Where to stay

Spanish missions and religious sites recall an important part of San Jose's past. Stay in Santa Clara to tour the Mission Santa Clara de Asís, founded in 1777. The beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in the Downtown San Jose neighborhood was established in 1877. Arrange accommodations just west of downtown to see one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in the nation at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Hotels near the southern end of Kelley Park are great for exploring more than 30 original and replica homes at History Park, an indoor/outdoor museum which gives visitors an immersive glimpse into the past. Stay west of downtown to tour the Winchester Mystery House, a historic architectural marvel.

Stay in Downtown San Jose for multiple cultural attractions. The Tech Interactive lets kids have fun while learning through hands-on, cutting-edge technology displays. Complement their education with modern and contemporary art at the nearby San Jose Museum of Art. Add appreciation of Latin arts at MACLA and even more interactive experiences at the Children's Discovery Museum. To the north, the Santa Clara neighborhood is a good place to stay to experience the student culture of Santa Clara University and visit the Triton Museum of Art and a railroad museum.

North San Jose is a great place to stay to relax at Baylands Park and several other parks along the southern end of San Francisco Bay. Hotels in Downtown San Jose are close to Kelley Park, a large green space with a ballpark, disc golf course, Japanese garden, and small zoo. On the opposite side of the city, the Municipal Rose Garden is a former prune orchard that is now one of the world's best rose gardens. Accommodations in Los Gatos southwest of the city are convenient for hiking in several parks including Lexington Reservoir County Park and the Sierra Azul Preserve. South San Jose is a great place to stay to enjoy golf at a selection of courses.