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Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site

Discover San Jose's origins at the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House, where Spanish adobe charm meets Victorian elegance in the heart of downtown.

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Step back in time at the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site in San Jose, California. Explore the city's oldest building, the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe, dating back to 1797, and the opulent Fallon House, a Victorian mansion built in 1855. Experience life in early San Jose through guided tours of these meticulously restored homes.

A brief summary to Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site

Local tips

  • Tours are only available on Saturdays and Sundays at noon and 2 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Combine your visit with a meal or drinks at the adjacent San Pedro Square Market for a lively atmosphere and diverse dining options.
  • Take advantage of validated parking offered by some San Pedro Square Market businesses to save on parking costs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, walk north on S Market St towards W San Carlos St. Turn left onto W San Carlos St, then turn right onto N San Pedro St. Continue onto N San Pedro St until you reach W St John St. The Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site will be on your left, adjacent to San Pedro Square Market. This is a straightforward walk of approximately 10-15 minutes. Street parking in this area can be limited, especially during peak hours.

  • Public Transport

    From Diridon Station, take the VTA Light Rail (Green Line) towards Civic Center. Exit at the Santa Clara Station. From the station, walk north on N Market St, then turn left onto W St John St. The Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site will be on your right, adjacent to San Pedro Square Market. The light rail fare is approximately $2.50 for a single ride. Alternatively, several VTA bus lines serve the area around San Pedro Square Market. Check the VTA website or app for specific routes and schedules. A single bus fare is also around $2.50.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 175 W St John St, San Jose, CA 95110. Parking is available in the Market & San Pedro Square Parking Garage (45 N San Pedro St, San José, CA 95113). Parking is free for the first 90 minutes, after that it's $1 per 15 minutes—max $25 weekdays & $10 evenings/weekends. Street parking is also available, but can be limited and metered. Metered street parking typically costs $2 per hour. Some restaurants in San Pedro Square Market offer validated parking.

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Discover more about Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site

The Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site offers a captivating journey into San Jose's past. Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, adjacent to the vibrant San Pedro Square Market, the site comprises two significant historical landmarks: the Gonzales-Peralta Adobe and the Fallon House. The Gonzales-Peralta Adobe, constructed in 1797, stands as the oldest surviving structure from El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, the first municipal Spanish settlement in California. Built by José Manuel Gonzeles, an Apache Indian and one of the founders of San Jose, the adobe provides a glimpse into life during the Spanish and Mexican periods. Visitors can explore the two rooms furnished to reflect the era and see the horno, an outside working oven. Across the street, the Fallon House offers a striking contrast. Built in 1855 by Thomas Fallon, one of San Jose's earliest mayors, this exquisite Victorian mansion showcases fifteen fully furnished rooms typical of the Victorian period. Visitors can learn about Thomas Fallon, a frontiersman, and his wife Carmela, daughter of a prominent Mexican landowner. The site offers guided tours that provide insights into the lives of the Gonzales, Peralta, and Fallon families and the transformation of San Jose from a small pueblo to California's first state capital. The 90-minute tour covers both houses and includes a video detailing their construction and history. The Gonzales-Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site is a place where history comes alive, inviting us to connect with the past and appreciate the rich tapestry of human experience.

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