San Jose Municipal Rose Garden

General Interest, Est. 1937

Once a part of an 11-acre prune orchard, the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden — graced with its rolling green lawns and colorful, showy blooms — is one of the sought-after sights in Silicon Valley. The 5.5-acre site is located at Naglee and Dana avenues, just outside of downtown San Jose.

The garden was conceived in 1927 by members of the Santa Clara County Rose Society. The San Jose City Council voted to set aside an 11-acre site to construct the garden, and the Rose Society pledged to bring in the roses. Groundbreaking took place in 1931, and the garden was opened to the public in 1937.

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden — as its name indicates — is dedicated the rose family and features more than 3,500 rose bushes from nearly 190 varieties. About 75 percent of the plantings are hybrid teas, while floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures, climbers, and polyanthus constitute the rest.

The garden also serves as a test site for new rose varieties before their release to the general public.

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden provides an ideal place to rest and relax; the walkways suit an enchanting evening stroll, while those who wish to sit back and enjoy can opt for bench seating.

The garden also is available for weddings, receptions, and birthday celebrations. San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is operated and maintained by the City of San Jose. The ideal time to visit is in early May, when most of the flowers are at their most appealing blooming phase.