10 Reasons Why You Should Visit San Jose CA

Are you planning your next getaway? San Jose, a.k.a. the Capital of Silicon Valley, is an ideal destination for your next journey. Whether you’re looking for nightlife, outdoor activities, or world-class shopping and dining options, this California city has it all.

Incredible hiking opportunities

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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World-class hockey

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Epic wineries

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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Premium shopping

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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Tech startups

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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Eclectic food scene

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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Epicenter of the Bay

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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Greener than green

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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Thrilling theme parks

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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Downtown District

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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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.