San Jose, which is actually written as San José is the 10th largest city in the United States and the third largest in the state of California. It is located near the southern top of San Francisco Bay. By the 1990s San Jose witnessed a spurt in the growth of information technology which has made it the capital of the famed Silicon Valley.
Here are ten major attractions of San Jose.
1. History Park
The History Park is unique as it displays a collection of old commercial buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries that have been placed in a setting that resembles a small town. You can get a great feel of history when you walk past these historical structures. Furthermore, the park also hosts special events like a vintage car exhibition. In the History Park, you can come across historical banks with the conventional time-teller cages, a trolley barn, a fire station and also a print shop. Inside the park, you will experience how life worked in the Silicon Valley when it was known as the ‘fruit basket’ of the United States. The park is full of surprise elements which are very delightful to observe.
2. Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House was in fact the possession of a rich widow by the name of Sarah Winchester – and is the most popular of all San Jose attractions. Sarah had continuously kept on building the mansion for around four decades – which is massive in size with 160 rooms. The aura of the room is very strange yet beautiful, especially when the guide informs you about the little interesting trivia and background history that went into the making of the mansion. There are many bizarre things to observe in the house such as the glass windows that are built right inside the floor, a four storey chimney, stairwells that lead nowhere and the various doors that open to walls.
3. Children’s Discovery Museum
The Children’s Discovery Museum is a must-see for kids, especially, as it is very informative. The children can have a firsthand experience with various exhibits, bubble-making etc. It’s a great place for kids of all ages, as the Museum also has infant and toddler corners that are well maintained and ample spaces for the adults to rest. There is also a play restaurant which is an instant hit with the kids.
4. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
The Happy Hollow Park & Zoo first opened gates in 1961 and is a great recreational area wherein you have amusements, family rides, play areas, a Puppet Theater and also a compact zoo with more than 140 animals. It is a great place to spend the day with family and kids – as there is ample of entertainment and amusement in store! The entrance fee is affordable. The zoo is very enjoyable and they also have a petting corner.
5. Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
During a certain time of the year, you can enjoy ‘Music in the Park’ at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. There are live bands in the park and it is perfect place for picnics. There is a lot of security in the park so that families can enjoy their time. Christmas time in the park is probably a good time to visit especially after sunset, when the lighting decorations illuminate the park.
6. Alum Rock Park
The Alum Rock Park is spread across 718 acres and has two playgrounds, 85 barbeque stations, 149 picnic tables and plenty of restrooms. The park is a great place to experience the natural landscape that is beautifully merged with the historical background of the park. It is also a great place for hikers.
7. Willow Glen
Willow Glen used to be a full fledged city and was founded in 1927 by the Italian immigrants. Located three miles from downtown San Jose, Willow Glen has been annexed to the main city of San Jose. In the heydays, Willow Glen comprised of lush vegetable and flower gardens alongside blocks of bungalows and today, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful neighborhoods with elegant homes and streets lined with trees. There is the Lincoln Avenue in the heart of Willow Glen where you can find a host of different restaurants and shops – from traditional to modern. The Willow Glen is perfect for waling or strolling.
8. J. Lohr Winery
The J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines are recipients of a number of awards and have also earned the title of the American Winery of the Year in 2010 by the Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The vineyards also have a compact size tasting room that is located to downtown San Jose and you can get six generous tastes of the wine. The winery has a great selection and range of wine – ranging in price as well as palette! It is a great place to visit for wine enthusiasts.
9. The Ira F.
Brilliant Center for Beethoven StudiesThe Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies is entirely dedicated to Ludwig Von Beethoven with exhibits and displays that show the works and the life of the great musician. The center was opened in 1985 and is open to visitors, researchers, and general public. In the center, you can go through the most amazing exhibits that are actually displayed on a rotation-basis, so each time you go, you can find something different to see!
10. The San Jose Repertory Theater
The San Jose Repertory Theater is the only all-professional theater in the region of San Jose. The theater runs six main stage shows which can be likened to those presented on Broadway. The performers are also top notch and extremely talented. The auditorium is very compact and well priced as well.
About the author: Alia Haleyis a blogger who is very fond of adventurous sports. She loves beach vacations and she has been into scuba diving since she was a teenager. Beside this she is very fond of nail art and writes a lot about it.
