San Jose Municipal Rose Garden

Photo by Lifang Yu
Photo by Jay Morales


Stop and smell more than 180 varieties of blooms, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings in one of the country’s best rose gardens.

Whether you have a spare 30 minutes or a whole afternoon, the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is the perfect place to escape from the business and bustle of Silicon Valley. Once an orchard, the 5.5-acre (2.2-hectare) gardens are now owned by the city and maintained with the assistance of volunteers. Over the years it’s forged a formidable reputation, winning the coveted title of “America’s Best Rose Garden” in 2010.Wander among the 3,500 elegantly arranged bushes sporting thousands of roses of nearly every variety, color and fragrance. The garden is also a display garden for the All-America Rose Selections, and receives new varieties before official release. Every variety is tagged with a name and description, so even non-gardeners will feel like an expert by the time they leave. At lunchtime you’ll find plenty of green space to throw out a picnic blanket. Arrive earlier in the day if you want to get a spot closer to the roses, as these spaces are in high demand. The fountain is another popular feature in the garden, so take a seat on one of the benches and enjoy the view. The garden is at its sweet-smelling best in spring or summer, but is still worth a visit in the cooler seasons as the plants are well maintained and there are nearly always a few specimens in bloom. With free entry and parking, this is one of the best places to unwind in San Jose, just under 10-minutes’ drive from downtown. Buses from downtown stop about 15 minutes’ walk away.

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Top San Jose Municipal Rose Garden Hotel Deals

The Row Hotel, BW Signature Collection
The Row Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 out of 5
2404 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA
The Row Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Hotel Rose Garden
Hotel Rose Garden
2 out of 5
1860 The Alameda, San Jose, CA
Hotel Rose Garden
Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown
Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown
3 out of 5
282 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA
Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown
Brand New Guest Suite + Luxurious Bath, Near SJC
Brand New Guest Suite + Luxurious Bath, Near SJC
San Jose
Brand New Guest Suite + Luxurious Bath, Near SJC
The Westin San Jose
The Westin San Jose
4 out of 5
302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
The Westin San Jose
Sterling Inn
Sterling Inn
2 out of 5
2234 The Alameda, Santa Clara, CA
Sterling Inn
The Flamingo Motel
The Flamingo Motel
2 out of 5
1084 The Alameda, San Jose, CA
The Flamingo Motel
Best Western Plus Airport Plaza
Best Western Plus Airport Plaza
2.5 out of 5
2118 The Alameda, San Jose, CA
Best Western Plus Airport Plaza
Hotel Valencia Santana Row
Hotel Valencia Santana Row
4 out of 5
355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA
Hotel Valencia Santana Row
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.