Do U Know The Way 2 San Jose?

There are plenty of reasons to do a bit of sight seeing in San Jose, and if you’re sitting on a computer right now doing some research (and you are), we know what you’re really after in this city.

This city is the beginning of it all, the Garden of Eden of Technology, if you will. All of the nerds out there know exactly what San Jose and the Silicon Valley/ Palo Alto area mean to the modern world. Techno heaven.

Techno tourism, however, doesn’t just exist in cyber space on the forums and gadget pages, there are loads of things to see and do in San Jose in regards to technology. San Jose is littered with computer and technology museums, chronicling the rise and rise of the connected world.
Things to see

The biggest and most notable being the Tech Museum of Innovation (or ‘The Tech’), which is a highly hands on museum to the way technology effects our way of life. It doesn’t stop at computers either, it has sections on things like satellites, robots and how earthquakes are detected, not to mention all the new and amazing technology that comes out at a rapid rate. This place is great for kids and adults with tech- enthusiasm, a lot of exhibits are interactive and therefore amusing and educational.

More techy museums are the Computer History Museum in the Mountain View area, the GooglePlex (there’s no actual tour here but it’s nice for a stroll) and the Hewlett- Packard Garage in Palo Alto, where Hewlett and Packard first started their global company. Steve Jobs’ Garage can be found at 2066 Crist Drive, also in Palo Alto if that’s your first stop. If you don’t know who that is, there is lots more to keep you amused in San Jose.

The San Jose Museum of Art in downtown San Jose focuses on 20th and 21st century pieces and is built from the old city post office. History buffs of the non- technical nature can delight in the History Museum of San Jose which is a must see for cultural history of the area.
Things to do

More history, though slightly quirkier, is the Winchester Mystery House. Built in Victorian style featuring 160 rooms, and once owned by eccentric rifle heiress Sarah Winchester, the house was created over a period of 38 years.

Sarah continued to build the mansion after inheriting it, and added odd attachments instead of the norm, like stairways to nowhere, doors that open onto blank walls and secret passages. The attention to detail is amazing, though some might find it strange and boring, considering it is after all, just a house. Those who love history or oddities will find it amusing and worth the tour guide money, which isn’t especially cheap.

Culture in this town plays a massive part of entertainment, dining and activities since most residents are of some ethnic descent. The Spanish were some of the first to establish the city, so there is a great Latin atmosphere to San Jose dining, which is also peppered with the finest Asian food around. Japantown is a must is you like authentic Japanese, and we’re not just talking about good sushi.

Dining with a view can be found easily as San Jose boasts great mountain surroundings that house really great restaurants with romantic vibes. In the down town area, Emile’s Restaurant has the best dining reputation for an extravagant meal out, winning multiple awards over the years and excellent reviews in major food magazines.

Shopping is good in San Jose, with loads of malls including the Great Mall (actually in Milpitas), the largest shopping mall in the San Jose area. A great flea market with over 2000 stalls is the San Jose Flea Market, which is perfect for odds and ends, souvenirs and fresh food.

Keep in mind that San Jose is spread out, with tourist attractions spanning the downtown area, Palo Alto and all over Silicon Valley. To navigate easily, you'll need more than public transport at your finger tips. A cheap rental car in San Jose is by far the best option, especially for spontaneous coast trips.

By Leah Bradicich