San Jose's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Landmarks
Places: 16 POIsDistance: 13.88 miDuration: 1h:39m
Tour #2608
About this English self-guided 1h:39m driving tour in San Jose
Welcome to San José, the heart of Silicon Valley — and one of the oldest cities in California. I’m glad you’re joining us for this tour, where we’ll explore how a little farming pueblo grew into a diverse, innovative city of more than a million people.
We’ll start here in Old San José, at the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Historic Site, the city’s oldest surviving buildings, right across from the lively restaurants and cafés of San Pedro Square. From there, we’ll make our way through downtown, past landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, the San José Museum of Art, and Plaza de César Chávez.
Along the way, you’ll also see the modern side of the city — places like San José State University, The Tech Interactive, and the SAP Center, home of the San José Sharks. We’ll mix in cultural highlights too, like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, the Municipal Rose Garden, and the quirky, world-famous Winchester Mystery House.
Finally, we’ll wrap things up at History Park, where you can stroll through historic buildings, hop on a trolley, and see how San José’s story has been shaped by its people, its orchards, and now its role as the capital of Silicon Valley.
As always, please drive slow and safe. For the best experience, enjoy the ride and follow the navigation instructions carefully so you don’t miss a turn — or a story.
Alright, let’s get started and step back in time to where San José began.
We’re starting our tour here at the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Historic Site, on your left. This is the oldest surviving structure in San José, built in 1797 by José Manuel Gonzales, one of the original settlers of the pueblo. Later it was owned by Luís María Peralta, a prominent Californio ranchero, and it stands as a rare reminder of the Spanish and Mexican era in California.
Right next to it is the Fallon House, built in the 1850s by Thomas Fallon, a San José mayor who played a role in California’s shift from Mexican to American control. Together, these two buildings tell the story of San José’s beginnings — from a small adobe pueblo to an American city.
Now look to your right — that’s San Pedro Square Market. Today, it’s one of the most popular hangouts in downtown San José, filled with restaurants, cafés, and live music. It’s a lively gathering place where you’ll find both locals and visitors enjoying food, drinks, and nightlife.
So here, in just one block, you’re seeing both the deep history of San José’s roots and the vibrant modern city it has become. And with that, let’s get this tour underway!
Place #2
Distance: 0.23mi
90 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
Saint James Park
On your left is Saint James Park, one of the most historic green spaces in San José. It was laid out back in the 1860s as part of the city’s plan to create a grand public square, modeled after the urban parks of the East Coast.
In its early years, Saint James Park was surrounded by important civic buildings, including the old post office and the historic courthouse, giving it the feel of a true downtown centerpiece. It became a gathering place for community events, political speeches, and celebrations.
But the park also holds some somber history. In 1933, it was the site of a public lynching — the last in California — when a mob stormed the county jail and executed two men accused of kidnapping. A memorial now stands in the park to remember that tragic chapter.
Today, Saint James Park continues to serve as a community space, hosting concerts, festivals, and public events. The city is currently working on plans to revitalize the park, restoring its historic role as the cultural heart of downtown San José.
So while it may look like just another urban park, Saint James Park has witnessed more than 150 years of the city’s history — both the highs and the lows.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Peralta Adobe & Fallon House and San Pedro Square
Place 2Saint James Park
Place 3San José City Hall & Mayor’s Office
Place 4San José State University
Place 5Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph & San José Museum of Art
Place 6Plaza de Cesar Chavez & The Tech Interactive
Place 7Children’s Discovery Museum
Place 8Guadalupe River Park
Place 9SAP Center at San José
Place 10Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Place 11San José Municipal Rose Garden
Place 12Santana Row
Place 13Winchester Mystery House
Place 14Fun Facts About San José
Place 15Sharks Ice Arena and Kelley Park
Place 16Kelley Park (Parking)
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Walk at your own pace.
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Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
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What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).