Known for its scenic beauty, sunny weather, and a wide variety of area activities and events, San Jose, California is an ideal place to get outside and enjoy the summer with energizing activities. Our team at Lexus Stevens Creek has put together a list of some of our favorite summer activities and events to help you get started with planning your summer calendar.
Activities for All
Here are some activities you might enjoy in San Jose this summer:
Raging Waters
Spanning 23 acres, Raging Waters is the largest water park in Northern California. It features several water slides, offering rides from mild to intense, a lazy river, a wave pool, a pirate’s cove play structure with water cannons, and much more. You’ll find opportunities for exhilarating adventures for all age levels. When it’s time to refuel, there are a variety of dining options to choose from offering pizza, barbecue, hot dogs, dessert, and more.
Opening Times: May 20 to Sept. 4, 2023. Operating hours vary, so check the calendar for details.
Location: 2333 South White Road, San Jose, California.
Kelley Park
Home to a zoo, a history park, gardens, and trails, the 172-acre Kelley Park provides a plethora of activities that will thrill your whole family. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo features exhibits with more than 150 exotic and endangered animals and a park with rides geared toward younger children, including a small roller coaster and spinning swings.
The History Park depicts the days gone by of San Jose with 32 original and replica homes and businesses situated along paved streets with running trolleys. There’s even an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. There’s no shortage of things to see and do as you traverse the trails around the park and through its gardens.
Opening times: Open all year. Operating hours vary, so see the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and History Park websites for details.
Location: 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, California.
Mount Hermon Adventures
Located in a redwood forest, Mount Hermon Adventures provides thrilling aerial adventures among towering, ancient redwood trees. You can choose to glide along zip lines and cross suspension bridges while taking in the scenic natural beauty of the impressive trees on a canopy tour that takes you up to 150 feet above the forest floor. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can traverse a rope and timber obstacle course suspended 80 feet above the forest floor. Either option provides memories that last a lifetime.
Opening times: Open all year. Operating hours vary. Call 831-430-4357 for details.
Location: 17 Conference Drive, Felton, California.
Santana Row
There’s plenty to discover at Santana Row. The exclusive area offers numerous options for people who like to keep active shopping and dining. Among the many retail stores, you’ll find nationally recognized apparel and accessory sellers, including Amour Vert, Chico’s, and Tommy Bahama. There are also unique boutiques, home goods stores, specialty stores, and more. When it comes to dining, whether you’re looking for international cuisines or American favorites; steak, seafood, or vegetarian; fast food, casual dining, or high-end gourmet, there’s something to tempt every palate.
Opening times: Open all year from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Location: 377 Santana Row, San Jose, California.
Can’t Miss Events
These are some events you don’t want to miss this summer:
San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival
Celebrating its 40th year, the San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival features eight bands on two stages. Not only will you get to enjoy listening to world-class blues at the festival, but you’ll also be treated to amazing gospel, soul, rhythm and blues, and rock music performed by award-winning artists. Along with the music, there are more than 40 varieties of craft beers, ciders, and wines and an array of southern-style delicacies to sample and savor. There’s also an artist vendor zone and an interactive, family-friendly activity area.
Opening Times: Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, California.
Rose, White & Blue Parade and Festival
The Rose, White & Blue Parade and Festival is a San Jose Independence Day celebration that has all the bells, whistles, flags, and flowers to boost your holiday spirit. The parade features classic and antique cars, dance groups, marching bands, children on decorated bikes and wagons, and many more cheerful sights and sounds. Following the parade is a free, four-hour festival with a car show, performances by musicians and dancers, interactive activities for families, and of course, food and beverage vendors.
Opening times: Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Alameda, San Jose, California.
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
One of the top San Francisco Bay Area music festivals, the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest features 100 acts across three outdoor and five indoor stages for a weekend packed with great tunes and great fun. You’ll be treated to a lineup that includes artists across many genres of jazz, including homegrown, international, big band, and blues. The wide variety of music means there’s something for everyone. There are also vendors offering an array of tasty foods and beverages, and unique arts and crafts.
Opening times: Friday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
Location: Downtown San Jose, California.
Santana Row Farmers’ Market
The Santana Row Farmers’ Market is a family-friendly event featuring more than 25 farmers and vendors. You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade cheeses and breads, flowers, and more. The market is held every Wednesday from mid-May through late September with farmers coming from Gilroy, Hollister, Watsonville, and Santa Cruz to impress you with their goods. You can even sip a cocktail as you select your produce and goodies when you purchase a to-go cocktail from an approved establishment.
Opening times: Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Between Olin Avenue and Olsen Drive, Santana Row, San Jose, California.
Summertime Fun
Whether you are a San Jose, California, local or a visitor to the Bay Area, the Lexus Stevens Creek team hopes that you get a chance to enjoy some of these exciting activities and events. If you do, drop us a line and let us know what your favorites are or if you have suggestions for others that we should include on our list.
a man on a zip line by Kelly Sikkema is licensed with Unsplash License
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