Top Rated Attractions in San Jose

The only place in North America dedicated solely to the works of Ludwig himself, this museum contains a wealth of material, including the much-heralded lock of Beethoven's hair. Original manuscripts, books, recordings, autographed materials, masks, sculptures, stamps, films and all sorts of things are here. The center sponsors many concerts and lectures throughout the year and several things are for sale, like coffee mugs, scores and a bibliography database. This is an excellent place for scholarly research.

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.

The fun never stops at the California Theatre. This huge venue hosts annual events, theater performances, music concerts and even competitions. Past events include the Library of Congress "Song of America" Tour with Thomas Hampson, the International Russian Music Piano Competition, and a San Jose Youth Symphony performance. The venue used to be a FOX movie theater and it has a top-notch sound system and comfortable seats. See the website for further details.

Home the NHL team, San Jose Sharks, SAP Center is a massive event venue that began as the San Jose Arena, when it was created in 1993. Although it's a popular sports venue, the multipurpose event venue is known for the big-ticket concerts it hosts. Whether it be an exciting hockey game or Grammy-winning artist performance, this 19000 seat venue promises a good time. The multipurpose event space comes second to none when it comes to entertainment; artists like Eric Clapton, Cher, Lady Gaga often feature on SAP Center's calendar of events; while on the other hand, it also showcases popular sports events such as Royal Rumble.

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 7.72 kilometers (4.80 miles) 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 off-roading enthusiasts and 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, mountain lions.