When tourists hear the words Silicon Valley, most immediately think about the computer software industry and computers in general. However, the beautiful city of San Jose beckons in the midst of this valley and offers so many exciting and romantic places and activities for couples to see and do.
San Jose dates back to 1777 and is believed to be the oldest settlement in California, even serving as the capital, at one time, before California became a state. Tourists can use this third largest city in California to branch out to other cities just a short drive away, including San Francisco, a mere 45 minutes drive, and Monterey, just 70 minutes away.
San Jose boasts nearly perfect weather with an average temperature of 70 degrees. It has been voted the Safest Big City in America, the Third Most Fun City in America, and the Fifth Best Place to Live in America.
Once you have chosen one of the many wonderful hotel accommodations and settled in, it will be time to plan your day. With so many great attractions, couples can easily become overwhelmed. Not to worry, San Jose and the surrounding area is actually easy to navigate, and the friendly citizens of San Jose are always willing to show off their beautiful city to visitors.
One of the most popular tours available in San Jose is that of the Winchester Mystery House. Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, was virtually obsessed with the idea that all of the people who had been killed with a Winchester rifle would come back to haunt her. It is believed that a psychic told her to keep building the house until she died to confuse all the spirits that might be haunting her. It seems as if this legend is probably very close to the truth because Ms. Winchester continued to build onto the house from 1884 to 1922. This isn’t an ordinary house, however. Rooms were built without any real purpose. Doors opened into walls and stairs rose to the ceiling. This house is a must-see!
For those interested in ancient history and artifacts, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum offers a look at Egyptian life complete with tombs and mummies. A visit to San Jose, the heart of the Silicon Valley, would not be complete without taking a tour of the Tech Museum of Innovation. It offers almost 250 high-tech exhibits and includes an IMAX Theater.
San Jose offers a look at its own history in the History San Jose museum. There are over 500,000 artifacts to view, and the San Jose Museum of Art houses many beautiful art exhibits, including those from local artists.
Almaden Lake Park features a swimming area with a sand beach. Visitors can also rent a pedal boat, row boat, or kayak. Hiking trails are nearby, and picnic tables abound! Horseback riding is available at nearby Alum Rock Park, with bicycle trails there, too. Visit Kelley Park to see the animals at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, the San Jose Historical Museum, and the exquisite Japanese Friendship Garden.
Many newcomers are intrigued to find Monopoly in the Park, the world’s biggest version of the famous board game, and, if you are strolling the streets of downtown, be sure and check out the gorgeous rose bushes at San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. There is plenty of excitement to be found at Six Flags Marine World, which offers wildlife and marine life, along with the exciting thrill rides always found at a Six Flags park.
A visit to San Jose would not be complete without touring one of the many beautiful vineyards and wineries in the surrounding area. Vineyards and wineries are located in many areas including the nearby Santa Cruz mountain range, Santa Clara Valley, and San Martin, among others.
There are numerous golf courses in the area, as well as tennis and racquetball courts. Visitors can watch the San Jose Earthquakes, the city’s major league soccer team, the San Jose Sharks, which is the professional hockey team, or see the minor league team, the San Jose Giants.
Shopping opportunities are abundant from antiques to upscale clothing stores and everything in between. Don’t forget to rest your tired feet and taste some of the wonderful cuisine that San Jose has to offer. Southwestern and Mexican food, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Thai, American, and whatever else you might be craving can be found in one of the many restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
A visit to San Jose will create a lifetime of memories. Visit this beautiful city any time of the year, and experience all that San Jose has to offer.
