Discovery Meadow: San Jose's Playful Heart
Discover a playful urban oasis in downtown San Jose, where a life-sized Monopoly game, interactive water features, and community events create a vibrant destination for all ages.
Discovery Meadow, nestled in the heart of downtown San Jose, is a vibrant urban park offering a delightful blend of recreation and relaxation. Adjacent to the iconic purple Children's Discovery Museum, this green oasis provides a welcoming space for families, tourists, and locals alike. The meadow features sprawling lawns perfect for picnics, interactive water features ideal for cooling off on warm days, and the world's only life-sized Monopoly in the Park, a Guinness World Record attraction. Discovery Meadow hosts various seasonal events and cultural festivals, making it a dynamic hub of community activity. With its central location and family-friendly atmosphere, Discovery Meadow is a must-visit destination for those seeking a playful escape in the city.
A brief summary to Discovery Meadow
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing lunch on the spacious lawns, perfect for families and groups.
- Visit during one of the seasonal events or cultural festivals for a lively and engaging experience.
- Bring a change of clothes for kids to fully enjoy the interactive water feature during warm weather.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Children's Discovery Museum for a full day of family fun.
- Take advantage of the park's central location to explore other downtown San Jose attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Getting There
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Public Transport
For those arriving via public transport, the easiest option is the VTA Light Rail. Take the Alum Rock-Santa Teresa line to the Children's Discovery Museum station, which is directly adjacent to Discovery Meadow. Several County Transit bus lines also stop on Almaden Boulevard, a short walk from the park. A single VTA light rail or bus fare costs $2.50.
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Driving
If driving, be aware that Discovery Meadow does not have its own dedicated parking lot. However, there are several public and privately-owned parking lots in the vicinity. Public parking is available on Woz Way, Auzerais Street, and Almaden Boulevard. Parking rates typically start at $7.00, but can increase to $25 during high-demand events like FanimeCon. Using the code FAN25 in the Woz/87 lot during such events can secure the normal $7 rate. Payment machines in the Woz Way lot accept $1.00 and $5.00 bills, as well as Visa and MasterCard. The Auzerais Parking Lot has an attendant and accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach Discovery Meadow. A short ride from Diridon Station or other downtown locations will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and distance.
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Walking
Discovery Meadow is easily accessible on foot from many downtown San Jose locations. From the San Jose Convention Center, walk south on Almaden Boulevard towards Woz Way. The park will be on your left, adjacent to the Children's Discovery Museum. From Plaza de Cesar Chavez, walk east on San Carlos Street, crossing Almaden Boulevard. Discovery Meadow will be on your right.
Discover more about Discovery Meadow
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old San Jose City Hall Cornerstone
0.5 km
Explore the Old San Jose City Hall Cornerstone, a historic landmark that captures the essence of San Jose's rich architectural heritage.
Monument to the Founders of San Jose
0.7 km
Discover the Monument to the Founders of San Jose, a historical landmark celebrating the pioneers who shaped California's vibrant history and cultural diversity.
Luis María Peralta Adobe
1.0 km
Discover the rich history of San Jose at the Luis María Peralta Adobe, the city's oldest building and a true architectural gem.
Birthplace of A.P. Giannini - San Jose History Walk #12 Marker
1.0 km
Explore the historical birthplace of A.P. Giannini in San Jose, where banking history began and innovation thrived.
Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site
1.0 km
Explore the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House, a historic site in San Jose that reveals California's rich cultural heritage through its preserved architecture and engaging exhibits.
San Jose Downtown Historic District
1.1 km
Explore the San Jose Downtown Historic District: A captivating blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy in California's heart.
St. James Park - San Jose History Walk Marker #23
1.1 km
Discover the historical heart of downtown San Jose at St. James Park, a verdant oasis established in 1848, offering a blend of historical significance and urban tranquility.
Trinity Cathedral
1.1 km
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual serenity of Trinity Cathedral, a must-visit Episcopal church in the heart of San Jose.
Historic Tower Hall
1.1 km
Discover Tower Hall, the oldest building at San Jose State University, a beautifully restored Spanish Colonial Revival landmark with a rich history and enduring significance in the heart of San Jose.
San Jose City Hall
1.3 km
Explore San Jose City Hall, an architectural gem in Silicon Valley, where modern design meets vibrant civic life in the heart of California.
César Chávez Monument
1.3 km
A powerful tribute to César Chávez on the SJSU campus, the Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice inspires reflection on social justice and the enduring fight for farmworkers' rights.
Roberto Adobe & Sunol House
1.8 km
Explore the rich history of San Jose at Roberto Adobe & Sunol House, a charming historical landmark celebrating California's vibrant past.
El Pueblo De San José De Guadalupe Historic Site
2.7 km
Discover the humble origins of Silicon Valley at the El Pueblo De San José De Guadalupe Historic Site, marking California's first civilian settlement and the birth of San Jose in 1777.
Ashworth-Remillard House
2.8 km
Discover San Jose's hidden gem: the Ashworth-Remillard House, a beautifully preserved Victorian farmhouse offering a glimpse into the lives of Gold Rush pioneers and brick manufacturing magnates.
Hill House
3.1 km
Explore the historical charm of Hill House in San Jose, a captivating landmark showcasing the architectural and cultural heritage of California.
Unmissable attractions to see
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
0.1 km
Explore creativity and learning at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, a captivating haven for young minds and their families.
Monopoly in the Park
0.1 km
Discover the whimsical world of Monopoly in the Park, a playful outdoor attraction in San Jose, California that brings the beloved board game to life.
Bill's Backyard
0.2 km
Discover interactive learning and play at Bill's Backyard, San Jose's premier children's museum, where imagination knows no bounds.
San Jose Nutcracker
0.2 km
Experience the enchanting San Jose Nutcracker, a captivating holiday performance blending dance and music in a festive celebration for all ages.
Broadway San Jose
0.2 km
Discover the magic of live theater at Broadway San Jose, where spectacular performances and vibrant culture come alive.
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant culture of San Jose at the Center for the Performing Arts, a premier venue for unforgettable performances and artistic expression.
San Jose Convention Center & South Hall
0.4 km
Explore the San Jose Convention Center & South Hall, a dynamic venue at the heart of Silicon Valley known for its diverse events and innovative culture.
BioDesign Studio
0.5 km
Discover the innovative fusion of art and science at BioDesign Studio in San Jose, where creativity meets sustainability.
The Tech Interactive
0.5 km
Explore innovation and creativity at The Tech Interactive, an engaging museum in San Jose that inspires the tech leaders of tomorrow.
Essential places to dine
Crepes Bistro
4.3 km
Discover Crepes Bistro: A charming crêperie in Santa Clara serving delicious sweet and savory crêpes with gluten-free and vegan options.
Round Table Pizza
4.4 km
Experience delicious pizza and wings at Round Table Pizza in Santa Clara - where family dining meets flavor!
Habitant
4.8 km
Experience exceptional dining at Habitants in Santa Clara – where culinary artistry meets inviting ambiance.
The Cheesecake Factory
4.9 km
Experience culinary delight at The Cheesecake Factory in Santa Clara with its vast menu of American classics and delectable cheesecakes.
The Hut
5.0 km
Discover the authentic taste of American barbecue at The Hut in Santa Clara – where every bite is packed with flavor.
Homeroom
5.1 km
Experience the heartwarming flavors of traditional American cuisine at Homeroom in Campbell, California – where comfort meets quality.
Local Kitchens
5.1 km
Experience diverse cuisines at Local Kitchens in Campbell – where every dish tells a story!
The Melt at Local Kitchens
5.1 km
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Yuki Sushi Santa Clara
5.2 km
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Hungry Hound
5.2 km
Discover the charm of Traditional American cuisine at Hungry Hound in Santa Clara – where comfort food meets affordability.
Fiorillo's Restaurant and Banquet Facilities
5.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Fiorillo's Restaurant in Santa Clara – where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
The Garret of Campbell
5.4 km
Discover The Garret of Campbell: A culinary delight serving gourmet pizzas and burgers in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Mio Vicino
5.5 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Mio Vicino in Santa Clara - home to delicious pizzas and warm hospitality.
Pacific Catch
5.5 km
Experience the best in sustainable seafood dining at Pacific Catch in Campbell - where fresh flavors meet vibrant atmosphere.
White Elephant Thai Cuisine
5.6 km
Experience authentic Thai cuisine at White Elephant in Santa Clara - where flavor meets tradition in every dish.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Petite Galleria
2.4 km
Explore Petite Galleria in San Jose, where art meets craftsmanship to offer unique gifts and treasures for every traveler.
Moon Zooom
2.6 km
Explore Moon Zooom in San Jose, CA – a vintage clothing haven where every piece has its own story, perfect for fashion lovers and tourists alike.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
4.5 km
Discover the magic of creation at Build-A-Bear Workshop, where children bring their stuffed friends to life through creativity and fun.
Au La La Design
4.6 km
Experience the latest trends in women's fashion at Au La La Design, Santa Clara's go-to boutique for stylish clothing and accessories.
Bloomingdale's
4.7 km
Explore Bloomingdale's in Santa Clara for a luxurious shopping experience with top fashion brands and exquisite home decor.
Cartier
4.7 km
Discover the elegance of Cartier in Santa Clara, where exquisite jewelry and luxury fashion accessories await every discerning shopper.
Free People
4.7 km
Explore the unique selection of trendy women's fashion, vintage clothing, and chic accessories at Free People in Santa Clara.
Montblanc
4.7 km
Explore the world of luxury fashion accessories, leather goods, stationery, and watches at Montblanc in Santa Clara, where elegance meets craftsmanship.
Westfield Valley Fair
4.7 km
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Tiffany & Co.
4.7 km
Discover luxury and timeless elegance at Tiffany & Co., the ultimate destination for exquisite jewelry and unique gifts in Santa Clara.
DIOR Santa Clara Valley Fair
4.7 km
Discover the elegance of DIOR at Santa Clara Valley Fair, where luxury and style meet in a stunning shopping experience.
Christian Louboutin Santa Clara
4.7 km
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The North Face Westfield Valley Fair Mall
4.8 km
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Lush Cosmetics Valley Fair
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Penelope Boutique
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Normandy House
4.3 km
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Koja Bar
4.6 km
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Lobby Lounge
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Taplands
5.3 km
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Rocco's Ballpark
5.3 km
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Broncos Cocktail Lounge
5.4 km
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Da Silva's Bronco's Pub
5.4 km
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thirsty.bar
5.5 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and affordable drinks at Thirsty Bar in Santa Clara, where locals and tourists come together to unwind and socialize.
The Sportsmen's Lounge
6.2 km
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Aces Icehouse
6.3 km
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Court's Lounge
6.5 km
Discover Court's Lounge, where cocktails, karaoke, and sports come together for a fantastic night out in Campbell, California.
Khartoum Lounge
6.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Khartoum Lounge in Campbell, where karaoke meets a stylish bar atmosphere for unforgettable evenings.
Cardiff & Cocktails
6.5 km
Unwind at Cardiff & Cocktails, where handcrafted cocktails meet vibrant nightlife in Downtown Campbell.
Coach's Sports Bar & Grill
7.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Coach's Sports Bar & Grill, where sports meet delicious grill delights in Campbell, California.
EMA Karaoke & Bar
7.4 km
Experience the ultimate karaoke adventure at EMA Karaoke & Bar in Santa Clara, where every night is a celebration of music and fun.
