California's third-largest city is nestled in Silicon Valley, the heart of America's technological industry. Though one of the world's tech capitals, San Jose has given much more to society than the odd microchip. Here is an area of overwhelming natural beauty, and of immensely diverse and creative communities. Come to San Jose to wander through its vast parks and reserves and to dip into its back catalogue of mesmerizing art and culture.
You could spend your entire time here getting to know San Jose's green spaces and nature reserves. Start at Alum Rock Park where the South Rim Trail leads you to inspiring views over Silicon Valley. Take your binoculars to Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and spot the rare and endangered birds who make their homes among the salt ponds and mudflats. Pack a picnic to eat at Fremont Central Park, which is covered in picturesque pathways and verdant lawns. Then take a boat out onto Lake Elizabeth and drift as the rest of the world goes by. Inhale the sweet scents of the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, whose flower beds perennially blossom with rare flower species. Hakone Gardens is another peaceful hangout a faithful Japanese replica, featuring a Zen garden and tea house.
A different kind of park altogether is Kelley Park. Here, you'll find some of San Jose's most riveting attractions. Let the kids loose at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. They'll be thrilled to pet animals and climb with the lemurs. The immersive History Park is the place to gen up on the area's colourful past.
Discover more about the region and what it's achieved at the Los Altos History Museum which features a replica 1930s railroad. The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles sheds light on a favourite hobby and art, currently enjoying a resurgence. Seek out more local artistic gems at the San Jose Museum of Art, which puts a strong focus on modern and contemporary works from California. Admire the work of an entirely different era at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
Complete your visit to San Jose by calling in at the Intel Museum, where you'll see how the famous company cut its teeth, and what its next big product is likely to be. San Jose is competent at flaunting its past achievements, but forever has one eye fixed on the future.