Why go
- City in California, United States.
- 2 curated must-see attractions on record, including Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (REM).
- 1 hand-picked place to stay.
- 3 recommended spots to eat and drink.
- Served by Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).
History
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.
Must-see attractions
Outdoor
58 more attractions in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Where to stay
4315 N First St, San Jose, CA 95134, United States · hilton.com
588 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 · kasa.com
2050 N First St, San Jose, CA 95131 · wyndhamhotels.com
1727 Technology Dr, San Jose, CA 95110 · sonesta.com
481 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 · sonesta.com
2222 The Alameda, Santa Clara, CA 95050 · sonesta.com
1560 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112 · extendedstayamerica.com
1860 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126 · rosegardensanjose.com
1950 Wyatt Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054 · marriott.com
3915 Rivermark Plaza, Santa Clara, CA 95054 · hyatt.com
10 Skyport Dr, San Jose, CA 95110 · marriott.com
1655 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 · bestwestern.com
1130 Wondo Wy, San Jose, CA 95110 · marriott.com
10 W Trimble Rd, San Jose, CA 95131 · hilton.com
75 Headquarters Dr, San Jose, CA 95134 · hyatt.com
5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054 · hyatt.com
510 America Center Ct, San Jose, CA 95002 · marriott.com
2118 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126 · bestwestern.com
4949 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054 · hilton.com
1471 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112 · marriott.com
1350 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112, United States · ihg.com
82 Karina Ct, San Jose, CA 95131 · hyatt.com
2088 N First St, San Jose, CA 95131 · hilton.com
101 E Gish Rd, San Jose, CA 95112 · hilton.com
55 E Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95112 · extendedstayamerica.com
2050 Gateway Pl, San Jose, CA 95110 · hilton.com
1310 N First St, San Jose, CA 95112 · caravelleinnsanjose.xyz
2585 Seaboard Ave, San Jose, CA 95131 · hilton.com
817 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
Indoor
Indoor
1084 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126 · flamingomotel.net
1050 Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
Eat & drink
Restaurant — 1319 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA
Restaurant
Restaurant — 461 Perrymont Avenue, San Jose, California
Restaurants & places to go
Bubble Tea, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-22:00; Sa-Su 08:00-22:00 Features: takeaway, air conditioning Wikipedia: en:7_Leaves_Cafe · 11111 Wolfe Road,… · 7leavescafe.com
American, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 06:00-22:00 Features: takeaway Wikipedia: en:Black_Bear_Diner · 415 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 94087 · blackbeardiner.com
Donut, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-We closed; Th-Su 08:00-15:00 Features: step-free access Wikipedia: en:Psycho Donuts · 2006 Winchester Boulevard,… · psychodonuts.com
Burger, Barbecue, American, Restaurant · Opening hours: Su,Mo off; Tu-We 11:00-21:00; Th-Fr 11:00-22:00; Sa 11:30-21:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway,… · stjohnsgrill.com
Coffee Shop, Tea, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-21:00; Su 11:00-20:00 · 2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara, 95050 · capitalone.com
Italian, Sandwich, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Th 10:00-15:00; Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa 10:00-16:00; Su off Features: takeaway, delivery, vegetarian options · 609… · orderchiaramontesdeliandsausages.com
Chicken, Korean, Sushi, Restaurant · Korean fried chicken restaurant Opening hours: We, Th 11:30-22:00; Fr, Sa 11:30-22:30; Mo, Su 11:30-21:00 · 572 East El… · bonchon.com
International, Restaurant · vegan and vegetarian only place Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-15:00,17:00-21:00 Features: takeaway, vegan options, step-free access ·… · lovinghut.us
Mexican, Restaurant · Mexican bistro Opening hours: Mo-Th 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00; Fr 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00; Sa 11:00-22:00; Su 11:00-20:00 Features:… · agaveca.com
Chinese, Seafood, Restaurant · serves halal as well Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-14:30,17:00-21:00 Features: takeaway, halal · 296 Barber Court, Milpitas, 95035 · dardaseafoodmilpitas.com
Mediterranean, Restaurant · casual Mediterranean restaurant with bar Opening hours: Mo-Th,Su 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-21:30 Features: takeaway, vegetarian… · dishdash.com
Indian, Bakery, Fast Food · Indian fast food and bakery Opening hours: Tu-Su 10:00-15:00; Tu-Su 16:00-20:00 Features: vegetarian options · 1610 East El Camino… · kettleecafe.com
Dumpling, Chinese, Restaurant · chinese , dumbling Opening hours: Mo, We-Su 11:00-21:00 · 1251 East Calaveras Boulevard · luckydumpling77.com
Pizza, Restaurant · Pizza restaurant & sports bar featuring large tap selection and serving indian flavord pizza Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-22:00 Features:… · parktownpizza.com
Hot Dog, Burger, Sausage, Wings, Fast Food · serving unique hotdogs and drinks Opening hours: Mo-Th,Su 12:00-21:30; Fr-Sa 11:00-22:00 Features: outdoor… · umaihotdogs.com
Sushi, Restaurant · Japanese sushi restaurant Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-23:30 · 599 East Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, 95035 · yoshisushimilpitas.com
Vietnamese, Restaurant · Opening hours: 11:00-19:30 Features: takeaway, delivery, vegan options, step-free access, air conditioning · 2047 El Camino Real,… · restaurant.tayho.com
Sandwich, Soup, Bakery, Restaurant · Opening hours: Su-Th 10:00-20:00; Fr,Sa 10:00-21:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, delivery, vegan options · 5245… · boudinbakery.com
Middle Eastern, Fast Food · Opening hours: Su-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-21:30 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, vegan options, halal, step-free access,… · dishdash.com
Brazilian, Steak House, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 17:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-22:30; Su 14:00-21:00 · 377 Santana Row, San Jose, 95128 · fogodechao.com
Ramen, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-22:00; Su 11:00-21:30 · 19540 Vallco Parkway · ippudous.com
Juice, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 08:00-20:00; Su 09:00-20:00 Features: takeaway, delivery · 1030 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose, 95130 · locations.jamba.com
Breakfast, Restaurant · Opening hours: 07:00-14:30; PH off Features: takeaway · 311 South Mathilda Avenue, Sunnyvale, 94086 · kekes.com
Bagel, Sandwich, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Su 05:30-14:00; Dec 25 05:30-14:00 Features: takeaway · 1340 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose, 95130 · locations.noahs.com
Japanese, Noodle, Ramen, Fast Food · Opening hours: 11:00-20:30 Features: step-free access, air conditioning · 675 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, 95129 · santouka.co.jp
Shawarma, Falafel, Restaurant · Opening hours: Th-Su 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-21:30 Features: takeaway, delivery, halal · 3475 El Camino Real, Santa Clara,… · shaqsantaclara.com
Ice Cream, Ice Cream · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-21:00 Features: outdoor seating · 703 East El Camino Real, Mountain View, 94040 · locations.baskinrobbins.com
Wings, Restaurant · Opening hours: Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-24:00 · 2364 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 95050 · buffalowildwings.com
Seafood, Fast Food · Opening hours: Su-We 11:00-21:00; Th-Sa 11:00-21:30 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, delivery, step-free access · 1706 Oakland Road,… · cafishgrill.com
Hawaiian, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo 16:00-20:00; Tu-Th,Su 11:00-14:00,16:00-20:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-14:00,17:00-23:00 Features: takeaway · 230 Jackson Street,… · dahukilau.com
Greek, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-We, Su 11:00-21:00; Th-Sa 11:00-22:00 Features: takeaway · 298 Castro Street · nickthegreek.com
Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream · Opening hours: Su-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-23:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway · 122 East El Camino Real, 94087 · pinkberry.com
Salad, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Su 10:30-21:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, step-free access · 300 West El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 94087 · order.sweetgreen.com
Tex-Mex, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Su 07:00-21:00 Features: takeaway · 2471 Berryessa Road, San Jose, 95132 · locations.tacobell.com
Thai, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-21:00; Jan 01-06 off; May 26 off; Jul 04-05 off; Sep 01 off; Nov 27-29 off; Dec 24-31 off Features: takeaway,… · thaispoons.com
Cambodian, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo,Su off; Tu-Th 11:30-21:00; Fr 11:30-22:00; Sa 12:00-22:00 Features: vegan options, step-free access · 86 South 1st… · angkorchef.square.site
Filipino, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo,We-Th,Su 11:00-20:00; Tu off; Fr-Sa 11:00-21:00 Features: step-free access · 1783 North Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas,… · mykalesa.com
Pakistani, Indian, American, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Fr 11:00-14:00,16:00-21:00; Sa 12:00-21:30; Su 12:00-21:00 Features: vegan options, halal · 115… · ladosfood.com
Korean, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-14:30,17:00-24:00 · 2089 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 95050 · ricejunky.com
Fish And Chips, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-00:00; Su 11:00-22:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, step-free access · 1100… · sharkboyfishandchips.com
Udon, Japanese, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 11:30-14:00,17:30-21:00; Fr-Su 11:30-22:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway · 186 Castro Street, Mountain… · mugizo-us.com
Teppanyaki, Fast Food · Features: takeaway, step-free access · 408 Barber Lane, Milpitas, 95035 · pepperlunch.us
Steak House, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 17:00-21:00, Fr,Sa 11:30-14:00,17:00-21:00, Su 10:00-14:00,17:00-21:00, Mo-Su 17:00-18:00 · 1887 South Bascom… · besteaka.com
Grill, Korean, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 23:00-13:00 · 3060 El Camino Real, 95051 · santaclara.bequekoreangrill.com
Asian, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr 11:00-22:00; Sa 11:30-22:00; Su 11:30-21:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, step-free access,… · camomokitchen.com
370 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) 1.7 mi to the centre
San Jose, CA, US — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 15 airlines (Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, AirTran Airways…) · direct flights to 29 destinations incl. Los Angeles, Guadalajara, Denver, Kahului, Phoenix… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Serves San Francisco (39 mi) — the low-cost way in
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 15 airlines, 29 direct destinations
- Southwest Airlines WN (737-700, 737-300, 73C, 737-800, 737-800) · 12 routes: Austin, Burbank, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Ontario, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, Santa Ana, Seattle
- Alaska Airlines AS (737-800, 734, Dash 8-400, 737-900, CRJ, 737-700…) · 11 routes: Boise*, Guadalajara, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, Lihue, Los Angeles*, Portland, Reno*, San Jose Del Cabo, Seattle
- American Airlines AA (737, A319, A320, 737-800, M83, CRJ…) · 11 routes: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Guadalajara*, Honolulu*, Kahului*, Kona*, Lihue*, Los Angeles*, Phoenix, Portland*, Seattle*
- AirTran Airways FL (737-700, 73C) · 4 routes: Denver*, Las Vegas*, Los Angeles*, San Diego*
- Delta Air Lines DL (737-800, A320, CRJ-900, CRJ-700) · 4 routes: Atlanta, Los Angeles*, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City
- United Airlines UA (A319, 737-800, A320, 737-900, 757-200, 787-8…) · 4 routes: Denver, Houston, Los Angeles*, Tokyo*
- US Airways US (A319, A320, 737-800, M83, CRJ-700) · 4 routes: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Phoenix
- AeroMéxico AM (734, 737-800) · 2 routes: Guadalajara*, San Jose Del Cabo*
- JetBlue Airways B6 (A320) · 2 routes: Boston, New York
- All Nippon Airways NH (787-8) · 1 route: Tokyo
- Hawaiian Airlines HA (767-300) · 1 route: Kahului
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (737-800) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Singapore Airlines Cargo SQ (A320) · 1 route: Los Angeles*
- Virgin America VX (A320) · 1 route: Los Angeles
- Volaris Y4 (A320) · 1 route: Guadalajara
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Moffett Federal Airfield (NUQ) 6.5 mi to the centre
Mountain View, CA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) 11 mi to the centre
Palo Alto, CA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
San Carlos Airport (SQL) 19 mi to the centre
San Carlos, CA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County (RHV) 7.6 mi to the centre
San Jose, CA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) 23 mi to the centre
Hayward, CA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Where things are
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping
base map © OSM
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
Tourist season
May – September
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Shoulder season
April, October
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Worth avoiding
Deep winter
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC); 1 other airport serves the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: SJC has direct flights to 29 destinations on 15 airlines (incl. Los Angeles, Guadalajara, Denver, Kahului, Phoenix…).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for San Jose, California. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.
Local transit
Bus · San Francisco, California · Schedules & GTFS data
Bus · San Jose, California · Schedules & GTFS data
Bus · Modesto, California · Schedules & GTFS data
Trains & rail
National rail
Coaches & shuttles
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.
Jet card, management · Managed fleet across US bases · Locally based jet card and aircraft management with private terminals in ~20 US cities.
Helicopter, by-the-seat · Helicopters, seaplanes, jets via partners · By-the-seat helicopters Manhattan–JFK/Newark and the Hamptons; jet charter through partners.
Membership charter · King Air 350i, Citation, Hawker, Global · US membership and on-demand charter; Delta Air Lines is a major shareholder.
Semi-private scheduled · Embraer 135 (16 seats) · First-class-only scheduled flights from Van Nuys to Aspen, Sun Valley, Cabo and Europe in summer.
Charter, management, FBO · Managed fleet, light to ultra-long-range · Charter, management and FBOs at Van Nuys and Orange County; the original Hollywood jet operator.