San Jose served as California's first capital in 1850, but it wasn't until the 1980's that the downtown area began to resemble the bustling district it is today. It is home to numerous landmarks, including the San Jose Museum of Art, the Tech Museum of Innovation, the De Anza Hotel, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, and San Jose State University's campus. Downtown San Jose is generally considered to encompass the area north of Interstate 280 and east of Guadalupe Parkway. Most of the downtown area is covered by a public WiFi network, fitting for such a leading tech city. With a slew of restaurants, nightlife, entertainment and shopping options, Downtown San Jose is a must-visit part of this historic city.
A fabulous mix of undulating savanna grassland and evergreen forests, Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve teems with wildlife and natural bounty. Hugging the Arastradero Lake, the grassy knolls and hills make way for forested areas and nature trails. Much favored among bikers and hikers, most of the trails in the park are open through the year. Mountain lions, bobcats and deer are found aplenty here, so are many species of birds that flock around its pristine water bodies.
Uvas is one of the numerous artificial reservoirs created in the mid-1950s as a water conservation measure in the region. Historically, the natural area was part of a Mexican ranch which was later given as a grant. Today, a picturesque sylvan landscape envelops the Uvas Reservoir, providing ample opportunities for hiking and camping. Fishing and boating facilities are available at the lake.
If you want to spend a fun-filled afternoon along with your entire family, head to the Blackberry Farm. This huge park offers something for everyone, kids will love to explore it and play here. It features pools, water slides, sporting courts, picnic areas and many other facilities. For more details, call ahead.
A verdant canopy of majestic coast redwoods drapes the sprawling expanse of the Soquel Demonstration State Forest, providing ample cover and secluded areas for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to unwind amid serene surrounds. A network of scenic trails slices through the woodlands, meandering through towering tree stands and along intermittent streams and bubbling creeks. Visitors can traverse these paths on foot, horseback, and bikes, with the challenging terrain delighting adventurers and avid mountain bikers. Additionally, you can also settle down for a picnic with your companions as you soak in the refreshing atmosphere of a land cloaked in unspoiled natural bounties.
A fabulous mix of undulating savanna grassland and evergreen forests, Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve teems with wildlife and natural bounty. Hugging the Arastradero Lake, the grassy knolls and hills make way for forested areas and nature trails. Much favored among bikers and hikers, most of the trails in the park are open through the year. Mountain lions, bobcats and deer are found aplenty here, so are many species of birds that flock around its pristine water bodies.
Pasatiempo Golf Club is home to the historic Pasatiempo Golf Course, designed by British architect Alister MacKenzie on Marion Hollins request. The grand opening on September 8, 1929 was a historic ocassion with four world-class players in attendance including Bobby Jones, Cyril Tolley and Glenna Collett. The course is rated one of the best golf-courses in the world and one of the top three in California. The course features an 18-hole range and bookings are available for visitors at a fee. Besides the golf course, the club offers other places of interest as well, for example dining options like the iconic Hollins House and the famous Tap Room within its walls. For additional information and to book a tee time, visit the website.
Marine Science Institute offers programs and outings to educate children about their natural environment. On board their ship, the Robert G. Brownlee, students can experience the South Bay and see fishes and plankton, and collect mud samples. Their Discovery Voyage program is executed on board this ship. The Inland Voyages program makes use of aquariums to bring marine life directly into the classroom, while the Marine Camp summer program offers new experiences every year. All of their programs are fun ways to teach your child about the importance of conservation.
Named after a Mexican gold miner, Don Jesus Ramos, who settled in California, the Ramos Park is one of the many public parks in the city. This green expanse is a perfect space to laze around with a book or enjoy sports with your kids or friends. It features amenities like playground, basketball hoop, picnic spots, BBQ facilities and benches too.
If you want to spend a fun-filled afternoon along with your entire family, head to the Blackberry Farm. This huge park offers something for everyone, kids will love to explore it and play here. It features pools, water slides, sporting courts, picnic areas and many other facilities. For more details, call ahead.