If you’re looking to make a day out of your trip to our newest night market at San Jose’s Gordon Biersch brewery, check out some of our favorite activities, shops, and bars around the city.
Japantown
San Jose’s Japantown is a short distance from the Gordon Biersch night market. Aside from the area’s popular dining scene, the neighborhood has a collection of stores that offer locally made art, pet products and pop culture collectibles. Empire Seven Studios and Moment Japantown are two different stores highlighting products made by local artists. They’re one stop shops for everything from plushies to stickers to paintings. They also have additional locations near SJSU on Paseo Padre and in the parking structure at San Pedro Square Market. If you’re looking to pamper your pet, stop by Biscuits, a pet boutique offering organic treats, accessories, and toys. Don’t miss out on the Japanese dishware and handmade goods at Nikkei Traditions. Browse their selection of clothes, trinkets, and whetstones. For fans of cartoons, anime, and pop culture, Zonkey is an essential stop. You can easily find the store from the outside thanks to the large mural featuring Godzilla, King Kong, and Voltron. Inside you’ll find art, unique pins, and collectible figures.
The Alameda
The Alameda is a San Jose street near downtown that’s a short drive away from several attractions for anyone looking for a laid back day. First, stop by the Recycle Bookstore and navigate the maze of previously loved novels, comic books, and cookbooks. If you’re lucky you might spot one of the store’s cats lounging between the shelves. Then, head over to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Admittedly, the museum is quite small, but it’s packed with artifacts and mummies. The museum is surrounded by a lush garden adorned with statues, fountains, and a koi pond. End the day by walking over to the Municipal Rose Garden and stretch out on the lawn between the flowers with your new book in hand.
Activities
If you’re looking to work up an appetite before stopping by the Gordon Biersch night market, consider axe throwing, ice skating, bowling, or smashing old TVs. Topgolf’s driving range has the same appeal as minigolf, as in it appeals to those of us that aren’t skilled golfers, but it has the thrill of launching the ball from high up into a hole far away. The vibe is especially nice at night when the holes light up different colors. San Jose also has several bowling alleys and most of them conveniently have a bar built-in. Don’t wait until the lake freezes over to go ice skating, you can skate any time of year at Sharks Ice. If you would rather throw a blade than skate on one, check out AxeVentures where you can test your axe throwing skills. For a more unique form of exercise, sign up for a session of demolition at Smash City or Break Stuff.
Parks
San Jose is also home to many beautiful parks that offer unique experiences. In Kelley Park, take a stroll in the Japanese garden, watch the animals at Happy Hollow Zoo, play disc golf, explore a preserved historic neighborhood, and much more. Near the Children’s Discovery Museum, find a 930 square foot playable Monopoly board (pieces must be rented separately). For chicken watching, visit Emma Prusch Farm Park. At Hellyer County Park, choose between cycling around the Olympic-size velodrome, fishing at Cottonwood Lake, or a relaxing walk down Coyote Creek.
Whether you choose to take it easy or chase thrills, there’s no wrong way to spend your day in San Jose. We got the food and drink covered at Gordon Biersch night market.
