Things to Do at Tech Interactive

The Tech Interactive occupies a striking orange building in downtown San Jose, its hands-on exhibits celebrating Silicon Valley's legacy of innovation through interactive displays where visitors can design roller coasters, perform virtual surgery, and program robots. Founded in 1990, the museum has expanded to fill 132,000 square feet with galleries that make complex technology accessible through play and experimentation. The highlight is the earthquake simulator that recreates the 1989 Loma Prieta quake, letting you feel the ground shake while learning about seismic science from California's fault-riddled landscape. General admission costs $25 for adults and includes access to all permanent exhibits, though special traveling exhibitions require additional fees. Visit on school days when the museum is quieter and you can spend quality time with exhibits that would otherwise have long lines of eager children.

The Tech sits right downtown on Park Avenue, about a 10-minute walk from the San Jose Diridon Station if you're taking Caltrain from San Francisco. There's decent parking in the area, though it fills up on weekends - the museum has its own lot, but street parking and nearby garages are options too. If you're driving from the Peninsula, take 101 to the downtown exits and follow the signs. The distinctive orange dome makes it pretty hard to miss once you're in the neighborhood.