Silicon Valley Travel Guide

Primarily known as the capital of California's Silicon Valley, you might expect San Jose to be brashly modern and lacking in history. In fact, the 3rd largest city in California and 10th largest in the States has a great deal to offer. It's packed full of historic buildings, has some excellent museums and a cultural life that punches well above its weight.Founded in 1777 as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, San Jose is California’s oldest Spanish civilian settlement. To learn more about how the city developed from its pioneer roots to the high-tech hub it is today, don't miss the Los Altos History Museum.San Joseans are an outdoorsy lot in general, and the city boasts 193 parks and 87 kilometres of scenic trails, meaning visitors can make the most of the city's good weather and mild climate. Outdoor attractions such as the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Alum Rock Park are very quick and easy to get to. At the latter, you will find walking tracks and animals such as deer, squirrels and even pumas. At Kelley Park, there’s even more outdoor beauty, a cultural centre and heritage buildings. If you have children with you, they will love the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Alternatively, enjoy the tranquillity of the Hakone Japanese Gardens, located in the Saratoga Hills. If you love beautiful blooms, visit the award-winning San Jose Municipal Rose Garden.Museums are a San Jose strong point, and people come from all over to see the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Housing the largest collection of Egyptian artefacts on show in the west of the country, the museum offers a fascinating opportunity to engage with the past. For something more modern, visit the San Jose Museum of Art or the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles to see work from contemporary artists. And there is of course a museum dedicated to San Jose's life blood: the tech industry. The slick Intel Museum explains how microprocessors are designed and constructed.San Jose is a compact and well-planned town, and its airport is just five minutes from downtown. Everything downtown is within walking distance, so for a straightforward holiday, this city is a winner.