By Joshua Duvauchelle
Things to Do in San Jose
San Jose is located on the edge of
San Francisco Bay and is one of the largest cities in the state of California. Its temperate weather and vibrant arts and culture scene attracts tourists year-round. San Jose's nickname as the "Capital of Silicon Valley" may create an image of drab offices and boring cubicles, but the city is anything but uninteresting. Discover some of the various activities and excursions available in and around San Jose for a taste of California that ventures beyond the typical options found in larger urban centers such
Los Angeles.
Museums
San Jose's weather can occasionally take a turn for the worse, albeit briefly. Duck inside one of these museums during the city's brief thunderstorms for an intriguing look at the past, present and future. The Rosicrucian Museum is sure to delight those with a slightly-morbid curiosity about Egyptian rituals. View genuine human and animal mummies and explore a replica Egyptian tomb, then watch a meteor shower in the adjacent planetarium. Open daily, adult admission is $9 and children are $5. Alternatively, pay homage to the numerous tech companies in the surrounding Silicon Valley at the Tech Museum of Innovation. Let the latest interactive technology exhibits blow your mind in the massive 132,000 square foot building. For example, you can ride a virtual roller coaster or crawl under a table and experience a simulated California earthquake. Admission is $8 for participants of all ages, and includes admission to the museum's IMAX theater.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium
1342 Naglee Ave
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 947-3636
http://www.egyptianmuseum.org
The Tech Museum of Innovation
201 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 294-8324
http://www.thetech.org/
Outdoors
Take advantage of California's famous sun at one of San Jose's many outdoor parks and recreational walks. Try the 718 acres of Alum Rock Park, California's first municipal park that was founded over a 100 years ago. Numerous trails traverse the canyon sides with breathtaking views of the Santa Clara Valley. Less rigorous hikes and walking trails start at the visitor's center, while playgrounds, picnic tables and beach volleyball courts entertain even the non-hikers.
Alum Rock Park
15350 Penitencia Creek Rd
San Jose, CA 95127-1348
(408) 277-4539
Swimming
After a day of shopping, hiking or exploring in the hot sun, cool off at the Raging Waters water park. Located just 15 minutes driving from downtown San Jose, the park is popular amongst visitors and residents of all ages. Over 23 acres of refreshing rides and attractions are sure to entertain. Take a spin in the pitch-black tunnel rides, or try your luck at catching a wave in the 350,000-gallon wave pool.
Raging Waters
2333 S White Rd
San Jose, CA 95148-1518
(408) 238-9900
http://rwsplash.com
Off-Beat Adventure
For an unusual and extraordinary excursion, explore Winchester Mystery House, a 160-room Victorian mansion built over 120 years ago. It is an example of historical opulence, with then-rare technology like elevators and gas light fixtures. Even today, the expansive estate enthralls visitors with luxuries like gold chandeliers and Tiffany glass windows. Come to be amazed at the over-the-top decadence that took almost 40 years to build, or simply search for bizarre details such as flights of stairs that lead to nowhere.
Winchester Mystery House
525 S Winchester Blvd
San Jose, CA 95128-2588
(408) 247-2101
http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
Photo Credits:
Jen Thomas
