Arguably one of the best hidden gems in town is The Alameda.
This historic district has a 200-year history, yet still remains a lively atmosphere with artistic corridors, street festivals, longtime establishments, and of course, the SAP Center. Discover why so many residents call this part of the great 408 “home.”
This horse-drawn carriage is seen riding through West Santa Clara Street.
Photo via History San José
Its early days...
The Alameda, located west of downtown San Jose, was once the road of all roads.
Its name derives from the Spanish translation for “tree-lined street,” which is what it served as for pueblo residents traveling to Mission Santa Clara in the late 1700s.
It then became the street for the West Coast’s first horsecar railroad — which made its inaugural 45-minute journey via The Alameda to Santa Clara in 1868.
As years passed and carriages turned to trolleys, and trolleys to buses, The Alameda welcomed more + more residents who populated the area with Victorian mansions, large gardens, and bustling businesses — some of which, still remain there today.
Crema Coffee sits along Race Street.
Photo by Jessica Te
Eat + drink
In this district, you’ll find many small, family-owned establishments — like Greenlee’s Bakery — with offerings unlike anywhere else in town.
- Soak in The Alameda on Crema Coffee’s outdoor patio or head to Hannah Coffee for a quick fuel-up and pastry.
- Grab some farm-to-table Mexican fare at Luna Mexican Kitchen , or Thai dishes at Tee Nee Thai , voted Best Thai Cuisine from Metro Silicon Valley last year.
- Where are the drinks at? Floodcraft Brewing Co. atop Whole Foods Market boasts a great view of the district, and look no further for wine and tapas from Hop & Vine .
Step into the creative corner that is Art Boutiki.
Photo via @artboutiki
Explore
This is the place to flex your creative muscles. In fact, The Alameda is known as the neighborhood “where history meets art.”
- Try your hand at a watercolor, screen printing, or welding workshop at the School of Visual Philosophy , or browse the galleries at The Alameda ArtWorks + Visual Philosophy Studio .
- Join in on the Preservation Action Council of San Jose’s walking tour on Saturday, Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and learn about The Alameda’s history — tickets are $15.
- Attend free Drink N’ Draw events at Art Boutiki , or bingo, movie nights, and writing workshops at the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center .
- Get active at The Alameda’s several barre, yoga, and spin class studios.
Live in The Alameda
Does this sound like the place you’d thrive in? If you’re sold, here are some housing options available in the area:
- Hanover Diridon luxury apartments | Studio-2 BD units | Pool, 24-hour fitness center, and pet spa
- Historic 1925 house | 3 BD, 2 BA | $1,299,000 | Finished basement with wine storage and office space
- Two-story, single family house | 4 BD, 4 BA | $2,465,000 | Renovated kitchen and bathrooms, large backyard
Which neighborhood should we explore next time? Let us know .