Kelley Park
Interactive Park Map
About Kelley Park
A Diverse Urban Oasis
Once part of the Lone Oak estate, Kelley Park has been a cherished community space in San Jose since 1951. Sprawling across 172 acres between Story Road and Phelan Avenue near downtown, this green space offers a little something for everyone.
Notable Attractions
Kelley Park houses several distinct areas within its grounds. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and History Park all call this place home, offering various recreational and educational experiences.
Planning an event? Make a reservation at this park
History Park might be our favorite spot within Kelley Park. It's like stepping into a time machine that takes you to a small American town from the early 1900s. With 32 original and reproduced historic buildings, you can wander through San Jose's past on paved streets while vintage trolleys rumble by. The volunteers there are knowledgeable and ready to share stories about the exhibits. If you're even remotely interested in history, you can find yourself losing track of time here.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Need a moment of zen? The Japanese Friendship Garden offers exactly that. Designed to mirror Okayama, Japan's Korakuen Garden, it's a pocket of tranquility within the busy park.
Right now, only one of the ponds has water and those colorful koi fish swimming about, as the others are getting some TLC. Even with the ongoing maintenance, there's something incredibly calming about crossing the small bridges and following the winding paths through the traditional Japanese landscaping. It's an ideal spot to take a deep breath and reset.
Disc Golf Course
For the active types, Kelley Park boasts a 21-hole disc golf course that's gained quite a following. No matter if you're just learning to throw or you're practically pro level, the multiple tee pads and basket positions at each hole make it accessible for everyone. The course meanders through shaded areas, which is a blessing during those warm California days.
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The best part? It's completely free to play, making it a great option if you're looking for budget-friendly outdoor fun. Local disc golf enthusiasts keep the course in great shape through their volunteer efforts.
Amenities and Activities
The park offers numerous picnic areas with BBQ grills. Some you can reserve ahead of time, while others are up for grabs on a first-come basis. The mature trees across the park provide plenty of natural shade, making even summer picnics comfortable.
You'll come across clean restrooms throughout the grounds and well-maintained paved paths that are fantastic for a leisurely stroll. Open grassy areas invite impromptu games of frisbee or simply lounging with a good book.
Parking will cost you ($6-10 typically), but you might get lucky with street parking nearby if you're willing to look.
During the year, Kelley Park transforms for various events and festivals - from cultural celebrations to food festivals and holiday light displays. With its mix of attractions and abundant green spaces, the park is a well-visited outdoor spot in San Jose.
All Features & Facilities
Active Recreation
Nature & Wildlife
Water Features & Activities
Visitor Services
Food & Gathering
Upcoming Events
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Photo Gallery (tap to enlarge)
This red-painted bridge provides color contrast against the greenery
The colorful Crooked House nestled among the trees
Historic buildings at History Park showcase San Jose's architectural heritage
The tranquil pond with decorative rocks and manicured trees in the Japanese Friendship Garden
A beautifully restored pink Victorian building with ornate trim details
A replica of San Jose's Electric Light Tower rises against the blue sky
Visitors enjoy the popular goat petting area at Happy Hollow
A wooden footbridge arches through lush greenery in the garden
Decorative rocks and a stone lantern accent the water feature in the Japanese Friendship Garden
Tall trees create natural shade along the park's walking paths
Rocky formations add natural texture to the Japanese garden landscape
A peaceful water feature surrounded by manicured gardens
A preserved locomotive on display showcases transportation history
A vintage steam tractor at History Park
This quiet area in the park provides shade
An antique fire wagon painted bright red stands on display
This charming white Victorian house preserves early California architectural style
A historic home with a wooden picket fence and flowering garden
A peaceful area with shade trees and a barn
A large bridge connects the parking lot to the Happy Hollow Park entrance
The entrance of Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Tall trees and landscaped grounds make up this peaceful scenery
The miniature train track surrounded by trees
The park has several wooded sections
Weeping willows and other types of trees stand by the pond
The garden behind a wooden fence
A stone lantern sits beside calm water
Notable Sights (14)
Points of interest, landmarks, and things to see in this park
Monument (1)
A representation of San Jose's original 237-foot Electric Light Tower, erected in 1881 to illuminate downtown streets, an idea of editor J.J. Owen.
Buildings (13)
A historic post office building established in 1862, relocated to the museum in 1974 after serving Santa Clara County for over a century.
A livery stable built in 1888 by Frederick Tennant and William Connell, a satellite of the Lick Livery and Hack Company.
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Top Restaurants Near Kelley Park
Bún Bò Huế An Nam
740 Story Rd #3, San Jose, CA 95122
Authentic Vietnamese eatery specializing in flavorful bún bò Huế and pho in a casual setting.
Fast Fresh Pizza
1130 Lucretia Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
Strip-mall pizzeria featuring daily rolled pies with farm-to-table toppings and housemade sauce.
Phở Tau Bay
454 Keyes St, San Jose, CA 95112
Vietnamese restaurant serving flavorful pho with generous meat portions and specialty items like fried egg rolls.
Long Men Bay Hotpot 龍門灣
979 Story Rd Unit 7030, San Jose, CA 95122
Authentic Chinese hot pot restaurant featuring bold, flavorful broths and an extensive sauce station with complimentary sides.
Dynasty Chinese Cuisine
1001 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
Traditional Chinese restaurant specializing in authentic dim sum served from rolling carts in a spacious setting.
Ba Na
2268 Senter Rd STE 150, San Jose, CA 95112
Upscale Vietnamese restaurant offering authentic cuisine in an elegant dining atmosphere with bar service.
