A tech-centric city in California's Bay Area, home to Silicon Valley giants and innovative startups. Known for its cultural diversity and vibrant downtown scene.
San Jose, the third-largest city in California, is known as the heart of Silicon Valley and a hub of technological innovation. You can visit the Winchester Mystery House with its bizarre architecture or learn about cutting-edge technology at the Tech Museum of Innovation. The city's neighborhoods showcase its multicultural population, and its location gives you easy access to both mountains and beaches. With 298 sunny days per year, San Jose's climate is perfect for exploring its many parks and outdoor spaces.
Silicon Valley's Tech Center
San Jose is central to Silicon Valley, with many global tech companies based here. Cisco Systems, eBay, Adobe Inc., and PayPal have their headquarters in the city, contributing to its modern skyline and entrepreneurial atmosphere. At The Tech Museum of Innovation, you can try hands-on exhibits featuring the latest technological advancements.
Multicultural Neighborhoods
San Jose has one of the most diverse populations in the United States. It has one of the largest Vietnamese communities outside of Vietnam, as well as significant Hispanic and Asian populations. You'll find this cultural mix in various neighborhoods. In Japantown, one of only three remaining authentic Japantowns in North America, you can explore Japanese culture. In Little Portugal, you can taste traditional Portuguese cuisine and learn about Portuguese traditions.
Unique Local Attractions
The Winchester Mystery House is an intriguing San Jose landmark. Sarah Winchester, widow of the firearms magnate, built this sprawling Victorian mansion with unusual architectural elements like staircases leading to nowhere and doors opening to blank walls. For a different experience, visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which has the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America. These sites show San Jose's non-tech side.
Green Spaces and Parks
San Jose has over 15,950 acres of parkland, including part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. At Alum Rock Park, California's oldest municipal park, you can hike trails and visit mineral springs. The Guadalupe River Park offers a green corridor through downtown, which is great for walks or bike rides. San Jose's mild Mediterranean climate makes outdoor activities possible year-round.
Sports and Entertainment Venues
You can watch the San Jose Sharks NHL team play at the SAP Center, which locals call "The Shark Tank." If you prefer soccer, you can attend San Jose Earthquakes matches at PayPal Park. For nightlife, go to the downtown SoFA (South First Area) district, where you'll find many bars, clubs, and live music venues. The city also hosts cultural events throughout the year, such as the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest and the Cinequest Film Festival.
