Thousands visit this park each year to view the beautiful varieties of roses in a profusion of colors and types. A resplendent sight to behold, the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden also includes a few fountains and a reflecting pool, making it a great spot for a quiet stroll even if you aren't a rose aficionado. Take a look at the map of the place, which lists the names of all the varieties of roses, some of which are rare kinds.
This urban farm covers an impressive 47 acres (19.02 hectares). It has school tours, orchards, a barnyard, picnic areas and places to fly kites. It is a great place to bring kids, especially if they like animals as there are numerous breeds of rabbits, chickens, geese and ducks for them to befriend. The property was originally given to the city of San Jose with the intent that it be used as an agricultural learning center, and in this respect, it succeeds admirably. Admission is free.
This huge, multi-domed church was originally built in 1877 and was restored to its original splendor in 1990. This is actually the fifth location of the parish seat; the first was built in 1803. The present structure is a monumental building. Incredible stained glass work renders the sanctuary into a lovely, almost mystical space when the sun causes the colors to play across the walls, pews and floor. Masses are held in Spanish and English.
Established in 1872, the Alum Rock Park is by far the oldest municipal-operated urban park in all of California. Located at a distance of just 6.3 miles (10.2 kilometers) from the heart of San Jose's urban surroundings, this oasis of greenery is clasped on the slopes of Diablo Range's verdant valleys. Spanning nearly 720 acres (291.37 hectares), the park's grounds are traversed by the roads and trails of Alum Rock Falls, Calaveras Fault, and Sierra, making every corner of its protected lands accessible for avid hikers. The park is dotted with classical wood-carved trail signs that add a rustic vibe to your overall outdoor experience. Wildlife includes red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, turkey vulture, black-tailed deer, and mountain lions.
Montgomery Theater has been the home of the San Jose Children's Musical Theater for many years. It is right in the middle of downtown San Jose and is within walking distance of all major hotels and restaurants, making it convenient for visitors as well as locals who want to grab a bite before or after the show. Built in the style of a Spanish mission, this elegant theater is connected to the City National Civic. Credit card acceptance varies by show.
Tombs, mummies and all sorts of ancient Egyptian artifacts await you at Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium, one of the tourist favorites of San Jose. This place is located in the beautiful Rosicrucian Park, with palm trees and Egyptian-style buildings everywhere. The museum itself contains an extensive array of artifacts, jewelry and displays of Egyptian antiquity. The tour in the cavernous tomb below the museum is especially replete with information and entertainment. Through the displays, you will get an in-depth look at the nature of life in ancient Egypt.
The EcoCenter is managed by the Environmental Volunteers, a non-profit institution that spreads awareness about science and nature among the general public. Acting as the headquarters of this organization, the EcoCenter has been constructed using non-toxic and recycled material, green design principles and eco-friendly practices. This center has interactive exhibits and touchscreen displays through which visitors can learn about climate change, the sky and earth. It conducts tours of the building to educate visitors about sustainable methods of construction and maintenance and also conducts numerous summer camps, classroom and school programs. Boasting of some of the best educational activities in Palo Alto for kids and adults alike, the themes covered include bird watching, hiking, programs and lectures on nature art and natural sciences as well as research training in which visitors generate data that actually helps scientists. Nature lovers can also volunteer at this center or donate money to support its endeavors.
Nestled in the campus of Santa Clara University, the Mission Gardens is a tranquil haven that is steeped in history. From its purple wisteria gazebo and adobe wall to its olive trees and over 400 rose shrubs, everything dates back to the 1800s. It is also the site of the yearly Vintage Santa Clara Food and Wine Festival.
South Bay Fusion is a dance organization and this friendly hangout offers workshops for all ages in blues fusion dance which combines styles of Argentine Tango, Slow Lindy, and West Coast Swing. They have courses for all levels right from beginners to professional. They have dance socials and gatherings where you can show your recently learnt moves. All in all, South Bay Fusion provides a great space to spend an evening dancing to the blues.
The Coyote Hills Visitors Center serves as an educational hub, enlightening visitors about the park's rich history, indigenous heritage, and diverse ecosystems. It offers interactive exhibits, guided walks, and informative programs that engage all ages. Its unique allure lies in its role as both a learning space and a starting point for exploration, providing a deeper connection to the park's wetlands, hills, and wild inhabitants.
Located on William Street, the Olinder Theater is housed within Olinder Community Center. Managed and operated by Northside Theatre Company, the performance venue showcases their home productions throughout the year. The company likes to mix up the genres, taking on a drama after a laugh-your-socks-off comedy and right before a thrilling mystery.
Surrounded by towering tanbark-oak and bigleaf maple trees, the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park gives one a glimpse of nature in its full glory. Spanning more than 4,000 acres (1,618 hectares), this park reverberates with bird calls and sounds of the San Lorenzo River that flows through its verdant expanse. Serene groves within the park feature mature redwoods that are thousands of years old. It is a paradise for outdoor lovers providing birding, hiking, and several other opportunities to lose yourself in nature.