When it comes to finding a destination for your next holiday, that the whole family can enjoy equally, then look no further than San Jose. As the third largest city in the state of California, San Jose is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers, encompassing everything a holiday destination should!
San Jose is located in the Santa Clara Valley, at the southern end of the Bay Area, which is more commonly referred to as Silicon Valley. The city itself is world-renowned for its high quality of life and is the perfect starting or ending point for a driving holiday. There are several pick-up points throughout the city from which you can find a rental car. From here, there are no limits as to what you can see and do in and around this amazing city.
1. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium
This amazing museum was architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon in Karnak and it surely doesn't disappoint. Rosicrucian houses the largest collection of Egyptian artefacts on exhibit in the western United States and is the perfect place to explore Ancient Egypt's fascinating view of the afterlife. The museum is home to an extensive collection of human and animal mummies, Canopic jars and detailed funerary boats and models. It truly is a slice of Egypt right in America's backyard.
2. History San Jose
This 14-acre complex of historic buildings is located within Kelley Park and is the perfect place to visit to learn of the fascinating history of San Jose. This historical complex is somewhat of a time machine, that takes visitors back in time to the early days of this, now well developed, city.
The history park holds prominence in the complex and is home to 27 original and reproduction homes, businesses and landmarks. These historic buildings highlight the valley's past and offer a certain charm and ambience that can be found nowhere else.
3. Santa Clara Valley Vineyards
Santa Clara Valley is the oldest continuing producing wine region in California and boasts some of the country's finest wineries and vineyards. Most of the local wineries are located within a short driving distance of San Jose itself, with some of the drives offering stunning landscapes and scenery. These local wineries include Marassou Vineyards, Sarah's Vineyard, Soils Winery and Sycamore Creek Wineries. Many of these offer tours, picnic grounds, tastings and on-site purchases, which means you can take a piece of Jan Jose home with you!
4. Children's Discovery Museum
If you have come to San Jose on a family holiday and are looking for a fun outing that the whole family can enjoy, especially the kids, than look no further than the Children's Discovery Museum. This exciting children's attraction serves the needs of children and families as it is a centre for learning and discovery. Offering interactive exhibitions that are sure to keep the kids amused for hours, children are able to engage in a unique learning experience that is fun at the same time.
The museum offers everything from Alice's Wonderland, the Land of Gullah and a Rainbow Pizza and Market, to a theatre, waterway and Kid's Garden. It is the perfect day out for the kids and even the adults are guaranteed to enjoy!
5. Alum Rock Park
For the ultimate outdoor experience in San Jose, you really can't go past Alum Rock Park. The park is located in the Diablo Range Foothills on the eastern side of San Jose. The drive here alone will please, as you will pass some impressive mansions and some amazing scenery. The park itself is the perfect place for horseback riding, picnics, cycling or simply spending some quality time with the kids. The many trails that wind through the park will take you past some diverse vegetation and some of the scenic views from the lookout points will simply take your breath away.
San Jose really is the ultimate destination for a driving holiday and what makes it more perfect is the fact that it is a place that offers something for the whole family.
Christine Barton
