Monopoly in the Park: A Life-Sized Board Game Adventure

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Experience the world's largest permanent Monopoly board in San Jose's Discovery Meadow, a playful and interactive attraction perfect for families, tourists, and board game enthusiasts of all ages.

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Monopoly in the Park

Step into a world of oversized fun at Monopoly in the Park, a unique San Jose attraction that brings the classic board game to life. This isn't just a static display; it's a fully playable, Guinness World Record-holding, giant Monopoly board. Located in Discovery Meadow, adjacent to the Children's Discovery Museum, the park features a 930-square-foot granite game board complete with scaled playing pieces and oversized dice. Whether you're a board game enthusiast or simply looking for a quirky photo opportunity, Monopoly in the Park offers a memorable experience. While you can admire and photograph the board for free, renting the space allows for a fully interactive game, complete with referees and token hats. It's a perfect spot for families, tourists, and anyone seeking a playful escape in the heart of Silicon Valley.

A brief summary to Monopoly in the Park

330 W San Carlos St, San Jose, Central San Jose, California, 95110, US
Click to display

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

Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and fewer crowds, especially if you're not renting the board for a game.
Bring your own dice if you plan to play on the board without renting it, as there aren't permanent dice available.
Check the Friends of San Jose website in advance for information on renting the board and to make reservations, which are required at least 30 days ahead.
Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Children's Discovery Museum for a full day of family fun.
Pack a hat and sunscreen, as the park offers limited shade, especially during the summer months.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Discovery Meadow

Discover the Allure of Discovery Meadow

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

A World of Wonder: Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

The Heartbeat of San Jose: Center for the Performing Arts

Getting There

Public Transport

For those arriving via public transport, the VTA Light Rail is a convenient option. Take the Blue or Green Line to the Convention Center Station. From the station, walk approximately 0.3 miles east on W San Carlos St. Monopoly in the Park will be on your left, adjacent to the Children's Discovery Museum. A single VTA ride costs $2.50 and is valid for two hours, including free transfers within the VTA system.
Driving

If driving, approach via Highway 87 and exit onto W San Carlos Street. Limited street parking is available, but several parking garages are located nearby. The Second & San Carlos Street Garage (280 S. Second St.) and the Convention Center Garage (150 W. San Carlos St.) are within walking distance. Parking rates typically range from $1 per 15 minutes, with a daily maximum of $25-$30. Special event rates may apply. Check ParkSJ for real-time parking availability and rates.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide easy access to Monopoly in the Park. Simply provide the address, 330 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95110, as your destination. Fares from downtown San Jose typically range from $10-$15, depending on traffic and demand.

Discover more about Monopoly in the Park

Monopoly in the Park offers a whimsical escape into a world where the classic board game comes to life on a grand scale. Nestled in Discovery Meadow, a vibrant green space in downtown San Jose, this unique attraction holds the Guinness World Record as the largest permanent Monopoly board in the world. Originally created in 1992 as an exhibition piece for the San Francisco Landscape and Design Show, the massive granite board was later acquired by San Jose Beautiful and installed in Discovery Meadow, opening to the public in 2002. The park's centerpiece is the 930-square-foot Monopoly board, meticulously crafted from granite slabs. Each corner piece weighs a hefty 246 pounds, while the standard side pieces tip the scales at 140 pounds. The board is designed to scale, providing an immersive experience as you walk around the familiar properties, from Mediterranean Avenue to Boardwalk. Adding to the playful atmosphere are giant dice and oversized token hats, allowing visitors to truly embody their favorite game pieces. While admiring and photographing the board is free and open to the public, the real magic happens when you rent the space for a fully interactive game. Managed by Friends of San Jose, a non-profit organization, renting the board includes the use of playing pieces, props, and the services of three docents who act as coordinator, banker, and announcer. Players can don the token-shaped hats, roll the jumbo dice, and navigate the oversized board, experiencing Monopoly like never before. Renting the board requires advance booking (30-45 days) and costs around $300 for families and non-profits, with a deposit required. Monopoly in the Park isn't just about the game; it's also a celebration of community and creativity. The surrounding theme garden, designed by the Costa Mesa architecture firm NUVIS, enhances the park's landscape design roots. The park often hosts community events, adding to its vibrant atmosphere and making it a hub for both locals and tourists. The park's location next to the Children's Discovery Museum makes it an ideal destination for families looking for a full day of fun and exploration. Beyond the game board itself, Monopoly in the Park offers a chance to appreciate the artful surroundings and enjoy a refreshing escape from the bustling city. Visitors can relax on benches, enjoy a picnic in designated areas, and take in the unique blend of recreation and art. The park's imaginative design and playful installations invite visitors to reconnect with their inner child while appreciating the creativity that surrounds them. Whether you're a die-hard Monopoly fan, a family seeking a fun outing, or a tourist looking for a unique photo opportunity, Monopoly in the Park offers an unforgettable experience. It's a place where the familiar becomes extraordinary, and where the simple joy of a board game is elevated to a larger-than-life adventure. The park's blend of recreation, art, and community spirit makes it a must-see destination in San Jose, offering a playful reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the games we play.