San Jose was orchards within living memory. People called this the Valley of Heart’s Delight before anyone called it Silicon Valley, and the fruit trees paid for the town, especially after being named one of the best places to live in the US and many locals being priced out of the neighboring Bay Area suburbs. Between the tech giants that define its borders, San Jose has an authentic appeal worth exploring if you find yourself in the area. Here are some of the best places to visit in San Jose, * In the middle of downtown, you’ll find the San Jose Museum of Art. It houses an eclectic collection of modern and contemporary works, providing a platform for local and international artists to shine. Also keep an eye out for Friday art walk which happens once a month in the nearby SoFA district and has many free and open activities and museums.
San Pedro SquareMarket, is a food lover’s destination and has live music many weekends. From pizzas to street food, this market has great outdoor seating in a historic courtyard. Be sure to make a visit to Voyager Craft Coffee if you are there in the daytime. It’s one of the best coffee shops in South Bay and has some inventive seasonal drinks.
Luna Mexican Kitchen, in the historic Alameda district, has authentic Mexican food and a great patio, it’s a for foodies looking for a taste of Mexico in the middle of San Jose. They also have loads of gluten free options.
The Municipal Rose Garden, an award winning rose garden, offers a peaceful retreat for a picnic or walk.
Venues like the City National Civic and the California Theatre showcase various performances, from Broadway shows to symphony concerts. 3 Below Theaters is also worth an honorable mention for its independent shows, films and classes.
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Gardens transport visitors to ancient Egypt, with an extensive collection of artifacts and a replica of an Egyptian tomb. The beautiful gardens provide a perfect backdrop for photos or reading a book.
Santana Row, a lifestyle mall, is a big destination for San Jose’s retail and dining scene. This complex combines luxury shopping with a community-oriented atmosphere. They offer seasonal events such as a Lunar New Year Celebration.
San Jose, often overshadowed by its tech-centric reputation and neighboring communities, is a city with its own personality. From its arts scene to its culinary diversity, it has a lot to discover beneath the surface. San Jose is also in the midst of transformation, and still rougher around the edges than some of the neighboring towns like Cupertino, Campbell and Los Gatos. SJ is evolving, sharing its culture with a tech influx of global residents.
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