10 Reasons Why You Should Visit San Jose, CA

It’s no secret that residents of San Jose pride themselves on being active. With a physically charged community that’s keen on biking, running and swimming, it only makes sense that there are tons of hiking trails throughout the city. From the breathtaking views of Castle Rock State Park to the plant-covered embankments of Almaden Quicksilver County Park, there’s a hiking trail in town that suits a variety of hikers’ physical needs.

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You can’t talk about San Jose without mentioning the Sharks. Since 1991, hordes of locals have worshiped at the hockey-stick-shaped altar of the San Jose Sharks. No matter what time of year, or how close you are to the SAP Center (referred to by locals as the “Shark Tank”), you can always spot people around town rocking their teal and blue. Although the Sharks have never won a Stanley Cup, they’ve developed one of the most diehard fan bases in the league.

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Who says that Napa is wine country? There are dozens of beautiful wineries throughout San Jose that will make any trip to the Bay boozier and bewitching. Head to Mountain Winery for an epic live concert and sweet sips, or visit J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines for some adult beverages. Hop in a Lyft and spend the entire day wine tasting—because as the saying goes, when in Rome! Err… San Jose.

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There are loads of shopping districts throughout San Jose. However, the granddaddy of all shopping has to be Santana Row. The outdoor venue is quintessentially Californian with its Mission-inspired building façades and prevalence of palm trees. Shops and restaurants line the massive shopping facility, and everything is high-end, a.k.a. perfect for an afternoon of window shopping.

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San Jose is the heart and soul of Silicon Valley. Get inspired by the minds at eBay, Cisco, PayPal, and Adobe. Not only can you peek inside some of these buildings to get a glimpse into the inner workings of tech, but chances are, you’ll meet some of the people that make these companies tick while you’re out for coffee or enjoying a nice meal.

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San Jose is home to a diverse population, which also means there is a myriad of food options inside the city. From gourmet fondue restaurants to authentic Vietnamese delicacies, there are truly not enough hours in the day to sample all the delicious goodies in the Bay. Pro tip: if you’re looking for a quick, sweet pick-me-up on a warm, lazy day, there’s nothing better than a banana milkshake from Falafel Drive-In.

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Although San Jose has tons to offer visitors in and of itself, it also provides easy access to the rest of the Bay Area. Santa Cruz with its surf and vintage shops, Palo Alto and its classy downtown district, and San Francisco with all its grandeur are just a short car ride away. Day tripping from San Jose is easy, whether you have a car or choose to ride the Caltrain, so feel free to let yourself explore the Bay in its entirety.

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San Jose is home to thinkers and innovators, so it’s no wonder the city supports a ton of green initiatives. Feel positive about your visit knowing that the city takes steps toward clean energy initiatives, sustainable growth and development and uses recycled water whenever possible.

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You know that Disneyland is in Anaheim, and Six Flags is in Valencia, but you might be overlooking Great America in San Jose as one of the greatest theme parks in the Golden State. With thrilling rides, arcade games, and dining options that will satisfy any group, there’s no better way to spend a day in the Bay than by visiting Great America.

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Home to nightlife, farmers’ markets, the Shark Tank, and tons of fantastic eateries, downtown San Jose is truly heaven. The city’s downtown district is constantly growing and expanding and is home to world-class culture and shopping as well as casual restaurants and family fun.

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