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San Jose, CA

© Michael from San Jose / Wikipedia

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Located in Silicon Valley, San Jose is not only a hub for major tech giants but is also a popular tourist destination, especially in the hot and dry summers. The streets are crowded with visitors from June to September, leading to soaring hotel prices and jam-packed roads. While the weather is hot, sunny, and pleasant, beware of forest fires, which can occur in late summer. If you'd like to enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace and save some money, the best time to visit San Jose is during the shoulder seasons of April and May, as well as September and October. While the city is still cloudy and grim in March, from mid- to late spring, you can expect lots of greenery and blooms in the city's gardens and parks. It's a perfect time to embark on a scenic road trip or go hiking. Similar to spring, September-October provides ideal conditions for hiking due to mild temperatures after the summer. However, forest fires are quite common from late summer through mid-fall, so consider checking local reports before your visit. Winter in San Jose remains cloudy and is quite relaxed, with a lack of events and visitors, meaning cheap accommodation.

38 things to do in San Jose, CA

Cycling

April–October Activity

Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State

Scenic Road Trips

all year round Activity

Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan

Paddleboarding (SUP)

May–September Activity

One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline

Point Reyes National Seashore

January–May Nature

If you are looking for a stunning coastal scenery, you are on the right path

Big Sur Road Trip

March–May | September–March Activity

Beautiful coastline, amazing forests, and gorgeous mountains—Big Sur has it all

Monterey Jazz Festival

September 27-29, 2024 Event

Top names of jazz gather together in one place to share their talent among real fans. Don't miss one of the greatest jazz events in the world!

Monarch Butterflies

mid-November–mid-March Nature

Tens of thousands of North American monarchs head to California for their honeymoon, and wedding night falls on Valentine's Day

Elephant Seals

December–March Nature

These seals with elephant noses roam the ocean searching for food, and go ashore to breed and molt

Monkey Puzzle Seeds

September–October Food

Soft starchy seeds have been feeding humans, rodents and birds since Jurassic Period

Oyster Season

September–April Food

Oysters are consumed in San Francisco and other cities on the California's coast in accordance with “R” myth that determines the oyster season

Surfing

September–May Activity

Autumn soft offshore breezes create perfect consitions for surfing

Ladybug Migration in California

November Nature

Everyone loves a ladybug on their hand, but imagine hundreds of thousands! This can happen near San Francisco

San Francisco Fleet Week

October 7–14, 2024 | Air Show Dates: October 11–13 Event

You have never been so close to the formidable American armed forces

Fuyu Persimmons

October–November Food

Latins called Fuyu persimmon “the fruit of the gods”

Ice Plant Bloom

May Nature

One of Pacific Grove's most prominent sights

Alameda County Fair

June 14–July 7, 2024 Event

A summer celebration full of carnival rides, lawn concerts, adorable animals, and funnel cakes

Gilroy Garlic Festival

July 13, 2023 Event

A three-day celebration of garlic and other delicious foods

Oakland Restaurant Week

March 14-24, 2024 Event

Ten days to get the best of Oakland's restaurant scene

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival

October 19-20, 2024 Event

The size of those pumpkins will blow your mind

Christmas in the Park in San Jose

late November–early January Event

This beautiful holiday tradition in San Jose makes Christmas in San Francisco unforgettable

Bay Area Book Festival and Family Day

May 4, 2024 (Family Day)| June 1–2, 2024 (Festival) Event

See Downtown Berkeley transform into a literary utopia!

Lick Observatory

June–September Activity

Visit the first permanent mountain top observatory in the world

Cool Patch Pumpkins Corn Maze

late September–October Activity

Kick off the holiday season and get lost in the world’s largest corn maze

Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade

December 1, 2024 Event

A popular holiday event draws spectators from all over Silicon Valley

California's Great America WinterFest

November 29–December 31, 2024 Event

The Bay Area’s newest popular holiday tradition

Calla Lily Valley & Garrapata Beach

late January–late April (best in mid-February–early April) Nature

One of the most picturesque coastal areas in Big Sur

South Yuba River Swimming Holes

March–October Activity

A great way to relax during hot summer days

Halloween

late September–late October Event

From spooky science in the lab to the Napa Valley ball,—there are a lot of new things to try in October

Almond Bloom

mid-February–early March Nature

The first sign of spring on the Pacific Coast

California Fall Colors

late September–early November Nature

Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Plenty of options to close out the year in the Capital of Silicon Valley

Lunar New Year in San Jose

February 3–4, 2024 Event

Learn about Asian cultures and try delicious foods during the colorful celebration

Great White Sharks

August–September Nature

As ocean waters warm up, white sharks start their annual migration between Mexico and Southern California

Christmas Lights in San Jose

late November–early January Event

See the most sparkling Christmas lights in San Jose

San Jose 4th of July Events & Parade

July 4 Event

This Independence Day celebration will make you cherish diversity

Morgan Hill 4th of July Fireworks, Freedom Fest & Parade

July 3–July 4 Event

A great occasion to salute your Independence only a 30-minute drive from Downtown San Jose

Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival

September 14–15, 2024 Event

A beloved free community festival with over 160 arts & crafts booths

Millbrae Art & Wine Festival

August 31–September 1, 2024 Event

An annual Labor Day weekend celebration coupled with an arts & crafts fair

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