SoFA District: A Senior's Guide to San Jose

SoFA: Get off your couch and visit the best places for seniors to enjoy in San Jose’s vibrant downtown arts district. You’ll find art galleries, theaters, cafes, restaurants and breweries, plus seasonal events that engage the community.

SoFA (South First Area) is a thriving, creative new district in San Jose that may surprise you. Named after its location, this once-derelict area has undergone a major transformation and become a lively art, cultural and entertainment hub – right in the heart of downtown.

 For older adults, this is an enticing new area of attractions to explore and enjoy. It’s highly walkable and easily accessible through public transportation like VTA Light Rail and buses, and numerous parking lots.

Check your schedule for a good date, then immerse yourself in this dynamic district. Here are some options to consider:

SoFA encompasses an eclectic mix of arts and culture, including these intriguing galleries for art-loving seniors to enjoy.

o   Anno Domini: If you’re interested in urban contemporary art and artists, this is a must-see, with a wide array of exhibits showcasing up-and-coming artists and emerging new art forms. Opened in 2000, it’s listed among the top 100 art galleries in the world.  

o   Kaleid Gallery: A unique gallery, it offers fine art and limited editions, plus handmade jewelry, ceramics and glass forms. Artists display their works here on their individual wall (exhibits rotate frequently).

o   WORKS/San Jose: This is a nonprofit, all-volunteer community art and performance center, where you’ll find avant-garde and experimental works.

o   Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA): This gallery presents “visually compelling works and conceptually challenging contemporary art.” Best yet, it hosts programs that help visitors reflect on the individual works.

o   MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana): A deep dive into Latin American culture, this space highlights the Chicano/Latino experience with exhibitions, performances and workshops.

SoFA is a destination for performing arts with a local spin, including symphony concerts, opera, dramas, musicals and comedies. 

o   California Theatre: A historic venue, this theatre hosts Symphony San Jose, an orchestra that dates back to 1877. There is no resident director for its classic concerts; each performance is led by a distinguished guest conductor. 

o   Opera San Jose: A professional regional opera company with a resident company of principal artists, it presents four mainstage performances annually at the California Theatre. It also regularly broadcasts fully-produced productions from its Heiman Digital Media Studio that audiences enjoy at home.

o   City Lights Theater Company: An award-winning Small Theater, City Lights specializes in thought-provoking plays and lively musicals, performed in its intimate, 100-seat theater.

While SoFA has numerous spots to dine and relax, these are top choices for older adults.

o   SoFA Market: Tucked inside this restored historic building, eight cafes and eateries provide a wide variety of menus, all with locally sourced ingredients. You can choose pizzas and salads, but there’s also an international selection of Vietnamese, Mexican, Cuban, Japanese and Indian street food options, plus a specialty tea shop. 

o   Original Joe’s: Opened in 1956, Original Joe’s lives up to its storied name, featuring classic Italian dishes (i.e., red sauce), steaks, burgers and grilled sandwiches. 

o   Fox Tale Fermentation Project: A combination brewery and gastro pub, Fox Tale serves its own house-made ales and fermented menu items (many are vegetarian).

SoFA’s calendar is full of festivals and events that bring locals outdoors for strolling, dining and entertainment.

o   First Fridays Art Walk: These free art walks happen on the first Friday of every month (except July and January, due to the holidays). Nearly 20 art galleries, performance venues and shops – even a yoga studio – open their doors from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for leisurely, enjoyable evenings.

o   SoFA Street Fair: SoFA Street Fair is a hugely popular free event held in April and September that showcases local artists and musicians. To illustrate: a recent fair encompassed three blocks, 66 artists, 12 stages, 50 local vendors and 8 food trucks. Hours are 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

This is Silicon Valley, right? You’d expect to find a place that helps define it – and you won’t be disappointed. 

o   The Tech Interactive is an innovative center that focuses on science and technology, encompassing 130,000 square feet of hands-on attractions, exploratory labs and other related activities. It includes interactive exhibits on climate change, robotics, innovations in health and cybersecurity, and more. The IMAX Dome Theater shows educational films – also current Hollywood hits – in the largest theater of its type on the West Coast.

SoFA offers a welcoming opportunity for older adults to immerse themselves in the creative energy of downtown San Jose. Plan a visit to any of these attractions and be inspired!