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
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 Santana Row Shopping Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
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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
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
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley by IHG
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley by IHG
3 out of 5
1350 N 1st Street, San Jose, CA
The price is P6,901 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
P6,901
P7,939 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Ebriting"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley by IHG
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA
Fully refundable
The price is P6,961 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
P6,961
P8,077 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,366 reviews)
"excellent service -so very convenient to be able to leave the car in your parking lot and take your very timely bus to the airport - thank you!"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
The Domain Hotel
The Domain Hotel
4 out of 5
1085 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA
The price is P6,421 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
P6,421
P7,237 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 18 - Apr 19
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! (1,013 reviews)
"very comfortable beds! They need to add a larger trash receptacle in the room...the only one is a small can in the bathroom...."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

The Domain Hotel
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Lady in the front very helpful"

Reviewed on Apr 14, 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! (41 reviews)
"Really liked this property. The check-in process was a little complicated, but once we navigated that, we had a lovely stay. Would definitely come back."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Global Luxury Suites at Mountain View
Global Luxury Suites at Mountain View
4 out of 5
1720 El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Mountain View. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (177 reviews)
"Garbage disposal did not work.subtle rumbling all day and night- off and in. Not sure if it was trucks outside, the elevator or garbage shire. Not noticeable with tv on, but noticeable at night. Electronic locks were confusing."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Global Luxury Suites at Mountain View
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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