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. 🎟️
Ranger Patrols
Park rangers patrol regularly, enhancing safety for visitors. 🛡️
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 2,984 reviews
Type
Park
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.
Thinks like you
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. 🎟️
Ranger Patrols
Park rangers patrol regularly, enhancing safety for visitors. 🛡️
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. 🎟️
Ranger Patrols
Park rangers patrol regularly, enhancing safety for visitors. 🛡️
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. 🚶
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.
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