This is a great addition to downtown San Jose! I can't believe how much San Jose has changed since I've left. I remember...way back in the day, that the Spaghetti Factory was the only reason you can downtown. Now, there's so much to see and do, and it appears that it keeps evolving. The Plaza has been here for a while and is always a nice respite from the busy world. Since it is right in front of the Fairmont, Cako like coming here to walk around, sniff things and people, and, well, relieve herself. Unfortunately, we were going to miss the old skool concert, Tony! Toni! Toné! that Friday. I like how they were setting up the park. There was also a free yoga class early in the morning which I thought was pretty cool. Cako Approves! read more

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Cool park in the middle of downtown. I've been here in the past where they've had events right in the park. A lot going on and lots of things around. The park itself is simple. Open space with a some benches to chill. Maybe add some amenities to liven it up which would make it more inviting. But it's a nice to have the greenery amidst all the buildings around. read more

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Plaza De Cesar Chavez is like an island laying in the middle of Downtown San Jose. Pretty much it hosts events like Christmas in the Park. Honestly, that's the only time I go there because of that event. It just gets busy at certain times especially during peak hours in famous events. So expect large crowds. Other than that, there's nothing much going on here besides hanging out there. read more

The park is spacious and enjoyable to walk around. It is bright and there is plenty around to do. With a lot of people at an event, the park still doesn't feel crowded as there are multiple walkways. There are not many restrooms though. read more

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I've been to tons of events here over the years, from music festivals to Christmas in the Park, and it's a pretty decent setting, large enough for multiple stages and a good number of vendor tents. There's lots of grass for laying out a picnic mat, lovely leafy trees for shade, concrete pathways for taking a stroll, and even a dancing fountain with water gushing from the ground, great to cool off on those warm sunny days. I attended a summer concert here this past weekend (SJ's Music in the Park held on select Sundays), and the space was set up as usual, the layout for events like these quite predictable. Only half the park in use, food and merchandise tents in a dedicated area (food trucks and drink stands along the borders), open seating in the grass, and a stage at one end of the park... though the VIP section was a bit larger for this particular event (maybe cuz the Beach Boys is considered a bigger concert?!?). A laid back atmosphere regardless, nice to spend a few hours with good music and good company. The location being downtown can be good or bad... good if you're looking for bars/nightlife before or after an event (plus it's surrounded by restaurants and museums, so there's lots to do in the area), bad if you can't tolerate noise and crowds, as there's plenty of foot traffic around here. The parking situation sucks too. Still the park is beautiful and well-maintained, lots of greenery to appreciate, a bit of seating, as well as the notable Quetzalcoatl sculpture on site. read more

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Usually if I'm hanging around here its for Christmas in the Park. Thats still a ways away but the bare empty park is still in need of visitors all year long. Tons of open benches and very well lit. If thats not an invitation to visit I don't know what is. Lots of open space and I'd say its well utilized. Its pleasant to the eye - the overall design. Sometimes parks are off to the corner of the world next to a freeway. They generate little foot traffic and can become dark scary places for mischief and blight. No, no, not here. There will be none of that here. A road circles the whole park and there are metered spaces surrounding. It gives the sense that its very safe... although nothing is really safe these days... and thats why I have plans to snap up a pair of German Shepards in near future. Big teeth and sort of nutty aggressive. On the one end there is a raised platform for events. Overall the design of the park is effortless and not trying to be more than it actually is. read more

I've been coming here for decades So many fond memories of bringing the kids here for Christmas in the Park and now recently San Jose Jazz festival and another outdoor concert I just attended This is a nice big park, there are benches available Very well manicured and taken care of Within walking distance to restaurants and hotels. The Marriott hotel is literally across the street Park is nicely decorated for holidays read more

This is a lovely little plaza, I enjoyed the pretty trees and watching the fountain. It was convenient to have that little pod toilet right there too. I just wish there was a little bit more for kids to do besides play in the fountain. Maybe some sort of climbing structure. I know they used to have the musical swings but that was in like 2016. I had told my son there would be swings and he was really disappointed by the lack of swings. He enjoyed watching the airplanes though. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - This is a cool fountain, splash pad thing. My 5 year old son didn't want to go in but maybe when he's a bit older. - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

I visited Plaza De Cesar Chavez yesterday for the Taste of India. It was one of the best food and cultural festivals I had ever attended. Plenty of space for more than 20-30 vendors, a large stage for performers and plenty of space for audience to dance, stand and watch or sit down in groups. read more

Very empty and lonely place. No decorations or flowers. Just broken glass on the floor. A few homeless people. Perhaps when the theaters and museums open again there will be more life. It's too bad the part isn't being maintained. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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I can't believe how old I am but I've been attending concerts here for 12+ years. In that whole time I've never seen one fight, never had any type of beef or any problems period. It's weird because I saw the crime stats in DT San Jose but yet it's always peace. If you have the chance to attend a concert there, I'd go for it. I promise you'd enjoy it read more

This is part of our annual Christmas tradition! We come here every year to see the decorations, go on the rides and eat funnel cake and drink hot chocolate. Lot of great memories here! Parking is a hassle but you knew that already. read more

Almost all field trips to The Tech Museum resulted in having lunch at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The good old days when I was a child attending Laneview Elementary. The only thing I remember are the water geysers. We stayed at The Fairmont this past weekend and decided to visit the shooting waters before breakfast. My guy unstrapped our monster from the stroller and carried him as they made their way through the shooting waters. I heard, "He's holding onto me really tight" which brought a smile to my face because that meant that the boy trusts him. I stood there w/ the stroller and was shivering. I was cold and I could not fathom even the thought of getting wet but as I looked on to my 3 guys (Kevin T.'s younger brother was w/ us), I felt content just watching them. This is a great spot to have lunch in the summer. The trees offer bits of shade here and there whilst the water geysers provide a light mist in the air. I see many children running in and out bare foot, cooling off during the scorching weather; a place to relax and enjoy. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - 3 guys. - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

Plaza de Cesar Chavez is my favorite spot to stroll while taking a break from the office. I love grabbing some tea at Crema and circling the park for a while. It's a great place to people watch. I love taking the kids here on hot summer days to cool off in the fountains. You might even catch me kicking off my shoes on a work day and running through them! If you're lucky, street performers may entertain you. I especially love the bongo players. Pack a picnic, or bring some takeout from one of the fine downtown eateries and make a day of it! I love my city! read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - love my city - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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Nice place to visit (except for the ugliest snake statue I've ever seen) located next to the Fairmont Hotel. It's a fun place to go in the summer to bring your kids, to play in the fountains also they put on alot of outdoor events all through the year including also not limited to Christmas in the park. read more

I really like this area. Had been here last time around Nov, 2019. It was fun to get 2am food. A lot of the places that had boba or snacks were closed around 12am this time which makes sense bc of Covid, but it was still quiet and enjoyable! Sadly some of the string lights we saw last time were off. Luckily the little shopping district still had them so it was fun to walk around. Theres still some public bathrooms open around 12am, but they close around 1. Only reason its not 5 stars today is bc it smells like heavy piss now. read more

Took my 5 year old nephew to Christmas In The Parl for the First time this year and we both had a blast! They had so much to look at as you walk around and appreciate. Probablt 200 different decorated Christmas trees. The talent show that was going on on Friday evening was adorable. They had kids from different schools and recreational companies come out to give performances which really felt like the community was coming together. I found parking close by but it was pretty pricey. I recommend taking public transportation if you can. The rides for the kids were $5 a piece so that can add up quickly as well.But it was a great festive Christmas experience! read more

I wish I would have seen this park when there is not an event because it looks like a descent size. At this event, it was Christmas in the Park, so there were various stations set up of displays, scenes for the holidays, trees decorated, food vendors, rides, games, you name it. So many people but it was very clean, well kept up and maintained and it seemed to be really pretty and right at the center of downtown so you have a variety of hotels and shopping and restaurants to venture to as well. I can see why they have these events here, it is a prime spot for everyone to come to and enjoy. read more

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Plaza De Cesar Chavez is a park located in the heart of downtown San Jose. I don't think there is an actual playground there, but there is currently a swing installment that seems fun. Many events are hosted here, including Christmas in the Park, and it is quite gorgeous during these moments. There are some colored wooden chairs around (not sure if permanent) as well as benches. This place is close to a lot of main facilities (SJSU, Tech Museum, etc) and is a good place to meet up with friends nearby or just relax. The major negatives of this place is that there is only paid parking available (which is also limited) and the homeless population is definitely present here, especially when the sun sets. While the surrounding buildings light up the park area, as with any metropolitan area, you have to be careful! read more

This review is just for the Pokémon go play in downtown San Jose. On the streets surrounding the park you will find a dense forest of poke stops and gyms. They may be several dozen within easy walking distance from the park. San Jose in general is a rich field of play for Pokémon go players. So this review is centered on this park as a great place to start your play. You will fill your bag fast and there are several gyms to train in as well. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, I've been visiting this little park for many years. This is the site for some of my favorite events. Events such as the finish line festival for the Rock n Roll San Jose Half Marathon, Christmas in the Park, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk and the Vietnamese Moon Festival are just a handful of examples. On warm days kids of all ages play in the public fountain. Often you'll see adults join in on the fun. The park sits at a site perfect for taking a break if you're ever visiting the Tech Museum, the San Jose Convention Center or the San Jose Museum of Art. It's clean and relatively safe too as I've often noticed uniformed San Jose Police visiting with the children in the park. Ice cream vendors often push their carts around to the delight of overheated visitors. This park just has a really nice feel of community to it. This past Sunday on an unseasonably warm day I took a long 90 minute break at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. I found a nice park bench under a tree, pulled out a book while enjoying the cool sounds coming from a local drumming group (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fJ4e7PSTcwBPbeNbNBptAQ?select=0x4G_wE7JTsB5HFQCSBn4Q) that had gathered at the edge of the park. Park visitors, little kids and even squirrels stopped in curiosity just to enjoy the soulful sounds. A few park visitors even joined in and added percussion. People danced too! It was just really cool. I love this park! read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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This park is pretty cool. I wish, wish, wish we had one like this closer to hang out by. We had the opportunity to walk around both at night and in the day. During the day families come and hang out near the fountain while little children splish and splash in the fountain. Its looked really fun and I would have loved to run and play in it myself. At night there is an element of riff raff but mostly its young people meeting up before dinners or clubbing. Its situated between all the high rises so its like a little oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city. Grab the hand of the one you love and take stroll or a splash if you wish....like me. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

The Plaza de Cesar Chavez is a nice little 2.2 acre park, smack in the middle of Downtown San Jose. It's the home of "Christmas in the Park" on a yearly basis (which is probably what it's best known for). This is my favorite area downtown, since it's surrounded by The Tech Museum, San Jose Museum of Art, and the Civic Auditorium--all places that have provided countless hours of enjoyment. It's also a nice place to come and sit and enjoy a nice outdoor lunch, since they do have several benches. During the summer, there are weekly outdoor concerts here showcasing lesser-known (and a few well-known) bands...for free. So why not 5 stars? Well, as many of you probably are aware, at the southern tip of the park lies the Quetzalcoatl statue, commissioned by the city and designed by sculptor Robert Graham. Anyone can appreciate an effort to add character and cultural representation, but this 8-foot-tall "monument to misinterpretation" cost the city $500,000. What a crock of....well, you know. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - What $500,000 looks like, up-close - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

On a hot day you can come here and run through the fountains or lay on the nice grass. They always use the park every year for Christmas in the park. Cons: Dirty Homeless read more

If you like music, people, skateboarding, picnics, smoking, smoking gonja, public water fountains, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, snakes that look like poo, making friends with homeless people, reading books in the shade, exercising, marathons, flowers, walking through parks, being in a centralized location where you can meet anyone in DTSJ and the safety of knowing there are hella people chillin so you're nice and safe, then Plaza de Cesar Chavez is the place to be. It's a downtown SJ must when there's an event. Don't lie to yourself; you love it too. read more

I gotta say that I love this place. It's nice for a city of our size to have such a nice FREE part right in the middle. Host to a variety of things like Music in the Park, Christmas in the Park, etc - it's awesome. I love taking my family to it all year round. Oh and ICE SKATING! read more

Ok, seriously, what's with the $50,000 snake cement statue? Did we really need to spend our good earned tax money on this? Perhaps not, but I guess it definitely gives me something to talk about when my friends come visit and wonder what's going on with the city these days. In general, this park is alright, in the summer there's an area where water shoots out and kids are abound. In the winter, there is Christmas in the Park where you can browse year old displays that move from amazing distances (read sarcasm) while enjoying overpriced food stand foods from around town. It's not spectacular, but it's not shabby either. 3 stars suffices. read more

This park is always full of life, especially in the warm months when the fountains are on. Be cautioned though, I have seen several homeless people use them as showers and there is a sign indicating no one with diarrhea allowed. Frightened by what had to occur for them to actually put that on the sign. I walk through this park at least 3 times a week and I will say that it is nice that we have such a great park in the middle of Downtown San Jose. Also, Christmas in the park is fun for the kids and it is amazing to watch them put it up and take it down. The grass regrowth every year after they remove is an amazing process to watch as well read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

The SJ RnR ended in this plaza. I got a chance to walk around the plaza before the race when I was in town the day before for some sightseeing. The park has some water spouts that the kids can play in. There are homeless people that surround the park and some shady people that hang around here so walk in numbers, especially at night. Lots of shade with the trees and benches throughout the park. Next to great restaurants, a bakery and the movie theater. The museums are right across the street and the Convention Center is a block away. read more

This the first time I have here and its a nice little park with benches and Hampton chairs everywhere. I really like the water display, the kids were having so much fun and if Timmy was younger he would have been running around it too but now he would just look like a crazy person lol. There is also a stage here and I would like to come back if they have a concert. It really is a nice place the only thing is that there are some ruff looking people too hanging around so keep close watch of your kids ;) they didn't bother anyone but it was day time. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Water display - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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Music in the park (where i saw and met Trapt!), christmas in the park, popular location for protests, rallies, and parades, water fountains in the summer, green grass to lie on, giant pile of turd, right by many hotels, restaurants, parking lots, across the street from the tech museum, san jose didn't screw this up. read more

Great park to stroll, kiss, hug, watch kids playing, watch senior with their grandsons and grand-daughters...all the cute things you expect from a very alive park. I like the layout and that is like a green artery in downtown San Jose. During special events you can see the colorful food trucks and people picnicking. During San Jose Jazz festival is very lovely too, scenery for many performances. read more

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This is a nice park in an urban setting, between the museums. I think that there were fewer homeless people than at Saint James park, but I wouldn't bet that it was devoid of them. Unfortunately, such is life. The bronze snake was odd, but overall, the park felt like a good place to relax. It was good that they had the water spouts for the kids. Everyone needs to cool off, now and again. Unfortunately, later, as I was taking light rail to Campbell, it looked as one of the homeless was taking a bath. Life happens. I'm guessing that's why the fountain isn't working at Saint James. read more

Everyone knows Plaza de Cesar Chavez for Christmas In The Park during the holidays, or the $500,000 Quetzalpoopoo sculpture that greets visitors from the south end. But it's more than that. It's not a very big park, but it's at the heart of downtown San Jose surrounded by the Fairmont, Tech museum, art museum, theaters (both venues for performing arts and movies), convention center, and plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes. During the holidays is where Caesar Chavez shines. There's Downtown Ice, an ice rink constructed between the palm trees (hence skating under the circle of palms next to the SJ Museum of Art), and Christmas In The Park's festive diorama displays. During the work week, I enjoy taking some food to the park and burning time away from the distractions of work. There are plenty of benches to park yourself for as long as you want. Don't worry about the homeless people there. They're harmless. They keep to themselves usually. If they don't, it's usually to say "hi" or politely asking for some spare change. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Crossing into Caesar Chavez - Fountains are on! - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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Great park that hosts great events. In the summer there is Music in the Park, and in the winter there is Christmas in the Park. I love lounging out in the grass and watching bands play for free during Music in the Park. It is also located in a great area of downtown San Jose so it is close to many hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. And on warm days, it is perfect to take the kids to play in the fountains. read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Water fountains - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

048 / 100 - 2017 YELP 100 CHALLENGE. Great location to sit, read, catch up with friends, and take photos! Plaza de Cesar Chavez is located right next to the convention center, so my friends and I found ourselves here for a lot of photos during Fanime. There's ample park benches so you can avoid sitting near people if you prefer and also tons of foliage and trees - you won't find yourself dying under the scorching sun here! From what I saw this park is very well maintained and kept. The best part? IT'S FREE! And ginormous! I have a lot of fond memories here because every winter break my friends and I would meet up for our annual Christmas in the Park hangout. Perfect if you are looking for somewhere nice to stroll through and enjoy some peace and quiet! read more

I've always been a fan of this park since I was 15. I use to skate here when I was in high school and now my wife and take our son here on good morning to play around. There aren't as many hobos in the morning so it feels pretty safe. When the water feature is working it looks really great. It was working this past weekend (04/13/13) and my son played in it for a good chunk of time. We'll be back!! read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

Visited 7/14/18. I was walking in Down Town San Jose after having some dinner at Back a Yard. The Plaza de Cesar Chavez was a wonderful stretch of walking space with beautiful evening lights. There were benches, a stage for performances, and even some great artwork and sculptures. It's very close to the San Jose Art Museum, since it was a Saturday night you could hear all the activity buzzing around with bars, clubs, and restaurants/businesses. And it's free! If you're around the area check it out! read more

Plaza De Cesar Chavez - Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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Is this a joke? Quetzalcoatl. Photo provided by the city of San Jose: http://www.sanjose.com/underbelly/unbelly/Sanjose/plaza/plaza17.html Years ago I was in the area, visiting Lee A. Had to go by the Wells Fargo and we drive by what looks be an innately carved pile of excrement across the street. In some weather the sculpture's medium appears brown, which was how it looked when I saw it. I chuckled about the statue then, but then I read into it. This "Plumed Serpent," as its officially named, cost San Jose half a million dollars after they commissioned world-renowned Robert Graham for the piece. Graham is freaking legendary down in Los Angeles. His sculptures can be found everywhere: LACMA, Venice Beach, the Music Center, in front of the Colosseum in Exposition Park, UCLA, Rodeo Drive, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, among many other places. He was brilliant at capturing the physical features of the human body. A modern day Rodin. Now, in answer to my question posed above about this being a joke, essentially the answer is yes. This is what happens when you tick off an artist. "Plumed Serpent" was designed to celebrate Mexican-American heritage. Graham had allegedly designed a 30-foot tall, lit-up, bronze statue, but was informed it would be out of the city's price range. In the meantime Christian fundamentalists figured in, voicing their dissent of constructing a statue to a pagan god. San Jose kept demanding re-dos of Graham's concepts, unhappy with everything. "Plumed Serpent" was what Graham left in the middle of the night to be unveiled the next morning. Graham's process is described on his website (http://www.robertgraham-artist.com/civic_monuments/plumed_serpent.html). Sounds like he 3D printed on that concrete material used to build zoo habitats. Well, at least that $500,000 bought San Jose a funny story? read more

When I first came up from LA to visit San Jose (prior to my Norcal Transplant), I remember driving by this park with friends wondering what the hell that statue at the South end was... And of course, I was informed that the giant piece of dookie was in fact a snake of some sort. Yeah, rightttt.... I wonder what Cesar Chavez would think of that? Little did I know that I would be hanging out next the dookie for years to come, AND, that I would really enjoy it. Go figure! I have particularly enjoyed some of the free festivals that the city has held here, such as the August Jazz shows (which used to be free, though is still low cost), Summer/late Spring concert series, the fountains to wet your feet or watch kids and adults run thru,Christmas in the Park, and the informal drum circles on Sundays. When the stage is set up in between events, I like to pretend like I am performing and jump on the stage area. Yes, I am a RockSTAR. read more