The 15 best things to do in San Jose (2026)

We rank 108 experiences in San Jose, United States, on the same 0 to 100 Outty Ranking. The best right now is The Escape Game at Great Mall in Milpitas at 93/100, and 1 experiences here make the 90+ Club. Updated Sep 2026.

Quick picks

The ranked list

  1. The Escape Game at Great Mall in Milpitas in San Jose, United States

    The Escape Game Milpitas features 6 original games including Cosmic Crisis, our newest escape room, and Timeliner: Train Through Time which challenges players to zigzag across the past, present, and future. Each family-f. 90+ Club at 93/100, 5.0/5 from 227 traveler reviews, 1.3h from $42, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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  2. Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose

    This is the only Yosemite group tour that departs from San Jose, making it a convenient option for Bay Area travelers. You'll explore iconic sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, plus enjoy a peaceful w. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 4.2/5 from 98 traveler reviews, 14h from $289, free cancellation.

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  3. Big Sur Monterey California Coast from San Jose 1 - 12 people

    This is a 8 hour private charter excursion by local driver guide using full size SUV up to 6 people and Mercedes Sprinter for 7 to 12 people. This is unique way of visiting one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. The dr. Solid Choice at 70/100, 4.8/5 from 37 traveler reviews, 8h from $498, free cancellation.

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  4. 4 Hour Livermore Valley Wine Tour in San Jose, United States

    The Trolley is the most fun, popular, and scenic way to travel to our exceptional wineries in the Livermore Valley Wine Country, taste great wine, and see the vineyards on our beautiful rolling hills. A delicious pre-ord. Solid Choice at 69/100, 4.9/5 from 40 traveler reviews, 4h from $100.

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  5. Electric Bike Rental in Livermore in San Jose, United States

    Pedego Electric Bike rental from Concannon Vineyard in The Livermore Valley Wine Country gives you access to miles of bike lanes and trails through bucolic wine country. Parks are accessible. Ride past wineries and brewe. Solid Choice at 62/100, 5.0/5 from 8 traveler reviews, 2h from $55, free cancellation.

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  6. San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette

    Embark on a spine-chilling journey through San Jose's eerie streets with our walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings collide! Led by an expert local guide, you'll explore haunted and historic locations brimming. Worth a Look at 59/100, 4.0/5 from 24 traveler reviews, 1h from $26, free cancellation.

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  7. Silicon Valley Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour for Tech Lovers in San Jose, United States

    Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Explore the birthplace of tech with a self-guided audio tour! Drive through Silicon Valley while checking out the headquarters of tech g. Worth a Look at 56/100, 3.8/5 from 24 traveler reviews, 2h from $40, free cancellation.

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  8. Outdoor Escape Room in San Jose - Downtown

    An immersive clue-solving adventure around downtown San Jose. Search for real-world clues, solve puzzles, and discover the neighborhood with an experience you'll never forget! Reschedule anytime with no fees. It's a sc. Worth a Look at 55/100, 4.8/5 from 13 traveler reviews, 2h from $75.

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  9. Palo Alto Prowl Scavenger Hunt in San Jose, United States

    Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Aust. Worth a Look at 52/100, 5.0/5 from 2 traveler reviews, 2h from $23, free cancellation.

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  10. Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Coast Day Tour in San Jose, United States

    Travel from San Francisco to the Santa Cruz Mountains for a vintage steam train ride through towering redwood groves. Continue to Santa Cruz Harbor and colorful Capitola Beach for relaxed coastal sightseeing before retur. Worth a Look at 52/100, 3.9/5 from 15 traveler reviews, 8h from $230, free cancellation.

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  11. Great Big Game Show San Jose Immersive Studio at Valley Fair

    Get ready for an experience so immersive that you will leave feeling like a game show legend! Every 60-minute game show consists of 5 rounds of mini-games that are customized to your groups skill level. Every round offe. Worth a Look at 51/100, 5.0/5 from 3 traveler reviews, 1.3h from $47, free cancellation.

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  12. The Escape Game San Jose: Epic 60-Minute Adventure at Valley Fair

    The Escape Game San Jose is located at Westfield Valley Fair, right in the heart of Silicon Valley and nearby various shopping, entertainment, and delicious dining options. Our fave places to grab a bite pre- or post-gam. Worth a Look at 49/100, 4.3/5 from 4 traveler reviews, 1.3h from $47, free cancellation.

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  13. 3 Day Tour to Oregon Redwood Crater Lake from San Francisco in San Jose, United States

    Taste award-winning wines as the famously known Napa Valley. Take a drive through The Redwood National Forest Drive. Visit Crater Lake and Founders Grove. Explore the Sundial Bridge and Shasta Dam! Room Details All. Worth a Look at 49/100, 4.0/5 from 13 traveler reviews, 72h from $804.

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  14. Agnews Historic Park Personalized Self-Guided App Tour in San Jose, United States

    Embark on a chilling and fascinating audio journey through the history of Historic Agnews State Hospital. Step back in time from the perimeter and uncover the twisted past of this once-sprawling institution, rumored to h. Worth a Look at 48/100, 3.5/5 from 4 traveler reviews, 1h from $5, free cancellation.

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  15. San Francisco: 6-Day Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas Tour in San Jose, United States

    Experience the most complete Southwest Giant Ring itinerary! Feel the passion of the wilderness beauty! Enjoy the most magnificent views given by five famous national parks and three world-class scenic spots! Stay overni. Worth a Look at 48/100, 5.0/5 from 4 traveler reviews, 144h from $1,180.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

When to go

April to June and September to October.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in San Jose?

The Escape Game at Great Mall in Milpitas is the top ranked experience in San Jose right now, with an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100 from 227 traveler reviews, from $42 per person. It leads a field of 108 experiences we rank in the city.

What are the must-see attractions in San Jose?

San Jose mixes tech-history tours with the Winchester Mystery House, Santa Cruz Mountains wine trips, redwood hikes and easy day tours over to Monterey and San Francisco.

How much do things to do in San Jose cost?

The 15 best experiences average $231 per person. The cheapest of them is Agnews Historic Park Personalized Self-Guided App Tour from $5, and 11 of the 15 offer free cancellation.

What are the best things to do in San Jose with kids?

The Escape Game at Great Mall in Milpitas are the highest ranked family-friendly picks. Check the minimum age on each before booking.

When is the best time to visit San Jose?

April to June and September to October.

How is this list ranked?

Every experience is scored 0 to 100 by the Outty Ranking, which blends traveler sentiment, review depth, booking momentum, value against comparable options in San Jose, quality signals and cancellation flexibility. The list updates automatically as new reviews and bookings arrive.