Travel Information
About the Venue
The Tech Museum of Innovation is a family-friendly interactive science and technology center located in the heart of downtown San Jose, California. With a mission “to inspire the innovator in everyone,” the Tech features exhibits in biomedical engineering, innovations in computer technology, and much more. Learn more.
Accessibility Information
There are a limited number of parking spaces for vehicles with disabled parking permits on South Market Street, near the main entrance of The Tech. There are wheelchair-accessible restrooms on each level of the museum. A gender-neutral family restroom is located on the ground level. Wheelchairs may be checked out at the Information Desk with an ID.
If you have accessibility needs that aren’t addressed here, please get in touch with us: info@makered.org or 510.655.1935
Flying To/From San Jose, CA
If you are arriving from out-of-state, we recommend flying in to one of the three following Bay Area airports. (SFO and OAK are both within a 30-45 minute drive from San Jose.)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Getting to the Tech
Should you wish to drive your own vehicle, validation machines will be available to our guests at registration and at The Tech’s information desk in the main entrance. For more information about parking near The Tech, click here.
Traffic in downtown San Jose is extensive and can cause delays of up to an hour, especially if you’re arriving from San Francisco, Palo Alto, Mountain View, or Santa Clara. We recommend the following regional public transportation options:
- VTA Light Rail – Santa Clara & 2nd is the closest VTA stop to the Tech.
- Caltrain
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
- Amtrak train system
(Click here for a map of Downtown San Jose public transportation spots.)
Hotels & Lodging
San Jose is a popular destination for fall conferences, so be sure to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible! The Tech Museum is located in bustling downtown San Jose near a beautiful palm-lined plaza surrounded by grand hotels.
Special Convening Room Rates
Maker Ed Convening room rates are available for the nights of October 17th–October 21st, 2018 at the AC Hotel Downtown San Jose and the Holiday Inn Express Central City. Booking information is provided below for your convenience. Please note the deadlines to book reservations using the Maker Ed convening rates.
AC Hotel San Jose Downtown
350 West Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA 95113
(3 blocks from The Tech Museum)
Maker Ed Convening rate: $239/night (rate applies to reservations made on or before September 17, 2018)
Click here for Maker Ed AC Hotel Room Booking Link
Holiday Inn Express Central City
2660 Monterey Hwy, San Jose, CA 95111
Approximately 3 miles from The Tech Museum (a 12-minute drive or 30-minute light rail ride from The Tech)
Maker Ed Convening rate: $199/night (rate applies to reservations made on or before September 25, 2018)
Reservations accepted by phone only. Call 408.279.6600 and ask for the “Maker Ed” room block rate.
Other nearby hotels:
AirBnB: A wide price range is available in the San Jose area for AirBnB options. Keep in mind the convenience of San Jose’s VTA light rail, which stops one block away from The Tech Museum at the Convention Center.