Where to stay in San Jose and Silicon Valley? The best areas to stay in San Jose and Silicon Valley for tourists are Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, South San Francisco, and Campbell. These are popular and safe places, offering a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
In this blog pot, I will be looking at the best area and neighborhood to stay in San Jose & Silicon Valley for first-time visitors, for families, couples, and best hotels in San Jose for all budgets.
San José and the surrounding Silicon Valley (the tech hub of the world) are an area around the San Francisco Bay in northern California. It also has countless historical, cultural, and tourist attractions, both within the city limits and in the surrounding areas.
Where is the best area to stay in San Jose, California?
Downtown San José is the best area to stay in San Jose for tourists, especially for first-timers. This area offers a mix of entertainment, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. You’ll find museums, theaters, and the SAP Center, as well as a variety of restaurants and nightlife options.
If you stay here, you will be located in the middle of action, within walking distance to tourist attractions, as well as some of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife venues in the city.
There are also options to be considered in the surrounding area as well. If you are attending an event at Levi’s Stadium then you may be best suited to staying in Santa Clara, while those who value nature and exploring the great outdoors should give greater consideration to Palo Alto.
You may even want to make it a dual-purpose trip, where you can explore the famous attractions in San Francisco as well as what’s on offer in San José, in which case South San Francisco could be ideal.
| 💖 Best Area for first-time visitors: | Downtown San Jose |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Signia by Hilton San Jose |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | WhyHotel by Placemakr, San Jose |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown |
Map of best areas and neighborhoods to stay in San Jose & Silicon Valley:
Best areas to stay in San Jose for tourist are:
1. Downtown San Jose
Downtown San Jose is the best area to stay in San Jose for first-timers because it is the most convenient location and it has widest range of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shops. It is also a great place to learn about local culture and history.
Located just four miles from the Mineta San Jose International Airport, in the heart of the city, Downtown San Jose is the city’s central business district and the largest urban center in Silicon Valley. Much like the rest of the region, it is an area that has a thriving economy based on its legendary tech industry.
Drinks and cuisines are served from around the world, with establishments catering to all budgets. Stores sell everything from designer wares to local goods and souvenirs, so will give you a fabulous choice however you like to shop.
Then you have accommodation, which ranges from brand hotels such as Hilton, Marriott, and Westin to privately owned guest houses, offering something for everyone, no matter how you like to stay.
In terms of attractions, there aren’t a large number of famous tourist destinations here, however, they do have plenty of historical and cultural offerings to keep you busy.
The Downtown San Jose’s Historic District features numerous 19th-century buildings, many of which appear on the National Register Of Historic Places. Here you can take in the changing architecture throughout the years, as well as see some more elaborate offerings, such as the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph San Jose.
One of your first stops should be at the Tech Museum of Innovation, a family-friendly technology and science center in the heart of downtown San Jose. This Silicon Valley landmark offers a glimpse into the most innovative place on Earth, designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta.
Nearby, you will find the San Jose’s city hall and Plaza de César Chávez. Plaza de César Chávez is a two-acre plaza and park which is a great place to hang out. It hosts live music, cultural festivals, arts and crafts fairs, water fountains, and an open-air theater.
If you want to learn about the history of the city, there are plenty of museums to explore such as the San Jose Museum Of Art, the San Jose Museum Of Quilts & Textiles, the Children’s Discovery Museum Of San Jose, and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum displays a large collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit at Rosicrucian Park in the Municipal Rose Garden The Tomb Tour is a great way to explore the underground tomb and find out about the funerary practices of the Ancient Egyptians.
In West San Jose, you will find a mansion Winchester Mystery House, a historic landmark and architectural wonder in San Jose. It has two types of tours the Self Guided Mansion Tour and the Sarah Winchester Garden Tour.
For art lovers, why not check out the San Jose Center for Performing Arts and Downtown San Jose Public Art Walk where you can find a number of amazing public art installations, especially from the Downtown Doors program and the Art Box Project San Jose.
To the north of Downtown San Jose stands the San Pedro Square, home to the Peralta Adobe, one of Spanish California’s oldest settlements. Nearby, you will find the Fallon House, which was built by one of San José’s earliest mayors in 1855. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is the best area to shop for seasonal fruits and veggies, open Fridays, May through November.
Downtown has plenty of green spaces such as the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Kelley Park, St James Park, History Park, and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Other places of interest are the San Jose Repertory Theatre, Olympic Black Power Statue, the San Jose Stage Company, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Library, and numerous historic hotels, such as the Hotel Clariana, the Fairmont, and De Anza.
It is even the location of the San Jose State University and the SAP Center, where the NHL’s San Jose Sharks play their home games. All of this should mean you have plenty to keep you busy during your stay here, whether you want to shop, explore, be entertained, or simply kick back and relax.
If you are looking for a good nightlife experience, head to the SoFA district for a specialty cocktail; Café Stritch for live music; The Continental Bar and Lounge; and the San Jose Brew Bike to explore bars and breweries of San Jose.
Downtown San Jose has all kind of accommodation options that suit all budget from 3-star guesthouses, to luxury lodging.
Stay in Downtown if you are first time traveling to San Jose; you are interested in the history of the city; you want to see an ice hockey game; you are a fan of museums; you want lively nightlife;
Best places to stay in San José Downtown:
luxury ($$$): Signia by Hilton San Jose, 4-star family-friendly hotel, centrally located in downtown San Jose, within walking distance from the SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose Convention Center, and San Jose State University.
mid-range ($$): WhyHotel by Placemakr, San Jose, great 4-star apartment, located close to San Jose Convention Center, San Jose Civic Auditorium and San Jose Diridon Amtrak Station.
budget ($): AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown, 3-star budget-friendly hotel, well located in San Jose, featuring a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, private parking, continental or buffet breakfast, and a shared lounge.
2. North San Jose and San Jose International Airport
North San Jose, also known locally as the innovation district, features the largest concentration of tech companies anywhere in Silicon Valley, and perhaps even the world. You will find companies like Samsung, Cisco, and PayPal.
As such, this is an area largely dominated by people traveling on business, as it provides quick, easy access to the companies you will be dealing with. Many hotels in Bayshore Freeway, Highway 101, or El Camino Real.
As the heading suggests, this is also the site of the Mineta San Jose International Airport, which again is ideal for those traveling on business, as there is no wasted time getting to and from meetings once you get into town.
Similarly, it is equally suited for anyone who is worried about missing their flight or who simply doesn’t want to drag their baggage all over town, as there are plenty of hotels available with easy access to the airport.
While there isn’t much else in the way of attractions here, there are plenty of parks to let you enjoy some of the area’s nature, as well as enough shops, bars, restaurants, and casinos that you shouldn’t find yourself needing for anything while you’re in town.
Two famous casinos with all day and night gaming are Casino M8trix and Bay 101 where you can try Three-Card Poker, live-action, Baccarat, Blackjack, no-limit Texas Hold ‘Em.
If you want to do some outdoor activities, head to the 1,676 acres nature preserve of Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The Aquila Loop Trail is a mellow hike, ideal for beginners and families with young children.
Guadalupe River Trail is a great trail to explore San José and Silicon Valley. The nine-mile northern section of the trail runs along both banks of the Guadalupe River from Alviso in the shores of the San Francisco Bay to Virginia Street in Downtown, near the Children’s Discovery Museum
There are numerous sites along and near the Guadalupe River Trail such as 250-acre Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, airport Plaza, the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, San Jose convention center, museums, theaters, Little Italy.
To the north of downtown, you can find the third-largest Japantown in the country. It is a great place to try authentic Japanese cuisine, visit shops, art galleries, and bars. There are the farmers’ market every Sunday, Japanese American Museum, and San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.
The southern section of the trail extends from Chynoweth Avenue to Coleman Road where you can find Lake Almaden and Los Alamitos Creek trail systems.
You can also find the San Jose Flea Market, an open-air market in the heart of the Berryessa district, offering everything you need from organic vegetables in a quarter-mile-long produce row to a barbershop, stereo equipment, and religious supplies.
Other points of interest are Avaya Stadium, Alum Rock Park, and San Jose Municipal Golf Course which is a great place for golf enthusiasts. All in all, it is a location with a fairly specific purpose, but a purpose it accomplishes to perfection.
There are plenty of hotels near airport areas and North San Jose, you can easily find brand hotels such as Marriott, Hyaat, and Sheraton.
Stay in North San Jose & San Jose International Airport if you are traveling on budget; you are traveling on business; you want to stay close to the airport; you are a fan of parks;
Best places to stay in San Jose International Airport:
budget ($): Hyatt Place San Jose Airport, 3-star hotel, conveniently located just 1 mile from Mineta San Jose International Airport, offering free airport shuttle service and private parking.
budget ($): Sonesta Select San Jose Airport, 3-star children-friendly hotel, offering free shuttle services to and from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
budget ($): Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott San Jose Airport, 3-star hotel, located a 5-minute drive to the San Jose International Airport, featuring Free parking, Family rooms, and Airport shuttle (free).
budget ($): SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Jose Airport, great 3-star family-friendly hotel, one of the best places to stay in San Jose near airport, featuring a 24-hour reception and a 24/7 mini-market.
3. Santa Clara
Santa Clara is actually a separate city, located immediately to the west of San Jose, on the southern coast of the San Francisco Bay. Originally founded as a Christian mission in the 1700s, it was incorporated almost a century later in 1852. It and the surrounding Santa Clara county take their name from Saint Clare Of Assisi, to who the original mission was also dedicated to.
Located at the very heart of Silicon Valley, it is the location of the headquarters of numerous massive technology corporations, such as Intel, McAfee and Namco Bandai Games. This makes it one of the most important business hubs in the entire country, with numerous workers traveling in and out of the city on a daily basis.
You may even find many venturing to the Santa Clara Convention Center, one of the largest events and meeting venues in Silicon Valley, where everything from trade fairs to presentations is held by the numerous companies in the area.
You can visit Intel Technology Museum at Intel’s headquarters for technology experience, or the Triton Museum of Art that shows work by local artists.
Another area that Santa Clara is known for is its place in the country’s education network, with numerous prominent institutions ranging from pre-school to higher education located here.
It is even the site of Santa Clara University, the oldest institution of higher learning in all of California, which is built around the mission that founded the city.
As far as more traditional tourist attractions go, Santa Clara isn’t a city to disappoint in that regard either. For starters, it is the location of Levi’s Stadium, home to the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. Even if you don’t want to watch a football game, there are plenty of other events hosted here, such as concerts and spectacles like WWE Wrestlemania.
You even have California’s Great America Amusement Park, an amusement park featuring more than 40 rides and attractions that was famously used as the filming location for Beverly Hills Cop 3.
There are also Fremont Park or Santa Clara Central Park which are great places for families with kids to spend a fun day out.
For visitors looking for a little more culture, you obviously have the original mission, as well as a number of museums, the Harris – Lass Historical House, and the Our Lady Of Peace Shrine to explore.
To the east of Santa Clara, you will find Sunnyvale, where you can find Sunnyvale Bay Trail, Ortega Park, and Serra Park.
Stay in Santa Clara if you want to see the historic mission; you want to watch some football; you are attending an event at Levi’s Stadium; you are doing business with one of the corporations in Silicon Valley; you are attending an event at the Santa Clara Convention Centre; you want to visit an amusement park; you are or are visiting, a student.
Best places to stay in Santa Clara:
mid-range ($$): Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, 4-star hotel, located next to the Santa Clara Convention Center and California’s Great American Theme Park. It has an outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, and on-site restaurant.
mid-range ($$): AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Santa Clara 4-star hotel, located close to Levi’s Stadium, Intel Museum, 49ers Museum, Avaya Stadium, and Buck Shaw Stadium. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.
budget ($): Hyatt House Santa Clara, great 3-star family-friendly hotel, offering free WiFi, year-round outdoor pool, BBQ facilities, air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, a private bathroom with a bath or shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
4. Palo Alto
Palo Alto, also known as Birthplace of Silicon Valley, is one of the best places to stay in Silicon Valley and San Jose. It is situated to the west of Mountain View, and is home to Stamford University, one of the most prominent and reputable in the entire country.
Palo Alto’s name is Spanish and translates to mean Tall Stick, which is in reference to the legendary species of Redwood trees that grow in the area.
In many ways, Palo Alto is remarkably similar to Santa Clara. It is another hub for Silicon Valley businesses, with companies such as Hewlett Packard, Skype, Google, Facebook, Skype, Hewlett-Packard, and Tesla headquartered here.
A combination of these things has led to Palo Alto becoming one of the most expensive cities in America to live in, as well as having a population that consistently ranks among the most well educated in the country.
The area is a collection of historical and cultural attractions including the Frenchman’s Tower, Packard’s Garage, Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, Printers Inc Bookstore, Lou Henry Hoover Girl Scout House, Palo Alto Community House, and the Woman’s Club Of Palo Alto.
Additionally, it has numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and zoos, creating a destination ideal for expanding your knowledge and life experiences.
The Computer History Museum in Mountain View nearby is one of the must-sees. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the computer. Mountain View is also home to the Stevens Creek Trail and NASA Gift Shop Silicon Valley.
However, where it does differ from Santa Clara is its lack of prominent tourist attractions, like stadiums or amusement parks. Instead, it makes up for it with a collection of more natural features.
The Foothills Park, Arastradero Preserve, Baylands Nature Preserve and a number of other forests and gardens make for a great way to combine your city trip with some outdoor adventures, exploring the local nature and wildlife of the area.
Stay in Palo Alto if you are traveling to do business with one of the many Silicon Valley companies located here; you want to explore some of the natural attractions; you are interested in the historical and cultural establishments; you are, or are visiting, a student at Stamford University;
Best places to stay in Palo Alto in San Jose and Silicon Valley:
luxury ($$$): Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto, 5-star boutique hotel, offering views of the San Francisco Bay Area or the Santa Cruz Mountains.
mid-range ($$): Hilton Garden Inn Palo Alto, 3-star hotel in central Palo Alto, offering a 24-hour front desk, on-site parking, a business center and luggage storage.
budget ($): The Palo Alto Inn, 3-star family-friendly accommodation, located Palo Alto downtown, near San Antonio Shopping Center, Stanford University, and SLAC. It is only a mile off the Central Expressway. It has free parking, which is great base for travelers with a car.
budget ($): Aloft Mountain View, 3-star children-friendly hotel, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge.
5. South San Francisco
South San Francisco, also known as South Town, is one of the best areas to stay in San Jose and Silicon Valley. Located almost 40-miles northwest of downtown San Jose, it is located on the outskirts of San Francisco itself, separated only by San Bruno Mountain State And County Park.
While there are a small number of attractions located within South San Francisco itself, such as Sign Hill, the Wind Harp, City Hall and numerous parks and historic buildings, they usually aren’t enough to draw tourists to the city by themselves.
Instead, the greatest thing that South Town has going for it is its location. Situated between both San Jose and San Francisco, it gives visitors a central base location to explore both from, while also taking advantage of the lower prices that come with staying in a less famous location. its location near San Francisco International Airport, and easy access to other parts of Silicon Valley.
San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America, regularly visited by tourists from all over the world each year. Attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Painted Ladies, Chinatown, and even the historic trams and beautiful rolling hills are enough to fill up a trip for anyone.
However, the price for both accommodation and amenities can often be off-putting, as it is one of the most expensive cities in the country.
With South San Francisco offering you access to all of this, as well as all the attractions San Jose has to offer as well, without breaking the bank, it makes a fabulous choice for anyone traveling on a budget, just so long as you are happy to bring or hire a car.
You also have attractions like Plymire-Schwarz Hous, Gray Whale Cove State Beach, Oyster Cove Beach, Oyster Point Park, McNee Ranch State Park. For shopping, check out the Shops at Tanforan, San Bruno Town Center, and Bayhill Shopping Center.
STAY IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO IF you are traveling on a budget; you are bringing or planning to rent a car; you want to explore both San Francisco and San Jose; you want to visit San Bruno Mountain State And County, Park.
Best places to stay in South San Francisco:
- mid-range ($$): Grand Hyatt at SFO
- budget ($): Sonesta ES Suites San Francisco Airport San Bruno
- budget ($): Home2 Suites By Hilton San Francisco Airport North
6. Campbell and Willow Glen
Campbell is a great place to consider staying while visiting San Jose and Silicon Valley. Technically a San Jose suburb, Campbell is bordered by West San Jose on the north, Willow Glen on the east, Los Gatos on the south, and Saratoga on the west.
Campbell has a well-connected public transportation system. it’s just a quick ride on the light rail or a short drive away from Downtown San Jose. This public transportation system helps residents to commute surrounding Silicon Valley cities without a car.
There are plenty of bars, restaurants, night clubs and shops in this hip Silicon Valley downtown that appeal to young people all over Silicon Valley. it’s also home to many young professionals, students, and families.
One of the attractions in Campbell is the Sunday Farmers Market which is hosted at the main thoroughfare, East Campbell Avenue, where you buy seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses, and local coffee beans.
Campbell is also home to some cultural and historical attractions such as Campbell Historical Museum, Heritage Theatre, and Ainsley House Museum. There are also many parks and recreational areas for outdoor activities such as Los Gatos Creek Trail and John D. Morgan Park.
Being located close to West San Jose, you are also close to attractions like The Winchester Mystery House, a high-end open-air shopping of Santana Row; Westfield Valley Fair Mall which is one of the largest in the United States;
The Willow Glen or San Jose’s Local Treasure nearby offers great shopping experience along Lincoln Avenue withl boutiques, cute bookshops, and trendy eateries. The Dancin’ on the Avenue in summer hasdancing, live local music, and amazing food.
If you are in Willow Glen neighborhood, you should check out the Willow Glen Farmers’ Market, The Table for brunch, Powell’s Willow Glen Sweet Shoppe, and the authentic Italian restaurant called Bertucelli’s La Villa Delicatessen.
Accommodations in Campbell and Willow Glen are mostly budget guesthouses, inns, and 3-star hotels. it has basic ammenities.
Best places to stay in San Jose in Campbell:
- budget ($): The Bristol Hotel Campbell San Jose
- budget ($): Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Campbell
- budget ($): TownePlace Suites San Jose Campbell
Where should I stay in San Jose for the first time?
Downtown San José is is the best area to stay in San Jose for first-timers due to its super central location. If you stay here, you will be located with in easy access to tourist attractions and amenites.
What are the best areas to stay in San Jose?
Downtown San Jose, North San Jose, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, South San Francisco, and Campbell are some of the best areas to stay in San Jose because they are the most popular neighborhoods in the city with a good range of accommodations and amenities for tourists.
See More:
- Best areas to Stay in San Francisco
- Where to stay in Los Angeles first time
- Where to Stay in Columbus, Ohio
Summary – Where to Stay in San Jose and Silicon Valley?
In conclusion, Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, Mountain View, South San Francisco, and Campbell are some of the best places to stay in San Jose and Silicon Valley for tourists. They offer plenty of things to do and see and a wide range of hotels for all budget travelers.
Overall, Downtown San Jose is the best area to stay in San Jose for first-time visitors due to its super central location and a wide range of accommodation options. If you stay here, you will be located in the heart of action, with many attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife.
San Jose is a great city that gets even better when you take all of its surrounding areas into consideration. Hopefully, by now you will have decided on where you should stay, either in the city or in one of its neighbors, to make your trip everything you have dreamed of. All that’s left now is for you to go and start getting things booked, so you can experience it all for yourself.