All About San Jose

San Jose

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, and is a vibrant city full of things to do and places to see. Visitors to San Jose enjoy the city's many attractions, as well as the dining, shopping and nightlife offerings.

The history of San Jose dates back to 1777, when San Jose was founded as the first town in the Spanish colony of Nueva California. It was primarily a farming community, and served the purpose of supporting the Spanish military installations. When California became a state in 1850, San Jose was the original state capital. San Jose spent the majority of its early years as a center of agriculture in the area. However, as World War II began, the city's industry shifted towards industrial manufacturing. The city experienced a lot of growth in the 1950's and 1960's, due to the large number of arriving suburban newcomers, and the housing development market boomed. Today, San Jose is the 10th largest city in the United States, situated in heart of the technology-focused area referred to as the "Silicon Valley."

California is "wine country", and San Jose is home to a number of wineries. Visitors to the area often enjoy spending time visiting, touring and tasting their way through the various wineries. The city also hosts a number of wine-related events throughout the year which are very popular with visitors and residents alike.

San Jose enjoys a rich ethnic diversity, which is reflected in the many dining options that the area has to offer. From traditional Mexican cuisine and California-influenced cuisine, to Italian, French, and Asian dining establishments, there is something for everyone to enjoy and try. San Jose also has a rich nightlife, with a wide array of music venues and clubs to be enjoyed.

There are many museums to enjoy in San Jose. Art museums in the area include the San Jose Museum of Art and the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art. The Tech Museum of Innovation provides a glimpse into how technology works, and provides ample opportunities for hand-on exploration. A good place for children to explore is the Children's Discovery Museum, which lets children interact with exhibits and displays to better understand how things work. It's one of the largest exploratory children's museums in the United States. Visitors and residents can also learn more about the area's rich history by visiting facilities such as the Mexican Heritage Plaza and the History Museum and Park of San Jose.

Because of its location in "Silicon Valley", San Jose is also a popular destination for business travelers. There are a number of facilities designed to accommodate the needs of businesses, such as the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and the San Jose Civic Auditorium.

Shoppers in San Jose have many choices, and often spend the day exploring the unique offerings in the Downtown area. There are also a number of shopping centers, including the large and expansive Vanity Fair, and the Oakridge Mall and Eastridge Shopping Center. Santana Row offers a luxurious shopping experience, while the San Jose Market has long been a California tradition, and offers one of the largest open-air market shopping experiences in the country.

Whether visiting for business or pleasure, San Jose offers something for everyone to enjoy.