Best Scenic Spot San Jose Near Me

4worldlovers:
The Grand Staircase offers a steep climb toward a panoramic view and is commonly known as “The Steps” or “The Stairs.” The staircase leads to the top of Communications Hill, named for the 114-foot decommissioned microwave tower at its peak.


Architect Daniel Solomon designed the stairs utilizing inspiration from the better known Telegraph Hill, which leads visitors up 400 steps to San Francisco’s Coit Tower. The Grand Staircase is actually two staircases with a walking trail between them.


On any given morning, it’s not uncommon to find people exercising along the stairs. After sunset, the area transforms into a popular hangout destination for the younger crowd. At night, the stairs offer unparalleled views of the city lights shining in front of the dark expanse of the Santa Cruz Mountains.


The area is popular for prom and wedding pictures. Visitors also flock to the hill for the best view of July 4th and New Year’s Eve firework shows. During the spring, a massive herd of sheep inhabit the hill to consume the dry brush in preparation for fire season each year.

4worldlovers:
Overfelt Gardens, which opened in 1966, is a 33-acre park built around three percolation ponds and is designated for passive use. Waterfowl and other aquatic wildlife may be observed throughout the year. Overfelt Gardens is located at 368 Educational Park Drive, near McKee Road and Educational Park Drive. From Interstate 680, exit McKee Road (west). From Highway 101, exit McKee Road (east).

This location both reservable and non-reservable picnic areas. Non-reservable picnic areas are occupied at a first-come, first-serve basis.

Reservation permit holders must arrive at the reservation site on the date reserved prior to 10:00 a.m. and remain at the site with a copy of the approved picnic application. The site will be opened to the public for general use at 10:00 a.m. if the reservation holder is not present. An adult representative from the group must be present at all times.

Visit the picnic areas' individual pages to view its amenities and fees:

Offered by request with Park staff and volunteers. For more information contact the Park Ranger Office.

View the wide variety of exotic and native trees and shrubs, a fragrance garden for the visually impaired, a rose circle and iris bed for your enjoyment.

This wedding site is complemented by a canopy of palms and a carpet of lush grass. Chairs are allowed to be placed in the area. Please check with staff for chairs rental service.

Parking: There is limited parking on McKee Road. There is free parking in the lot located on Educational Park Drive.

Restroom: Located centrally in the park next to Brookside picnic area.

Telephone: There are no telephones in the Garden. Public phones are located at the public library on Educational Park Drive and near the Kwikee Mart store on McKee Road/El Rancho Verde.

Photo permits are required for all commercial photo shoots. This includes professional wedding photographers.

Party/Costume characters are not allowed to collect money on City property.