Page 86 - 2017 Travel Guide to California

SAN JOSE & SILICON VALLEY
Center for high-tech, innovation, museums and more
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
smccvb.com
POPULATION
1.8 million
SAN JOSE
& SILICON
VALLEY
San Jose and Silicon Valley, known worldwide for technology inno-
vation, have come of age as centers for the arts, culture and
attractions.
Downtown San Jose’s vibrant urban scene continues to grow with
museums, galleries and robust dining and nightlife. San Jose Jazz, which
presents more than 100 live music events annually, is one of many dynamic
cultural groups.
The valley has undergone a dramatic change since the mid 20th century
when farms, orchards and ranches lined what was then called Santa Clara
Valley, or “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 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 hopping, and San
Jose’s downtown is filled with nightlife and attractions, including the Tech
Museum, which pays homage to the valley’s innovative spirit.
During the valley’s warm evenings—and there are many, with an average
of 300 days a year of sunshine—visitors fill Santana Row, a chic shopping
84 2017 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
PETE NIESEN/SHUTTERSTOCK. OPPOSITE: DANIEL HARTWIG/CREATIVE COMMONS/FLICKR; ED BIERMAN/CREATIVE COMMONS/FLICKR