Districts
San Jose MarketCenter: One of San Jose's newest shopping districts, located in the northern gateway to downtown, includes some of today's hottest stores: Target, Michael's, Office Depot, Cost Plus World Market, Trader Joe's, Marshalls, PetSmart and dozens of smaller stores. Popular eateries have also established firm footholds on the downtown restaurant scene, including Panera Bread, ASQEW Grill, Sweet Tomatoes, Chili's, Wingstop, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and others. For a less hectic experience, try the quaint River Street area..
City Hall: One of the newest buildings in downtown is the City Hall and Rotunda off Santa Clara Street. Richard Meier-designed, the Civic Plaza includes an area for public gatherings and a fountain that epitomizes the city's easy-going lifestyle. Artists have used the Rotunda as a screen – the effect of projecting their art onto and around the dome has brought people from miles around. With its 1,700 employees, small restaurants have popped up around City Hall.
St. James Historic: The Saint James Historic District is an area of hidden treasures. Walk through St. James Park and find protected historic architecture, monuments to fallen heroes, and gems such as a German beerhouse and Workman's Emporium store, all surrounding a shaded park with lush, cool grass that serves as home to free summer concerts and outdoor movie screenings.
Convention and Cultural District: Mix and mingle with patrons of the arts, museums, San Jose Convention Center events and stay at one of downtown's finest hotels. The heart of this district, and perhaps all of downtown, is Plaza de Cesar Chavez, where people go to relax, play in an ever-changing water fountain, and listen to summer concerts.
SoFA: SoFA continues to redefine downtown's arts and entertainment experience, with restaurants, art galleries and the California Theater lining South First Street. Home to design and architectural firms during the day, the district comes alive when the stars twinkle overhead.
Historic District: The Historic District offers unparalleled entertainment and dining options tucked inside some of downtown's oldest and grandest buildings, plus transit services steps from the front door. The district has begun to redefine itself as a shopping destination as well.
San Pedro Square: San Pedro Square is one of downtown's most complete dining destinations, and with HP Pavilion a few blocks away, entertainment is never far. During the spring, summer and fall, San Pedro Square is home of the downtown Farmers' Market on Fridays.
Arena/Diridon: The train station and the large arena are the main draws on the western edge of downtown. Still within walking distance of the rest of downtown, the Arena/Diridon area is separated by the green expanse of the Guadalupe River, which flows and empties into the bay all year. Neighboring eateries reflect the mood of this key area of downtown.
Quick Tour
Transit & Parking
About Downtown
Downtown Deals