San Jose, CA, is not only the tech giant you are well aware of, but it also has a a decent amount of green spaces and parks in which to enjoy the out of doors. Each park has its own special character and nature lovers looking for a reprieve from the concrete jungle, families seeking recreation, or individuals hoping to enjoy the quiet of the natural world can find a place that will become their favorite here in San Jose.
Kelley Park
Kelley Park is a wonder, covering over 172 acres. It perfectly combines nature and culture, making it one of the highlights of the city. You can enjoy a picnic under the oak tree shade, or spend the day at the zoo. Kelley Park is a perfect spot for family outings or a leisurely day off. As shared by a guest, “The zoo, the San Jose Giants Stadium, Discovery Park, the Japanese Garden, the Portuguese Museum & Kelley Park are all within walking distance. If you’re planning on visiting one of the sites, plan on them all while you are there.”
Highlights:
- Japanese Friendship Garden: The lush and landscaped garden is home to Japanese cultural items such as koi ponds and tea houses. The meandering walking paths give you a sense that you are in another time and place, truly bringing you a feeling of tranquility.
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: Conservation is a big theme for Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and guests are welcomed to join in the efforts. You can visit the red-ruffed lemurs or the fennec fox and enjoy a family day with all this zoo has to offer, including interactive animal exhibits and many different educational programs.
- History Park: History Park is an open-air museum with historic buildings and artifacts, highlighting the cultural heritage of the area.
Almaden Lake Park
Almaden Lake Park is located in the southwestern part of San Jose. Its beautiful lake is a favorite with both locals and visitors, who come down to its waters for all the recreational activities. You can fish, take a bike ride or walk, or enjoy the scenery with a picnic.
Highlights:
- Lake and Fishing: Almaden Lake Park’s highlight is its a large, manmade lake where visitors are seen enjoying an afternoon of fishing. No motorized boats are allowed, allowing kayaks and paddle-boards to enjoy the quiet waters without fear of being overrun.
- Walking and Biking Trails: The paved trail around the lake is perfect for those looking to get out for a walk or job. Bicyclers can get their exercise too in this 65-acre park.
- Playground and Picnic Areas: Families can make use of the playground and quite a few picnic spots scattered throughout the park. There is a horseshoe pit and bocce ball area if you want to bring supplies for those sports.
Guadalupe River Park and Gardens
This 2.6-mile park stretches along the Guadalupe River and is a hub for community events and outdoor activities.
Highlights:
- Gardens and Green Spaces: The park features beautifully maintained gardens, including the Heritage Rose Garden which has over 3,700 varieties of roses. You can Adopt a Rose, a program that allows individuals to choose a rose bush for a loved one and have a plaque placed.
- Trails and Paths: The Guadalupe River Trail runs through the park, offering a scenic route for all outdoor lovers.
- Community Events: The park hosts various events throughout the year, including farmer’s markets and outdoor concerts.
Overfelt Gardens
Located in the northeastern part of San Jose, Overfelt Gardens is a 33-acre park designed around three percolation ponds. It offers a retreat with its green lawns and cultural gardens.
Highlights:
- Asian Cultural Garden: This area of the park features traditional Asian landscaping, including a koi pond and waterfalls. It even has a fragrance garden for the visually impaired.
- Picnic Areas and Open Spaces: The park’s wide-open spaces are perfect for picnicking and playing sports.
- Community Garden: The park includes a community garden where local residents grow many different plants and vegetables.
Although technically a trail rather than a park, the Los Gatos Creek Trail offers up a natural experience for those in San Jose. Aaron Topal shares, “Paved, creekside trail with great tree coverage. We biked it in early December and so many of the trees were turning yellow, orange, and red. Truly a beautiful and peaceful trail even though it’s close to several towns. We stopped off in Los Gatos for lunch, which was just a few minutes off the trail.”
Highlights:
- Scenic Views: The trail follows Los Gatos Creek, allowing scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape.
- Recreational Opportunities: It’s a favorite spot for jogging and biking. The well-maintained trail gives a safe environment for outdoor exercise.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds and small mammals, as you explore the trail.
San Jose has so many parks, outdoor spaces, recreation activities, and community events offered here, that it makes for a great family-friendly place to enjoy many places of beauty. Come see the listings that we have available that allow these parks to be just a short distance away. Contact us today to find your next home in San Jose.