3 Best Places To See in San Jose, CA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Places To Visit in San Jose, California. All of our places to see actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

12+ YEARS IN TBR
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HAPPY HOLLOW PARK & ZOO

748 Story Road,
San Jose, CA 95112 Directions

Since 1961

Specialty:

Zoo Exhibits Animal Encounters Animal Training Animal Enrichment Education Programs Happy Hollow Experience Programs Virtual Animal Encounters School-based Classes School Assemblies Field Trips Group Programs Seasonal Camps Summer Camps Scout Programs Education Toolkits Family Fun Programs

" Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a 16-acre zoo that has been accredited by the Zoos and Aquariums Association (AZA) for over 60 years. The zoo specializes in family-friendly rides, games, enjoying nature, and a zoo accredited by AZA. The zoo provides interactive opportunities to inform wildlife within the city. The zoo is home to one of California's oldest and best-attended puppet theaters. Their camps are packed with immersive educational activities, live animal encounters, zoo tours, play in nature areas, and more. The park is close to many popular features such as the carousel, roller coaster, petting zoo, and puppet theater. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo also features facilities like a nursing room, water bottle filling stations, locker rentals, and stroller and wheelchair rentals. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo offers free admission for children under age 2.

2026 Highlights: Happy Hollow Park & Zoo offers discounts on education programs and celebrations for members. "

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Price:

ADMISSION PRICES:
General Admission: $22.00
MEMBERSHIP PRICES:
Individual Plus: $120.00
Individual Adult Membership: $65.00
Individual Child Membership: $65.00
Community Membership: $300.00
Senior Membership: $55.00
Student Membership: $55.00

Discount:

15% Off on Food Purchases at Picnic Basket and The Explore & More Store (exclusions Apply) for Members

Contact:

(408) 794-6400

Mon-Sun: 10am - 5pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

11+ YEARS IN TBR
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SAN JOSE MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN

1649 Naglee Avenue,
San Jose, CA 95126 Directions

Since 1927

Specialty:

Miniature Roses Full Bloom Plant Collections Climbers Fountain Variety Of Rose Majestic Rose Redwood Trees Flower Shows Historic Landmark Large Grassy Area Clusters and Single Bloom Stems Picnic Reservations Wedding Ceremony Sites Photo Permits Wedding Reservations

" San Jose Municipal Rose Garden was opened in the 1930s and has been a regional attraction dedicated exclusively to roses. The garden has more than 3,500 plantings and 189 varieties. Early May brings with it acres of fragrant, majestic roses at their most beautiful. The garden is one of the world's most famous of its kind, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The garden is primarily devoted to rose family shrubs and features over 4,000 rose shrubs. The garden has been recognized as "America's Best Rose Garden" by the All-America Rose Selections (AARS). San Jose Municipal Rose Garden has become a San Jose historic landmark. Visitors can enjoy the colorful and showy blooms throughout the season from April to November. The garden is available for wedding ceremonies. The garden offers free admission for all visitors.

2026 Highlights: San Jose Municipal Rose Garden offers restroom facility for the visitors. "

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Price:

PHOTO PERMIT PRICES:
Application Fee: $60.00
Permit Fee: $40.00

Contact:

(408) 794-7275 (408) 535-3500

Mon-Sun: 8 am - 1/2 an Hour After Sunset

TBR® Inspection Report:

9+ YEARS IN TBR
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CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF SAN JOSE

180 Woz Way,
San Jose, CA 95110 Directions

Since 1990

Specialty:

Exhibits Outdoor Experiences Educational Programs Art Activities Storytime Programs Family Yoga Special Events Performances Cultural Celebrations Birthday Parties School Events

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose aims to inspire children's creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Visitors can explore, test, tinker, and create with over 150 interactive exhibits and programs in the sciences, humanities, arts, nature, and health. The award-winning museum offers new exhibits that adapt to the varied educational needs of children. Hands-on experiences encourage self-directed, open-ended explorations with the broad themes of culture, relationships, and imagination. The museum has welcomed more than 10.5 million visitors since opening. in June 1990. The museum's signature programs, such as BioSITE and youth discovery, cover specific group themes and interactions. The museum is a member of the Association of Children's Museums and the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose offers free entry for infants (under one year).

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Best Museum and Best Nonprofit Organization(2024)

Price:

ADMISSION PRICES:
Adult (18–59 Years): $22.00
Child (1–17 Years): $22.00
Senior (60+ Years): $20.00
MUSEUMS FOR ALL:
Reduced Admission(Per Person): $5.00

Discount:

$2 Off on Admission Tickets Purchased at The Admissions Desk with Proof of Employment

$15 Off on Any Level Membership at The Admissions Desk with Proof of Employment

Contact:

(408) 298-5437

Tue-Fri: 9:30am - 1pm
Sat & Sun: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report: