The heart of the Silicon Valley is San Jose, where millions of tech-savvy gadget geeks set up shop in the 1990s and aimed to create some of the best businesses in America and abroad. Before you sell your life savings for your one great idea, take some time to explore the cultural side of San Jose. California’s oldest city, and the original capital of California, San Jose brings a diverse blend of cultures and religions to the area. More than 50 languages are spoken in San Jose and the authentic neighbourhoods keep tourists engaged in the authenticity of the city. While you’re searching the Internet for things to do in San Jose, consider the search engine you’re using – Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin set up their famous headquarters in San Jose and thanks to their small invention, you’ll find plenty of San Jose attractions to explore.
San Jose overview
San Jose climate
Temperatures are generally moderate in San Jose. January's average high is 15 degrees and July's temperatures hit an average high of 30 degrees but temperatures can extend past 37 degrees during intense summer days.
When to fly to San Jose
Peak Season
Summer (June to August) is usually the busiest time in San Jose, mainly due to summer vacations. The weather is beautiful although some days the foggy weather can blanket the San Jose skies.
Off Season
The rainy season runs from about November through March. If you plan on San Jose travel during this time, you're likely to find some cheap flights to San Jose and discounted hotel rates.
Getting around San Jose
You can take the San Jose train through the city’s centre every day. Information about fares and schedules is posted around the city. The historic trolley cars run on a loop through downtown San Jose in the Christmas season and on weekends from April to September. The public buses run all year. You can also book a Super Shuttle minibus for door-to-door service.
San Jose insider information
Take a trip to the odd, yet educational, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and view the massive collection of statues and mummies. The museum even has a two-room, walk-through reproduction of an ancient subterranean tomb.
The appropriately-named "History Park" is a conglomerate of historic buildings from all over San Jose that have been brought together in an open-air museum in Kelley Park. The centrepiece is a half-scale replica 1881 Electric Light Tower, which stands 72m high.
Rent a car and take a day trip to one of the nearby vineyards.
During the summer months, visit the San Jose Farmers’ Market at San Pedro Square. It runs on Fridays, beginning May 2 from 10am - 2pm.
Music in the Park is a San Jose favourite. Free outdoor concerts featuring well-known names take the stage on Thursday nights in June. From July 10 to September 4, Music in the Park hosts free concerts on Thursday's from 5:30 - 8:45pm.
San Pedro Square hosts free movie nights at the Cinema San Pedro on Wednesday evenings from July 9-August 27. Cinema St James in St. James Park also hosts free movies at dusk every Saturday from July 19 to August 23.