Once an agricultural valley covered in fruit orchards, San Jose, for much of its history, has been something of an afterthought to beautiful San Francisco just 50 miles to the north. Even after the city became the default hub of Silicon Valley in the 1980s and '90s, San Jose was slow to develop a vibrant restaurant and bar scene. But finally, after years of waiting, San Jose is starting to come into its own. Get a taste of the city’s diversity and laid back style on a walk through the hip, street art-laden SoFa District, take in some culture at institutions like the San Jose Museum of Art (especially on free, boozy first Friday nights) or the more edgy Institute of Contemporary Art, or drop in on some of the city’s most famous landmarks like the Winchester Mystery House and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum at the fringes of the downtown core.
San Jose is known as a business mecca, but it’s not all about work. Visitors will discover that Silicon Valley takes play seriously, making the most of its 300 days of great weather. California’s 3rd largest city is one of the safest, boasting a variety of family activities and plenty to do for the culture vultures too.
VISIT over 250 downtown dining and entertainment options and free downtown high-speed wireless Internet.
PLAY at 193 regional and city parks and gardens, including 60 miles of trails for the best hiking, walking and biking under the sun.
EXPERIENCE an abundance of cultural offerings and attractions including The Tech Interactive, the Winchester Mystery House, San Pedro Square Market, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, the San Jose Museum of Art and Santana Row, San Jose’s premier shopping destination.