Crawling for three miles alongside the Guadalupe River and harnessing Highway 87, this unique natural environment contains a rose garden, jogging trails, several species of birds and lots of picnic tables. Nestled in a particularly scenic spot in the South Bay, it is a great place for a day's outing or a slow leisurely walk. Improvements are ongoing and when it is finally completed, it will be a spectacular place for everyone in the family.
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 wonderful facility is a great place to take advantage of the generally sunny weather with which San Jose is blessed. It contains the Japanese Friendship Garden, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, the San Jose Historical Museum, a huge amount of picnic tables, an amphitheater and other venues. This is a fantastic spot for wedding receptions, barbecues, family camping or other group functions. It is a diverse place, one that is great for a family day out. Admission to the park is free.
This lovely and lush 33-acre (13.35-hectare) space contains the Chinese Cultural Gardens, Palm Grove, reflecting ponds, a memorial to the Chinese Nationalist hero Sun Yat Sen, and a natural wildlife and plant sanctuary. Stroll, take photos, or just kick back in the warm, sunny weather that is a hallmark of the San Jose area. This is easily one of the most charming gardens in the area; the free entry is the icing on the cake. This garden can also be hired for weddings.
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.
Almaden Lake Park is where San Jose residents come to bike, hike, fish and relax their days away. Located over 65 acres, the lake is expansive enough for an endless amount of personal space, ensuring plenty of space to accommodate a wide range of activities. The park has bocce ball courts, volleyball nets and even horseshoe facilities. For those that want to be closer to the water, fishing and pedal boating are allowed. There is a concession stand open on a seasonal basis that features light snacks and refreshing beverages. For a scenic, tranquil setting and plenty of activity options, it doesn't get much better than a day at Almaden Lake Park.