Unique Things To Do In San Jose This Weekend

Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose for a cultural and religious experience. The cathedral, with its beautiful architecture, is a prominent religious landmark. Explore its impressive interior with stained glass windows and artwork.

The cathedral hosts religious ceremonies, serving as a place of worship and a symbol of faith. Its historical significance makes it a must-see for those interested in art, architecture, and religious history.

Address: 80 S Market St

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in western North America. Open on weekends, it offers a unique opportunity to explore Egypt's mysteries with complimentary admission for members.

Moreover, photography is allowed, and a virtual tour is also available. The museum features a Planetarium, Peace Garden, Temple, and Library. additionally, the nearby cafes and restaurants provide convenience while visiting this unmissable place in California.

Address: 1660 Park Ave

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, once owned by Sarah Winchester, is a historic and architecturally intriguing landmark. Filled with unique features like staircases leading nowhere and secret rooms, the house offers guided tours to explore its history.

Moreover, special events and speaker series are available, and visitors can join the "Walk With Spirits" tour to delve into its rumored paranormal activity linked to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company's history.

Address: 525 S Winchester Blvd

If you are wondering, "What to do in San Jose this weekend?", one of the best things to do in San Jose is to explore the flea market. The flea market offers a diverse and vibrant shopping experience without specifying the address. Visitors can explore a wide variety of goods, including organic produce and electronics, making it a haven for bargain hunters.

The market provides a delightful atmosphere for relaxation, with options such as enjoying a scoop of ice cream, sipping on a cold beverage, or listening to live music, making it a perfect place to wander around.

Address: 1590 Berryessa Rd

For individuals who are looking for a perfect weekend gateway, head to Half Moon Bay. Located about an hour south of San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway, is a picturesque coastal town offering a range of activities such as hiking, beaches, and water activities.

Explore the historic Pigeon Point Light Station State Park and Ano Nuevo State Park, a significant elephant seal breeding ground. Main Street features local boutiques, galleries, antique shops, and restaurants, making this place an ideal destination for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo escape.

Address: 501 Main St, Half Moon Bay

The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose is a family-friendly science and technology center. It features hands-on activities, experimental labs, and design challenges to inspire innovation with creativity and curiosity. With over 100 experiences, visitors explore how technological innovation impacts our lives.

The center also houses the IMAX Dome Theater, offering a captivating viewing experience. Additionally, the place also has various amenities including a gift shop, cafe, and membership options for frequent visits.

Address: 201 S Market St

The Children's Discovery Museum is a large and interactive museum for kids, offering over 150 hands-on exhibits. These exhibits, including authentic vehicles like a fire engine and a Wells Fargo stagecoach, aim to engage children in exploring, understanding, and enjoying the world.

The museum also features five visual and performing arts spaces. Notably, it hosts the Cultural Celebrations series, highlighting the traditions of different communities. Visiting this museum is one of the fun things to do in San Jose.

Address: 180 Woz Way

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is an 11-mile scenic route that stretches from San Jose to Lexington Reservoir. It's a popular spot for walking, jogging, biking, skating, and nature enthusiasts. The southern part of the trail follows a historic railroad line from the late 1800s.

Passing through cities like San Jose, Campbell, and Los Gatos, it is managed by different agencies, including the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and the Town of Los Gatos. Open to the public, the trail provides a great opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty perfectly.

Address: Los Gatos Creek Trail, San Jose

The San Jose Museum of Art, located in downtown San Jose, occupies a beautiful 19th-century building and showcases a diverse collection of contemporary art, including abstracts, photography, figurative painting, sculpture, and new media by Bay Area artists.

With engaging exhibitions exploring the art of our time, it's an ideal destination for art enthusiasts. The museum also provides family-friendly activities, making it a great place for families to enjoy their weekend.

Address: 110 S Market St

The Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose is a serene and lovely garden symbolizing the connection between Japan and San Jose. With picturesque bridges, waterfalls, and golden Koi fish, it's a popular venue for weddings and celebrations.

Visitors can relax, appreciate the garden's beauty, and occasionally see egrets by the koi ponds. Paying a visit to this garden is one of the amazing things to do in San Jose CA this weekend.

Address: 1300 Senter Rd

The Japanese American Museum of San Jose preserves and shares Japanese American art, history, and culture in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Established in November 1987, the museum features a unique collection of exhibits spanning over a century of Japanese American history.

Originating from a 1984-86 research project on Japanese American farmers in the Santa Clara Valley, the museum offers a rich and educational experience, open to the public for those interested in exploring the Japanese American heritage in the region.

Address: 535 N 5th St

The Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose is a serene destination for enjoying the beauty of roses. Located in the Rose Garden District, the 5.5-acre garden has over 4,000 rose shrubs, with 75% of them being hybrid teas. Visitors can stroll through and admire the vibrant colors and fragrances of the roses, ranging from pale pinks to deep reds.

The garden also offers a natural grass stage surrounded by redwood trees, providing a picturesque setting for weddings and events. Operated and maintained by the City of San Jose, it's a delightful spot for nature enthusiasts.

Address:1649 Naglee Ave

Almaden Quicksilver County Park spans 4,163 acres, offering a rich historical experience and stunning natural beauty. With a history of over 135 years of mining activities and diverse landscapes including hillsides, forests, meadows, and reservoirs, the park provides an ideal escape from Silicon Valley's fast pace.

It's perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying spring wildflowers, known for its spectacular display. Combining historical significance and extensive trails, it's an excellent destination for exploring history and outdoor activities.

Address: 21785 Almaden Rd

Santana Row, an upscale district in San Jose, California, has 50+ shops, 30 restaurants, a six-screen movie theater, and Hotel Valencia. Surrounded by gardens, it's a pleasant place for strolling with unique Mediterranean-style architecture.

The place is ideal for shopping, dining, and a comfortable stay at Hotel Valencia, offering a unique perspective on San Jose. With a vibrant community spirit and diverse attractions, it's a must-visit for a fun and upscale experience.

Address: 377 Santana Row

History Park is a 14-acre outdoor museum offering a glimpse into the city's past. With free admission and 32 original and reproduction homes, businesses, and landmarks, it reveals the history of Santa Clara Valley.

Visitors can explore paved streets, running trolleys, and an old-fashioned ice cream shop, learning about the region's cultural heritage through public lectures, workshops, cultural festivals, and docent-led tours. Operated by History San Jose, the park is part of a nonprofit organization managing various museums and historic sites in the area.

Address: 635 Phelan Ave

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a family-friendly destination with a mix of rides, attractions, and wildlife experiences. It includes family-friendly rides like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and roller coaster. The zoo houses over 150 species, including lions, tigers, and bears.

The park offers educational programs like the Happy Hollow Experience Program, allowing young scientists to explore zoo life. Additionally, school field trips can be booked on weekdays when the park is open, and it's open to the public on weekends.

Address: 748 Story Rd

Alum Rock Park, established in 1872, is one of the state's oldest municipal parks, covering 720 acres of natural beauty. It offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, picnicking, and relaxation.

Highlights include hiking trails, panoramic views at Eagle Rock, picnic facilities, and the Youth Science Institute for school activities and public museum visits. The park also hosts free walks by the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority on specific days.

Address: 15350 Penitencia Creek Rd

Vasona Lake County Park is a popular outdoor destination with a 45-acre lake for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Visitors can engage in various activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the park's trails. There are picnic areas, barbecue pits, and a group space for larger gatherings.

The park is also close to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, offering a scenic route for walking, jogging, or biking. With its scenic lake, trails, and recreational options, Vasona Lake County Park is an excellent spot for families, friends, and nature enthusiasts.

Address: 333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos

California's Great America is a 112-acre amusement park in Santa Clara, just outside San Jose. It boasts over 100 rides, shows, and attractions, catering to all age groups with thrill rides, family rides, and kids' rides. Popular attractions include the Gold Striker, Patriot, and RailBlazer coasters.

The park also has a water park called Boomerang Bay, offering water attractions like a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river. With its diverse offerings, this theme park is a thrilling destination for visitors of all ages.

Address: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara

Guadalupe River Park and Gardens offers a delightful 3-mile "Urban Trail Experience" winding through the city center, providing a serene natural escape. With 254 acres of parkland, including the Heritage Rose Garden and Historic Orchard, the park features a 2.6-mile trail running alongside the Guadalupe River.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk, explore gardens, and take in the scenic beauty. Easily accessible with various trail access points, it's a convenient and peaceful destination for a nature walk in the heart of the city.

Address: 438 Coleman Ave