Best reasons to visit San Jose, California

San Jose is often overshadowed by its more artsy sister, San Francisco. However, you’ll be surprised that it has a larger population than the former.

Also, over the years, San Jose has blossomed into an ideal destination business travelers and tourists that are seeking lively culture and gorgeous mountain trails.

Known to be the Capital of Silicon Valley, it could be a perfect destination for your next trip.

It might not have the Golden Gate Bridge, but here are the best things to do in San Jose, CA:

It's got lots of sunshine

The sunshine is bright in San Jose. Because it's nestled in Santa Clara Valley, it's a bit warmer all year long than bayside San Francisco. The average temperature here usually runs at 70 degrees.

During the summer season, you can take advantage of the weather by going into havens like the Raging Waters waterpark.

You can also enjoy the perfect weather in its numerous open spaces. Take a hike in the Alum Rock Park, get some cardio and jog at Lake Cunningham Park, or go on a picnic at Municipal Rose Garden and just soak it all in.

It's techier

Well, it isn't known to be the Capital of Silicon Valley for nothing.

San Jose is the heart and soul of Silicon Valley.

Two decades after Bill Gates and Steve Jobs started the computer revolution, the city is now home to approximately 6,000 tech companies.

The place itself is filled with innovators and is known as one of the richest (and most expensive cities) in the US. Get inspired by the minds behind big tech brands like Adobe, Paypal, Cisco, and eBay.

You can learn more about Silicon Valley's science and technology by going to one of the interactive exhibits of The Tech Interactive.

Afterward, drop by and take a peek at Tesla Showroom, and explore the newest gadgets out there in the market at tech stores in Santana Row.

Eclectic food scene

Because the city is home to a diverse set of population, it also means that there's a wide-ranging of food options available.

Everything from fine dining restaurants to authentic Vietnamese dishes ‒ you'd never run out of options.

Because San Jose has one of the largest Vietnamese population that's outside of Vietnam, you simply cannot leave without tasting the mouthwatering Pho. This type of Vietnamese soup is comfort food that can be shared across various cultures. Get your pho fix at Little Saigon, and pair it with a cold milk tea.

Today, San Jose is known to serve one of the best Italian food in the country. Thanks mostly to the Italian immigrants came to the region in droves in the early 20th century.  Experience an unforgettable al-fresco dining experience at Palermo.

Japantown is also not far away, with its big streets filled with small Japanese bakeries and restaurants that sell mochi in the mornings.

There's also Little Portugal, a family-run Portuguese restaurant that serves a refined collection of Portuguese dishes, think about a wide selection of fresh fish, croquettes, and Arroz de mariscos.

Family-friendly activities

You'd be quite surprised that San Jose isn't just some grown-up tech playground. In fact, families with young kids can have the time of their lives, too!

Head over to Children’s Discovery Museum which has a variety of interactive exhibits for the entire family.

After spending the entire day at the museum, one can play a giant game of monopoly at Monopoly in the Park. If the little ones wanted to pet some furry friends, then the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is perfect.

Nature is worth exploring

Further along the Santa Cruz mountains, you'd come across the Portola Redwoods and Castle Rock State Parks where you could soak yourself in the Californian woods.

Here, you can do outdoor activities like hiking, and camping, and simply enjoy the near-perfect weather.

Because the city isn't near the bay unlike San Francisco, it lacks any waterfront views, but the sunshine made up for it.

You can also take a short drive down to Santa Cruz, and spend laid back days in the boardwalk.

It's full of green initiatives

Since San Jose is where most of the thinkers and innovators are, there's no wonder that the city itself has taken steps for more clean energy initiatives.

It uses recycled water whenever they can, and aims for more sustainable growth and development.

It's home to Silicon Valley's shopping district

You can shop until you drop at Westfield Valley Fair and Santana Row. If you're looking forward to exploring small businesses and local shops in the area, then head off to the Westfield Valley Fair.

Meanwhile, the Row offers a more luxurious shopping and fine dining experience. This chic shopping establishment is just a quick drive west of downtown San Jose. This is also where you could check out several designer shops like Gucci and Kate Spade.

Art is everywhere

Various elements of the city's growing art scene can be found in different parts of the city.

For instance, the murals of Pow Wow San Jose can be found in the streets downtown.

Then, there's this streetwear based brand called Cukui that's found in Japantown, which has heavily influenced most of its cultural identity.

The city also houses one of the most unique art walks and museums that showcase the works of both local and international artists.

Other must-sees are the KALEID Gallery and the San Jose Museum of Art.

Vibrant downtown district

San Jose's downtown is filled with farmer's markets, mouthwatering eateries, and home to a vibrant nightlife.

Its downtown district is constantly growing when it comes to world-class shopping, culture, restaurants, and family fun.

Over to You

There are a lot of attractions here in San Jose for you to enjoy. This underrated city has almost everything that California could be proud of, from its fascinating culture, outdoor recreation activities, and home to innovative people that's influencing the world in large ways.