Overfelt Gardens - people walking on green grass field during daytime
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Overfelt Gardens

4.2
·340 reviews·San Jose, United States

A free, tranquil park featuring a beautiful Chinese Cultural Garden, serene ponds, and shaded walking paths.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Overfelt Gardens - people walking on green grass field during daytime

Overfelt Gardens

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, tranquil park featuring a beautiful Chinese Cultural Garden, serene ponds, and shaded walking paths.

4.2
(340 reviews)

"Inside walking around the entire park, there are some beauty to it. Truly quite and peaceful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy this beautiful park and its cultural elements without any cost.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

Explore the paved paths and gardens with ease.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chinese Cultural Garden

Chinese Cultural Garden

Main area of the park

Experience a slice of Taiwan in San Jose with traditional structures and peaceful ponds.

TikTokInstagram
Pond with Ducks and Geese

Pond with Ducks and Geese

Throughout the park

Watch the charming waterfowl navigate the serene ponds, a favorite for many visitors.

Reddit
Shady Walking Paths

Shady Walking Paths

Park-wide

Enjoy flat, shaded trails perfect for leisurely walks, suitable for all ages.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Overfelt Gardens offers a peaceful escape with its Chinese Cultural Garden and natural beauty. While free to enter, some visitors note areas could use updates. Plan for a relaxed stroll rather than a high-energy adventure. Reddit

Best Times for a Visit

To avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere, aim for weekdays. Early mornings or late afternoons offer pleasant lighting for photos and a more tranquil experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Fall
Why
Beautiful foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

FREE Fun Things to Do in San Jose! Chinese Cultural Garden - Also known as Overfelt Gardens. - 2145 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116 - Free roadside parking - Open 10am-6pm daily! History Park - Features free museums and tours and a free trolley ride! - Very educational. Perfect for children! - 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112 - Open 9am-4pm Daily, some buildings and museums have their own operating...
@jsblivin
40 likes • 12.5K views

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy this beautiful park and its cultural elements without any cost. TikTok+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

Explore the paved paths and gardens with ease. Reddit

Ay bay area people theres gonna be a kendama sesh at the overfelt cultural gardens in sj from 12-5 tomorrow, all skill levels welcome🤝 #kendama #forest
@erraticsquirrel
182 likes • 2.2K views
Overfelt Gardens 🍁🍁🍁 #fallvibes #fallseason #falloutfits Chợ trời online Bay Area
tranhuetran1983
11 likes • 134 views

📸 Perfect for Photography

Capture stunning shots, especially during golden hour. Instagram+1

🦆 Wildlife Watching

Spot ducks and geese in the park's tranquil ponds. Reddit

📍 Overfelt Gardens, San Jose Exact Address: 2145 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116, United States. 📌Save & Share with your friends. This a 33-acre park in San Jose, donated by Mildred Overfelt in 1959 in memory of her parents. ✨Overfelt Gardens boasts a variety of short pathways, streams, ponds with ducks, and historic structures. ✨Perfect for picnics and young children curious about nature. ✨O...
girl_being_crazy
0 likes • 19.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy this beautiful park and its cultural elements without any cost. TikTok+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

Explore the paved paths and gardens with ease. Reddit

📸 Perfect for Photography

Capture stunning shots, especially during golden hour. Instagram+1

🦆 Wildlife Watching

Spot ducks and geese in the park's tranquil ponds. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Spots Available

Bring a lunch and enjoy a meal amidst the greenery. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.2
(340 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate Overfelt Gardens for its free admission, peaceful atmosphere, and the unique Chinese Cultural Garden. While some note areas could benefit from updates and cleaning, the natural beauty, wildlife, and accessible paths make it a beloved spot for relaxation and gentle exploration. Reddit

"I wish they updated the park by cleaning up all the litter and redoing the structures / trail along with more navtive plants. However, the garden itself is still very enjoyable and lovely. At least the animals are still living here and the parking has a library, which is interesting. Would love to visit again!"

MoonRule

"I really really like this park. Lots of paved, shady paths. I felt very safe there. It was beautiful and there were a lot of birds!"

Dori

"I love that this Overfelt Chinese Garden is a block away from home! Very close by Mckee and Alum Rock Bay Area. Driving pass by looking from the outside, this park may not seem that clean or very nice but inside walking around the entire park, there are some beauty to it. There are working bathroom, Picnic areas, bbq pits, 3 different ponds, lots of ducks and geese, plenty of Greens, Trees, palm trees, lots of shades, few other cultural buildings and other unique Chinese displays here as well. Truly quite and peaceful.I visited this Overfelt Garden on a Friday the 13th of September 2024 and there was lots of warmth and Sunshine!!!!🙃🤍🤡"

Thia Le

What People Like

Free admission
Peaceful atmosphere
Chinese Cultural Garden

What People Dislike

Litter in some areas
Structures need updates

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Overfelt Gardens is located at 2145 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116. Free roadside parking is available. TikTok+1

Yes, there is free roadside parking available at the gardens. TikTok+1

The gardens are conveniently located near McKee Road and Alum Rock Boulevard in San Jose. Reddit

While specific routes can vary, checking local public transit schedules for buses serving the McKee Road area would be advisable. Reddit

The park features flat, paved walking paths that are generally suitable for elderly visitors and children, suggesting good accessibility. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Overfelt Gardens is a free attraction, making it an accessible option for everyone. TikTok+1

The gardens are typically open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, or until sunset. TikTokReddit

As admission is free, no advance booking is required to visit Overfelt Gardens. TikTok

Yes, the gardens have hosted events like Lunar New Year festivals and photography walks. Instagram+1

Information regarding pet policies is not explicitly stated in the provided content, but it's generally recommended to check park rules for specific guidelines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Chinese Cultural Garden structures, ponds with wildlife, and the tree-lined paths offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' provide soft, warm light that enhances the beauty of the gardens. Instagram

While generally permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive photography, especially during events. Instagram

The park has been a popular location for various photoshoots, including cosplay and cultural attire. Instagram+1

The gardens offer a mix of dappled shade from trees and open, sunny areas, providing diverse lighting conditions throughout the day. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy leisurely walks, admire the Chinese Cultural Garden, observe wildlife, have picnics, and relax in a peaceful environment. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, working bathrooms are available within the park. Reddit

The park offers picnic areas and BBQ pits, making it a great spot for outdoor gatherings. InstagramReddit+1

The gardens feature a variety of trees, including palm trees, and offer plenty of greenery. Reddit

With its ponds and natural setting, the park is home to many ducks and geese, making it enjoyable for birdwatching. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Overfelt Gardens is a great, free option for families looking for a relaxed outing. The flat, paved walking paths are easy for little ones to navigate, and the ponds with ducks and geese are always a hit. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas or BBQ pits, making it a budget-friendly and enjoyable day out. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Solo Strollers & Meditators

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Overfelt Gardens offers a tranquil environment perfect for solo walks, reading, or meditation. The shady paths and serene ponds provide a calming backdrop. Reddit Visitors describe it as a 'beautiful park I love to just sit in and meditate.' Reddit It's an ideal spot to unwind and recharge away from the city bustle. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Cosplayers

With its unique Chinese Cultural Garden structures and natural scenery, Overfelt Gardens is a popular spot for photographers and cosplayers. Instagram+1 The park has been featured in numerous photoshoots, from cultural attire to anime-inspired costumes. Instagram+1 Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for the best lighting to capture stunning images. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Chinese Cultural Garden: A Glimpse of Taiwan

Overfelt Gardens is home to a significant Chinese Cultural Garden, a gift from Taiwan that brings a touch of East Asian aesthetics to San Jose. This area features traditional architectural elements, serene ponds, and lush landscaping, creating a peaceful and culturally rich environment. Visitors often remark on how this section transports them, with one user asking, 'Is this in Taiwan or San Jose?' Instagram It's a popular spot for quiet contemplation and appreciating the intricate details of the structures. TikTok

The garden's design emphasizes harmony with nature, incorporating elements like flowing water and carefully placed flora. It's a testament to the friendship between San Jose and its sister city, offering a unique cultural experience within the park. The presence of this garden makes Overfelt Gardens more than just a local park; it's a destination for cultural exploration. Instagram

Nature and Wildlife at Overfelt Gardens

Beyond its cultural attractions, Overfelt Gardens is a haven for local wildlife, particularly its resident ducks and geese that frequent the park's ponds. Reddit The natural setting, with its variety of trees and greenery, provides a habitat that many visitors enjoy observing. The paved, shady paths make it easy to wander through different areas of the park and discover these natural elements. Reddit

While some reviews mention a desire for more native plants and updated structures, the existing natural beauty and the presence of wildlife are consistently highlighted as enjoyable aspects. Reddit The park's ponds, streams, and diverse trees contribute to a tranquil atmosphere, making it a pleasant place for a relaxed stroll or simply to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Instagram+1

Community Events and Activities

Overfelt Gardens serves as a venue for various community events, fostering a sense of local engagement. The park has hosted photography walks, encouraging visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty through a new lens. Instagram These events often highlight the park's aesthetic appeal and provide opportunities for residents to connect with nature and each other. Instagram

Cultural celebrations, such as Lunar New Year festivals, have also taken place at the gardens, showcasing performances that represent diverse traditions. Instagram These events not only add vibrancy to the park but also offer educational and entertaining experiences for attendees of all ages. Instagram The park's accessibility and open spaces make it an ideal location for these community gatherings, reinforcing its role as a valuable public space. Reddit

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