley
4 out of 5
1820 Barber Ln, Milpitas, CA
The price is P5,898 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
P5,898
P6,735 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 25 - Apr 26
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Milpitas. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,501 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2025

Sonesta Silicon Valley
The Domain Hotel
The Domain Hotel
4 out of 5
1085 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA
The price is P5,929 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
P5,929
P6,682 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Sunnyvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"I had a fantastic three-night stay at this property. The location is perfect, making it convenient for exploring the area. The staff was absolutely immaculate—attentive, professional, and welcoming. The hotel's cleanliness and safety standards were top-notch, making my stay even more comfortable. ..."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

The Domain Hotel
Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport
Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1355 N 4th Street, San Jose, CA
The price is P6,483 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
P6,483
P7,475 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (246 reviews)
"Although the facility is older compared to the newest hotels in the city, the friendly staff and clean rooms made my stay very comfortable. The rooms are situated around the pool, creating a relaxing, vacation-like atmosphere—even on a business trip, which was a nice touch."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Placemakr Santa Clara
Placemakr Santa Clara
4 out of 5
2333 Calle Del Mundo, Santa Clara, CA
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Santa Clara. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Levi's Stadium and Tesla Motors are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"It was really a good experience for me. A complete suite having attach bath and complete kitchen."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Placemakr Santa Clara
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
4 out of 5
588 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Clara. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (37 reviews)
Kasa Virtual Lobby Units
"Hard to locate but was helped by a person inside another business. Finally figured out where to park and where to enter unit. Not sure I would book another virtual type unit"

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2024

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Studios Inn
Studios Inn
3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
"Very clean, with all amenities you may need, super-convenient to Santana Row and other shopping mall. Gas station around the corner. Safe parking. Only hitch: due to shared door with next apartment, you can follow conversations/loud TV if neighbors don't pay attention. However, we made it work and ..."

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2025

Studios Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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