The heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is all about innovation, California-style. Beyond the world of microchips, you'll find a vibrant city with quirky things to do, like exploring the Winchester Mystery House, wandering through the flower-filled Municipal Rose Garden, or fanning your curiosity at The Tech Interactive. Upscale attractions abound, too, like the shops on Santana Row—after all, California’s tech economy flows right through San Jose. See it for yourself, and you’ll see the California dream in action.
San Jose quite literally shines year-round, but for the most ideal weather, target the “dry” season (aka May to September), when the calendar is full of warm, sunny days perfect for exploring. June through August are the peak tourist months; if you crave cooler weather and smaller crowds, consider spring or fall, though winters are also mild (if a bit wet).
For the United States, San Jose has pretty decent public transportation. The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) offers light rail and buses around town, and Caltrain whisks riders to San Francisco or points south. Of course, taxis, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, and even pedicabs are available, too. In other words, do what you can to avoid having to navigate that Bay Area traffic yourself.
When it comes to the San Jose food scene, this city’s dining tables aren’t just for the affluent traveler. Those on a budget can easily experience some of Silicon Valley’s best dishes; dining at food trucks showcases the city’s global flavor, while flea markets and food halls always keep things fresh and local. In neighborhoods like Japantown, Japanese, Japanese-American, and Hawaiian diners serve up some of the city’s tastiest fare.
