Backesto Park is a 10.5-acre city park at 520 N. 13th Street in San Jose, California. It has sports courts, picnic facilities and playgrounds, making it a useful stop if you’re looking for parks in San Jose with room for recreation and a picnic.
- Location: 520 N. 13th Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Size: 10.5 acres
- Hours: Sunrise to one hour after sunset
- From the hotel: About a 27-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Alura Inn
Where Backesto Park is
Backesto Park sits on North 13th Street in San Jose’s Council District 5. Its city-listed address makes it straightforward to locate when planning a walk or drive to the park.
The park began with a donation from Anne Backesto, who gave the city $30,000 in 1890 in memory of her husband, John Pierre Backesto, to create it. A mosaic fountain on the grounds dates to 1922; Visit San Jose describes it as the oldest Solon & Schemmel structure still in existence.
Park features and facilities
Backesto Park’s listed facilities cover several sports, play and picnic options. The City lists a lighted softball field and two basketball courts, along with two handball courts and three bocce ball courts.
You’ll also find eight unlighted tennis courts. Soccer is subject to a permit: the City says the soccer field may be used only with one.
The City lists playgrounds for children ages 2–5 and 5–12, as well as restrooms and street parking. Its amenities information also says “Tot Lot: None,” so check directly with the City if access to a particular play area matters to your plans.
For an outdoor meal, the park has BBQ facilities and both reservable and non-reservable picnic areas. Non-reservable areas are first-come, first-served. An adult representative from a picnic group must remain at the site at all times.
For a reserved site, the permit holder must arrive before 10 a.m. on the reserved date and stay with a copy of the approved application; if the holder is absent, the site is released for general use at 10 a.m.
Hours, access and current conditions
The City lists park hours as sunrise to one hour after sunset. For current information about access and facility conditions, check the official site before you go.
The City links to its Neighborhood Park Rules and All Picnic Site Rules & Regulations, which cover details beyond the facility listing. If you’re organizing a group picnic or planning to use a sports facility, review those rules and confirm any permit requirements with the City. The park contact number is (408) 793-5510.
How do you get to Backesto Park?
Use the park’s street address to plan your route, and note that the City lists street parking at the park. The available route information supports walking or driving; it doesn’t specify a public-transport route. For general transit information, see the guide to San Jose public transport, light rail and connections.
Making it part of a nearby outing
Backesto Park can work as a standalone stop for time outdoors or as one part of a day spent visiting San Jose parks.
Choose your activity first: the City lists courts and fields for sports, playgrounds for children, and picnic areas for a meal outside. If you want to reserve a picnic space, account for the arrival and attendance requirements before setting your plans.
For a broader look at recreation around the city, compare options in this guide to parks in San Jose near Alura Inn.
FAQs
Can you reserve a picnic area at Backesto Park?
Yes. The park has reservable picnic areas as well as first-come, first-served spaces. Picnic groups must have an adult representative present at the site.
Does Backesto Park have tennis courts?
Yes. The City lists eight unlighted tennis courts.
Does the park have a lighted sports field?
The City lists a lighted softball field. Soccer field use is by permit only.