Nestled in the heart of downtown San Jose, California, lies an attraction that takes a beloved family board game to a whole new level: Monopoly in the Park.

Imagine stepping onto a massive, 930-square-foot granite game board, the only officially licensed, permanent giant Monopoly board in the world, a fact certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Here, families can trade properties, roll jumbo dice, and even don hilarious, oversized token hats. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a truly unique experience for board game enthusiasts of all ages, perfectly situated within the scenic Guadalupe River Park near the popular Children's Discovery Museum. (It’s only a couple minutes on foot) This isn't just playing Monopoly; it's living it!

How to get there:

Location: Discovery Meadow, Guadalupe River Park (near 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110).

Parking: No parking directly at the site. Use nearby public lots/garages (Woz Way, Auzerais St, Almaden Blvd). The large lot under Highway 87 across from the Children's Discovery Museum is often recommended. Expect fees (starting ~$7). Check parksj.org for options. Limited free accessible parking is in the museum's drop-off lane.

What to Expect:

Park Hours: Guadalupe River Park is generally open 8:00 am to half an hour after sunset.

See for Free: Visit Discovery Meadow during park hours (generally sunrise to sunset ) to see the board and take photos for free.

Book to Play: For the interactive game experience, rent the board in advance via monopolyinthepark.com. Remember the lead time (30/45 days) and cost (~$300 + $150 deposit for family/non-profit - verify online).

Make it a Family Day: Combine your visit with the Children's Discovery Museum , Rotary PlayGarden , Guadalupe River trails , The Tech Interactive , or History Park for a full day outing.

Accessibility: Park trails are generally accessible.

What Exactly Is Monopoly in the Park?

Forget cardboard and plastic; this is the real estate game rendered in impressive, enduring stone. The game board itself covers a staggering 930 square feet (31 feet by 31 feet) and is constructed entirely from massive granite slabs. This choice of material speaks volumes about the attraction's intended permanence and scale. Each corner property slab weighs a hefty 236 pounds, with regular properties around 140 pounds each, giving visitors a delightful sense of being miniaturized as they walk around the board alongside giant ornamental dice.

This unique attraction holds the distinction of being the only officially licensed permanent Monopoly game board of its kind anywhere in the world. Adding to the fun, some property squares feature charming localizations, like "Santa Cruz Boardwalk" or the "County of Santa Clara Department of Corrections" for Jail, grounding the game in its San Jose setting. It finds its home in Discovery Meadow, a pleasant green space within the larger Guadalupe River Park, conveniently located right next to the engaging Children's Discovery Museum, making it easy to combine visits.

The Surprising History of a Granite Game Board

The journey of this granite behemoth began not as a park attraction, but as an exhibition piece. The board was originally crafted in 1992 by a local San Jose company, Cypress Granite and Memorials, for the San Francisco Landscape and Design Show. Visionaries at San Jose Beautiful recognized its potential and procured it for the city. However, there was a significant pause; although created in 1992, the board wasn't officially installed and opened in Discovery Meadow until July 26, 2002. This decade-long wait may have been tied to the development schedule of adjacent park features.

The Costa Mesa architecture firm NUVIS designed the surrounding theme garden, reinforcing its landscape design roots. Today, the board's preservation and operation are managed by Friends of San Jose, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1994. This community stewardship ensures that the board, an imaginative example of adaptive reuse, remains available for generations to enjoy.

Game On! Playing Life-Size Monopoly in the Park

One of the most exciting things about Monopoly in the Park is that it’s fully playable! Families, schools, and corporate groups can rent the entire setup for a truly memorable event. Playing here involves rolling giant, three-foot-cubed dice and taking turns wearing custom-made, oversized token hats shaped like the classic Monopoly pieces – some might even don jailhouse garb!

To keep things moving, the game follows official Monopoly Short Game rules. Each token is represented by a team of two players – one wears the hat, the other manages money and deeds. Teams start with three properties, Income Tax is a flat $200, and hotels require only three houses. Trained staff members, "Game Refs," handle everything: setup, acting as banker, explaining rules, answering questions, and cleanup, allowing groups to simply immerse themselves in the fun. It's ideal for reunions, parties, school trips (ages 8+), corporate team-building, and fundraisers.

Booking requires advance planning: 30 days notice without alcohol, 45 days with. Reservations can be made up to a year ahead online via PayPal through monopolyinthepark.com, selecting three potential dates and paying the rental fee plus a refundable security deposit. The rate for families, schools, and non-profits is typically around $300 plus a $150 deposit (always check the website for current pricing).

Monopoly in the Park