Explore San Jose, California

San Jose lies in the Santa Clara Valley between the Mount Hamilton and Santa Cruz ranges. It is known as "The Capital of Silicon Valley," and is the largest city in the Bay Area, 3rd largest in California, and the 10th largest city in the United States. It was named the 4th safest big city in the U.S. for 2008-2009.

There's plenty to do, from the Tech Museum to Great America, plus shopping, dining, world-class golfing and festival hopping. Great America offers the most thrill rides in Northern California or visit Raging Waters San Jose, Northern California's largest water park, with 23 acres and millions of gallons of family fun. Within a 15 to 45 minute drive, you can be hiking in redwoods or strolling the charming towns of Saratoga, Los Gatos, or Palo Alto.

Emma Prusch Farm Park is a reminder of the city's agricultural past with a barn, vintage farm equipment and fruit orchards, as well as farm animals. Also see the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Historic Site, a two-room 1797 adobe. It is the last remaining adobe structure from El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe and illustrates daily life in San Jose during the Spanish and Mexican periods. Fallon House, built in 1859-60, is a Victorian house furnished in period.

The San Jose area has more than 50 wineries ranging from family-run establisments to large corporations. Throughout the year there are festivals, concerts and other events. Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority offers transportation to the various wineries.

The historic Moorish-style California Theatre, located downtown, opened in 1927 as an ornate movie palace, but is now a restored home to both Opera San Jose and Symphony Silicon Valley.

HP Pavilion at San Jose, is home to the city's NHL hockey team, the San Jose Sharks. Other college and professional sporting events, in addition to musical and entertainment events, also are held at the arena.

Shopping areas include Eastridge Mall, Great Mall of the Bay Area, which features more than 180 outlet stores, and Santana Row with more than 2,000 booths and 25 restaurants.

San Jose is home to one of the Bay Area's three international airports, the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International, located about 2 miles from the downtown area. San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are located 35 miles away. San Jose has three commuter rail lines, Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Commuter Express and all rail lines stop at the Diridon Station.

Stay downtown, close to restaurants, museums and the arts, or choose from the elegant Dolce Hayes Mansion to the handy airport locale of the Doubletree Hotel San Jose.