Quick Summary:

  • Can visitors explore San Jose on a budget?
    • Yes! Many area museums offer free admission year-round or on select free days.
  • What attractions are available for technology fans?
    • Apple Park and Visitor Center is a must-visit for Apple technology enthusiasts.
  • Are there outdoor activities for nature lovers?
    • Yes! Visitors can explore a variety of city parks and recreation areas nearby.
  • What are the best budget-friendly transportation options?
    • Visitors can use San Jose’s VTA public transit system.
    • The VTA offers bus and light rail services throughout the city’s neighborhoods.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art

2. History Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
History Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© History San Jose

3. Rosicrucian Park

Category: Activities
Rosicrucian Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Rosicrucian Park

4. Japantown Walking Tours

Tours
Japantown Walking Tours | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of Hideyuki - Fotolia.com

5. Alum Rock Park

Category: Activities
Alum Rock Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

6. Almaden Lake Park

Category: Activities
Almaden Lake Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of Harris Shiffman - Fotolia.com

7. Guadalupe River Park

Category: Activities
Guadalupe River Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of Andrei - Fotolia.com

8. Emma Prusch Farm Park

Category: Activities
Emma Prusch Farm Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Emma Prusch Farm Park

9. Kelley Park

Category: Activities
Kelley Park | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of Melastmohican - Fotolia.com

10. SoFA District First Fridays

SoFA District First Fridays | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of Roberto Sorin - Fotolia.com

11. San Jose's Municipal Rose Garden

Category: Activities
San Jose's Municipal Rose Garden | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of Fotolia.com

12. Apple Park Visitor Center

Category: Activities
Apple Park Visitor Center | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Apple Park Visitor Center

13. Cesar Chavez Memorial Walkway

Category: Activities
Cesar Chavez Memorial Walkway | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of irabublikova - Fotolia.com

14. The San Jose Public Library

Category: Kids & Family
The San Jose Public Library | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© The San José Public Library

15. The Lick Observatory

Category: Attractions
The Lick Observatory | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of Panu - Fotolia.com

16. CityDance San Jose

CityDance San Jose | Free & Affordable Things to Do in San Jose, CA
© Courtesy of oriol - Fotolia.com

Map:



Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather, great for outdoor activities. Hotel Valencia Santana Row – A stylish boutique hotel in a vibrant shopping district. Visit the Municipal Rose Garden – A stunning display of blooming roses.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for sightseeing. The Westin San Jose – A historic hotel with modern comforts. Explore the Tech Interactive Museum – A hands-on experience for science lovers.
Fall (September-November) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Signia by Hilton San Jose – A luxury downtown hotel with excellent amenities. Walk through Japantown – Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and culture.

Plan Your Trip