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Welcome to San José: Your First Stop in the Bay Area

Welcome to San Jose - First Stop in the Bay Area


Flying into SJC? You’re just minutes away from everything San José has to offer! From great food to exciting events, San José is the perfect place to start your Bay Area adventure.

What Makes San José Special?

San José is more than just the capital of Silicon Valley—it’s a city full of vibrant neighborhoods, incredible food and exciting things to do while being your gateway to Northern California. Whether you're here for a quick stop or a longer stay, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Explore premier shopping destinations like Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair, offering everything from luxury brands to local boutiques. Catch live music and shows at iconic venues like the SAP Center, The Ritz or San José Civic, where concerts and events bring the city to life year-round.


Explore San José’s Neighborhoods

Our wonderful city is full of unique neighborhoods … each with its own vibe, flavors and attractions—there’s something special to explore around every corner.

  • Downtown San José
    Located less than 10 minutes from SJC, Downtown is the city’s hub for entertainment, culture and nightlife. Visit the San José Museum of Art or catch a concert at the SAP Center.
  • Japantown
    One of the last three historic Japantowns in the U.S. Try authentic Japanese food, pick up a souvenir from a local shop and explore cultural landmarks.
  • Little Italy
    A historic neighborhood in Downtown San José, offering authentic Italian dining, cultural experiences and the Little Italy Cultural Center and Museum.
  • Little Saigon
    A vibrant neighborhood in San José, blending traditional Vietnamese and modern American culture, featuring authentic restaurants, unique shopping experiences and cultural sites like the Viet Museum.

We’ve got 14 more neighborhoods to discover … check them out here.
 

What’s Happening in San José?

From exciting events to unforgettable experiences, San José is always buzzing with something to do. View upcoming events here.
 

Where to Eat in San José

Hungry? San José’s food scene is as spirited and diverse as its neighborhoods, offering incredible Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian and so much more. Explore more dining options here.
 

Shopping in San José

Whether you're looking for high-end fashion, local boutiques or unique gifts, San José has a shopping scene that caters to every style.

  • San José Flea Market
    A vibrant marketplace with hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to unique treasures, plus live music and family-friendly fun.
  • Santana Row
    A lively outdoor shopping and dining destination with stylish boutiques, luxury brands and great restaurants, all in a beautiful, walkable setting.
  • Westfield Valley Fair
    A premier shopping mall with a huge selection of popular brands, luxury stores and great dining options all under one roof.

Find more shopping options here.
 

Getting Around Is Easy

Exploring San José is a breeze! With convenient transit options, ride-shares and car rentals, you can get where you need to go hassle-free.

  • Public Transit: Take the VTA Light Rail or buses to get around town. SJC provides a free shuttle bus to the nearby Santa Clara CalTrain station, offering direct rail service through Silicon Valley and into San Francisco.
  • Ride-Share Friendly: Lyft, Uber, Wingz and YRide are just a few taps (and a curb) away!
  • Car Rentals: Our rental car center is just across the street from Terminal B and a 60-second shuttle ride from Terminal A, making rental-car pick-up significantly faster and easier than other airports.
     

Plan Your Visit

Looking for more ideas? Download Visit San José’s "48 Hours in San José” itinerary to plan your trip. Visit their website for more tips.
 

Did you know SJC is the closest airport to:

San José welcomes you with open arms and endless possibilities. Enjoy your time in the heart of Silicon Valley … happy exploring!

 

SJC features nonstop flights from major international airline hubs including:

Atlanta, GeorgiaAustin, Texas
Baltimore/WashingtonBoise, Idaho
 Burbank, California
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, MexicoChicago (Midway), Illinois
Chicago (O'Hare), IllinoisDallas (Love Field), Texas
Dallas/Fort Worth, TexasDenver, Colorado
Eugene, OregonGuadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii Houston (Hobby), Texas
Houston (Intercontinental), TexasKahului, Maui, Hawaii
Kona, Big Island, HawaiiLas Vegas, Nevada
León, Guanajuato, MexicoLihue, Kauai, Hawaii
Long Beach, CaliforniaLos Angeles, California
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MinnesotaMorelia, Michoacán, Mexico
Nashville, TennesseeOntario, California
Orange County, CaliforniaPalm Springs, California
Phoenix, ArizonaPortland, Oregon
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, MexicoReno, Nevada
Salt Lake City, UtahSan Diego, California
Seattle, WashingtonSpokane, Washington
St. Louis, , MissouriTokyo (Narita), Japan
Zacatecas