San Jose Bay Area Attractions
Paramount's Great America Theme Park - Paramount’s Great America is Northern California’s ultimate family theme park and entertainment destination, with exciting rides, live stage show, concerts, Nickelodeon TV characters, and beautiful sights. Located in Santa Clara, Paramount's Great America features 10 pulse-pounding coasters and the wild water rides of Boomerang Bay. Open March - October. Visit www.pgathrills.com.Winchester Mystery House - Beautiful, yet bizarre, the Winchester Mystery House is an amazing tour. An architectural marvel, the Victorian mansion is filled with many unexplained oddities, such as the staircase to the ceiling and a door that opens onto a wall, three working elevators, 47 fireplaces, rambling roofs, exquisite hand inlaid parquet floors, gold and silver chandeliers, and Tiffany art glass windows. Visit www.winchestermysteryhouse.com.
Raging Waters - Raging Waters in San Jose is the world’s greatest water adventure with maximum thrills, water rides, the Wave Pool and Activity Pool, attractions, shops and food. Experience the Dragon’s Den, the splashy twists and turns on Barracuda Blaster, or journey through streams and waterfalls on the Lazy River. Visit www.rwsplash.com.
HP PavilionSan Jose Arena - Cheer for the riveting San Jose Sharks as they hit the ice for 41 home season games at the HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose.. Check out upcoming boxing events, such as Fight Night, the Sap Open tennis tournament, and many sports competitions. Visit www.hppsj.com or call Event Information at (408) 287-9200.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis - Located on the grounds of Santa Clara University, this is the eighth of twenty-one missions that were built around California by Father Junipero Serra and his Spanish Franciscan padres. Built in 1777, Mission Santa Clara is a California historical landmark. Call (408) 554.4023 or visit www.scu.edu/visitors.
Bay 101 Casino - Enjoy fun gaming action on two casino floors with 40 card tables offering a variety of card games including Hold ‘em, Lowball, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, Super Pan 9, and more. Bay 101 Casino is located 3 miles south off Hwy 101 in San Jose. Call (408) 451-8888; www.bay101.com.
Center for the Performing Arts - The Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose - designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation presents stage productions, events, concerts, dance and shows, and an elegant intimate after-theater area. The theater features continental seating with 2,665 seats, and an infrared system for the hearing-impaired.
Elizabeth F. Gamble House and Gardens - Located in Palo Alto, this 1902 Colonial Georgian house is set on a 2.3-acre estate. Bequeathed by Elizabeth F. Gamble, the estate features formal and working gardens. Experience self-guided tours of the estate’s historic home, carriage house, teahouse and beautiful demonstration gardens. Call (650) 329-1356.
Bonfante Gardens - Explore Bonfante Gardens, a unique combination of four beautiful gardens and amusement rides with the mid-20th century history and agricultural roots of Santa Clara Valley. Set among 600 acres of countryside in Gilroy, Bonfante Gardens features 19 rides and 21 attractions including theme gardens, food concessions, an event plaza, and 19 of the world famous Circus Trees. Call (408) 840-7100.
Stanford Lively Arts - In its 36th year at Stanford University, Stanford Lively Arts invites audiences to explore classical and world music, dance, and spoken word performances by world-famous artists and astounding newcomers. Through passionate live performance and the creation of new art, they make performing arts an exciting part of the Bay Area.
Shoreline Amphitheater - Experience the Bay Area’s largest, most amazing outdoor concert facility, featuring state-of-the-art technical, visual, and sound systems. T he world's most talented entertainers are showcased in an award-winning concert space which delivers an amazing sonic experience. Located in Mountain View, Shoreline features craft booths, eclectic foods, and boasts one of the world’s largest tent structures. Visit www.shoreline-amd.com.
NASA Ames Research Center - Located on the border of Mountain View and Sunnyvale at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Ames occupies 430 acres of land, and hosts a number of federal, civilian, and military agencies on the adjoining 1,500-acre former naval air station, known as MoffettFederal Airfield. Ames offers educational outreach activities to stimulate student interest in science, mathematics, and technology. Visit www.arc.nasa.org.
Moffett Field - Originally the Naval Air Station’s home base for the Navy dirigible U.S.S. Macon, Moffett Field is home to NASA Ames Research Center. Moffett Field’s two runways, three aircraft hangars, and 3.5 million square feet of facilities is now a shared federal facility known as Moffett Federal Airfield. Visit www.airshownetwork.com.
Space Camp - Want to train like a real astronaut? At Space Camp, you fly on a realistic, simulated shuttle mission, experiencing weightlessness and a space walk. Space Camp is a fun and educational way to spends five days learning about the physical, mental and emotional demands that astronauts face.
Six Flags Marine World - America’s only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park, this awesome adventure park features: exciting thrill rides, such as Zonga, kid’s attractions, such as Looney Tunes Seaport, with 12 different rides, attractions and shows; and a unique animal zoo where you can get personal with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, reptiles, giraffes and safari animals. Visit http://www.sixflags.com.
San Jose Sharks - The exciting San Jose Sharks play 41 season games. Having taken San Jose by storm, the game of ice hockey and the hometown team combine for the ultimate "powerplay." Join Sharkie, the Shark’s mascot, and the Sharks world-class players for a hot day on ice. For tickets and schedules, call (408) 999-5757 or order online at www.sj-sharks.com.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - California 's oldest seaside amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk blends old-time nostalgia with modern thrills. Located on a mile-beach between Monterey and San Francisco, the Boardwalk is a free hot spot for beach vibes, 34 classic rides, attractions, an old-style arcade, summer concerts, and events. Call (831) 423-5590 or visit www.beachboardwalk.com.
Santa Cruz Wharf - Stretching out a half mile into Monterey Bay, adjacent to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is lined with fish markets, seafood restaurants and gift shops. Hop aboard a boat for a sightseeing excursion around the bay, or stroll to the end of the wharf to watch the comical sea lions.
Gilroy Garlic Festival - Gilroy has been hosting the world's best food festival for 26 years to celebrate the garlic harvest and raise money for local charities. Since 1979, the Garlic Festival has offered great food and summer family entertainment that’s made it one of the premier food festivals in the world.
San Jose Heritage Rose Garden - A five-acre rose garden that contains over 5,000 plants, the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden. The Rose Garden is an unexpected jewel in the midst of a revitalized downtown San Jose that includes six large diamond-shaped sections, each containing a specific class of rose. Visit www.sanjose.org.
Filoli Gardens - A geometric garden of terraces, paths, pools, lawns, shrubs, trees, and ornamental flower beds, Filoli Gardens is nestled in the foothills of the Coastal Range on the San Francisco Peninsula. A 43-room mansion and the exquisite gardens on the 654-acre estate feature varieties of roses. Filoli features self-guided/guided tours, nature hikes, events and lectures. Call (650) 364-2880.
Monterey Bay Aquarium - The largest aquarium in the US, the Monterey Bay Aquarium probes the deep wonders of Monterey Bay. Don't miss The Jellies: Living Art exhibit, a spectacular combination of rare and delicate jellies and fine art, Sharks: Myth and Mystery, or fe eding time in the giant kelp forest. Visit www.mbayaq.org. [Top]
Bay Area Convention Centers
Santa Clara Convention Center - Located south of San Francisco in Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara Convention Center is one of the most modern, well equipped Convention Centers in the US. A flexible 262,000 square foot state-of-the-art meeting, trade, convention and banquet complex, the Santa Clara Convention Center emulates the dynamic business in thriving Santa Clara. Visit www.santaclara.org.San Jose McEnery Convention Center - Framed by a 125-foot abstract tile mural, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center encompasses over 425,000 square feet of function space. Across the Street, the San Jose Civic Auditorium is a Spanish Mission style dual-level auditorium that hosts performing arts, general assembly, community and sporting events.
Moscone Convention Center - The Bay Area’s premier meeting and exhibition facility, the Moscone Convention Center features 700,000 square feet of exhibit space, 106 meeting rooms and 123,000 square feet of stylish pre-function lobbies. Visit www.moscone.com. [Top]
San Jose Area Golf Courses
San Jose Municipal Golf Course - Designed by Robert Muir Graves, an opened for play in 1968, San Jose Municipal is a flat, straight forward course with open fairways. The Muni Bar & Grill offers beautiful views of the golf course and a diverse menu. www.sjmuni.com.Coyote Creek Golf Club - Coyote Creek Golf Club in San Jose features two spectacular 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, a Golf Instruction Center, a driving range, an elegant clubhouse with a bar & grill, a golf shop, and locker rooms. Call (408) 463-1400 or visit www.coyotecreekgolf.com.
Cinnabar Hills Golf Club - San Jose's first public course to open in 30 years is peacefully tucked in the hills south of Silicon Valley. Visit www.cinnibarhills.com.
Santa Teresa Golf Club - Nestled against the hills of south San Jose, this 18-hole par 71, 6742-yard course is one of the most popular and challenging golf courses in the Bay Area. Santa Teresa features a driving range and lessons. Visit www.santateresagolfclub.com , or call (408) 226-9598.
Shoreline Golf Links - Adjacent to San Francisco Bay in Mountain View, Shoreline Golf Links is an 18-hole, championship golf course that challenges with many bunkers and doglegs. The buffer zone of windswept land is part of Mountain View's Shoreline Park, which features a sailing lake, bicycle and jogging trails and open spaces. Call (650) 969-2041.
Sunken Gardens Golf Course - Located in Sunnyvale, California, Sunken Gardens Golf Course is a public 9-hole, par 3 course. Hole #6 - a 271 yard par 4 – is the best challenge on the course. Sunken Gardens is a great place to practice your game, especially if you’re a beginner, but getting around the course may take some time. For information, call (408) 739-6588.
Sunnyvale Golf Course - Sunnyvale's municipal golf course is a short, flat course with well-placed trees and bunkers, 6 water holes, and tree-lined fairways, and ponds. This course can become very tough in the afternoon as it lies across Hwy. 101 from Moffett Field and the wind can howl. You might have a P-3 Orion fly over head while playing; the 10th fairway has runway marker lights. Call (408) 738-3666.
Stanford University Golf Course - The Stanford University Golf Course, designed in 1930 by renowned golf course architects, is situated in the foothills above the Stanford University Campus. Consistently rated one of the finest courses in the world, in 1998 the golf course was rated 91st in the country by Golf Week Magazine and in 1993 was rated 88th in the world by Golf Magazine. Visit www.stanfordgolfcourse.com. [Top]
San Jose Museums
Tech Museum of Innovation - The Tech Museum in San Jose is a unique technology museum that inspires the innovator in everyone. From interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and exciting programs about technologies The Tech is focused on how technology affects our lives. The Tech’s 132,000 sq. ft. features four theme galleries packed with exhibits, the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater, an educational center, an upscale café, and a museum store. Visit www.thetech.org.
Intel Museum - Enter the micro-miniature world of computer chips as you learn how they are designed, manufactured and placed into thousands of products in the world. The Intel Museum has 3,500 square feet of interactive exhibits, and is designed as a self-guided experience. Visit www.intel.com/intel/intelis/museum.
San Jose Museum of Art- D edicated to visual culture and artistic excellence in Silicon Valley, the San Jose Museum of Art is a contemporary art center whose acclaimed exhibitions have ranged across modern masterworks to the newest frontiers of art. Admission is free. Call (408) 271-6840.
History San Jose - History San Jose operates the San Jose Historical Museum in Kelley Park and the Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site in downtown San Jose, which offer tours, school programs, exhibits, and a museum store. The museum is unique with paved streets, running trolleys, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and café. Call (408) 287-2290.
Santa Clara Historic Museum - Housed in the Headen-Inman house, the Santa Clara Historic Museum features historic artifacts and photos related to the history of Santa Clara. For information, call (408) 248-2789.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose - The Children's Discovery Museum presents innovative and interactive exhibits that respond to children's diverse educational needs and nurture their cognitive development. Call (408) 298-5437 or visit http://www.cdm.org.
Triton Museum of Art - With an emphasis on Bay Area artists, the Triton Museum in Santa Clara exhibits contemporary and historical works. Permanent collections include rotating exhibits of 19th and 20th century American art, including one of the largest public holdings of paintings by Theodore Wores, and Southwest Native American tribal art. Visit www.tritonmuseum.org.
Peralta Adobe - Fallon House - This historic site offers a unique look into San Jose's Mexican and Spanish history through the daily lives of two prominent early San Jose families. Visit www.historysanjose.org. [Top]
San Jose / Bay Area Shopping
San Jose Flea Market - A California tradition for over four decades, the San Jose Flea Market is the largest open-air market in the US, featuring 8 miles of colorful alleys and treasure-laden corridors where over 2,000 vendors sell their wares across 120 acres of land. More than 4 million people visit annually, so expect a crowd - especially on weekends. Call (408) 453-1110 or visit www.sjfm.com.
Santa Clara Farmer’s Market - The Downtown Santa Clara Farmers Market opens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, May 1 through the end of October. The Farmer’s Market only sells "certified” food items produced by local farmers. A popular spot is on Jackson Street between Homestead Road and Benton St.
Great Mall Of The Bay Area - TheGreat Mall is Northern California’s largest enclosed outlet mall, featuring 185 outlet stores and venues. The Great Mall features OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John Knits Outlet, The Sharper Image Outlet, Dave & Buster’s, Vans Skate Park, and Century Theatres. Visit www.greatmallbayarea.com.
Santana Row - Santana Row is South Bay's vibrant living, shopping and entertainment destination with distinctive condominiums/apartments, 66 exciting shops, and spas. Pedestrian streets have a European flair, with fountains, a farmers' market, concerts and special events in the open air. Visit www.santanarow.com.
Stanford Shopping Center - San Francisco Bay Area's premier shopping and dining experience, Stanford Shopping Center features Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Macy's, plus 140 world-class stores and restaurants. Visit www.stanfordshop.com.
WestfieldValley Fair - Westfield Valley Fair is an incredible Santa Clara shopping mall featuring more than 100 retail stores, including anchors Macy's and Nordstrom. Shop at specialty stores like Victoria's Secret, Eddie Bauer, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aveda, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Puma and Louis Vuitton. Visit www.westfield.com/valleyfair or call (408) 248-4451.
GilroyPremium Outlets - Enjoy world-class shopping at 145 top-brand outlet stores with extraordinary values at Gilroy Premium Outlets, featuring Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Hugo Boss, J. Crew, Liz Claiborne, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sony, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger and lots of designer fashions. Visit www.premimoutlets.com. [Top]
Santa Clara County Wineries
Byington Vineyard & Winery - Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains with weeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Byington is the perfect setting for sipping wines or celebrating special occasions. Visit www.byington.com.
Casa de Fruta - Since 1908, Casa de Fruta has welcomed worldwide visitors to the roadside Orchard Resort in the Pacheco Valley between Monterey and Yosemite. Visit www.casadefruta.com.
Fortino Winery - This family-owned Italian winery is located in the beautiful Hecker Pass region of Gilroy. Fortino features a tasting room, a gift shop, romantic vineyard weddings, a large outdoor terrace surrounded by beautiful redwoods, and acres of grape vines. A second tasting room is located in the Gilroy Outlet Center. Call (408) 842-3305 or visit www.scvwga.com/fortino.
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards & Winery - Overlooking Silicon Valley from the foothills above Saratoga and Cupertino, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards & Winery is your gateway to the wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Call (408) 867-7116 or visit www.cgv.com. [Top]
Bay Area Universities
Santa Clara University - Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is California's oldest institution of higher learning. SCU is a private, Jesuit university with 4,643 undergraduate and 3,417 graduate students. Santa Clara University offers a rigorous undergraduate and graduate curriculum in the arts and sciences, business, and engineering Visit www.scu.edu
San Jose State University - Established in 1857, San José State University is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast. Located on 154 acres in downtown San José, San José State consists of eight colleges and offers 69 bachelor's degrees with 81 concentrations and 65 master's degrees with 29 concentrations, specialized and certificate programs SJSU offers the excitement of studying at a metropolitan campus and a competitive athletic program. Visit www.sjsu.edu
Stanford University - One
of the world’s most elite academic institutions. Stanford University covers
8,180 beautiful acres in the western foothills of the San Francisco Bay. Since
1891, Stanford has placed learning opportunities within the reach of students
who earn undergraduate degrees in the School of Humanities and Sciences, the
School of Engineering, and the School of Earth Sciences. Visit www.stanford.edu.
[Top]
Visit TripAdvisor
