San Jose City Guide

Try international dishes, especially Vietnamese and Mexican. Plenty of vegetarian/vegan options.

Nightlife is relaxed with bars and pubs, mainly downtown, offering a calm atmosphere.

Strong coffee scene with excellent cafes focusing on quality brews, mirroring the tech-savvy vibe.

Tipping is standard for most services, expected at 15-20% for restaurants, taxis, and personal services.

SIM cards are available at the airport and major carriers in the city.

Clean streets in most parts, with efficient waste management services.

24/7 services are limited but available, mainly in urgent care and convenience stores.

Groceries from all over the world are available, especially Asian and Hispanic products.

San Jose is highly cashless-ready. Cards are used almost everywhere, so you won't need cash for most transactions.

ATMs are everywhere, especially in banks and stores. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5.00, plus any fees from your bank.

San Jose offers strong education options with English instruction and some bilingual programs in public and private schools.

San Jose's community is growing, more centered on tech workers. Good meetups and remote-friendly cafes.

Lots of parks and shaded trails. Good for leisurely activities and exercise.

Safe, with plenty of trails like Guadalupe River Trail and Los Gatos Creek Trail. Good infrastructure for runners.

Plenty of options, from large gyms to boutique fitness studios.

Ample public courts all over the city, with private ones at clubs.

Padel is less common but gaining interest.

Numerous yoga studios and wellness centers offering a variety of classes.

Diverse martial arts scene with many dojos offering both modern and traditional styles.

No nearby ski resorts, closest ones are in Lake Tahoe, over three hours away.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available in local reservoirs or coastal areas.

Top spots for surfing near Santa Cruz, best in fall and winter. Beginners can try places like Cowell's Beach.

Monterey Bay offers good cold-water diving with marine life, but it's a bit of a drive.

High-quality healthcare, mostly private, is available with English-speaking staff. Major hospitals include Kaiser Permanente and Regional Medical Center.

San Jose's tap water is safe, meeting all safety standards for drinking.

Great for families with many parks, educational attractions, and kid-friendly places.

Highly accepting with many LGBTQ+ spaces and strong legal protections.

Pet-friendly with many parks and services, but rentals for pet owners can be tricky.