San Jose

Despite its more famous cousin to the north, San Francisco, San Jose actually claims the title of largest city in the Bay Area. Originally inhabited by the Ohlone, the city was founded by the Spanish in 1777, becoming the first city in the Spanish colony of Alta California. When California became part of the United States in 1850, San Jose acted as its first capital. Today, the area is most famous for its booming tech industry, earning the nickname "The Capital of Silicon Valley." Visitors to the city explore its many museums like the San Jose Museum of Art with its world-class collection of contemporary art, hike in the many regional parks like the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve located near by, and dine at one of the restaurants in the trendy downtown area.