San Jose
San Jose, CA
San Jose Ghosts Tour
From $25 / person
8:00PM
San Jose, CA
San Jose Ghosts Tour
From $25 / person
8:00PM
San Jose
Things to Do in San Jose: By JUNKET
Did you know San Jose’s Silicon Valley is famously known as the birthplace of the microchip? Or that the iconic group move “The Wave” was invented here? Or that it is home to one of only three Japantowns left in the United States?
Renowned as the pulsating heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is globally celebrated for its pioneering role in the technology revolution. It's a hub where tech giants have their roots, fueling advancements that have transformed the modern world.
Yet, San Jose isn't solely defined by its technological might. Framed by stunning mountain views and lush parks, the city that once lured survivors of the Donner party to settle here today offers residents and visitors alike an escape into the tranquility of nature, with a mild Mediterranean climate and abundant green spaces that play a prominent role in its identity.
From the labyrinthine architecture of the famous Winchester mansion to the most extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts in the West, San Jose offers an abundance of attractions that showcase the city's intriguing history and vibrant cultural scene.
Innovation
Delve into the dynamic atmosphere of this city by discovering its iconic landmarks and places of interest. San Jose is synonymous with innovation – don't miss The Tech Interactive, where interactive exhibits invite you to engage with the latest technological breakthroughs.
For a serene escape to a hidden local gem, wander through the calm beauty of the Japanese Friendship Garden, where tranquil ponds and traditional architecture transport you to another world.
For a touch of artistic sophistication, the San Jose Museum of Art showcases captivating contemporary and classic works. And for a taste of local authenticity, head to Japantown, a historic neighborhood pulsating with vibrant shops, eateries, and cultural immersion.
As the sun dips below the horizon, San Jose's spirit awakens in a symphony of live music and livelier bars spread across its downtown and vibrant neighborhoods. Catch a live performance at the San Jose Improv, where comedians from around the country take the stage to deliver side-splitting laughter and unforgettable entertainment.
Fin City Frights
When shadows lengthen across the venerated streets of the city, San Jose's darkest secrets come to life with the haunting San Jose Ghosts, a thrilling adventure that reveals spine-tingling accounts and chilling tales from the city's mysterious past.
Prepare for an eerie evening as you traverse dimly lit alleys and ghostly locations with a haunted history, where you will:
- Discover the unexplained activity at the former Fairmont Hotel
- Unearth the mischievous ghost of the San Jose Improv
- Encounter the lingering spirits at San Jose University
- Uncover the legendary secrets of the Winchester Mystery House
- And so much more…
There’s a Junket for everyone – Pick yours.
San Jose History
Sainted City
Before European exploration, the land now known as San Jose was home to the Ohlone people, who thrived through a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. In the mid-18th century, Spanish explorers arrived, marking the beginning of a new era.
The settlement began as a modest agricultural pueblo, established in 1777 by José Joaquin Moraga, and evolved into a Spanish farming community named Pueblo de San José de Guadalupé, dedicated to St. Joseph. Under Spanish rule, it thrived as a farming community, initiating a period of cultural exchange and the blending of indigenous and Spanish traditions.
“They immediately set to work to build the houses of palisades covered with clay, with flat roofs, and, when these were finished, each began to clear and plough his piece of ground for the planting of corn and beans.” – Lorraine Frain
During Mexican rule in the early 19th century, San Jose continued to evolve as a center of agricultural activity. The town supplied military garrisons in Monterey and San Francisco with essential resources such as wheat, vegetables, and cattle.
Valley of Heart’s Delight
Following California's American takeover in 1846, San Jose briefly served as the inaugural capital of the new state, hosting its first state legislature in December 1849. (The capital later shifted to Vallejo in 1852 and was permanently relocated to Sacramento in 1854.)
This period witnessed a confluence of Mexican, Spanish, and American influences, shaping the city's cultural landscape. During the California Gold Rush of the mid-19th century, San Jose was a pivotal waypoint for those seeking to strike it rich in the goldfields.
The advent of the San Francisco railroad in 1864 improved trade connections, facilitating the transportation of nearby farms' produce to San Francisco.
This transformation catalyzed the Santa Clara Valley's evolution into an orchard-rich region synonymous with fruit processing. The area’s fertile soil fueled the growth of orchards, establishing the area's reputation as the "Valley of Heart's Delight." San Jose’s agrarian identity flourished, shaping its economy, landscape, and community life.
Rise of Silicon Valley
Until 1940, the city's economic focus predominantly centered on food processing and the manufacturing of agricultural equipment and orchard supplies. The aftermath of World War II witnessed a meteoric rise in the production of durable goods like electrical machinery, aircraft components, and motor vehicles.
The mid-20th century heralded a new era as San Jose embraced the technological revolution. The region witnessed the birth of the microchip in the late 1950s, forever altering the course of global innovation. The establishment of tech giants like Intel and Apple solidified San Jose's reputation as a technological powerhouse.
San Jose emerged as a central hub of innovation, anchoring a burgeoning tech industry that would revolutionize global communication and commerce.
The city evolved from orchards to microchips, with technology dominating its economic landscape. The presence of significant aerospace and business equipment firms, coupled with San Jose's emergence as the anchor of Silicon Valley, sparked exponential city growth, further accelerated by the surge in Internet-related industries during the 1990s.
San Jose experienced rapid land annexations, tripling its land area between 1960 and 2000, as its population more than quadrupled during the same period. The city has long maintained a diverse ethnic makeup, with burgeoning Asian and Hispanic communities constituting a significant portion of its populace.
With a history of resilience that has paved the way for its contemporary prominence, San Jose today stands as a dynamic city that seamlessly blends its storied past with its role as a global technological powerhouse.
San Jose Today
History and Mystery
You can reimagine the progress of San Jose and visit different eras of the city’s past with a journey to History Park, an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time. This open-air museum beautifully captures the essence of San Jose's history through meticulously preserved historic buildings and engaging exhibits.
As you wander through the park's charming streets, you'll encounter authentic structures that provide insights into the lives and stories of those who once inhabited them. From a schoolhouse echoing with the laughter of generations to a firehouse that once battled historic blazes, each building paints a vivid picture of a bygone era.
Visiting the Winchester Mystery House is a must-do experience in San Jose. This enigmatic mansion, with its bewildering architecture, secret passages, and eerie legends, offers an immersive experience that captures the fascination of those drawn to the unknown and the paranormal.
Exploring the Winchester Mystery House is an opportunity to unravel the curious mind of Sarah Winchester, the eccentric widow of the rifle magnate, and immerse yourself in a world where history, architecture, and tales of the supernatural combine for an unforgettable visit to San Jose.
Nature Calls
San Jose's proximity to the coast and nearby natural areas offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts to enjoy whale-watching, bird-watching, and exploring marine life. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the stunning Alum Rock Park, with its winding trails amidst rugged terrain, or seek solace at the serene Guadalupe River Park, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics by the water.
If you're seeking panoramic views, consider driving out of town to visit the Lick Observatory atop Mount Hamilton. Here, you can marvel at celestial wonders during public stargazing nights while relishing the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside. Have a blast at nearby California's Great America, a legendary amusement park featuring a variety of thrill rides, roller coasters, live entertainment, and water attractions.
“I have always loved the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that thrives in San Jose. It's a city that embraces change and is constantly reinventing itself for the better.”
– Steve Wozniak
Arts, Culture, and Dining
Indulge in some retail therapy at Santana Row, where you can shop, dine, and meander around this upscale district featuring a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options. Explore one of the largest open-air markets in the United States at the San Jose Flea Market, offering a wide range of goods including antiques, collectibles, clothing, and food.
Learn about Mexican culture and heritage through art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events at the Mexican Heritage Plaza or wander through the South First Area (SoFA) Arts District to discover vibrant street art and murals that reflect the city's creative spirit.
From food trucks dispensing inventive fusion cuisine to elegant restaurants showcasing global dishes, San Jose’s food scene is a delightful tapestry of flavors with something to satisfy every palate. Try La Victoria Taqueria for a taste of their legendary Orange Sauce Burrito, an iconic dish that captures the essence of San Jose's vibrant food culture.
Get to Know San Jose
With its renowned museums, fascinating attractions, and captivating natural marvels, the city presents a diverse range of cultural experiences and entertainment that complement the Junket San Jose Experience. Some of the city’s most popular attractions include:
- Winchester Mystery House: Tour this unique mansion known for its intricate architecture, secret passages, and mysterious history.
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: Discover the fascinating world of ancient Egypt through artifacts, mummies, and exhibits related to ancient cultures at the largest collection of Egyptian relics in the Western United States.
- Japanese Friendship Garden: Enjoy a tranquil escape from the city at this serene and beautiful garden setting featuring traditional Japanese landscaping, koi ponds, and tranquil paths.
- The Tech Interactive: Explore exhibits on technology, science, and innovation, and learn about the history and impact of Silicon Valley at this interactive museum.
- History Park: Immerse yourself in the history of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley through a collection of historic buildings, artifacts, and exhibits at this open-air museum.
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