Introduction to San Jose

San Jose is a diverse and exciting city in California, immediately associated with its silicon valley position and technology industry but with a superb geography and history. You'll love the South Bay and Santa Cruz mountains that cradle the city, and the pioneering past that is displayed in the History Park and original downtown.

It's a quirky city too, with interesting features such as Winchester Mystery House -- a spooky history site -- and the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. You'll find plenty of great walking tours packed with quirky details. But be prepared for a fascinating cultural insight too -- San Jose has the biggest population of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam itself, and one of just three Japantowns left in America.

As one of the most popular traveller destinations in California, you'll enjoy culture, great food, shopping, entertainment, museums history, sports and great views and outdoor spaces -- not to mention the incredible weather and near endless sunshine!

Things to Do

San Jose is a great destination whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with a family. The public transport network is excellent and it's also a very easy city to walk around, with plenty of attractions in easy reach of the centre.

Get your brain firing at the Tech Museum of Innovation

A busy landmark for Silicon Valley visitors, this is billed as being a focal point of the world's most innovative technology industry. A huge museum spanning over 130,000 square feet, it is one of the most important technology and science museums in the USA. Enjoy hands-on experiences and unique experiences, many of which have been devised by NASA and Stanford.

Feel the paranormal pull of the Winchester Mystery House

Once owned by Sarah Winchester, a wealthy widow and prominent local figure, this Victorian mansion became a near-permanent development project, with 38 years of construction taken to build its vast 160 room interior. Much is made of its paranormal reputation -- visitors can make their own minds up about that!

Enjoy zen peace in the Japanese friendship garden

This beautiful park is elegantly laid out over six acres, with expertly manicured lawns, bridges, waterfalls and traditional bonsai plants. The spring blossoms are a superb attraction in their own right.

Events in San Jose

San Jose is always busy, building on its reputation as being a hub of innovation, energy and fresh thinking. Look out for a wide array of events to suit all interests.

• Russell City Blues Festival. Head to this small town located just a few miles out of the main city, which was originally formed by African-Americans leaving the Deep South and which became a hot spot of the Blues. This festival celebrates the best of its music.

• Clay and Glass Festival 2017. Held in the Palo Alto Arts Centre, this annual festival features all that is new and cutting edge in glass and clay arts. Now in its 25th year, the two-day festival in July is highly prestigious.

• International Short Film Festival- Held annually, the festival celebrates the best of international short film, with screenings, talks, presentations and the chance to meet filmakers.