Discover San José along the Guadalupe River Trail
Explore the city along a 9 mile trail linking downtown to the San Francisco Bay
The Guadalupe River has played an important role in the development of California’s oldest city over the past 230 years. Before Spanish explorers reached the Santa Clara Valley, the Ohlone/Muwekma people inhabited the banks of the river for thousands of years . In 1777, San José became the first civil settlement (not associated with a mission or a military post) in the Spanish colony of Nueva California. In 1850, California secured statehood and San José was its first capitol. The seasonal flooding of the river and mild climate made the valley one of the greatest agricultural regions in the world and earned it the nickname, Valley of Heart’s Delights. In the 1950’s the valley began to rapidly transition from agricultural center to high technology capitol. Today, many of the world’s largest and best-known technology companies are headquartered along the banks of the river. Find maps for the trail on the Trail System page.
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Here are ten tips for making the most of your day along the Guadalupe River Trail.
No. 1
Visit downtown
Within blocks of the trail, you’ll find Downtown’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. The plaza has been the center of the city since the early pueblo days. Visit the plaza to enjoy its popular fountain. Around the plaza, you will find St. Joseph Basilica, the San José Museum of Art, The Tech Museum of Innovation and a light rail system that can take you throughout the city and valley. A Smart Phone app is available to guide your tour to nearby points of interest.
No. 2
Be a kid
Cross the Children's Bridge and visit the Children’s Discovery Museum with its many exhibits and hands-on experiences. The museum is located within the Guadalupe River Park’s Discovery Meadow at Woz Way – named for Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Computer. A few blocks away, at Santa Clara Street, you’ll find a carousel and picnic areas at Arena Green. Throughout the park, you’ll find points of interest that the whole family can enjoy.
No. 3
Find Wildlife
No. 4
Travel back in time
A journey to the northern end of the trail at Gold Street will be rewarded with a glimpse into the past. The community of Alviso was once a bustling port with big plans in the late 19th century. Today the community boasts a large collection of wood and brick commercial and residential structures from its early days. Alviso’s quiet streets are great for bicycling and several restaurants make the community a wonderful rest stop along your tour.
No. 5
Walk along the bay
While in Alviso, find your way to the Alviso Marina (at the end of Hope Street). Several seating areas offer great views of the southern San Francisco Bay, and on a clear day, you can see the hangars at Moffett Field and the bridges that span the bay further north. The south bay is defined by a collection of large ponds once created by the salt industry. Today, they serve a flood control role and provide miles of walking paths. Be sure to bring sunscreen and water.
No. 6
Learn about San Jose's past
Along downtown’s St. John Street, 3 blocks from the river, you can step back in time and visit the City’s oldest residence; the Luis Maria Peralta Adobe built in the late 1700’s. Across the street, you can tour the Thomas Fallon Home – Mr. Fallon was one of the city’s first mayors. His restored home offers a view of San José life during the mid nineteenth century. Steps away, you’ll find many restaurants in San Pedro Square, a weekly Farmer’s Market on Fridays (from May to December), and the rest of downtown's historic district. While downtown, don't miss the many buildings along the history walk - San Jose's Downtown Walking Map will help you find your way.
No. 7
Join the party
Downtown San José hosts events and festivals throughout the year with many occurring along the trail in Discovery Meadow between San Carlos Street and Woz Way. Check listings and enjoy a day at the San José Jazz Festival, Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival, Tapestry Arts Festival other exciting events. Be aware that select events shut down a short portion of trail along Discovery Meadow requiring that you follow an on-street detour or the trail along the east bank of the river.
No. 8
Get artistic
Venture a few blocks from the trail along San Fernando Street, and you’ll find the San Jose Museum of Art with its large collection of local contemporary art and constantly changing exhibits. Along South First Street, the SOFA District has many art galleries, restaurants and bars. Downtown San José also boasts an impressive collection of public art.
No. 9
Stay fit
Within the downtown core, the trail system is 2.6 miles in length and has a paved surface suitable for biking, walking and roller-blading. North of the downtown area, at Highway 880, the trail system surface changes to hard-packed gravel that is best suited for walking, jogging, and mountain bikes (map 1, 2, 3). Maps of the trail system include mileage figures so that you can track your progress. Under-crossings permit you to travel with no stops or cross streets along the route (except low volume St John Street and a signalized crossing at Julian Street). As an alternative activity, visit the Guadalupe River Park’s tennis courts near Santa Clara Street.
No. 10
Smell the roses
Slow down and smell the roses at Heritage Rose Garden, with its collection of 3,700 varieties of antique and modern roses; the largest number of varieties found anywhere within the western hemisphere. Nearby, see the Historic Orchard with its 250 fruit trees on a 3.3-acre site. The orchard recalls the area’s agricultural past before “Silicon Valley", when the area was nicknamed the “the Valley of Heart’s Delight”.
Beyond downtown
The Guadalupe River Trail is just one of 26 trail systems found in San José that provide over 50 miles of off-street trail adventures.
Visit the Trail Program website to find maps of each trail system.
For more information:
The Friends of the Guadalupe River Park host a trail information center at 438 Coleman Avenue. Drop by for information about current events in the park.
Or visit our links page for other attractions and trail systems.
