San Jose, California, is a large city just south of San Francisco with beautiful weather and lots to see and do. With a diverse culture and an incredible history, it should come as no surprise that people come from all over the country and the world to experience what it has to offer. Whether you’re a local on the hunt for off-the-beaten-path options or a visitor looking for some unique things to do, the Lexus of Stevens Creek team has put together this list of fun things for you to do in San Jose.
Ainsley House
Location: 300 Grant St., Campbell.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Originally the third home of canning pioneers John Colpitts Ainsley and his wife Alcinda Ainsley, the Ainsley House is now a museum offering tours of its historical interior. It was built in 1925, and its interior is full of objects and furniture from the past. Although this building was moved from its original location to where it sits today, it’s still a beacon of history that needs to be preserved. A tour of the home will take you back in time, and you’ll learn about the family who lived here and the time period. There’s a small fee for the tour, but it’s worth it.
49ers Museum
Location: 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara.
Hours: Weekends during the 2022 football season, but the exact times vary.
If you’re a 49ers fan, then the 49ers Museum is a must-visit location while you’re in San Jose. It’s located inside Levi’s Stadium, and you must have a ticket for the game to enter. There’s an additional fee to enter the museum, but it’s nominal. You can purchase your ticket in the lobby. The museum opens three hours before kickoff time when there’s a game on, and you may need every minute. With 20,000 square feet of area to explore, there’s a lot to see and learn. It features 11 unique exhibits that take you through the team’s past, present, and future.
Triton Museum of Art
Location: 1505 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
The Triton Museum of Art, which opened its doors back in 1965, was the area’s first non-university art museum. It moved to its current location in 1987, and today it welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually. With frequently rotating exhibits, there’s always something new to see when you visit. Admission and parking are both free, so there’s no excuse not to stop in and see what’s on display. The museum also hosts events, workshops, and classes to help expose the local community to art. Through the diverse collections, you’ll gain a better understanding of the San Jose community and the wider world.
Rancho San Antonio Preserve
Image by Y S is licensed with Unsplash License
Location: Various trailhead access points in Cupertino.
Hours: Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset.
Protecting nature for the people of San Jose to enjoy is just part of what the Rancho San Antonio Preserve is all about. If you like hiking, viewing wildlife or learning more about your natural surroundings, head to Rancho San Antonio Preserve. With over 25 miles of trails, you can come back here again and again and still have somewhere new to explore. This preserve protects nearly 4,000 acres and adjoins the county park that comprises 165 acres.
On the trails, you may spot deer, turkeys, lizards, rabbits, snakes, and a variety of birds. Thanks to the efforts of the rangers and visitors, you’ll also see many native plant species that are thriving in the preserve.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Location: 748 Story Road, San Jose.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Both kids and adults love visiting the 16-acre Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, where you can see a variety of cute and interesting animals. There are also family-friendly rides that provide a little excitement to your day, and when you need a break, grab a book from one of the story stations located throughout the park to read quietly on a bench while you rest. You can also meet various themed characters, enjoy shows and performances on the Crooked Meadow stage, or even watch a puppet show. It’s a blast.
Alviso Marina County Park
Location: 1195 Hope St., San Jose.
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, Monday through Sunday.
Along the Alviso slough, you’ll find the 20-acre Alviso Marina County Park. It’s adjacent to the salt ponds and Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge marshes, making it the perfect launching point for your outdoor adventure. You can put your boat or kayak in the bay and explore the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail or stick to land and walk along the boardwalk trails. You’ll have the opportunity to see the wildlife that calls the area home. Consider registering for the free interpretive boat tour to learn more about the changing landscape.
Entry to the park is free, as is parking and use of the boat launch. You can learn a lot by exploring this outdoor area that’s close to home but makes you feel miles away.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Location: 1660 Park Ave., San Jose.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Learn more about the Ancient Egyptians right here in San Jose. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses tons of artifacts from several Egyptian time periods. With pottery, statues, mummies, and dioramas that depict life in ancient Egypt, there’s so much to see here you may have to visit more than once to take it all in. You can also attend a workshop to further your knowledge about this interesting time in history.
We hope you get a chance to explore these exciting San Jose places, as we’re sure you’ll have fun and learn something, too. If you know of any other fun things to do in the area, contact us so we can check them out and add them to our list.
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