10 Things to Do in San Jose on a Small Budget

The Apple Park Visitor Center is located at the tech company’s corporate headquarters in Cupertino and lets guests explore their latest innovations. Apple developed this state-of-the-art facility to educate consumers on the proper use of all its gadgets. The Apple campus features futuristic architecture, and the visitor centre sits beside its ring-shaped office.

Customers receive top-notch service, and the staff is some of the most knowledgeable you’ll meet at any Apple store. The store has many top-of-the-line Apple products, and classes teach important tools and features. After shopping for any items you need, relax inside the spacious Apple Café, or sit at its roof terrace while sipping your coffee.

Alum Rock Park within the Diablo Range, less than 10 miles from downtown San Jose, has all the amenities for an outdoor adventure. Established in 1872, the municipal park features hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, horseback riding, and other fun-filled activities. The park consists of more than 700 acres of rugged hills, steep canyons, wild flora, and native animals. 

From the late 19th century to early 20th century, dozens of mineral springs made Alum Rock Park one of the premier spas in the United States. Unfortunately, most of the springs are depleted today due to their overwhelming popularity a century ago. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and birdwatchers continue to use the park for budget-friendly trips into nature.

Kelley Park is a delightful place for a scenic picnic and other large gatherings in the beautiful outdoors. It’s only 2.5 miles from downtown San Jose. A spacious amphitheatre behind the Leininger Community Center hosts numerous large-scale events. The park’s tranquil environment and nearby attractions keep nature lovers entertained without breaking the bank.

Stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden to chill beside peaceful ponds or visit the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo to pet animals or watch a puppet show. Coyote Creek meanders through the 172-acre park, with Redwood Grove, Archer Grove, and Family Circle serving as pristine grounds to enjoy a picnic.

Rosicrucian Park is famous for its Egyptian Museum that has one of the largest collections of Egyptian relics in the United States. The museum features artefacts from Egypt’s prehistoric era and the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. There is also an Alchemy Exhibit that teaches visitors about the alchemical process. The future Alchemy Museum will become the world’s largest museum dedicated to the ancient practice and include interactive lab stations.

Elsewhere, the Grand Temple is inspired by Egyptian architecture and filled with extravagant artwork. The planetarium was among the first constructed in the country, and its framework pays tribute to Arab astronomers. When you’re ready to venture outdoors, walk through the Peace Garden to transport yourself to an ancient Egyptian garden.

The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is tabbed as one of America’s best rose gardens. An enchanting place for a stroll, the garden grounds feature nearly 200 types of roses and it’s free to enter. April to November is a fantastic time to visit, but May is the peak month to smell the intoxicating aroma of the flowers.

The 5.5-acre garden is only a 10-minute drive from downtown. A beautiful location for a picnic, redwood trees provide relief from the sun, gorgeous fountains heighten the ambience while you lounge on the grassy lawn. When you enter the facility, the staff will give you a map outlining the thousands of rose shrubs inside the former prune orchard.

The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art's free admission helps you become inspired without spending a fortune. The facility opened in 1980 as a haven for local artists to gain access to resources needed to create elaborate masterpieces. There are close to a dozen exhibits each year, showcasing works of art that include sculptures, drawings, and paintings.

The staff also hosts lectures and public discussions that engage the local art community and aspiring art students. Special events organised by the institute spotlight contemporary artists who entertain crowds with interactive performances. After taking part in the facility’s exhibits and programs, stop by the Lounge to scroll through journals, videos, interviews, and other media to complete your experience.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a legendary piece of Californian history. The fertile and hilly landscape is roughly a 20-minute drive south of downtown San Jose. It's a playground for hikers, cyclists, dog walkers, and horseback riders looking for picturesque views of the Almaden Valley. With more than 80 combined miles of trails, you’re able to make each visit unique without straining your wallet.

There are picnic areas scattered around the 4,163-acre park, but make sure to bring your own water. If your trip to San Jose is in spring, watch out for beautiful wildflowers dotting the countryside. The park also contains outdated mining equipment that fuelled the local mining community during the California Gold Rush.

The historic Japantown district sits just north of downtown San Jose and is a rare glimpse into Japanese culture within the United States. Also known as Nihonmachi, the residential area is one of the last 3 traditional Japanese communities remaining in the country.

Japantown attracts many locals and visitors thanks to its great Japanese eateries, unique markets, art galleries, and intriguing museums. The Japanese American Museum of San Jose highlights the contributions and struggles of Japanese immigrants. There is a wide range of festivals throughout the year, as churches of multiple religions operate in the district.

San Jose has many places to shop for fresh produce, and there’s no shortage of weekly farmers’ markets to visit. Some are open year-round, but others tailor their products to specific seasons. The Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market opens every Friday from June to December, and you’ll find items such as peaches, sweet cherries, strawberries, honey, bread, cookies, and hummus.

Santa Clara Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturday afternoons, with live music entertaining the crowd. Sundays and Wednesdays are the days to visit the Evergreen Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find all sorts of organic produce and baked pies. Santa Teresa Farmers’ Market is a wonderful place to support local artisans and snack on delicious kettle corn.

The Los Gatos Creek Trail welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, dog walkers, and anyone else looking to enjoy San Jose’s beautiful scenery. The 9.7-mile-long path stretches from the Lexington Reservoir to downtown San Jose. Its trail system diverges in multiple directions with several access points. East Main Street at College Avenue, Miles Avenue, and Oak Meadow Park and Vasona County Park are some of the best places to start your journey. 

The Lexington Reservoir is a popular stop on the trail for nature lovers thanks to its fishing, rowing, and panoramic views around the manmade lake. Hop off the trail in Campbell or Los Gatos to find trendy restaurants, charming cafés, and boutique shops.