Plaza de Cesar Chavez

San Jose


This leafy square in the center of downtown was part of the original plaza of El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, and is the city's oldest public space. It’s named after César Chávez – founder of the United Farm Workers, who lived part of his life in San Jose – and is surrounded by museums, theaters and hotels.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Jose attractions

1. Tech Interactive

0.05 MILES

Opposite Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose's excellent technology museum examines subjects from robotics to space exploration, and genetics to virtual…

2. San Jose Museum of Art

0.12 MILES

With a permanent collection of 20th-century works and imaginative changing exhibits, the city’s central art museum is worth a quick look. The main…

3. Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph

0.15 MILES

At the top of the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, the pueblo’s first church was originally constructed of adobe brick in 1803. It was replaced three times due to…

4. Children’s Discovery Museum

0.38 MILES

This science and creativity museum has hands-on displays incorporating art, technology and the environment, with plenty of toys and cool play-and-learn…

5. MACLA

0.39 MILES

A cutting-edge gallery highlighting themes by both established and emerging Latino artists, MACLA is one of the Bay Area's best community arts spaces,…

6. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

1.83 MILES

West of downtown, this educational Egyptian museum is one of San Jose’s more unusual attractions. Its extensive collection includes statues, household…

7. Rosicrucian Park

1.84 MILES

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is the centerpiece of this peaceful park, west of downtown San Jose. Meditate as you stroll the walking labyrinth and…

8. History Park

1.95 MILES

Historical buildings from all over San Jose have been brought together in this open-air history museum. The centerpiece is a scaled-down replica of the…