Page 96 - 2015 Travel Guide to California

SAN JOSE &
SILICON VALLEY
High-tech innovation hub welcomes visitors
B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O
TOP CITIES
San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Los Gatos,
Saratoga, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos
INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS
San Jose International Airport (SJC),
4 miles (6 km) north of downtown San Jose
San Francisco International Airport (SFO),
36 miles (58 km) north of downtown San Jose
TOURISM WEBSITES
sanjose.org
santaclara.org
sanmateocountycvb.com
POPULATION
1.8 million
SAN JOSE
& SILICON
VALLEY
San Jose and Silicon Valley have come of age as centers for the arts,
culture and attractions. In 2014, one of the world’s leading private
collections of modern American art, the Anderson Collection,
opened in an architecturally-striking building on the Stanford campus.
Santa Clara is now home to the National Football League’s San Francisco
49ers, who moved into their new $1.2 billion stadium for the 2014-2015
season. In downtown San Jose, a vibrant urban scene continues to grow
with museums, galleries and robust dining and nightlife.
The valley has undergone a dramatic change since the mid 20th century
when farms, orchards and ranches lined Santa Clara Valley, and the area
was called “The Valley of Heart’s Delight.” With the technology boom came
the development of acres of office parks and an influx of bright, young
entrepreneurs—and the new name, Silicon Valley.
In the last decade, the vigorous economy led to a revitalization of cities
whose residents are known more for their long workdays than nights on
the town. Visitors now find pedestrian-friendly burgs, such as charming
Saratoga and Los Gatos, with Michelin-starred restaurants and chic shops.
Mountain View’s Castro Street and Palo Alto’s University Avenue are hop-
ping, and San Jose’s downtown and the Santana Row district are alive with
nightlife and attractions, including the Tech Museum, which pays homage
to the valley’s innovative spirit.
SAN JOSE CVB. OPPOSITE: ASIF ISLAM/SHUTTERSTOCK
94 2015 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A