South San Jose offers a unique mix of outdoor spaces, diverse food options, cultural experiences, and retail destinations. It's a less talked-about part of the city, but it delivers plenty of opportunities to explore without the congestion of downtown. If you're looking for things to do in South San Jose, you'll find an eclectic list of attractions that reflect the area’s local character and laid-back pace.
These activities go beyond the usual tourist spots. Each section features specific experiences with hyper-local context to help you discover the best ways to spend time in this part of San Jose.
Hike Through Santa Teresa County Park
Santa Teresa County Park is a top destination for anyone who enjoys hiking, trail running, or viewing the valley. The park spans over 1,600 acres and includes miles of trails with varied elevations. The Coyote Peak Trail offers one of the best panoramic lookouts in South San Jose. The Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch historic area also sits on the park’s edge and gives you a glimpse into the area's agricultural past.
Trailheads like Stile Ranch Trailhead or Joice Trail are good starting points, depending on your skill level. Facilities like picnic areas and equestrian staging zones make it more than just a walking destination. It's one of the most consistent options for active residents seeking nature in the area. This park should be high on your list when searching for things to do in South San Jose.
Trailheads like Stile Ranch Trailhead or Joice Trail are good starting points, depending on your skill level. Facilities like picnic areas and equestrian staging zones make it more than just a walking destination. It's one of the most consistent options for active residents seeking nature in the area. This park should be high on your list when searching for things to do in South San Jose.
Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden
Inside Kelley Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers a serene environment built with authentic design. The garden reflects the relationship between San Jose and its sister city, Okayama, Japan. You’ll find koi ponds, peaceful walking paths, and traditional landscaping encouraging slower-paced exploration. It’s open year-round and is particularly popular in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
The garden is part of a larger complex that includes Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and the History Park, so it fits nicely into a day-long itinerary. Afterward, you can walk over to the Portuguese Historical Museum. The garden is free to enter, making it one of the more accessible and scenic things to do in South San Jose.
The garden is part of a larger complex that includes Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and the History Park, so it fits nicely into a day-long itinerary. Afterward, you can walk over to the Portuguese Historical Museum. The garden is free to enter, making it one of the more accessible and scenic things to do in South San Jose.
Explore the Shops at Oakridge Mall
Westfield Oakridge Mall remains the main shopping hub in South San Jose. Located off Blossom Hill Road, the mall includes big-name retailers like Macy’s, Target, and Apple, alongside specialty stores like Sephora, Typo, and BoxLunch. The mall also hosts independent kiosks offering handmade accessories, beauty products, and small tech gadgets.
Dining options range from sit-down restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s to casual bites at the food court. The onsite Century Theatres location offers recliner seating and reserved tickets. Many locals come to Oakridge for errands and leisure, making it an ideal destination when looking for things to do in South San Jose.
Dining options range from sit-down restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s to casual bites at the food court. The onsite Century Theatres location offers recliner seating and reserved tickets. Many locals come to Oakridge for errands and leisure, making it an ideal destination when looking for things to do in South San Jose.
Stroll Along Martial Cottle Park
Martial Cottle Park is a blend of open green space and agricultural history. This 287-acre park was once a working farm, and today it still preserves the feel of farmland in an urban area. There are paved walking and biking paths, large open fields, and occasional seasonal events, like U-pick harvest days and community planting workshops. You’ll also find display gardens that reflect sustainable growing practices.
The park includes informative signage about the Cottle family and their contributions to local agriculture. Regular users of the park include walkers, joggers, and dog owners. Its broad layout and educational component distinguish it from other local green spaces.
The park includes informative signage about the Cottle family and their contributions to local agriculture. Regular users of the park include walkers, joggers, and dog owners. Its broad layout and educational component distinguish it from other local green spaces.
Check Out Viet Heritage Garden and Nearby Restaurants
Located near Vietnam Town, the Viet Heritage Garden is a cultural landmark that highlights Vietnamese architecture and sculpture. It features traditional red gates, benches, and symbolic statues. The garden often hosts community events and serves as a quiet place for reflection or photography.
Nearby, Vietnam Town includes dozens of shops and eateries. You can visit Pho Y #1 or Bun Bo Hue An Nam, both known for their flavorful broths and loyal customer base. For dessert, check out Teaspoon for fruit teas or The Sweet Corner for pandan treats. Spending an afternoon in this area is one of the more immersive things to do in South San Jose.
Nearby, Vietnam Town includes dozens of shops and eateries. You can visit Pho Y #1 or Bun Bo Hue An Nam, both known for their flavorful broths and loyal customer base. For dessert, check out Teaspoon for fruit teas or The Sweet Corner for pandan treats. Spending an afternoon in this area is one of the more immersive things to do in South San Jose.
Enjoy a Tasting at Coterie Winery
Coterie Winery offers a more intimate wine tasting experience than larger wineries farther north. Located in South San Jose’s industrial corridor, it focuses on small-lot, handcrafted wines sourced from vineyards in Santa Cruz, Russian River, and Monterey. The tasting room is minimalist, and appointments allow for personalized service.
Wines include single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, Syrahs, and Chardonnays. They also offer a small selection of cheeses and seasonal pairing options. It’s an ideal stop for wine lovers looking to explore something beyond the standard tasting rooms in Napa or Los Gatos.
Wines include single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, Syrahs, and Chardonnays. They also offer a small selection of cheeses and seasonal pairing options. It’s an ideal stop for wine lovers looking to explore something beyond the standard tasting rooms in Napa or Los Gatos.
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