With a metro area as sprawling as San Jose’s, and its proximity to other exciting tourist destinations, it’s no surprise that there is a wide variety of sights and activities to explore. The following items are some of my most favorite things to do in San Jose and the surrounding area.
- Visit Christmas in the Park and Ice Rink
During the Christmas season, you can go to downtown San Jose and enjoy a long-running tradition of Christmas in the Park. Located in front of the Fairmont hotel, Christmas in the Park features Christmas Trees, Christmas scenes, a Christmas train with elves, and even Santa! Great fun for the whole family.
For the ice skating enthusiasts, Downtown Ice runs from approximately
from December to February and is just a short distance from Christmas in the Park. - Admire modern and contemporary art at the San Jose Museum of Art
Arts and culture enthusiasts converge at San Jose Museum of Art, where works of West Coast artists from the late 20th to 21st century are displayed. As of date, there are about 2,000 artworks housed in the facility, such as sculptures, photographs, and paintings. The building in which the museum is housed is a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
You can visit San Jose Museum of Art at 110 South Market Street.
- Attend plays and musicals at the Center for the Performing Arts.
To enjoy an evening of cultural and musical entertainment, attend Broadway touring productions, ballets, and plays at the Center for the Performing Arts. The Center was built in 1972 by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and features large windows in the entry area and spectacular views of Downtown San Jose.
Located at 255 South Almaden Blvd.
- Cheer the San Jose Sharks Hockey Team at the SAP Center
For the sports enthusiast, a Sharks game is not to be missed. San Jose goes all out for their team! The SAP Center, or Shark Tank as the locals call it, is located at 525 West Santa Clara Street in Downtown San Jose and hosts the San Jose Sharks, as well as a large variety of concerts and productions. It’s an exciting way to spend a day!
- Take the kids and grandkids to the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Ranked as one of the best children’s museums in the country, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is perfect for the young and the young-at-heart. Top exhibits in the facility include Mammoth Discovery, the Art Gallery, and Voyage to Vietnam. The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is located along Woz Way in Downtown San Jose.
- Marvel at the wonders of ancient Egypt at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the West Coast, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum takes you back to the glory days of one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations. The museum was established by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis.
Visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum at 1660 Park Avenue.
- Enter a Shoppers Paradise at Santana Row and Valley Fair
Santana Row is the ultimate urban destination with shops, restaurants, and living spaces all on one street. There is even a movie theater for your evening enjoyment. This modern, outdoor shopping experience is close to Valley Fair Shopping Center, an upscale mall featuring Nordstrom, Macy’s, and many other fine stores.
Both Santana Row and Valley Fair are located close to the 280 and 880 freeway interchange.
- Get spooked at the Winchester Mystery House
Often the subject of interest among ghost hunters and enthusiasts of the paranormal, the Winchester Mystery House is definitely the most haunted place in San Jose. Aside from being the most popular haunted house in the city, the Winchester Mystery House is also a historical landmark, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. You’ll find this famous spot along South Winchester Boulevard.
- Enjoy the San Francisco Attractions
Just one hour away, San Francisco is an exciting city with many famous places to visit. Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Alcatraz, shopping on Market Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge are just a few of the many attractions in that vibrant city.
San Francisco can be reached from San Jose by car, train, or BART.
- Head to the Redwoods
Santa Cruz and the Pacific Ocean are just 45 minutes away via Highway 17. You can also visit the majestic California Redwoods, located close to Santa Cruz in Felton, CA. A favorite attraction there is the Roaring Camp Railroad, where you can board a narrow gauge train to travel through the tall redwood trees and over towering trestles.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are still plenty of things to do and see in San Jose. Contact me today at 408.223.3220 or jill@jillcurry.com for more information.