Pause the holiday shopping and spend some quality time outdoors this season. Our downtown San Jose location offers a wide variety of breath-taking ways to spend your day in the fresh-air stretching your legs. Visit one of San Jose’s 200+ parks or take a jog along 61 miles of developed scenic trails in one of the nation’s largest urban trail networks. As you start your day, let us add the first stop on your afternoon agenda, only minutes away from 188 West St James:
Alum Rock Park. There are approximately 13 miles of trails including six miles of horse trails and three miles of bicycle trails. Hikers are welcome on all trails, while equestrians and cyclists are required to use designated trails only.
“I love to go running in Alum Rock Park. There are trails of all different types. The wild life is remarkable (so many birds and squirrels!).” – Colter Cook, Google
Los Gatos Creek. The Los Gatos Creek Trail offers recreational opportunities for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, skaters, non-motorized scooters and nature lovers. This trail system extends from downtown San Jose to the hills above Los Gatos Creek.
“Whether you are a walker, runner or biker – this is an easy trail that is conducive to all. I would recommend this to all ages and stages of fitness.” – Cheryl H., Yelp
Guadalupe River Trail. Explore the city along a 9-mile trail linking downtown to the San Francisco Bay. Running along the banks of the Guadalupe River through the heart of downtown San Jose, the Guadalupe River Trail is a pedestrian and bicycle path within the city. The trail system is currently developed as two disconnected trail systems. A southern portion of the trail system extends from Chynoweth Avenue to Coleman Road and leads directly to the Lake Almaden and Los Alamitos Creek trail systems.
“This is a clear 4 star trail to take a long bicycle ride from San Jose to Alviso where you can enjoy the southernmost part of the San Francisco Bay.” – Brian B., Yelp
Guadalupe River Park & Gardens. The downtown portion of the trail system is within the 250-acre Guadalupe River Park with many points of interest. This three-mile ribbon of park land that runs along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of downtown San Jose. Here, you can ride, walk, run or skate 2.6 miles of trails.
Alviso Marina County Park. This 20.6 acre bayside park is located along Alviso slough and adjacent to the salt ponds and marshes of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Coyote Creek. One of the longest trail systems extending from the Bay to the San Jose’s southern boundary. The Coyote Creek Trail provides views of the waterway, and urban and rural settings. 18.7 miles (total distance, but not connected).
“The trail is paved, which makes it good for walking, running and biking. There are a number of places to join the trail, so you can easily do it in small sections. This is an amazing piece of open space.” – Harvey Trop, Google
Edge trails like Albertson Parkway and Upper Silver Creek provide access to nature and open space for recreation. Trails like the Silver Creek Valley system offer challenging inclines and valley-wide views.
Get outdoors and start exploring your backyard. Runners will love the annual races held close to home. A long-standing tradition, two of the top Bay Area runs are held each holiday season. (Joggers Note: Races have gone digital until further notice.)
Virtual Turkey Trot, November 25-28. The Turkey Trot Race Team invites you to complete your 5K/10K outside, on a treadmill, with family, or on your own. Design your own course and run, walk, or jog.
Virtual Santa Run Silicon Valley, December 19. The 5K Run/walk benefits Christmas in the Park, Downtown Ice, and Reading Partners. All 5K participants will receive a holiday-themed race shirt, ornament medal, and Santa beard race wrap.
Image credit: City of San Jose