About San Jose
San Jose, officially the City of San José, is the most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, and the 13th-most populous in the United States, with an estimated 989,814 residents as of 2025. The city's metropolitan area is home to nearly two million people, while the broader combined statistical area has a population of over nine million. Located in Santa Clara Valley on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay, San Jose covers an area of 179.97 sq mi (466.1 km2) and is the county seat of Santa Clara County.
Places to visit in San Jose
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Winchester Mystery House
Historic · 4 mi from centreA sprawling Victorian mansion built continuously by Sarah Winchester, known for stairs leading nowhere and doors opening onto walls, seen on guided tours. Booking ahead is wise.
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The Tech Interactive
Museum · 2 mi from centreA hands-on science and technology museum downtown where visitors can design, build and test ideas, reflecting Silicon Valley's innovative spirit. It is especially good for curious kids and teens, and it also houses a large-screen theater.
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Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Museum · 3 mi from centreA collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts including mummies, set in a building modeled on Egyptian temples, with a walk-through replica tomb. The surrounding Egyptian-style gardens and statues are free to wander.
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San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
Park · 4 mi from centreA free garden with thousands of rose bushes arranged around a central fountain, at its most colorful from spring into autumn. It is a popular spot for picnics and photography in the Rose Garden neighborhood.
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Lick Observatory
Viewpoint · 13 mi from centreA historic observatory atop Mount Hamilton, reached by a winding scenic road, with a visitor center and views over the valley. Summer evening programs allow visitors to look through its historic telescopes.
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San Jose Museum of Art
Museum · 2 mi from centreA downtown museum focused on modern and contemporary art, particularly from the West Coast, with changing exhibitions. It sits right on the downtown plaza, making it easy to pair with nearby restaurants and the Tech Interactive.
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Santana Row
Market · 4 mi from centreAn upscale outdoor shopping and dining district with European-style streets, restaurants and boutiques, lively in the evenings. Its outdoor plazas and seasonal events make it a pleasant place for a stroll, even if you are not planning to shop.
Where to stay in San Jose
Popular hotels in San Jose, out of 281 properties you can book.
Doubletree Hotel San Jose
From $162 per night
Holiday Inn & Suites Silicon Valley - Milpitas
From $165 per night
Rodeway Inn Santa Clara El Camino Real
From $93 per night
Hampton Inn Milpitas
From $155 per night
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas
From $161 per night
Spark by Hilton San Jose Airport
From $107 per night
Dinah's Garden Hotel
From $206 per night
Hyatt Centric Mountain View
From $447 per night
Hyatt House San Jose Airport
From $368 per night
Comfort Inn Sunnyvale - Silicon Valley
From $112 per night
Hayes Mansion San Jose, Curio Collection by Hilton
From $250 per night
Avante, a JDV by Hyatt Hotel
From $189 per night
Best time to visit San Jose
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit San Jose is April to June and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 69–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
San Jose weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 68° 55° 47%
- Thu 22 Oct 65° 57° 45%
- Fri 23 Oct 72° 53° 1%
- Sat 24 Oct 77° 56° 1%
- Sun 25 Oct 79° 60° 3%
- Mon 26 Oct 78° 63° 3%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to San Jose
These are the airports closest to central San Jose. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- RHV Reid–Hillview Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
- SJC San Jose International Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Getting around San Jose
The downtown area is compact and rather easy to get around on foot. Most of the streets are arranged in a grid, but the grid is not strictly aligned with north (more like north–northwest). Street address numbers increase (by 100 every 2 or 3 blocks) radiating from Santa Clara Street (an east/west street) or First Street (a north/south street).
By car
Outside downtown, things are spread out in San Jose, so a car is the most convenient mode of transportation. Interstate 280 is the fastest route East–West, for example from the Valley Fair Mall or Santana Row, to the West, to Downtown, or from Downtown to Alum Rock Park. California 87 (to and from the airport) and Interstate 280/California 17 (from Rose Garden to Campbell and vice versa) offers fast North-South travel.
Public transit
The Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA), does offer serviceable transit around town. The frequency and hours of buses vary depending on the route and your location, so it's best to check a schedule beforehand. The Light Rail system also provides quick service to, from, and around downtown and Diridon Station.
By bike
Many roads in San Jose have designated bike lanes and/or wide shoulders. A map of the city's bikeways is available on VTA's website. This, along with typically favorable local weather, makes biking a viable means of transportation within the city. Bus lines, light rail and Caltrain all accommodate bikes, making mixed-mode travel a simple affair.
San Jose travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit San Jose?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit San Jose is April to June and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 69–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in San Jose?
July is usually the warmest month in San Jose, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 41°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 132 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to San Jose?
Reid–Hillview Airport (RHV) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of San Jose. Other nearby airports include San Jose International Airport (SJC, 5 mi).
What time zone is San Jose in?
San Jose uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around San Jose?
The downtown area is compact and rather easy to get around on foot. Most of the streets are arranged in a grid, but the grid is not strictly aligned with north (more like north–northwest).
What are the best places to visit in San Jose?
Top sights in San Jose include Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. A sprawling Victorian mansion built continuously by Sarah Winchester, known for stairs leading nowhere and doors opening onto walls, seen on guided tours. Booking ahead is wise.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in San Jose?
The most popular types of experiences in San Jose are shows, sports and special events (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in San Jose?
Popular areas for hotels in San Jose include San Jose Downtown, Milpitas and Santa Clara. Well-reviewed options include Doubletree Hotel San Jose and Holiday Inn & Suites Silicon Valley - Milpitas.
How many hotels can I book in San Jose?
Destina Holidays currently lists 281 properties in and around San Jose, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
