Things to do in San Jose

San Jose has a great range of attractions for the whole family, with museums, zoos, parks, gardens and some striking buildings. There are many attractions in Kelley Park alone, and if you dont visit anywhere else in the city, you wouldnt be doing San Jose a disservice.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph

Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, the present day Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph was built in 1870 and was not the first to stand on this site; four others were here before, all of which were razed by fire and earthquakes. The latest edition is a beautiful piece of work and is a striking building featuring many impressive domes, murals and stained glass windows. The cathedral stands 150 feet above the streets of downtown and offers services in English and Spanish.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

A great attraction for families with children, the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo located in Kelly Park has an impressive collection of exotic animals as well as some excellent rides and attractions. A pets corner allows kids to get up close with some of the less ferocious creatures, while the carousels and puppet castle provide alternatives.

San Jose Historical Museum

Also part of Kelley Park, San Jose Historical Museum, or History San Jose, features more than two-dozen buildings that represented life in San Joe and the Santa Clara Valley at one time or another. Most of the buildings are replicas, although there are some originals here too. Included is a Chinese temple, O'Brien's Ice Cream Parlor and a candy store as well as many characters such as the doctor, the printer and the postmaster.

Kelley Park

You could spend days in Kelley Park alone exploring the many attractions as well as admiring the beautiful flora. The park covers 140 acres and includes such niceties as the Japanese Friendship Garden, with its koi carp, teahouse and many varieties of tree. Dont forget to take a look at the Historical Park area and the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.

Sikh Gurdwara

The popular Sikh Gurdwara, located in the east of San Jose, is one of the citys more colourful structures and was founded funnily enough by San Joses Sikh community in the mid-1980s. Surrounded by lush, green hills, the temple is richly adorned and sports several domes, with a huge gold one right in the centre of the roof.

Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House is one of San Joses most peculiar attractions. The mansion features an amazing 160 rooms and was 38 years in the making. The story goes that the famous gun makers widow, Sarah Winchester, had the work carried out after she visited a fortune teller upon the death of her husband and daughter. Features of the house include 13 bathrooms, 13 chandeliers, a staircase that goes nowhere and other oddities. The final bill for the work was rumored to be around US$20 million, which was most of the fortune Sarah had inherited. Website: http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/.