The Best Park / Open Space in San Jose

Almaden Lake Park

Almaden Lake Park is San José's only park featuring a sand beach and swim area. Fish, boat, hike, wind surf, picnic and play volleyball or horseshoes. A snack bar offers beverages and light foods. Small shade canopies, inflatable kayaks, pedal... more

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Cross wood bridges and navigate narrow turns as you venture into a different world. Mostly undeveloped, the park boasts many beautiful valleys and big views of the citty. For more than 100 years, the place was a mercury mine, and there are still some... more

Alum Rock Park

Alum Rock Park is one of California’s oldest municipal parks.  Located within the Alum Rock Canyon in the foothills of the Diablo Mountain Range, the park’s 740 acres of natural, rugged, beauty provide visitors with many leisure outd... more

Alviso Marina County Park

Welcome to Alviso Marina County Park, gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This 20.6 acre bayside park, located along Alviso slough and adjacent to the salt ponds and marshes of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National... more

Arena Green

Arena Green is the section of the park located between Santa Clara Street on the south, Julian Street on the north, and directly across Autumn Street from SAP Center. Public restrooms are located near the Children's Carousel.   Visitors can visi... more

Backesto Park

Backesto Park elegantly shaded by mature Sycamores along the circumference of its three-square blocks, is home to a variety of diversions, including a modern children's playground, handball, basketball, baseball and soccer. The NNA annually spons... more

Bakesto Park - Bocce, Tennis, Baseball, Soccer

For 90 years, Italian immigrants and their families have gathered in Bakesto Park for picnics and a game of bocce. The courts were first put in back in 1920, when the overwhelming population of the neighborhood was Italian immigrants. The courts wer... more

Calero County Park

Welcome to Calero County Park, one of Santa Clara County's most diverse regional park and recreation areas. Once part of the Pueblo lands of San Jose, and Rancho San Vincente land grant, this approximate 4,471 acre park is nestled in the eastern foot... more

Chinese Cultural Garden

The first thing you'll notice about the Chinese Cultural Garden is its peacefulness. Even the sounds of San José's busy lifestyle fade away as you stroll by the quiet ponds and stately pavilions. The Chinese Cultural Garden is a feature of Ove... more

Circle of Palms

The Circle of Palms Plaza is located in downtown San Jose, California. It is the location of California Historical Marker 461, the site of California's first state capital from 1849-1851. Today a ring of palm trees encircles a California State Seal a... more

Discovery Meadow

Discovery Meadow is at the southern end of the park, adjacent to the Children's Discovery Museum. It features a large expanse of lawn and is used extensively for festivals during the summer months. The Riverwalk trails along Discovery Meadow follow... more

Emma Prusch Farm Park

Native San Josean Emma Prusch, bequeathed to the City of San Jose, 87 acres in 1962. The rich agricultural land was once a working dairy farm located in the heart of the Valley of Hearts Delight at he intersection of King and Story Roads. The park co... more

Guadalupe River Park and Gardens

Guadalupe River Park is a three-mile ribbon of park land, currently being developed along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of downtown San Jose from Highway 880 at the north, to Highway 280 at the south. It is one of the largest urban pa... more

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

Guadalupe River Park is a three-mile ribbon of park land that runs along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of downtown San Jose from Highway 880 at the north, to Highway 280 at the south. It is a resource of regional importance to th... more

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Located in Kelley Park on the corner of Story and Senter Roads, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has been providing affordable family entertainment, education, and fun since 1961. The Park is a peaceful, creative, and safe place for children of all ages - w... more

Hellyer County Park

Welcome to Hellyer County Park and the Coyote Creek Parkway. This 354-acre urban park is located in the heart of Santa Clara County''s regional park system. The Coyote Creek, which meanders through the center of the park, is the focus of the park''s... more

Hellyer Park

Welcome to Hellyer County Park, this 178-acre urban park in the heart of Santa Clara County's regional park system. The Coyote Creek, which meanders through the center of the park, is the focus of the park's natural environment. A thick undergrowth a... more

History Park

History Park offers an expansive, outdoor, gated facility with 14 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. This charming, historic town setting is complete with paved streets, running trolleys, mature trees and ambiance like no other place in the Bay... more

1 Upcoming events

Houge Park

Houge Park has a studio that's available for rent, picnic areas, bbq pits, a playground, horseshoe pit, basketball court, basketball and tennis courts, and an exercise course. Picnic tables are non-reservable, and are occupied at a first-come, first-... more

Japanese Friendship Garden

The Garden was built as a symbol of everlasting friendship between the City of San Jose and its Sister City of Okayama, Japan in 1965 and is patterned after the world famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama. In every direction the eye is delighted, complet... more

Joseph D. Grant County Park

The largest of Santa Clara County's regional park and recreation areas. This 9,560 acre Joseph D. Grant County Park includes some of the County's finest open space resources, as well as rich environmental, cultural and recreational assets. The landsc... more

Kelley Park

Kelley Park is one of San José's most diverse facilities, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy a picnic or barbecue amid beautiful lawn areas and shade trees; a visit to the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo to see the many animals or take in a... more

Lake Cunningham Regional Park

Lake Cunningham's acres of open space and 50-acre lake offer something for everyone. Tackle the par course - perfect for jogging or walking. Bring your own volleyball and horseshoes for the perfect barbecue picnic, and grab your rollerblades for a la... more

Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton

Whether looking up into the heavens or down into the valley below, the views from the high point of Lick Observatory can't be beat on a clear day or night. Its overlook from the south end of the valley boasts views to the San Francisco Bay and beyond... more

Lincoln Park - Alameda

Established in 1908. Lincoln Park is located on High Street at Santa Clara Avenue. The swimming pool at Lincoln Park is managed by the Alameda Swimming Pool Association. At this park: Playground Swimming Pool Barbecue Pits Bocceball Fitn... more

Moreland Woods Pumpkin Patch

The Pumpkin Patch is a volunteer fundraiser for the Moreland Education Foundation. more

Parque de los Pobladores

Parque de los Pobladores is a triangular plaza / park that has a center dirt, a few benches and a cemented area that occasionally hosts community, music and art events. more

Penitencia Creek Park

Welcome to Penitencia Creek County Park. This 163 acre linear park and regional trail incorporates parklands and open space from a number of agencies including Santa Clara County, the City of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley Water District. This f... more

Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose

Plaza de César Chávez is a small, 2.2 acre park in Downtown San Jose, named after César Chávez (originally "The Plaza", then "Pueblo Plaza") in 1993. It is surrounded by South Market Street, across which is The Tech Mus... more

1 Upcoming events

Raging Waters Water Theme Park

Raging Waters San Jose is Northern California's premier water park destination. Enjoy scenic panoramic views of Lake Cunningham and the San Jose Foothills, over a million gallons of water attractions, and 23-acres of family fun! more

Rainbow Park and Community Center

Rancho San Vicente

Rancho San Vicente (996 acres) is the newest addition to Calero County Park and features several miles of multi-use trails. There are plenty of options, from a short, flat loop to longer, hilly options. This route takes you to the top of a hill with... more

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden

The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is a rose garden located at the intersection of Naglee and Dana Avenues, San Jose, California, in the Rose Garden neighborhood. The garden, 5.5 acres in size, was once a prune orchard, but was bought by San Jose in... more

San Pedro Square

At San Pedro Square, discover something for every taste bud and budget, from burgers to Bolognese and Sake to Sauvignon Blanc. This historical hangout is a short jaunt from HP Pavilion and countless special events held annually all over downtown San... more

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas and working farms and ranches for future generations. more

Santa Teresa County Park

Welcome to Santa Teresa County Park located in the Santa Teresa Hills ten miles south of downtown San Jose. This diverse 1,627 acre park, rich in history, offers spectacular views from its trails above the Almaden and Santa Clara Valleys. The seclude... more

Shady Oaks Park

Picnic areas are non-reservable, and are occupied at a first-come, first-serve basis. AMENITIES * BBQ: Yes * Sports/Activities: * Basketball court * Exercise court * Youth Playground: Playground ages 2-5 Playground ages 5-12... more

St. James Park

St. James Park is a square park, just north of Downtown San Jose. The park features plenty of open grassy fields, playgrounds, picnic facilities & an exercise course. more

William Street Park

William Street Park is a 15-acre neighborhood park in downtown San Jose. more

Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park

Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park offers a variety of fieds for lounging, playing baseball or softball, basketball & tennis courts. There are both reservable and non-reservable picnic areas. Non-reservable picnic areas are occupied at a first-co... more

UPCOMING EVENTS