When it comes to San Jose, I’ve got a lot of love for this city. Nestled in the heart of California’s Bay Area, San Jose is a city that offers something for everyone – and I’m not just saying that because I live here. From its trendy neighborhoods and world-class restaurants to its beautiful parks and exciting nightlife, San Jose has something to offer everyone who visits.
In this article, I’ll reflect on some of the highlights of San Jose – from its fascinating history to its bustling modern-day culture. So whether you’re planning a trip to San Jose or just interested in learning more about this fantastic city, read on! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
San Jose has a lot to offer, and I’m excited to show you what this city is all about. Let’s get started!
A Glance At San Jose, California
As the largest city in the Bay Area, San Jose is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 1.8 million people. A city that overshadows its neighbors – San Francisco and Oakland, San Jose is a city that definitely deserves your attention.
San Jose was founded in 1777 by Spanish settlers, making it one of the oldest cities in California. The city has a rich history – from its early days as a Spanish mission to its role as the capital of California during the Gold Rush, San Jose has played an essential role in the development of the state.
Things To Do In San Jose, California
I had the opportunity to travel to San Jose, California, and it was a fantastic experience. I got to see so many different things and meet new people. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend checking out some of these places!
1. Visit The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
One place that I would definitely recommend is the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. This place is incredible and has so much history. I could spend hours in there just looking at all of the different exhibits. If you’re interested in ancient history, this is definitely the place for you.
2. Tech Museum Of Innovation For Tech Lovers
Another great spot to check out is the Tech Museum of Innovation. This museum is perfect for anyone who loves technology and how it works. You can even try out some of the experiments for yourself! I really enjoyed learning about all of the different inventions and how they came to be.
3. Grab a Bite at Joe’s
If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, I would recommend Original Joe’s. This restaurant has been around since 1937 and is a San Jose institution. The food is great, and the atmosphere is really cozy. I would definitely recommend getting the garlic fries – they’re my favorite!
4. Visit The Beaches
Of course, no trip to San Jose would be complete without visiting the beaches! There are plenty of great beaches in the area, but my favorites are Santa Cruz and Waddle Beach. In traffic, it takes about an hour or two to drive from San Jose to Santra Cruz. Driving to San Jose is possible, but expect traffic if you visit. Both of these places have beautiful scenery and are perfect for a day of relaxation.
5. Take a Stroll Through Japantown
Japantown is another great spot to check out while you’re in San Jose. This area is vibrant and has many great shops and restaurants. I always enjoy walking around and exploring all of the different businesses. This is the place to go if you’re looking for some souvenirs.
6. Explore the Winchester Mystery House
Next on the list, I would recommend visiting the Winchester Mystery House. The house is massive and full of secret passageways and rooms. It was fascinating to learn about the house’s history and its owner, Sarah Winchester. I would recommend taking a tour
if you’re ever in San Jose.
7. Soak Up the Sun at Alum Rock Park
I took a trip to San Jose recently and visited Alum Rock Park. The park is enormous, and there’s something for everyone. There are hiking trails, a playground, a river, and even a waterfall. I was impressed with the park and would recommend it to anyone visiting San Jose.
8. San Pedro Square
San Pedro Square is a street in downtown San Jose. You will find all the best restaurants, bars, and sports here. It is also a short walk from SAP center. Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious burger or the best wine, you’ll find it here.
9. Feel The Community at Santana Row
I still remember hanging out at Santana Row in San Jose and I loved it! The community feeling was amazing and there was always something going on. Whether I’m shopping at Row Farmers Market, grabbing a bite to eat at Barry’s or the amazing seafood at EMC, or just enjoying a leisurely walk around, I always feel welcome here.
There’s always something new to discover and the events are always top-notch. You’ll get to witness THE YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley’s Walk, summer concerts, monthly kids club, and whatnot.
I’m so glad I found this gem in the heart of Silicon Valley!
10. Get Entertained at SAP Center
San Jose is unsurprisingly home to a number of world-renowned performance venues. And SAP Center, in San Jose, is one of the best. With a capacity of 17,562 people, SAP Center has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Daddy Yankee, The Lumineers, and Franco.
And it’s not just music that SAP Center is known for. The venue has also hosted a number of big-name comedians, like Gabriel Iglesias and Bill Burr.
Whether you’re looking for a night of laughs or a night of music, SAP Center is sure to have an event that you’ll never forget.
Places To Stay In San Jose
There are many places to stay in San Jose, from hotels and motels to Airbnbs and vacation rentals. So whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or a more budget-friendly option, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs.
Downtown
Some of the most popular places to stay include downtown San Jose, near the airport, or in one of the many suburbs. Whichever area you choose, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see in San Jose.
If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay, downtown San Jose is the perfect option. Home to some of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and nightlife, downtown is where you’ll find the most action.
The downside is that it can be pretty expensive, but if you’re willing to splurge, it’s worth it.
Suburbs
If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, there are plenty of options in the suburbs. While you may have to drive downtown for some of the best attractions, you’ll save money on your accommodations.
Hotels And Airbnb’s
If you’re thinking about hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs, expect to pay $70 to $235 a night.
Traveling In San Jose
There are many ways to get around San Jose, from public transportation to ride-sharing services. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates the light rail, bus, and commuter rail system in San Jose. You can also find Uber and Lyft drivers in the city. If you’re looking for a more active way to get around, you can always rent a bike or walk. San Jose is a very walkable city.
Foods You Can Try In San Jose
When I travel, I love to try the local food. And San Jose doesn’t disappoint. From fresh seafood to Mexican dishes, there was something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights:
Ceviche
The first dish that I tried was ceviche. Ceviche is a type of seafood dish where the seafood is “cooked” in citrus juice. I ordered it at a local restaurant called “La Playita.” The ceviche was amazing! The seafood was so fresh, and the citrus juice added the perfect amount of acidity.
Chicken mole enchiladas
Another great dish that I tried was the chicken mole enchiladas at “Los Gatos Mexican Restaurant.” Mole is a type of sauce made with chili peppers, chocolate, and other spices. The enchiladas were filled with chicken and covered in this delicious sauce. They were so good that I ordered a second plate!
Grilled Salmon
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, I recommend the grilled salmon at “Aqua Terra.” The salmon was cooked to perfection and served with a delicious lemon sauce.
Breakfast Burritos at Cafe Rosalena
If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, I recommend the breakfast burritos at Cafe Rosalena. These burritos are filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat. They’re the perfect way to start your day.
Garlic Fries
Last but not least, no trip to San Jose would be complete without trying the famous garlic fries at “Gordon Biersch.” These fries are covered in garlic and Parmesan cheese. They are so good that I always order a double portion!
Garlic Themed Food
The Gilroy Garlic Festival is a food festival held annually in Gilroy, California. The festival features garlic-themed food, entertainment, and attractions. Over 100,000 visitors turn to this festival each year.
However, this festival was canceled in 2020, leaving the travelers and residents sad. but not anymore, the Gilroy Garlic Festival is set to make a return and fill the street with colors of food once again.
San Jose, California, Silicon Valley
When people think of California, they often think of sunny beaches and Hollywood celebrities. But there’s so much more to the Golden State than that! Northern California, for example, is home to incredible natural beauty, world-renowned wineries, and Silicon Valley.
Speaking of Silicon Valley, how can we not talk about the Giant FAANG companies?
Apple
Apple is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Its hardware products include the iPhone smartphone, the iPad tablet computer, the Mac personal computer, the iPod portable media player, the Apple Watch smartwatch, the Apple TV digital media player, and the HomePod smart speaker.
Netflix
Netflix, Inc. is an American media services provider and production company headquartered in Los Gatos, California. Founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California, the company’s primary business is a subscription-based streaming service offering online streaming from a library of films and television series, including those produced in-house.
Facebook(Meta)
Facebook is an American online social media and social networking service company. It is based in Menlo Park, California. It was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, along with fellow Harvard College students and roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. It is considered one of the FAANG companies along with Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google.
Google(Alphabet)
We all know this one. It’s our research hub, right?
Google is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, search engines, cloud computing, software, and hardware.
Cost Of Living In San Jose
San Jose is an expensive city. The cost of living is high, but it’s worth it because there’s so much to do and see. If you’re considering visiting San Jose or moving here, here are a few things you should know about the cost of living in this city.
Housing costs are sky-high. If you’re looking for an apartment, expect to pay at least $2000 per month for a one-bedroom. A three-bedroom will cost you closer to $3000. And if you want to buy a house? Be prepared to spend at least a million dollars.
Food costs are also high. Eating out is expensive, and groceries are no bargain either. So if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to cook at home as much as possible.
Transportation costs are reasonable. Gas is expensive, but public transportation is affordable and convenient. You can also get around town easily by walking or biking.
Overall, the cost of living in San Jose is high.
What To Expect From San Jose
I had the opportunity to live in the Bay Area for a little over 6 years., and it was an amazing experience. The weather was perfect; the city was beautiful, and there were so many things to do. I would definitely recommend visiting San Jose if you have the chance. Here are some of the highlights of my trip that will paint you a picture of what it’s like to go for a vacation to San Jose:
The Weather
One of the best things about San Jose is the weather. It was sunny and warm every day I was there. I also loved the city itself. It’s clean, well-organized, and has a lot of character. There are plenty of things to do as well, from visiting museums to exploring the many neighborhoods.
The Culture
I was really impressed with the culture in San Jose. There is a strong sense of community and pride in the city. I also found the people to be amicable and welcoming. The food was another highlight for me. I had some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had while I was in San Jose.
The Neighborhoods
San Jose is made up of many different neighborhoods, each with its own personality. From the historic Mayfair district to the trendy Santana Row, there’s something for everyone in San Jose.
Mayfair
Mayfair is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Jose and is known for its beautiful Victorian homes. The area was first settled in the 1850s, and many of the original homes are still standing today. Mayfair is also home to the Mayfair Hotel, which was built in 1926 and is one of the oldest hotels in California.
Santana Row
Santana Row is a modern, upscale neighborhood that is known for its shopping and dining. The area was developed in the early 2000s at the cost of $450 million and features a mix of retail stores, restaurants, offices, and residential units. Santana Row is also home to the AAA Four-Diamond Hotel Valencia.
Little Portugal
Little Portugal is a small neighborhood located near downtown San Jose. The area is home to a large Portuguese population, and many of the businesses in the area reflect this heritage. Little Portugal is also home to the Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish, which is the oldest Portuguese church in California.
There’s Japantown, Downtown, Little Saigon, Willow Glen, Alameda, and many more exciting neighborhoods that you’ll adore.
Wrapping It Up
San Jose is a great place to visit. You’re sure to have a memorable trip with so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it all in San Jose California. So, what are you waiting for?
