Circle of Palms Plaza
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historic Significance
The Circle of Palms Plaza marks the site of California's first state capitol building, which stood there from 1849 to 1851 when San Jose briefly served as the state capital. This historical significance is commemorated by California Historical Marker 461 located at the site.
The concrete surrounding the state seal contains quotes from the 1849 state constitutional convention in Monterey, where San Jose was chosen as the capital. These historical inscriptions provide context for the plaza's importance in early California history.
Design and Layout
The plaza is composed of a ring of palm trees encircling a California State Seal embedded in the pavement. This circular arrangement of palms gives the plaza its name.
The plaza sits between several notable buildings, including the San Jose Museum of Art, the Fairmont San Jose Hotel, and the Silicon Valley Financial Center.
Seasonal Attractions
In the winter months, the San Jose Downtown Association sets up an outdoor ice skating rink called San Jose Downtown Ice in the plaza. This seasonal attraction transforms the space into a popular winter recreation spot for locals and visitors.
