San Jose in a Day: A Whirlwind Tour of Silicon Valley's Charms

Author's Profile Picture

by Stella

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

San Jose 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day journey through the heart of Silicon Valley with our San Jose itinerary. Begin your adventure at the enigmatic Winchester Mystery House, where you'll spend an hour unraveling the secrets of its twisting hallways. Next, unwind amidst the blooms at the Municipal Rose Garden for a tranquil half-hour. Art enthusiasts will revel in a two-hour exploration of the San Jose Museum of Art, a treasure trove of modern and contemporary masterpieces. Continue your cultural quest at The Tech Interactive for an hour of hands-on exhibits that celebrate technology and innovation. Cap off your day with a two-hour visit to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, where history and wildlife converge for a family-friendly experience. This compact itinerary ensures you'll soak up the best of San Jose's diverse attractions without missing a beat.

ShanghaiSan Jose
From US$416
Cheap Flights
Top 6 Hotels in San Jose
TOP 1
Signia by Hilton San Jose
Signia by Hilton San Jose
hotelStar
4/5
110 reviews
View Hotel Info
TOP 2
AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Santa Clara
AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Santa Clara
hotelStar
4/5
129 reviews
View Hotel Info
TOP 3
Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Airport
Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Airport
hotelStar
3/5
136 reviews
View Hotel Info
Element San Jose Airport
Element San Jose Airport
hotelStar
3/5
54 reviews
View Hotel Info
Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Airport
Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Airport
hotelStar
3/5
108 reviews
View Hotel Info
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport-Silicon Valley
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport-Silicon Valley
hotelStar
3/5
110 reviews
View Hotel Info

Day 1: Unveiling the Charms of San Jose

1

Winchester Mystery House

arrow-image

Kickstart your San Jose adventure at the Winchester Mystery House, an architectural wonder that has intrigued visitors for decades. As the first stop of the day, this historical mansion offers a glimpse into the eccentric mind of Sarah Winchester with its maze of rooms and staircases leading nowhere. Spend an hour marveling at the Victorian craftsmanship and unraveling the mysteries that shroud this fascinating abode.

Attraction Info

  • 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

iCHiNA
iCHiNA
/5 · 0 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
Anqi Shaken & Stirred
Anqi Shaken & Stirred
/5 · 0 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
Meso Modern Mediterranean
Meso Modern Mediterranean
/5 · 0 reviews
0.3 km from attraction
Wild Rose Eatery and Bar
Wild Rose Eatery and Bar
/5 · 0 reviews
3.5 km from attraction
Amber India - Santana Row
Amber India - Santana Row
4/5 · 2 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Silicon Valley
La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Silicon Valley
/5 · 0 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
8 min,3.9 km
2

Municipal Rose Garden

arrow-image

Next, immerse yourself in the floral splendor of the Municipal Rose Garden, a fragrant oasis nestled in the heart of the city. A brief 30-minute stroll among the blooming roses and manicured greenery provides a serene interlude, setting a tranquil tone for the rest of your day's explorations in San Jose.

Attraction Info

  • 1649 Naglee Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

iCHiNA
iCHiNA
/5 · 0 reviews
1.8 km from attraction
Mastro’s Steakhouse - Santa Clara
Mastro’s Steakhouse - Santa Clara
/5 · 0 reviews
1.9 km from attraction
Meso Modern Mediterranean
Meso Modern Mediterranean
/5 · 0 reviews
2.2 km from attraction
La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Silicon Valley
La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Silicon Valley
/5 · 0 reviews
1.8 km from attraction
Amber India - Santana Row
Amber India - Santana Row
4/5 · 2 reviews
2.3 km from attraction
Dr. Funk
Dr. Funk
/5 · 0 reviews
3.1 km from attraction
10 min,4.45 km
3

San Jose Museum of Art

arrow-image

Continue your cultural journey at the San Jose Museum of Art, where creativity and innovation meet. With two hours to wander through the galleries, you'll encounter an impressive array of contemporary masterpieces and thought-provoking exhibitions that celebrate the artistic spirit.

Attraction Info

  • 110 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Thu,4:00pm-9:00pm;Open on Fri,11:00am-9:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,11:00am-6:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

The Table
The Table
5/5 · 1 review
3.0 km from attraction
ADEGA
ADEGA
4/5 · 1 review
3.4 km from attraction
Fountain Restaurant
Fountain Restaurant
3.6/5 · 0 reviews
0.1 km from attraction
The Grill On The Alley
The Grill On The Alley
/5 · 0 reviews
0.1 km from attraction
Morton's The Steakhouse
Morton's The Steakhouse
/5 · 0 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
The Farmers Union
The Farmers Union
5/5 · 1 review
0.3 km from attraction
5 min,0.36 km
4

The Tech Interactive

arrow-image

Just a stone's throw away, The Tech Interactive awaits to engage your curiosity. This museum is a playground for the mind, offering interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that delve into the wonders of science and technology. Dedicate an hour to discover the cutting-edge advancements that shape our world today.

Attraction Info

  • 201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, United States
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Sat,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sun,11:00am-5:00pm;Open on Tue-Fri,10:00am-3:00pm
8 min,3.95 km
5

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

arrow-image

Conclude your day with a visit to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, where fun and education go hand in hand. Over the course of two hours, explore historical buildings, engage with interactive museum exhibits, and greet the diverse array of animals. It's the perfect finale to your San Jose escapade, leaving you with memories to cherish and stories to tell.

Attraction Info

  • 748 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Tue-Fri,10:00am-4:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Dr. Funk
Dr. Funk
/5 · 0 reviews
3.2 km from attraction
Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio
/5 · 0 reviews
2.6 km from attraction
Morton's The Steakhouse
Morton's The Steakhouse
/5 · 0 reviews
2.7 km from attraction
The Grill On The Alley
The Grill On The Alley
/5 · 0 reviews
2.7 km from attraction
Fountain Restaurant
Fountain Restaurant
3.6/5 · 0 reviews
2.7 km from attraction
The Farmers Union
The Farmers Union
5/5 · 1 review
3.1 km from attraction
4/598 Reviews
4/5Very Good98 Reviews
San Jose
|1.68km from Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
3.2/5103 Reviews
3.2/5103 Reviews
San Jose
|1.68km from Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
2.7/57 Reviews
2.7/57 Reviews
San Jose
|1.88km from Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
4.4/5100 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent100 Reviews
Downtown San Jose
San Jose
|2.19km from Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Top Things to Do in San Jose-2024

TOP 1
San Jose Museum of Art
San Jose Museum of Art
4.5/5 · 17 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 193 review
Highlights:
The San Jose Museum of Art is located in the center of San Jose. The building has a quaint appearance. It exhibits various works of art and historical treasures, and regularly holds special exhibitions.
Continue in the Trip.com App
TOP 2
Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House
4.3/5 · 34 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,181 review
Highlights:
The Winchester Mystery House is a San Jose, California mansion formerly owned by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate Ja William Winchester. Since construction began in 1884, many people, including Lady Winchester, have claimed to be haunted by ghosts. There are many rooms in this mansion, which is very mysterious, and the atmosphere will be very good for Halloween.
Continue in the Trip.com App
TOP 3
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf
4.5/5 · 1,306 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 19,626 review
Highlights:
A landmark of San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is a strip extending from Ghirardelli Square all the way to Pier 35 and close to popular destinations such as Chinatown and the Lombard Street. This is home to a wealth of shops and restaurants and lively street shows can be seen everywhere. Famous sites such as Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge can also be sighted in the distance. The Fisherman's Wharf is close the the bay, so do not miss out on the fresh and delicious seafood. At Pier 39, sea lions can also be seen lying idly on rafts for a bit of sunbathing, making a most adorable scene.
Continue in the Trip.com App
TOP 4
Lombard Street
Lombard Street
4.6/5 · 1,621 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 18,395 review
Highlights:
Lombard Street is so named for its multiple hairpin turns. The 40 degree inclination here poses a serious challenge to driving skills. The whole street is paved with bricks and lined on either side with foliage as well as multicolored flowers, offering diverse views all around the year. A peculiar crooked way can be photographed at the lower end of the street. The distant San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge and the Alcatraz Island can be viewed from high up in the Lombard Street, making it an ideal spot to take a snapshot of perfect harmony of streetscape and ocean view. Heading all the way north along the Lombard Street will take one to Fisherman's Wharf, a place to savor gourmet food and splurge on shopping.
Continue in the Trip.com App
TOP 5
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
4.7/5 · 11 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 493 review
Highlights:
HappyHollowParkandZoo is especially suitable for family fun. The park is clean and tidy. In addition to cute animals, there are also very interesting amusement facilities and interactive projects waiting for children and parents. You can participate in rock climbing to cultivate the spirit of adventure, or you can experience feeding small animals under the guidance of zoo staff.
Continue in the Trip.com App

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
>>
San Jose 1 Day Itinerary