Plaza de Cesar Chavez: San Jose's Historic Heart
Discover Northern California's oldest public space in the heart of San Jose, a vibrant plaza surrounded by museums, theaters, and historical landmarks.
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, dating back to 1797, is the oldest public space in Northern California. Originally the plaza mayor of the Spanish Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, it was rededicated in 1993 to honor civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Today, it's a vibrant center in Downtown San Jose, hosting events and surrounded by landmarks.
A brief summary to Plaza de Cesar Chavez
- 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, Central San Jose, California, 95113, US
- +1408-535-3570
- 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
- Check the event calendar before your visit, as the plaza hosts frequent events that may affect access or parking.
- Download the ParkSJ app for convenient parking payment at nearby garages.
- Keep belongings close during crowded events.
- Visit during the summer for weekly concerts or winter for the annual Christmas in the Park event.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Plaza de Cesar Chavez is accessible via VTA Light Rail and bus. Several bus lines serve the downtown area with stops nearby. The VTA light rail stops a couple of blocks away at the Convention Center station. From San Jose Diridon Station, take the VTA light rail (Green or Blue Line). A single ride costs $2.50, and a day pass is $7.50. Payment can be made with cash (exact change) or a Clipper Card. A Clipper card provides 2 hours of free transfers.
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Walking
The Plaza is located on Market Street between San Carlos and San Fernando streets. It is in front of the Signia by Hilton (formerly San Jose Fairmont) hotel and adjacent to the San Jose Museum of Art and The Tech Interactive museum. From the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, walk north on Market Street for approximately 2 blocks. The Plaza will be on your left.
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Driving
If driving, there is no on-site parking at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. However, there are several parking garages in the surrounding area. Street parking is also available. Parking costs vary, with garage rates typically ranging from $8 to $30. The Convention Center Garage is a cheaper option. Download the ParkSJ app for parking payments. Closest parking is located at 194 South Market Street.
Discover more about Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
San Jose Downtown Historic District
0.5 km
Explore the San Jose Downtown Historic District: A captivating blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy in California's heart.
Birthplace of A.P. Giannini - San Jose History Walk #12 Marker
0.6 km
Explore the historical birthplace of A.P. Giannini in San Jose, where banking history began and innovation thrived.
St. James Park - San Jose History Walk Marker #23
0.6 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
0.6 km
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual serenity of Trinity Cathedral, a must-visit Episcopal church in the heart of San Jose.
Luis María Peralta Adobe
0.6 km
Discover the rich history of San Jose at the Luis María Peralta Adobe, the city's oldest building and a true architectural gem.
Historic Tower Hall
0.6 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.
Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site
0.7 km
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Monument to the Founders of San Jose
0.7 km
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San Jose City Hall
0.7 km
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César Chávez Monument
0.8 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.
El Pueblo De San José De Guadalupe Historic Site
2.3 km
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Roberto Adobe & Sunol House
2.4 km
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Ashworth-Remillard House
2.6 km
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Hill House
3.1 km
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History Park (operated by History San Jose)
3.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
IMAX Dome Theater
0.1 km
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The Tech Interactive
0.1 km
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BioDesign Studio
0.1 km
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San Jose Museum of Art
0.1 km
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Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
0.2 km
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The Caravan Lounge
0.2 km
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Divine Wine Merchant & Winery Tasting Room
0.3 km
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stage entrance | California Theatre
0.3 km
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Opera San Jose
0.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Crepes Bistro
4.4 km
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Round Table Pizza
4.4 km
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The Hut
4.9 km
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Habitant
5.0 km
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The Cheesecake Factory
5.2 km
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Hungry Hound
5.2 km
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Fiorillo's Restaurant and Banquet Facilities
5.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Fiorillo's Restaurant in Santa Clara – where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
Yuki Sushi Santa Clara
5.4 km
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Mio Vicino
5.5 km
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White Elephant Thai Cuisine
5.5 km
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Euro Grill
5.6 km
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Homeroom
5.7 km
Experience the heartwarming flavors of traditional American cuisine at Homeroom in Campbell, California – where comfort meets quality.
Local Kitchens
5.7 km
Experience diverse cuisines at Local Kitchens in Campbell – where every dish tells a story!
The Melt at Local Kitchens
5.7 km
Discover gourmet burgers in Campbell at The Melt—where every bite bursts with flavor in a vibrant setting.
Sara's Kitchen
5.7 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Petite Galleria
1.9 km
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Moon Zooom
3.0 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
4.8 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
4.8 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.
Game Kastle (Santa Clara)
4.9 km
Explore Game Kastle in Santa Clara, a bustling game store and community hub for board games, trading cards, and miniatures enthusiasts.
Cartier
5.0 km
Discover the elegance of Cartier in Santa Clara, where exquisite jewelry and luxury fashion accessories await every discerning shopper.
Bloomingdale's
5.0 km
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Free People
5.0 km
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Christian Louboutin Santa Clara
5.0 km
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Westfield Valley Fair
5.0 km
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Montblanc
5.0 km
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DIOR Santa Clara Valley Fair
5.0 km
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Tiffany & Co.
5.0 km
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The North Face Westfield Valley Fair Mall
5.1 km
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Lush Cosmetics Valley Fair
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Normandy House
4.4 km
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Koja Bar
4.9 km
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Lobby Lounge
5.2 km
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Taplands
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Rocco's Ballpark
5.4 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
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The Sportsmen's Lounge
6.5 km
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Aces Icehouse
6.5 km
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Khartoum Lounge
7.1 km
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Court's Lounge
7.1 km
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Cardiff & Cocktails
7.1 km
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EMA Karaoke & Bar
7.4 km
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Coach's Sports Bar & Grill
7.7 km
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