15 Best Parks in San Jose, CA

In search of the best parks in San Jose, CA? San Jose is a popular city in Santa Clara County, California, United States.

There are diverse, charming parks to explore in San Jose. The city is a top destination for picnics and family recreation. 

Many parks offer popular trails, playgrounds, and campsites for people of all ages. If you are searching for a place to host your birthday party, burn off some energy, or go sightseeing, these parks have something unique.

Between March and November, many of these parks are perfect for picnicking. The nice weather makes them great for people to converge and enjoy their time.

Let’s explore the best parks in San Jose, CA.

Parks in San Jose, CA

1. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, spanning 16 acres, is among the best parks in San Jose, CA. It is located on the north end of Kelley Park. This popular attraction offers numerous animal activities and other park amenities to keep you entertained. 

The primary focus of visitors has always been the AZA-accredited zoo within the Park. You can find resident animals, such as tortoises, wallabies, and foxes, or larger ones, like American alligators and jaguars. 

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo also hosts many kids” educational programs to give them hands-on discovery of events in the animal world. Aside from that, the kids can ride on carousels and swings all day. 

Address: 748 Story Road, San Jose, CA 95112, United States

2. Alum Rock Park

When it comes to photography and picnicking, Alum Rock Park in San Jose is the most suitable. It is also the oldest and first municipal Park in California, established as far back as 1872 on a 720-acre land.

The allocated place for the Park is on the northeast side of the city. With around 13 miles, it is an excellent place for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. 

Other amenities the Park boasts include a children’s playground, open lawn space, and mineral springs. The Youth Science Institute, a nonprofit Science and Nature Center, is cited in the Park.

The Upper Pentencia Creek runs through the foot of the gorge, with beautiful scenery on both sides. Eagle Rock Trail at the Park is a famous hiking trail with many trailheads leading uphill. Climbing up the hills gives another landscaping view of Santa Clara Valley.

Address: 15350 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose, California 95127, United States

3. Municipal Rose Garden

SanJose’s Municipal Rose Garden is a historic outdoor space established in 1927. If you love roses, we recommend this blooming attraction to you.

It is most colorful from late April to May. Nevertheless, it has more than 3,500 flowers and 189 varieties that are always in bloom from April to November. 

The Garden, spanning over five acres, hosts thousands of guests yearly. People visit to stroll and take photos while enjoying the landscaping views. However, for commercial photography, permits are required. 

The Municipal Rose Garden boasts other amenities: picnic areas, an arbor, restrooms, and fountains. The Park also has a rose garden stage with a beautiful venue for celebrating special events.

You can visit the Park any day, from morning to evening. Parking is available in the surrounding streets of the Park. But it does not allow dogs or motorized vehicles inside.

All American Rose Selection (AARS) named the Garden ”America’s Best Rose Garden.’ You will get to know why once you step in.

Address: 1649 Naglee Ave, San Jose, California 95126, United States

4. Cahalan Park

Cahalan Park is a neighborhood park in the eastern San Jose region. Sitting on a 9.5-acre space, this attractive Park provides amenities for a family day out during summer. 

With two detached children’s playgrounds, there is a lot your kids can do here. One is a safer playground for kids below five; the other is for active kids between five and 12. Slides, swings, and a tire swing are some play facilities for them.

The Park provides numerous adult sports courts, including tennis, softball, and basketball courts with multipurpose turf. On another corner of Cahalan Park are picnic sites on a first-come, first-served basis.

Of course, there are barbecue pits for food lovers. People who want to host private events can rent the Homeward Shelter at a reasonable rate.

Above all, there are clean restrooms and spacious parking lots for visitors. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cahalan Park is undoubtedly one of the fun parks in San Jose, CA.

Address: 770 Pearlwood Way, San Jose, California 95123, United States

5. Almaden Lake Regional Park

Another must-visit park in San Jose is the Almaden Lake Regional Park. It is a 65-acre outdoor space around the lake in the southern San Jose city limits. It is one of the fun parks in San Jose, CA.

Throughout the week, people come to do numerous activities, including fishing, swimming, strolling, and hiking. Yet, the Park is home to many sports facilities.

You can watch players doing their thing if you are a horseshoe, bocce, basketball, or volleyball enthusiast. But if you want to play games, you should bring your equipment.

 Visitors also come to Almaden Lake Regional Park for picnicking and hosting small outings. Many spots overlook the lake, providing a stunning view across a selected bird haven.

The Park is open to the public between 8:30 a.m. and dusk. The summer months are for exploring the water, but people cannot bring private boats or watercraft. Anyone who wants to fish must obtain a permit before doing so.

Address: 6099 Winfield Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95120, United States

6. Guadalupe River Park and Gardens

Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is among the most popular parks in San Jose, CA. It spans three miles of the Guadalupe River, extending north from downtown and past Little Italy.

A lush riparian corridor encircles the Park, as a paved trail connects many of its top features. Yearly, it brings special events that draw many people to the Park. 

The Guadalupe River Park and Gardens provides a 2.6-mile trail for running, walking, or riding. While on the trail, you will likely spot wildlife and picturesque sceneries that would blow your mind away. 

The garden aspect of this attraction, called the Heritage Rose Garden, has over 3,700 arrays of plants, giving out a flower-garden vibe. It rests north of downtown and is the most revered spot in Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. People converge there to host events and concerts.

There is also the Historic Orchard, featuring several fruit trees. The Guadalupe River offers a tranquil ambiance for people looking for a retreat to hide in.

As an innovative and inclusive park, there are several adaptive play features for all children, including those with special needs. Children can participate in educational programs like field trips and camps. It is free to visit, open 24 hours, and has plenty of parking spaces. 

Address: 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, California 95110, United States

7. Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden, back in 1965, is a walled portion of Kelley Park. It was established as an icon of the relationship between San Jose and its sister city, Okayama, Japan. 

The central location of this beautiful Park makes it a perfect getaway for people looking for a serene atmosphere. While doing that, taking some photoshoots for birthdays and weddings feels excellent. However, a permit is required for that.

There are also popular sites in the Park to host weddings, birthdays, small wins, and other special occasions. Stroll through to enjoy the views of waterfalls, Japanese bridges, and a community teahouse in the Japanese Friendship Garden.

You can visit with your family and friends between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Address: 1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, California 95112, United States

8. Joseph D. Grant County Park

The Joseph D. Grant County Park is the largest within the Santa Clara County Regional Park system. Those living downtown can easily access this open space in a 15-mile drive.

The scenery includes rolling foothills at the foot of Mount Hamilton, a section of the Diablo Range. Here, you will find oak trees, grasslands, and greeneries for grazing cattle. Some people have been lucky to see rare wildlife like European wild pigs and deer in this Park.

Besides, exploring the trails at Grant Park offers the most popular activity people engage in. Many of its trails are useful for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Totaling nearly 11 acres, this Park also comprises an admired campground with approximately 40 reservable sites available. If you are bringing your dogs, understand that there are certain places they cannot be allowed to go. 

Address: 18405 Mt Hamilton Rd, Mt Hamilton, California 95140, United States

California holds some cool attractions and activities, check out our guides on Wineries in Santa Rosa, as well as things to Do in North Hollywood for a memorable time here.

9. Berryessa Creek Park

Berryessa Creek Park can best be described as one of the top parks in San Jose, CA. The site, a regional park near Milpitas, is the best option for kids and adults.

The total area of this elegant Park in northeastern San Jose is 13.5 acres. It holds a variety of sports fields, including softball, soccer, exercise, and ADA-accessible swings. A safe play space for kids up to five and a livelier one for those up to 12 is included.

Berryessa Creek Park also has day-use picnic sites with BBQ grills, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You can access it from sunrise to sunset. It is also a safe place to unleash your dogs.

Address: 1855 Majestic Way, San Jose, California 95132, United States

10. Rosemary Gardens Park

Rosemary Gardens Park, sitting on gorgeous 1.3 acres, is a grassy local park in San Jose. Its unique, circular concrete walkway places it in the hotspot as a popular area for locals and visitors to stroll in the evening. 

Only non-reservable picnic areas are available in this Park, with BBQ pits for grilling meats. Patrons can use the exercise course with the bocce ball court whenever they need to keep fit.

The Park has extra amenities for children. Their lovely playground is ideal for kids not more than five. It features toddler swings, bouncing equipment, and a twisting slide. The splash pad and water play area are open for children throughout the summer.

By the corner is a small dog run open to public use. Unfortunately, Rosemary Gardens Park does not have public restrooms. It would be best if you made provisions for your kids who may want to ease themselves often.

Address: 161 Sonora Ave, San Jose, California 95110, United States

11. Kelley Park

Kelley Park, nestled in the former estate of San Jose city mayor Judge Lawrence Archer, is an extensive urban park stretching over 172 acres. It is a well-celebrated destination for family outings, with an abundance of family-friendly attractions.

One of such includes a picturesque Japanese Friendship Garden with koi ponds. Another one is the vibrant Happy Hollow Park and Zoo facility.

Explore 32 preserved and replica area buildings and attractions that symbolize the town’s 19th and 20th-century history. Daily, people troop in to watch historical exhibits and performances.

There is a collection of rotating art exhibits at the Park’s Arbuckle and Leonard & David McKay Galleries. The Park also boasts gingko trees and an ivy wall. There are clean and properly cared for restrooms. 

Those needing to use the picnic areas should come early or reserve a slot. Around the picnic areas are barbecue spots where people can do their cooking.

Address: 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112, United States

12. Emma Prusch Farm Park

This exceptional Park near downtown San Jose is a must-visit if you are in the ‘Capital of Silicon Valley.’ It is set on a 43.5-acre space and has been open since 1962 by Emma Prusch, a native San Josean. 

As an old farm park, Emma Prusch Farm Park retains its country feel in the heart of the town. No one pays money to visit here, but some reserved areas can only be accessed after payments.

There is a considerable livestock barn onsite, occupied by pleasant farm animals. It is open to use by the region’s Future Farmers of America and the 4-H group to raise urban livestock. Another barn is an open pasture for sheep and goats.

The California Rare Fruit Growers Association oversees a rare fruit orchard that highlights over 125 rare tree species. Those who want to picnic in the Park can locate the designated areas. However, some of them are open for reservation.

The Park also hosts numerous community activities, including summer camps and after-school classes. Two playgrounds in the middle attract many adolescents, making it always crowded. 

Visitors can also attend the Harvest Festival held every October at the Park. It features a 4-H animal concert, wagon rides, and live performances.

Address: 647 King Rd, San José, CA 95116, United States

13. Fowler Creek Park

For kids, Fowler Creek Park is among the top parks in San Jose, CA. This charming 9.5-acre neighborhood park offers panoramic views of San Jose’s skyline, with many activities to offer to kids and adults.

Likewise, it provides an array of outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages. Two age-appropriate children’s playgrounds are by the corner and separated by age groups. There is also a seasonal children’s water play area, making it three for kids. 

Fowler Creek Park has three lighted tennis courts, two bocce ball courts, and day-use reservable picnic sites with barbecue grills.

The Evergreen Farmers Market is held every Wednesday and Sunday here. Although the Park has restrooms and other facilities, you can only park outside.

Address: Altia Ave & Cortona Dr, San Jose, California 95135, United States

14. Foothill Park

Foothill Park is a public park in San Jose. It is located at the edge of the Santa Teresa Foothills. It is home to a non-reservable picnic area engaged on a first-come, first-served basis.

The attraction features a walking trail that follows the same route as the Coyote-Alamitos Canal. It starts at the Cahalan Avenue and Foothill Drive intersection, goes down with a dirt bike trail, and continues past another foothill next to Almaden Lake.

Guests with children will easily use the trail, as it lacks the usual trail difficulty and sudden elevation. Yearly, the Park offers a space to people viewing the city’s Fourth of July fireworks.

Sadly, Foothill Park has no restrooms and BBQ areas. However, its spacious 6.9 acres is enough to provide a fully pleasurable experience.

Address: 6209 Cahalan Ave, San Jose, California 95123, United States

15. Falls Creek Park

This neighborhood park is a wonderful place to meet friends and family, featuring a large grassy field and different play equipment. The attraction spans 1.07 acres and has something for all ages.

Two playgrounds are available for visitors with kids between 2 and 12, with baby swings. Parents can sit on the ample benches around to watch their kids play.

Whereas there is a picnic area, it does not have fire, grill, or barbecue pits. But families can gather to celebrate their small wins, birthdays, and other parties. They can also visit to have their lunch and chat for a while.

Falls Creek Park does not have public restrooms. Visitors with cars will park on the streets, as well.

Address: 4673 Batten Way, San Jose, California 95135, United States,

Take to exploring other cities of California. Check out our list of things to Do in Pomona, things to Do in Cayucos, and things to Do in Carpinteria .

Plan Your Trip to San Jose

There are numerous fun things to do in San Jose parks. Most of them feature eclectic amenities and activities. Explore the fascinating parks above with your friends and family as you tour the city. You will undoubtedly have a fun time.