San Jose Tourist Attractions
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Santa Clara CountyLocation and generalThis rapidly progressing town, situated 37mi/60km from San Francisco, is also one of the oldest in the country.
Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House is a strange house built by Mrs Sarah Pardee Winchester. The confusing features were designed to protect hers from the ghosts of those killed by Winchester rifles.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is a popular attraction for families with young children and teens. The museum is housed in a very unique purple building which first opened in 1990 and expanded with a new wing in 1997.Visitors to the museum will find a wide assortment of interactive exhibits that will engage and enrich the participants. One of the most popular exhibits is Waterways. Here children of all ages can learn firsthand the wonders of water. Over 27,000 square feet of splish splashing fun is on offer as floating balls demonstrate the various properties of water. Other exhibits include Bubbalonga and exploration of bubbles, and Secrets of Circles with the explanation of the science of circles, among many others. Also on site is the Kid's café which serves food and beverages for hungry learners and their escorts.
Tech Museum
The appropriately named Tech Museum of San Jose is all about illustrating how technology affects and improves our lives. Permanent galleries include Exploration, Life Tech, Innovation, Imagination Playground, Net Pl@net, and the National Medal of Technology. The museum also features traveling exhibits. Most exhibits provide hands on experiences for visitors both young and old but are particularly fun and educational for children and teens. Elementary school children will get considerable value from this setting.Examples of the areas covered at the museum include genetics, alternative energy, virtual design, microchips, and earth sciences. The Tech Museum also has an IMAX theatre on site with surround sound acoustics and an eight story high screen. Café Primavera provides light meals of the Italian nature and of course features a children's menu. Also on site is The Tech Store.
San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles (formerly American Museum of Quilts and Textiles)
The Museum of Quilts and Textiles of San Jose started out in the 1970's and has evolved and grown over the years to include over 500 textiles. The museum's collection focuses on quilts, both historic and contemporary, woven textile art forms, and wearable art. One of the themes at the museum is the promotion of Bay Area artists and their work as they lead a revival in quilting and textile arts in the late 20th century.The museum hosts exhibitions from around the world that feature all manner of textiles. These traveling exhibitions move through on a regular basis so be sure to check and see what's on display when you plan to visit. The Museum has a gift shop that features many one of a kind items from local artisans in various textiles. Also available are jewelry, cards, books, toys and handmade wood items.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium
Within the Rosicrucian Park, you can step into the world of ancient Egypt at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Modeled after the temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt, the museum definitely stands out from its surroundings. Inside visitors are treated to an extensive collection of artifacts from pre dynastic times through until the early Islamist era.The museum opened in November, 1966 and has grown over the years to now include over 4000 artifacts. One of the most popular collections is one concerning cats, with felines made of wood, stone and bronze. Also on display are cat mummies. Entrance to the Planetarium is included with your admission fee to the museum and shows generally take place on weekends only. A museum store is on site and features take home reproductions of many of the popular artifacts.In Rosicrucian Park is the headquarters of the Union of Rosicrucians of international freemasonry. The movement owes its origin to anonymous 17th century writings, based on the life of the knight Christianus Rosencreitz (14th century) and his brotherhood of men, which spread the concept of neoplatonic, alchemic and mystic thought.
Alum Rock Park
Alum Rock Park is a lovely natural area covering some 720 acres of forest and hills. This day use park has picnic areas, walking and hiking trails, two children's play areas, and a visitor center. The trails very from relatively easy to more strenuous with changing elevations. They are a great way to get some exercise while enjoying views and the natural surroundings.Alum Rock Park is the largest park in San Jose and the oldest. Streams with stone bridges add to the atmosphere, giving it a historic feel. Watch for restrictions and closures, particularly during the dry summer and fall months when the fire danger may be high.
Youth Science Institute
Open to the public since 1953 and exhibiting the animals that populate the area the Youth Science Institute's Alum Rock Nature Center most popular attraction are the birds of prey. The institute reaches out to school children with a variety of programs and camps.
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Overfelt Gardens
Overfelt Gardens in San Jose was named for William and Mary Overfelt, pioneers who started a grain and dairy farm in the 1860s. Self-guiding trails, a fountain dedicated to Mildred and a fragrance garden are early additions. The five-acre Chinese Cultural Garden contains statues, memorials and displays devoted to Ancient China and Chinese culture.
Peralta Adobe and Fallon House
The Peralta Adobe and Fallon House in San Jose show the historic side of the city. The adobe was built in 1797 and is the oldest structure in the city. Two rooms are furnished as they might have been when they were originally occupied.The Fallon House was constructed in 1855 and was the home of Thomas Fallon, the mayor of the city. It features 15 rooms decorated in Victorian style.
Jungle Fun and Adventure
Jungle Fun and Adventure in San Jose is a jungle-themed indoor play facility geared to children 12 and under. There is a large play structure, hands-on activities and skill games available.
Mount Hamilton - Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory was dedicated in 1888 and is a division of the University of Santa Cruz. Its location on the summit of Mount Hamilton (4,209 feet) gives impressive views of the Santa Clara Valley.
Raging Waters
Raging Waters in San Jose is the Bay Area's largest water park with more than 30 slides, an interactive water fort and a wave pool. The park is located on the grounds of Lake Cunningham Regional Park just off Tully Road.
San Jose Flea Market
The San Jose Flea Market was founded in 1960. At 120 acres it is California's largest framer's market with 25 restaurants. There are over 2,000 vendors selling comic books, arts, crafts and jewelry.
San Jose Museum of Art
The San Jose Museum of Art is located in downtown San Jose. It features a full range of exhibits but the focus is on 20th century art with contemporary artists Richard Diebenkorn and Sam Francis prominent.
Hyatt Santa Claire
Located in downtown San Jose, the Hyatt Santa Claire is a historic hotel which opened in 1926. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Municipal Rose Gardens
The Municipal Rose Gardens in San Jose contain more than 3,500 rose shrubs. The best time to visit is in May and June.
