Car Hire San Jose

San Jose speed limits

In California, the standard speed on highways is 65mph. In the centre of San Jose, the top speed is usually 25mph, dropping to 15mph around schools and on narrow alleys. As in the rest of the US, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road and use a left-hand drive vehicle.

Traffic in San Jose

Silicon Valley is a unique beast in all kinds of ways – that includes the morning commute. The on-demand lifestyle means many motorists take to the roads before 7am, and morning rush hour doen’t slow down until 11am. 

In the evening, try and avoid long drives between 4-7pm as that’s when the bulk of commuters return home on the 101.

Parking in San Jose

•        There are plenty of multi-storey car parks in the city centre. You can usually find deals on evening and weekend parking, and some offer a cap on parking charges.
•        ParkSJ is a scheme that covers several car parks across San Jose, offering flat fee parking on evenings and weekends.
•        The Convention Center parking (W San Carlos St, CA 95113) is close to some of San Jose’s most popular attractions and many of its best hotels.

Roads and motorways

•        Interstate 237 (I-237) and Interstate 85 (I-85) highways form a semi-circle around the western half of San Jose, acting as an extended ring road that can help you navigate your way around the city.
•        Join the I-87 highway to drive into Downtown San Jose, where you’ll find many hotels and restaurants.
•        U.S. Route 101 runs through the middle of San Diego. It takes you north through Oregon and eventually towards Washington, while you can take this route to travel south to Los Angeles. 

Driving from San Jose to Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a popular stop-off when visiting California. From San Jose the drive is approximately five hours. 

•        Merge onto US-101 south from E Santa Clara St.
•        Follow the US-101 road south for approximately 29.9 miles, then exit at Junction 356.
•        In Merced County, get on the I-5 south, for about 270 miles.
•        Merge onto US-101 south and take Junction 2B onto Los Angeles St.

Things to see and do in San Jose 

Winchester Mystery House

With doors and stairs leading nowhere, plus a suitably spooky backstory, take a guided tour around this National Historic Place (525 S Winchester Blvd, CA 95128) - arguably the most mysterious mansion in US history. The tale goes that its owner used her late husband’s sizable firearms fortune to find and build a home out West. All this to placate the spirits of people killed by Winchester guns.

Santana Row

Rub shoulders with Silicon Valley’s brightest minds in the shops, restaurants and cafes along upmarket Santana Row (CA 95128). The biggest name in San Jose shopping, there’s a warm, vibrant atmosphere amid its boutiques and big-name stores. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours shopping and snacking as you amble down the tree-lined avenue.

Lick Observatory

On the hills of Mt. Hamilton, the powerful telescopes housed in Lick Observatory (7281 Mt Hamilton Rd, Mt Hamilton, CA 95140) have been watching the skies for 130 years. Marvel at The Great Refractor when you visit, which was the world’s largest telescope of its kind when work was completed in 1888 and is powered by water and wind. 

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

This San Jose landmark (180 Woz Way, CA 95110) is designed to get kids exploring science, arts and more as they play, using a diverse collection of interactive galleries. Visit Bill’s Backyard to have some fun and learn more about nature in the Great Outdoors or dig deep into the world of prehistoric creatures with the Mammoth Discovery exhibit.

Intel Museum

The success of Silicon Valley boils down to the design of the silicon chip. At the Intel Museum (2200 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054), you can follow the story of this simple ingredient and the role it plays in the magnificent meal that is tech culture. Learn more about the industry’s pioneers and how computers changed the world.

San Jose’s best hotels

Hotel Valencia

Indulge yourself in Hotel Valencia’s (355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128) classical Spanish-style surroundings. Experience leafy balconies and an extravagant pool area, all found on stylish Santana Row. 

Fairmont San Jose

Enjoy some rooftop relaxation with your own private patio, overlooking sun-kissed San Jose and with access to the outdoor pool. Stay at the Fairmont (170 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113) for al fresco dining from a seriously sumptuous menu.

Hayes Mansion

Unwind in an exceptional setting (200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136), with dramatic views of the mountains and one that’s a short drive from the city and Northern California’s other amazing attractions.

San Jose’s best places to eat

Dakao

Vietnamese culture is big in San Jose thanks to its diverse population. So, there’s no excuse not to sample the traditional Banh Mi, a type of sandwich, at Dakao (98 E San Salvador St) while you’re in town. 

The Farmers Union

Grab a bite in famous San Pedro Square during the big game – this sports bar (151 W Santa Clara St) has San Jose’s biggest big screen, so you won’t miss a minute of the action. 

Elyse

This trendy eatery (151 S 2nd St) fuses French and Vietnamese flavours for delicious results. The panna cotta with raspberry glaze is a treat if you can save some room at the end of your meal. 

Habana Cuba

Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine served up in an atmospheric Latin ambiance, located in the trendy SoFA district, found in San Jose’s downtown area (387 S 1st St).

Best day trips from San Jose

Half Moon Bay

Just an hour from San Jose on I-280, you’ll find one of the iconic Californian coastal towns, with Pacific waves rolling into beautiful beaches.

San Francisco

A short drive up the Bay on the 101 brings you to San Francisco, whose misty mystery gives way to iconic sights like Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and more. 

Santa Cruz

Its famous boardwalk stretching out into the sea, Santa Cruz offers small-town fun and delightful hiking trails in Wilder Ranch State Park. Drive on State Route 17 through beautiful wooded surroundings for around 45 minutes.