Kelley Park

A Diverse Urban Oasis

Nestled between Story Road and Phelan Avenue near downtown San Jose, Kelley Park sprawls across 172 acres of green space that offers a little something for everyone. Once part of the Lone Oak estate, this public park has been a cherished community space since 1951.

Peaceful water feature surrounded by manicured gardens

Photo: Ed Bierman (CC BY 2.0)

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.

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.

Vintage steam tractor at the History Park

Photo: Don DeBold (CC BY 2.0)

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.

Entrance of Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

Photo: Don DeBold (CC BY 2.0)

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.

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.

Tall trees create natural shade along the park's walking paths

Photo: HarshLight (CC BY 2.0)

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.