Kelley Park
A sprawling San Jose park featuring a historic village, a serene Japanese garden, and a family zoo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Kelley Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling San Jose park featuring a historic village, a serene Japanese garden, and a family zoo.
"Impeccably clean, very safe, and beautifully maintained grounds make this a highly recommended spot."
Free Park Entry
Main park grounds are free! Parking near Japanese Garden costs $6. :ticket:
Ranger Patrols
Park rangers patrol regularly, enhancing safety for visitors. :shield:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Japanese Friendship Garden
Kelley Park
A serene oasis inspired by Japanese design, featuring ponds, koi, and seasonal foliage.
History Park San Jose
Kelley Park
Step back in time exploring historic buildings and learning about local California history.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Kelley Park
A charming small zoo and amusement park with classic rides and play areas for families.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Garden Restoration Status
Happy Hollow Zoo Updates
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Park Entry
Main park grounds are free! Parking near Japanese Garden costs $6. :ticket:
Ranger Patrols
Park rangers patrol regularly, enhancing safety for visitors. :shield:
Picnic Paradise
Plenty of shaded spots under massive trees for a perfect picnic. :sandwich:
Vintage Car Shows
Check for car meetups, especially VW shows, often held here.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Park Entry
Main park grounds are free! Parking near Japanese Garden costs $6. :ticket:
Ranger Patrols
Park rangers patrol regularly, enhancing safety for visitors. :shield:
Picnic Paradise
Plenty of shaded spots under massive trees for a perfect picnic. :sandwich:
Vintage Car Shows
Check for car meetups, especially VW shows, often held here.
Stroll & Meditate
Even with garden damage, it's a pleasant place for a peaceful walk. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kelley Park is a beloved community space offering diverse attractions from a historic park to a Japanese garden and a family-friendly zoo. Visitors appreciate the free entry to the main park, ample shaded picnic spots, and the presence of park rangers ensuring safety. However, some areas, particularly the Japanese Friendship Garden, are still recovering from past damage, and Happy Hollow has seen some operational changes.
"As a nearby resident, I finally visited this park today and wondered why I hadn’t come sooner. The grounds are impeccably clean, very safe, and beautifully maintained. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and admission to both the main park and the Japanese garden is free. Although I was initially hesitant because of concerns about safety but rangers patrol the entire area to ensure everyone’s safety—and I didn’t encounter a single issue. I highly recommend this spot for a lovely walk or a family picnic."
Ruchita Uttarwar
"Childhood memory for my kiddos wish all the rides where available but with short staff only a couple where available most animals have died so kids didn't get to see the main animals, looked super sad all the animals nothing felt alive like before 😔 the last time we here here was 8 years ago. Children still had fun we had our picnic but wish the wild life was updated and remodeled."
Erica Carriedo
"As of June 2025, the structure and vestiges of landscaping are still there, making it a pleasant park to meditate or take a stroll in. But if you’re looking for the exquisite beauty of a meticulously kept Japanese garden, it’s not here anymore. Word has it that Koi fish thieves and a flood did a lot of damage and sufficient funds haven’t been acquired to restore it."
Benjamin Beasley (Calicoder)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kelley Park is located at 748 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95112. It's accessible by car, with parking available. Public transport options might involve bus routes that stop nearby, but driving is generally the most convenient.
Yes, there is parking available. The small parking lot in front of the park is free, while the rear parking lot next to the Japanese Friendship Gardens costs $6.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach Kelley Park, especially if you're coming from other parts of San Jose or nearby cities.
While direct public transport to the park's core might be limited, several bus lines serve the Story Road area. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and stops.
Kelley Park is quite expansive. Walking is the best way to explore its various sections like the Japanese Friendship Garden and History Park. For a short ride, you can sometimes take a free tram through parts of the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main grounds of Kelley Park are free to enter. However, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has its own admission fees, and parking near the Japanese Friendship Gardens may incur a charge.
Park hours can vary, but generally, Kelley Park is open from morning until dusk. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has specific operating hours, typically from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's best to check their official website for the most current information.
Admission to the Japanese Friendship Garden itself is generally free, though it's worth noting its current state of restoration after flood damage. +1
Yes, Kelley Park hosts various special events throughout the year, such as car shows and community gatherings, which may have separate admission fees or require tickets. 
Yes, dogs on leashes are welcome in most areas of Kelley Park, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Kelley Park is home to several key attractions, including the Japanese Friendship Garden, History Park San Jose, and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. It also features picnic areas and open lawns. +2
The Japanese Friendship Garden is still undergoing restoration after significant flood damage in 2017. While it remains a pleasant place for a stroll, it may not be as meticulously maintained as it once was. +1
Happy Hollow offers a small zoo with various animals, classic amusement rides like a carousel and swings, and expansive playgrounds, including the Crooked House and Redwood Lookout. +1
History Park is a popular attraction within Kelley Park, allowing visitors to step back in time by exploring historic buildings and learning about local California history. It's often described as a step back in time.
Absolutely! Kelley Park boasts numerous shaded areas under large trees, making it an ideal location for family picnics and gatherings, even on hot days.
📸 📸 Photography
The Japanese Friendship Garden offers picturesque scenes with its ponds, bridges, and seasonal foliage, especially during cherry blossom season. History Park's vintage buildings also provide unique photographic opportunities. +1
Yes, Kelley Park frequently hosts car shows, particularly for vintage Volkswagen enthusiasts, making it a great spot for car photography.
Happy Hollow is great for candid shots of children enjoying rides and interacting with animals. The colorful attractions and playful atmosphere provide many photo opportunities. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial photography or filming, it's advisable to check with park management for any specific permits or guidelines.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Weekdays are also less crowded, allowing for more unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond Happy Hollow, the main park grounds are great for picnics with plenty of shaded areas. History Park offers a gentle introduction to local history, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, despite its restoration status, can still be a peaceful place for a family stroll. Park rangers patrol regularly, adding a layer of security for peace of mind.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
+3Events like the Kelley Park VW Show & Shine are popular, showcasing beautifully restored Beetles, Buses, and other air-cooled classics. If you're passionate about vintage cars, keeping an eye on local event listings for Kelley Park can lead to exciting opportunities to see incredible vehicles and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
+1🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
History Park, while educational, can also be explored at your own pace, offering a quiet journey through San Jose's past. Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and maximizing the sense of peace and quiet.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Japanese Friendship Garden
However, it's important to note that the garden suffered significant damage from a flood in 2017 and is still in the process of restoration. While the basic structure and landscaping remain, it may not possess the exquisite, meticulously kept beauty it once did. Despite this, the garden still offers a peaceful environment for meditation and leisurely strolls, with park rangers ensuring a safe atmosphere.
During spring, the garden can be particularly beautiful with blooming cherry blossoms, attracting visitors seeking a serene escape. The presence of koi fish gliding through the calm waters adds to the tranquil ambiance.
A Step Back in Time at History Park
Visitors can walk through these preserved structures, gaining insight into the lives of early residents, businesses, and community life. The park often hosts special events, reenactments, and educational programs that bring history to life. It's a place where you can literally take a step back in time and explore the architectural heritage of the region.
Within History Park, you can also find the San Jose Train/Tram Museum, where you can take a short ride through the park for free and see small San Jose items on display inside the old hotel. This adds an interactive element to the historical exploration, making it engaging for all ages.
Family Fun at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
The zoo features a range of animals, from meerkats and turtles to goats and peccaries, offering children a chance to see and learn about different species. The amusement park section includes beloved rides such as a carousel, swings, and a small roller coaster, providing classic fun for the little ones.
Beyond the rides and animals, Happy Hollow boasts expansive play areas like the Crooked House and the Redwood Lookout playground, designed to spark imagination and encourage active play. While some visitors have noted recent changes in animal availability and ride operations, the park continues to be a place where children can create happy memories.
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