Circle of Palms Plaza

Circle of Palms Plaza is a public gathering space in downtown San Jose surrounded by a ring of palm trees with California's State Seal at its center. The site is bounded by an art museum and office buildings that frame the open area.

The plaza marks California Historical Landmark 461, the site where the state's first capitol building stood from 1849 to 1851 during California's earliest years of statehood. This early role as the seat of government shaped the city's growth in lasting ways.

The plaza sits on the former site of Market Street Chinatown, which served as the heart of Chinese-American community life from 1866 to 1887. Visitors can sense the historical weight this location holds for local residents today.

The space includes seating areas and several cafes that invite you to linger, making it a pleasant spot for casual dining and meeting friends. Its downtown location makes it easy to reach and a natural gathering point for residents and visitors alike.

Each winter the plaza transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink where visitors can skate beneath the surrounding palm trees. This seasonal event brings an unexpected winter attraction to the warm California setting.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 37.33340,-121.89000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43