Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?continue anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Downtown San Jose
Download the Schmap San Jose and Silicon Valley Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
San Jose and Silicon Valley Home
Schmap San Jose and Silicon Valley guide and map



Cathedral Basillica of Saint Joseph


Restored landmark
(at the corner of San Fernando Street)
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113
United States
This huge, multi-domed church was originally built in 1877 and was restored to its original splendor in 1990. This is actually the fifth location of the parish seat; the first was built in 1803. The present structure is a monumental building. Incredible stained glass work renders the sanctuary into a lovely, almost mystical space when the sun causes the colors to play across the walls, pews and floor. Masses are held in Spanish and English. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cathedral Basillica of Saint Joseph photo by Zelalem N.
Photo: Zelalem N.
Cathedral Basillica of Saint Joseph photo by gerald carvalho
Photo: gerald carvalho
Cathedral Basillica of Saint Joseph photo by Magritte02
Photo: Magritte02
Cathedral Basillica of Saint Joseph photo by gerald carvalho
Photo: gerald carvalho
 

 
Children's Discovery Museum


Great place for kids
180 Woz Way
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95110
United States
+1 408 298 5437
http://www.cdm.org/
Two floors' worth of exhibits and activities include a history of bubbles, face painting and all sorts of things to keep children busy and thinking. The museum is a giant, jagged purple building straddling Guadalupe River Park, so picnics are a common plan for visitors. CDM is right on the light rail station, which makes public transportation a snap. The museum offers facilities for birthday parties and special events for small gatherings of 10 or large groups of 1,000 or more. There is also a reasonably priced store with games, books and toys. Admission is USD7 for adults and children, USD6 for seniors while infants and members may enter free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Children's Discovery Museum photo by Victor Solanoy
Photo: Victor Solanoy
Children's Discovery Museum photo by Angela Henderson
Photo: Angela Henderson
Children's Discovery Museum photo by Kamala Lakshminarayanan
Photo: Kamala Lakshminarayanan
Children's Discovery Museum photo by Enoch Choi, MD
Photo: Enoch Choi, MD
Children's Discovery Museum photo by silkway
Photo: silkway
Children's Discovery Museum photo by Mihir Sambhus
Photo: Mihir Sambhus
Children's Discovery Museum photo by Lyndon Siao
Photo: Lyndon Siao
Children's Discovery Museum photo by Todd Dailey
Photo: Todd Dailey
 

 
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo


Great for the kids
1300 Senter Rd
(at Alma Ave)
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112
United States
+1 408 277 3000
http://www.hhpz.org/
This fun-filled spot is highly recommended for families with young children (and pretty much anyone else, too). People have been flocking to the park and zoo since the early 1960s. All the things that children could want are here: puppet shows, rides, birthday facilities, classes and holiday feasts. A great place for an affordable family outing, it caters especially to kids younger than 12, but kids of all ages are welcome. You can even adopt pets if you so desire. Check website for admission prices and further details.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo photo by Jan Yarnot
Photo: Jan Yarnot
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo photo by Chris McSorley
Photo: Chris McSorley
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo photo by Shauna Carlson
Photo: Shauna Carlson
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo photo by Dave Knudson
Photo: Dave Knudson
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo photo by OrangeLimey
Photo: OrangeLimey
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo photo by Jun Aviles
Photo: Jun Aviles
 

 
History Park at Kelley Park


Getting to know San Jose
1650 Senter Road
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112
United States
+1 408 287 2290
http://www.historysanjose.org/
Here's where you come when you need to know all about San Jose's local history. The city is not just about bright lights and bustle; it's also California's oldest, and richest in terms of culture. The park consists of historical landmarks and old houses that forms a quaint village with a breathtaking view of the valley. Go for a long stroll, if you'd like to scour its nooks and crannies on your own, or, better still, hitch a ride on the electronic trolley. This car has its own charm, with reversible seats and wooden framework. The park's early car models are also displayed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
History Park at Kelley Park photo by Scott Loftesness
Photo: Scott Loftesness
History Park at Kelley Park photo by Scott Loftesness
Photo: Scott Loftesness
History Park at Kelley Park photo by Amlan Chatterjee
Photo: Amlan Chatterjee
 

 
Japanese Friendship Garden


Modeled after Okayama
1300 Senter Road
(at the corner of Alma Avenue)
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112
United States
+1 408 277 5254
Located in Kelley Park, this garden is modeled after Korakuen Park in Okayama, Japan, which is one of San Jose's sister cities. In a very peaceful, relaxing setting, enjoy the unique bridges, ponds and pathways that exquisitely demonstrate the fine art of classic Japanese landscape gardening. You can even feed the fish. You will always be immersed in a wide variety of colors, varying from wisteria lavenders to azalea pinks and depending on the season. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Robb Kistler
Photo: Robb Kistler
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Graham Hellewell
Photo: Graham Hellewell
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Brian McCrory
Photo: Brian McCrory
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Eva Kaniasty
Photo: Eva Kaniasty
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by rhodag1981
Photo: rhodag1981
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by rhodag1981
Photo: rhodag1981
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Thomas Weisbach
Photo: Thomas Weisbach
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Sarah B
Photo: Sarah B
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Thomas Weisbach
Photo: Thomas Weisbach
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Rich Sharples
Photo: Rich Sharples
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Scott Loftesness
Photo: Scott Loftesness
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Wyatt Hatfield
Photo: Wyatt Hatfield
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Avital Gertner-Samet
Photo: Avital Gertner-Samet
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Avital Gertner-Samet
Photo: Avital Gertner-Samet
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Sarah B
Photo: Sarah B
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Jonas M Luster
Photo: Jonas M Luster
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Aryana Mehrabi
Photo: Aryana Mehrabi
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by ghin321
Photo: ghin321
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by James
Photo: James
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by gz0
Photo: gz0
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Alex Liu
Photo: Alex Liu
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by Leslie Gauthier
Photo: Leslie Gauthier
Japanese Friendship Garden photo by © Adrian Rahardja
Photo: © Adrian Rahardja
 

 
Kelley Park


Diverse and unique
1300 Senter Road
(at the corner of Alma Avenue)
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112
United States
+1 408 277 2757
This wonderful facility is a great place to take advantage of the generally sunny weather with which San Jose is blessed. It contains the Japanese Friendship Garden, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, the San Jose Historical Museum, a huge amount of picnic tables, an amphitheater and other venues. This is a fantastic spot for wedding receptions, barbecues, family camping or other group functions. It is a diverse place, one that is great for a family day out.Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kelley Park photo by Valerie Franek
Photo: Valerie Franek
Kelley Park photo by Ei-Nyung Choi
Photo: Ei-Nyung Choi
Kelley Park photo by Catie Anchev
Photo: Catie Anchev
Kelley Park photo by Bluntzilla
Photo: Bluntzilla
Kelley Park photo by Raul S. Dequito
Photo: Raul S. Dequito
Kelley Park photo by www.mandajuice.com
Photo: www.mandajuice.com
Kelley Park photo by pikabon
Photo: pikabon
Kelley Park photo by Kevin Tien
Photo: Kevin Tien
Kelley Park photo by Winnie Shih
Photo: Winnie Shih
Kelley Park photo by Michael Rymer
Photo: Michael Rymer
Kelley Park photo by Samantha Luu
Photo: Samantha Luu
 

 
Lord of the Dance


Experience the Worldwide Irish Dance Sensation
255 Almaden Boulevard
San Jose Center for Performing Arts
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113
United States
+1 888 455 7469 / +1 408 453 7108
http://www.amtsj.org
An amazing mix of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance, Lord of the Dance has been a worldwide phenomenon since its opening in Dublin in 1996. Based on ancient Irish folklore, this unique performance presents a tale of good vs. evil through precision dancing, vibrant costumes and an intense soundtrack. Strobe lights, smoke machines, fire torches and a rainbow of color costume changes add to the show's non-stop, sledgehammer-impact leading up to the duel between Dark Lord Don Dorcha and the Lord of the Dance. The fast-paced, energetic and powerful dancing is accompanied by an Irish and rock-inspired score featuring Gaelic pipes, violins, flutes, tin whistles and accordions. Continuously updated, the Lord of the Dance troupe includes traditional Irish dance champions performing over 151,000 taps per show. Artistic Director and creator, Michael Flatley is the first American to win the All-World Championship in Irish Dance and the Guiness Book record holder for the "world's fastest feet." Marie Duffy-Messenger is the Dance Director and Ronan Hardiman, the composer. 50 million people around the world have experienced the unique dance and drama of Lord of the Dance and audiences to the San Jose Center for Performing Arts will not be disappointed. The energy of the dancers is highly contagious and the audience can't help but to clap along as they feel their heartbeats rising to the sounds of over 20 pairs of thundering feet synchronized to a dramatic soundtrack. The high-spirited show leaves you pumped up and wanting more.

Tickets: $45-$72 Shows: Tu-F 8p; Sa 2p, 8p; Su 1p, 6:30p

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lord of the Dance photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site


Oldest place in SJ
175 W Saint John St
(between Terraine & San Pedro Sts)
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95110
United States
+1 408 993 8300
http://www.historysanjose.org/
This attraction is made up of two different buildings. One is the oldest address in San Jose, the other is the home built by a former mayor in the 19th century. See what life was like in the 1900s and get a rich dose of fascinating local history. The site also contains an excellent bookstore. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site photo by David Martil
Photo: David Martil
 

 
San Jose America Festival


Annual 4th of July bash
San Carlos Street and Route 87
Guadalupe River Park's Discovery Meadow
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113
United States
http://www.americafestival.com/
Every year, nearly 200,000 people flock to this high-energy Fourth of July festival of music, crafts, ethnic food and fireworks. You can bring the kids to play in the children's area during the day and then go watch the fireworks together at night. Groove to music from any of the three stages or peruse the arts and crafts exhibits. There is a little bit of something for everybody at this festival. Event is free, some vendors may accept credit cards.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
San Jose Giants


A-league team of the decade
588 E Alma Ave
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112
United States
+1 408 297 1435
http://www.sjgiants.com
The Giants were the A-League team of the 1990s, as it had the best overall record for that decade. It remains to be seen whether the team can maintain the title during the new millennium. See them in action; it's a fun and affordable outing for the whole family. The team plays at Municipal Stadium, a staple in San Jose since 1942.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Jose Giants photo by Tom Clifton
Photo: Tom Clifton
San Jose Giants photo by Dave Nelson
Photo: Dave Nelson
San Jose Giants photo by Tom Clifton
Photo: Tom Clifton
San Jose Giants photo by Jonathan Henthorn
Photo: Jonathan Henthorn
San Jose Giants photo by Ben Margolin
Photo: Ben Margolin
San Jose Giants photo by Melissa Bales
Photo: Melissa Bales
San Jose Giants photo by Tommy LaPorte
Photo: Tommy LaPorte
San Jose Giants photo by Anuj Biyani
Photo: Anuj Biyani
San Jose Giants photo by Mark Brown
Photo: Mark Brown
San Jose Giants photo by Laura M. Hoffmann
Photo: Laura M. Hoffmann
San Jose Giants photo by Kent Miller
Photo: Kent Miller
San Jose Giants photo by Rui Sasaki
Photo: Rui Sasaki
San Jose Giants photo by Sharon King
Photo: Sharon King
San Jose Giants photo by Brian Rechenmacher
Photo: Brian Rechenmacher
San Jose Giants photo by Alix Bacich
Photo: Alix Bacich
San Jose Giants photo by tenacious snail
Photo: tenacious snail
San Jose Giants photo by toshiaki.takada
Photo: toshiaki.takada
San Jose Giants photo by Matt Crowley
Photo: Matt Crowley
San Jose Giants photo by John Robertson, IABC
Photo: John Robertson, IABC
San Jose Giants photo by mk94577
Photo: mk94577
San Jose Giants photo by Dave
Photo: Dave
 

 
San Jose Museum of Art


Fun for everyone
110 South Market Street
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113
United States
+1 408 271 6840
http://www.sjmusart.org/
There is something for everyone here: contemporary art, lectures, concerts, tours, book signings, special events and even programs for children. The museum has been host to many outstanding traveling shows and has been a champion of local artists. The museum bookstore offers a nice selection of usual museum merchandise, such as books, tote bags and greeting cards. The museum cafe, under the direction of celebrity chef Kevin Baker, offers a wonderful rotating menu of seasonal delights.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Shu Wu
Photo: Shu Wu
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Franco Folini
Photo: Franco Folini
San Jose Museum of Art photo by ThatBeeGirl
Photo: ThatBeeGirl
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Heidi De Vries
Photo: Heidi De Vries
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Mondo Davis
Photo: Mondo Davis
San Jose Museum of Art photo by luistxo
Photo: luistxo
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Elliot Marshall
Photo: Elliot Marshall
San Jose Museum of Art photo by David Morini
Photo: David Morini
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Scott Ashkenaz
Photo: Scott Ashkenaz
San Jose Museum of Art photo by cburg
Photo: cburg
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Kejie Bao
Photo: Kejie Bao
San Jose Museum of Art photo by David P. Miller
Photo: David P. Miller
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Gladys White
Photo: Gladys White
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Zantedeschia
Photo: Zantedeschia
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Sam
Photo: Sam
San Jose Museum of Art photo by toprankonlinemarketi
Photo: toprankonlinemarketi
San Jose Museum of Art photo by riskymoth
Photo: riskymoth
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Andrew S Peterson
Photo: Andrew S Peterson
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Ron Hogan
Photo: Ron Hogan
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Stephanie Buchner
Photo: Stephanie Buchner
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Hang Chu
Photo: Hang Chu
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Marcia McLean
Photo: Marcia McLean
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Raoul de la Cruz
Photo: Raoul de la Cruz
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Jennifer Wong
Photo: Jennifer Wong
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Anne Corwin
Photo: Anne Corwin
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Greg Woodhouse
Photo: Greg Woodhouse
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Achsah J
Photo: Achsah J
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Mimi C
Photo: Mimi C
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Maxwell Wood
Photo: Maxwell Wood
San Jose Museum of Art photo by anubhav
Photo: anubhav
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Kimberly Lee
Photo: Kimberly Lee
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Donny Doyle
Photo: Donny Doyle
San Jose Museum of Art photo by brianb25
Photo: brianb25
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Kristen DeVoe
Photo: Kristen DeVoe
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Patrick
Photo: Patrick
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Patrick Barry
Photo: Patrick Barry
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Joe Azzato
Photo: Joe Azzato
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Mark Womack
Photo: Mark Womack
San Jose Museum of Art photo by James Fong
Photo: James Fong
San Jose Museum of Art photo by ***Maureen***
Photo: ***Maureen***
San Jose Museum of Art photo by sh1ne
Photo: sh1ne
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Chameleon Street
Photo: Chameleon Street
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Bruno Pinheiro
Photo: Bruno Pinheiro
San Jose Museum of Art photo by lackadaisical
Photo: lackadaisical
San Jose Museum of Art photo by smithjoy
Photo: smithjoy
San Jose Museum of Art photo by electricboo
Photo: electricboo
San Jose Museum of Art photo by mystikal mantra
Photo: mystikal mantra
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Penelope Raquinio ©
Photo: Penelope Raquinio ©
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Lamb with Mint
Photo: Lamb with Mint
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Chris James
Photo: Chris James
San Jose Museum of Art photo by Gary B
Photo: Gary B
 

 
San Jose Public Library


Books For Everyone
150 E. San Fernando Street
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112
United States
+1 408 808 2000
http://www.sjlibrary.org/
This facility is a unique collaboration between San Jose Public libraries and San Jose State University Library. Named after icon Martin Luther King, Jr., this library provides a wealth of activities for children, reading classes, storytelling and more. An extensive foreign language collection includes many books in Spanish and Vietnamese, especially for kids, so it is a boon for non-English speakers and those wanting to learn a second language. Also check out the California Room, where you can do historical research about the San Jose area. Internet access workstations are available free to the public.

Review © 2007, Wcities
San Jose Public Library photo by Jim Maurer
Photo: Jim Maurer
San Jose Public Library photo by Gerry Limjuco
Photo: Gerry Limjuco
San Jose Public Library photo by emerald_magi
Photo: emerald_magi
San Jose Public Library photo by Sam Sysum
Photo: Sam Sysum
San Jose Public Library photo by San Jose Library
Photo: San Jose Library
San Jose Public Library photo by Sam Sysum
Photo: Sam Sysum
 

 
Tapestry Arts Festival


Annual street festival
Corner of Almaden Blvd & Park Ave
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113
United States
+1 408 494 3590
http://www.tapestryarts.org
A huge Labor Day street festival, this melange of performing arts, crafts, visual art, ethnic food and designs is one of San Jose's biggest and best events, drawing crowds from all over the Bay Area with its mix of fun, food and culture. Browse the wares of more than a hundred vendors, hawking everything from delicately carved gourds and etched glass to lumpia and sushi. It is all here: art, music, food and drinks. The event is free, some vendors may accept credit cards.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Tapestry Arts Festival photo by dodoskido.com
Photo: dodoskido.com
Tapestry Arts Festival photo by deepgoswami
Photo: deepgoswami
Tapestry Arts Festival photo by Prabal Bhattacharya
Photo: Prabal Bhattacharya
 

 
Tech Museum of Innovation


Only one of its kind
201 S Market St
San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113
United States
+1 408 294 8324
http://www.thetech.org
The Tech is a huge bright orange complex that stands out from all the other buildings in the heart of downtown San Jose. With over 200 interactive, hi-tech exhibits, it is unlike any other museum in the world. Learn about communication networks, new frontiers in science, lasers, Silicon Valley inventions, biotechnology, and other cutting edge technologies that influence us all. The museum also includes a 360-degree IMAX theater. Museum or IMAX: Adult $10, Senior (over 65) $8, Child (3-12) $17; Combination Ticket: Adult $16, Senior $11, Child $10.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Tech Museum of Innovation photo by Josh Bancroft
Photo: Josh Bancroft
Tech Museum of Innovation photo by Ian Hsu
Photo: Ian Hsu
Tech Museum of Innovation photo by jonschup
Photo: jonschup
Tech Museum of Innovation photo by Mike Smail
Photo: Mike Smail
Tech Museum of Innovation photo by Daneel Ariantho
Photo: Daneel Ariantho
Tech Museum of Innovation photo by keya_kunte
Photo: keya_kunte
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Downtown San Jose"
San Jose and Silicon Valley - All Trips & Activities
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - All San Jose
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Burbank
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Campbell
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Cupertino
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Japantown
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Milpitas
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Mountain View
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Out & About
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Palo Alto
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Santa Clara
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Silicon Valley
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Sunnyvale
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Trips & Activities - Willow Glen
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Day Trips & Walks
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Guided Tours
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Marine Excursions
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Fun Days Out
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Educational Outings
San Jose and Silicon Valley - The Great Outdoors
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Hiking & Climbing
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Extreme Sports
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Miscellaneous Activities
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Cycling Tracks
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Equestrian Activities
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Places to Fish
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Golf Courses
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Water Sports
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Winter Sports
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Gyms & Health Clubs
San Jose and Silicon Valley - Sports Grounds

Other nearby cities:
San Francisco (50 miles)
Berkeley (60 miles)
Monterey and Carmel (88 miles)
Napa Valley (122 miles)
San Jose and Silicon Valley (145 miles)
Sacramento (145 miles)
Yosemite (202 miles)
Lake Tahoe (261 miles)
Reno (309 miles)
Los Angeles (512 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.