History San Jose

History San Jose occupies an area of Kelley Park, near the city center, and retells the story of the city’s past and its importance within the Santa Clara Valley. Highlights of the museum include many historic and reconstructed buildings, a letterpress printer and the O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor, while an antique trolley provides free transport. There is also a candy store on-site.

Contact number: 408 287 2290

Location: 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, California

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Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

As far as museums go, kids will love the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. There are fun hands-on activities and exhibits galore, including giant bubble blowing, large animal sculptures that can be clambered upon and educational displays investigating things such as how everyday things in the world work. The museum is a striking, purple structure located near the convention center and features an inviting lawn where parents may rest while their kids are playing. There is also a children’s art gallery on-site.

Contact number: 408 298 5437

Location: 180 Woz Way, at Auzerais Street, California

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New City Hall

New City Hall was opened at the end of 2005 and is a striking building, with imposing modern architecture, a vast civic plaza area and glass Rotunda structure. Full of natural light and spacious rooms, San Jose’s New City Hall is home to many notable events, large meeting rooms and public art displays.

Contact number: 408 535 3500

Location: 200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, California , 95113

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Sikh Gurdwara

Founded in 1985 by the burgeoning Sikh community in San Jose, the Sikh Gurdwara is located in the east of San Jose in a colorful building that is popular with visitors. The building is adorned with a series of domes including a large gold one situated in the center of the roof. The setting is superb and the building is surrounded by lush, green hills.

Contact number: 408 274 9373

Location: 2785 Quimby Road, San Jose, California

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Fallon House

Luís María Peralta AdobeFallon House is an early Victorian mansion built in 1855 by San Jose’s seventh mayor, Thomas Fallon. Tours of the house and Peralta Adobe are comprehensive and last for 90 minutes, while an interesting video on the construction and history of the building is a must-see.

Contact number: 408 993 8182

Location: 175 West St. John Street, San Jose, California

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San Jose State University (SJSU)

San Jose State University - San Carlos QuadSan Jose State University (SJSU) is a vast and impressive public university, with many notable buildings and structures. Founded in 1857, San Jose State University (SJSU) is the oldest educational institution of its kind on the western coast and regular hosts a number of special events, theatrical productions, sporting competitions and concerts throughout the year.

Contact number: 408 924 1166

Location: One Washington Square, San Jose, California , 95192-0005

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Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium

San Jose’s Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium has a permanent display of mummies, both human and animal, as well as jewelry, bronze tools, pottery and funerary boats. The museum is an educational organization stemming from the ancient Egyptians and one of the most interesting attractions here is the replica of a tomb of an important Egyptian.

Contact number: 408 947 3636

Location: 1342 Naglee Avenue, San Jose, California

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Monopoly in the Park

The largest Monopoly board in the world is situated in the lovely Guadalupe River Park and features a 930-square-foot board, giant game pieces and jumbo dice. Monopoly in the Park can be reserved for large groups and organized events and is ideal for birthday parties or family get-togethers.

Contact number: 408 995 MITP

Location: Guadalupe River Park, San Jose, California

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Winchester Mystery House

Winchester Mystery House is a monumental mansion that took 38 years of continual construction to complete and includes 160 rooms, with such oddities and attractions as blank walls behind doors, a staircase that goes nowhere and 13 bathrooms, 13 chandeliers and 13 palm trees on the driveway.

Contact number: 408 247 2101

Location:   525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose, California

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