Non-Touristy Experiences In San Jose

There are tons of tourist-licious things to do in San Jose, such as shopping at Santana Row and visiting Japantown. But if, in this very moment, you’re itching for something to do that won’t peg you as a visitor – something that will immerse you in the ‘hood’, check out these 11 things to do in San Jose that’ll make you feel less like a tourist, and more like an explorer.

Dead Time Dreams Haunted House

Open during the fall season, the Dead Time Dreams Haunted House is a dark, twisted spectacle. Visitors won’t find any picture perfect photo opps here, but deranged zombie-like killers do lunge out from dark corridors. With handmade props and excellent actors, this haunted house will leave you feeling so terrified that when you leave you won’t know what’s real and what’s not.

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Guadalupe River Trail

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Winchester Mystery House

OK, so the Winchester Mystery House isn’t exactly off the radar for tourists, but it’s wonderfully weird nonetheless. Full of winding passageways that lead to nowhere and mysterious corridors, the home was once the residence of Sarah Winchester. She was the widow of William Wirt Winchester, creator of Winchester rifles. When her husband passed away, she believed she was being haunted by the spirits of everyone his guns had killed, so she developed a labyrinthine home to escape their ghosts.

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Drawbridge

12 miles northwest of San Jose lies the forgotten city of Drawbridge, formerly known as Saline City. The once vibrant city was a major stop along the Pacific Coast Railroad’s route, but has been abandoned for more than 30 years. Visit this deserted ghost town before the remaining buildings sink into the surrounding marshlands once and for all.

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Bigfoot Discovery Museum

Located 32 miles southwest of San Jose, the Bigfoot Discovery Museum is for those who believe in the supernatural. Feast the eyes on proof of local Bigfoot sightings and decide once and for all whether or not to believe in the furry giant.

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AFKGG Gamer Lounge

Not only does this gaming lounge provide access to every game under the sun, but it serves alcohol to boot. Sip on a cold one and defeat an unsuspecting stranger at a game of Defense of the Ancients. After working up a sweat destroying enemies, sit down at the lounge’s full service restaurant for a meal and a classic cocktail.

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The Lace Museum

Back in 1976, women of the Bay Area were serious about their lace making. So serious, in fact, that they opened a museum dedicated to the craft. Learn more about how the delicate item is made or simply “ooh” and “aah” over the finished products on display. And for god’s sake, don’t leave without a doily!

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Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Were you expecting to find a ton of Egyptian artifacts in San Jose? While the city itself doesn’t have close ties to Egypt, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses one of the biggest collections of mummies in California.

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Monopoly in the Park

Monopoly has been known to be a bit divisive amongst families. Who’s going to be the thimble? Who gets to pass go and collect $200? But in San Jose, the larger-than-life Monopoly board game in the park will inspire nothing but smiles.

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Garlic Ice Cream

Just 33 miles south of San Jose is the small town of Gilroy. Gilroy is home to a large farming community and as you enter the city, you’ll spot dozens of roadside stands slinging avocados, citrus, and more. However, the cream of the crop in Gilroy is garlic. So much of it is farmed there that you can smell the scent from inside your car. Pull over at one of the many agricultural stands and dig into some creamy, delicious garlic ice cream. It might not become your all-time favorite flavor, but it’s worth a try nonetheless.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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