Maybe you’ve grown tired of trips to the Tech Museum and have already window shopped at all of the region’s malls. What’s left to do as an 18-year-old in San Jose?
While you can’t yet sit down for a margarita at Dr. Funk, there’s definitely a lot you can do. We’ve gathered 10 activities that don’t require a 21+ ID — and are actually fun.
Wake up early + watch the sunrise
Grab some blankets, put coffee in your thermos, and head up to one of San Jose’s many viewpoints. The highest point is Mount Hamilton, but if you’re not down for that drive, we recommend Sierra Vista Point or Canyon Creek Park.
Get your brunch on in Campbell
What’s better than a picture-perfect brunch date? Orchard City Kitchen at The Pruneyard has great Asian American fusion dishes with a beautiful patio. Mo’s in downtown Campbell has an eclectic brunch menu, and when you’re finished — there’s a fun bookstore across the way that you can spend hours in.
The SoFA District has endless entertainment for all ages.
Photo via @sjplantswap
Plan a SoFA day
Experience all the charm + character of downtown San Jose in this entertainment district. Fuel up at Nirvana Soul, sweat it out at Studio Climbing, create your own pottery piece at Higher Fire, and browse local art at the area’s many galleries. Hungry after all of that? There are plenty of options at SoFA Market.
Play around at San Pedro Social
Grab a group of friends and go downtown for karaoke, bowling, free arcade games, and delicious pizza — all under one roof. There is also an outdoor patio where you can play cornhole and non-alcoholic beer pong (just ask). Take advantage of SPS’s happy hour deals on appetizers to share from 3-6 p.m. every day.
Go thrifting
There are so many thrift store gems to be uncovered in the great 408. Spend the whole day shopping on a budget at the region’s Goodwills, Savers, and HopeTHRIFT, or check out even more unique finds at these local thrift spots.
Have a ball at a Quakes game.
Photo via Zita Mezei
Catch a local sports game
Challenge yourself to attend each of our professional sports teams’ games at least once. See the San Jose Giants turn into the San Jose Churros, and watch the SAP turn into an indoor football field for the Bay Area Panthers. Don’t forget to visit PayPal Park for the Quakes, and stick around to see the Sharks + Barracuda in action in the fall.
Find local thrills
Frilly brunches aren’t your thing? No problem. Get target practice at AxeVentures or Axe-Men, throw glass bottles and swing hammers at Smash City Rage Room, or go paintballing. All activities are under $100 and cost even less when you split them with your best buds.
Party at Dave & Buster’s
Did you know that Dave & Buster’s offers half-price Wednesdays? You know what they also offer on Wednesdays? Party vibes. Grab a fun mocktail before playing games in a fun atmosphere where a DJ keeps the mood lively until 1 a.m. Entry becomes 21+ after 9 p.m., but if you enter before then, you’re welcome to stay.
Check out the weekly markets
Where do we even start? Almost every weekend, you can find yourself at San Jose’s various pop-up events, farmers markets, or vintage fairs. Check out Pop-Up San Jose at the Garden at the Flea and the Japantown Night Market every Thursday, or follow the Culture Night Market for its next events.
Dance the night away
Almost all of the events at the San Jose Civic are open to all ages, but if you want a taste of the nightclub energy — check out the events schedule for EDM, pop, and R&B shows that are 18+. Many of your favorite DJs visit the Civic, so follow along for announcements.
Have any other suggestions for fun under 21? Send them our way.
