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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi
Map Pin
100 N Almaden Ave #176, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Peralta Adobe & Fallon House and San Pedro Square
We’re starting our tour here at the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Historic Site, on your left. This is the oldest surviving structure in San José, built in 1797 by José Manuel Gonzales, one of the original settlers of the pueblo. Later it was owned by Luís María Peralta, a prominent Californio ranchero, and it stands as a rare reminder of the Spanish and Mexican era in California.

Right next to it is the Fallon House, built in the 1850s by Thomas Fallon, a San José mayor who played a role in California’s shift from Mexican to American control. Together, these two buildings tell the story of San José’s beginnings — from a small adobe pueblo to an American city.

Now look to your right — that’s San Pedro Square Market. Today, it’s one of the most popular hangouts in downtown San José, filled with restaurants, cafés, and live music. It’s a lively gathering place where you’ll find both locals and visitors enjoying food, drinks, and nightlife.

So here, in just one block, you’re seeing both the deep history of San José’s roots and the vibrant modern city it has become. And with that, let’s get this tour underway!
Place #2
Distance: 0.23mi
Map Pin
90 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Saint James Park
On your left is Saint James Park, one of the most historic green spaces in San José. It was laid out back in the 1860s as part of the city’s plan to create a grand public square, modeled after the urban parks of the East Coast.

In its early years, Saint James Park was surrounded by important civic buildings, including the old post office and the historic courthouse, giving it the feel of a true downtown centerpiece. It became a gathering place for community events, political speeches, and celebrations.

But the park also holds some somber history. In 1933, it was the site of a public lynching — the last in California — when a mob stormed the county jail and executed two men accused of kidnapping. A memorial now stands in the park to remember that tragic chapter.

Today, Saint James Park continues to serve as a community space, hosting concerts, festivals, and public events. The city is currently working on plans to revitalize the park, restoring its historic role as the cultural heart of downtown San José.

So while it may look like just another urban park, Saint James Park has witnessed more than 150 years of the city’s history — both the highs and the lows.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Peralta Adobe & Fallon House and San Pedro Square
Map Pin Place 2 Saint James Park
Map Pin Place 3 San José City Hall & Mayor’s Office
Map Pin Place 4 San José State University
Map Pin Place 5 Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph & San José Museum of Art
Map Pin Place 6 Plaza de Cesar Chavez & The Tech Interactive
Map Pin Place 7 Children’s Discovery Museum
Map Pin Place 8 Guadalupe River Park
Map Pin Place 9 SAP Center at San José
Map Pin Place 10 Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Map Pin Place 11 San José Municipal Rose Garden
Map Pin Place 12 Santana Row
Map Pin Place 13 Winchester Mystery House
Map Pin Place 14 Fun Facts About San José
Map Pin Place 15 Sharks Ice Arena and Kelley Park
Map Pin Place 16 Kelley Park (Parking)



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 16 stops, covering top attractions such as Peralta Adobe & Fallon House and San Pedro Square, Saint James Park, San José City Hall & Mayor’s Office, San José State University, Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph & San José Museum of Art.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Peralta Adobe & Fallon House and San Pedro Square (Address: 100 N Almaden Ave #176, San Jose, CA 95110, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!