San Francisco and Monterey, San Jose is really easy to visit whilst exploring the bay area. Not only that, there’s a shed load of the best things to do in San Jose dotted all across the city that makes it a gem to visit.
Aside from shops selling vintage items, trinkets, and souvenirs, there is also a whole gamut of foodie spots and stalls that will keep you stuffed all afternoon.
The Winchester Mystery House was once owned by Sara Winchester, the famous widow of William Winchester of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It’s said, the arms created by his company was what actually “won the west”.
Afterwards, head over to the chilled out diner, Park Station Hashery for brunch. This local and friendly diner is totally informal and makes the best pancakes and sandwiches. Though, bring your appetite, portions are big!
1.) Winchester Mystery House
Visiting San Jose for the evening? Head over to explore the Berryessa Night Market that happens on a Friday night. It’s epic!
Afterwards, head over to San Pedro Square Market which houses a heap of mouth-watering merchants. They make everything from tastiest sushi (Hyland House of Sushi), Nepalese momos (at Urban Momo) and tacos (at Loteria Tacos). It’s so good.
In lots of ways, San Jose is the kind of Californian city that gets overlooked in favour of its popular neighbours around the bay.
Once a bustling mining location, with a history of more than 135 years of mining activities and housing a community of over 1,800 miners and their families back in the day. To this day, remnants of holes and mining structures dot the area. Though they are not open for exploration, for safety, of course.
From, centuries of history to explore, epic trails and museums galore, it’s a perfect stopping point along a wider Californian road trip.
2.) Los Gatos Creek Trail
Just make sure to set yourself a good few hours to get around the complex.
From the edge of San Jose’s downtown, you hop on this lovely, ten-mile, ramble southward to Los Gatos itself.
There’s even a small amusement park for kids and a huge farmers’ market offering different kinds of fresh produce.
The guided tours are great and it’s well worth a gander if you’re interested in a pretty quirky and totally unique spot in San Jose.
Though, for me, the most impressive point of interest in the whole complex is the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. It’s said it was built to looks similar to the Temple of Amun in Karnak, Egypt.
Founded by the first Japanese immigrants more than 120 years ago, it’s one of the best things to do in San Jose for a little wander.
3.) Santana Row
Read more: Best things to do in California
Read more: Best hikes in California
Just make sure to take lots of SPF and fluids for the route. No one likes being a sunburned or thirsty rambler!
Plus, you can easily visit Santana Row after exploring the Winchester Mystery House.
14 Very Best Places In California To Visit
Is art not your thing? Check out the Intel Museum. Filled with everything and anything you can imagine around nanotechnology and all things technology, it’s one epic spot to visit if you love gadgets. As you stroll the exhibitions, you’ll get to explore how Intel’s technology evolved over time. It’s pretty epic and totally worth a gander.
If you fancy a ramble, then the Los Gatos Creek trail is for you!
4.) San Jose Flea Market
If you fancy a ramble, then the Los Gatos Creek trail is for you!
8.) Almaden Quicksilver County Park
If you fancy a ramble, then the Los Gatos Creek trail is for you!
10.) Plaza de Cesar Chavez
If you fancy a ramble, then the Los Gatos Creek trail is for you!
Read more: Best national parks in California
