Paramount's Great America The Tech Museum of Innovation HP Pavilion San Jose Arena History San Jose Six Flags Marine World Peralta Adobe - Fallon House Historic Site Children's Discovery Museum Of San Jose Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Golf Courses Wineries & Vineyards Universities Shopping

Gateway to the Bay Area, San José is the third largest city in California and the 11th largest city in the nation. San José is conveniently situated 45 minutes south of San Francisco and 1.5 hours north of Monterey . As the hub of Silicon Valley, San José is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers due to the city's accessible location, beautiful climate and metropolitan amenities. San Jose offers a wide variety of exciting cultural, recreational, educational, and entertainment opportunities. San Jose is an ideal destination for cultural arts, exciting attractions, museums, nightlife, professional sports (NHL's San José Sharks), theme parks, and 50 of Northern California 's superb wineries. Experience world-class restaurants, shops and nightlife in San Jose 's revitalized downtown area. Rich in history and cultural diversity, and recognized as a city of innovation and entrepreneurial success, it's no wonder more than six million people visit San José each year.

Paramount's Great America - Paramount 's Great America is Northern California 's ultimate theme park for family thrills, exciting rides, shows, concerts, characters, and the beautiful sights above the park on Eagles Flight. The world's tallest double-decker carousel greets guests as they enter Northern California 's largest family entertainment destination. Located in scenic Santa Clara , Paramount 's Great America features the most rides and attractions in California - from 10 pulse-pounding coasters to the wet and wild water rides of Boomerang Bay , the new 2.7-acre Australian-themed water park that features a variety of slides, splash areas and water activities built inside the existing park. Brave the senior coaster, The Demon, offering airtime and multiple loops or the fierce new Delirium - the first ever in North America - a powerful spinning pendulum that sends you whirling. Paramount 's Great America features live stage performance, and is the only place in the Bay Area where kids can play with their favorite TV characters. Experience a universe of new fun, friends, and adventures as the stars of Nickelodeon come to life. For more information, visit www.pgathrills.com .

Winchester Mystery House - Beautiful, yet bizarre, the Winchester Mystery House is an amazing tour for both adults and children. Sarah L. Winchester, heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, lived in this unfinished house during its perpetual construction. Built in 1884, it occupied the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death 38 years later. 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. Unlike most homes of its era, this 160-room Victorian mansion had modern heating and sewer systems, gas lights that operated by pressing a button, three working elevators, and 47 fireplaces. From rambling roofs and exquisite hand inlaid parquet floors to the gold and silver chandeliers and Tiffany art glass windows, you will be impressed by the staggering amount of creativity, energy, and expense poured into every detail. For more information, visit www.winchestermysteryhouse.com.

Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park - For families looking for a more natural day of fun, explore Bonfante Gardens - a one-of-a-kind combination of four unique gardens and amusement rides with the mid-20th century history and agricultural roots of Santa Clara Valley . Set among 600 acres of rural countryside in Gilroy, California, Bonfante Gardens features acres of fun and beauty encompassing 19 rides and 21 attractions including theme gardens, food concessions, an event plaza, and 19 of the world famous Circus Trees. For hours of operation, call (408) 840-7100.   [Top]

The Tech Museum of Innovation - The Tech is a cosmopolitan museum focused on technology, how it works and the way that it is changing every aspect of the way we work, live, play, and learn. Its people-and-technology focus and the integration of advanced technologies into visitor experiences and infrastructure distinguish it from other science centers. The 132,000 square feet of The Tech are shared by four major theme galleries packed full of unique exhibits, the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater , an educational center for workshops and labs, an upscale cafe, and a retail store featuring books, gifts, and only-in-Silicon Valley items.

Intel Museum - At the Intel Museum in Santa Clara , you'll enter the micro-miniature world of computer chips as they learn how they are designed, manufactured and placed into thousands of products in our everyday world. You can experience the power of computer chips first hand, and the evolution of their development. The Intel Museum has 3,500 square feet of interactive exhibits that appeal to both children and adults . It is designed as a self-guided experience, but guided tours may be arranged in advance for groups. For more information, visit www.intel.com/intel/intelis/museum/ .

San Jose Museum of Art - SJMA is the leading institution dedicated to visual culture and arts in Silicon Valley and largest visual arts education provider in Santa Clara County . It is a community anchor, ensuring artistic excellence and access for an extraordinarily diverse community. It is a contemporary art center whose acclaimed exhibitions have ranged across modern masterworks to the newest frontiers of art. It is a cultural crossroads, more than doubling its attendance since instituting a free admission policy. It is a source of inspiration, contemplation, education and delight for a fast-moving community. The Richardson Romanesque portion of this building in downtown San Jose (next to the Fairmont Hotel) dates back to the late 19th century when it served as the post office for San Jose . The museum shares exhibits with New York 's Whitney Museum and features impressive art, with an emphasis on West Coast artists. It is a museum of the future! Admission is free. Museum Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm . For more information, call (408) 271-6840 or visit www.sjmusart.org .   [Top]

HP Pavilion San Jose Arena - In addition to the 41 San Jose Sharks regular season home games, the HP Pavilion at San Jose - the San Jose Arena - hosts 120 to 180 events every year, including Olympic athletes, Grammy award-winning musicians, first-rate shows, exhibitions and competitions, and a variety of family and children's favorites. Located in the heart of world-renowned Silicon Valley, San Jose Arena occupies 17 acres in downtown San Jose , California .

San Jose 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. Designed for convenience and versatility, it offers 143,000 square feet of column-free prime exhibit space divisible by three, an elegant 22,000 square foot ballroom, up to 30 meeting rooms capable of seating up to 2,400 theater-style, and can accommodate banquets to 5,000. The San Jose Convention Center has 30-foot-high finished ceilings, 12 loading bays with drive-on access to the exhibit hall floors, complete audio-visual, sound and lighting services, cellular, standard and ISDN telephony services, and fiber optic and copper cabling throughout the facility with DS-3 high-speed internet access.

Center For The Performing Arts - Located on the corner of West San Carlos Street and Almaden Boulevard , the Center for the Performing Arts was designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Events at the Center for the Performing Arts are supported by full staging facilities, reception, box office, concessions, rehearsal rooms, and an elegant intimate after-theater area. The theater features continental seating with 2,665 seats and can accommodate up to 10 wheelchair seats. In addition, an infrared system for the hearing-impaired is installed through the in-house audio system.   [Top]

History San Jose - History San Jose , formerly History Museums of San Jose , operates two sites - the San Jose Historical Museum in Kelley Park and the Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site in downtown San Jose - which both offer tours, school and family programs, exhibits, a museum store, facility use and volunteer opportunities. The Historical Museum is a 14-acre facility with a park-like setting, including 27 original and reconstructed homes, businesses, and landmarks highlighting the culture and history of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley . The museum is unique with paved streets, running trolleys, an old-fashioned ice cream and candy parlor and cafe, and a museum gift shop. For more information, call (408) 287-2290.

Shoreline Amphitheatre - Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View is the most successful outdoor concert facility in the country, based on the quantity and quality of the acts that perform there. Last year, over 450,000 entertainment lovers flocked to see superstar performances by the Dave Matthews Band, Radiohead, Coldplay, James Taylor, Alan Jackson, and Neil Young. Opened in 1986 under the direction of Bill Graham Presents, Shoreline Amphitheatre was designed for the optimum comfort of performers and audience. Shoreline is a state-of-the-art event facility incorporating all of the technical, visual, service and comfort elements that the Bill Graham Presents organization developed during its 30+ years in the entertainment industry. Shoreline also features unique craft booths, eclectic foods, cold beverages and a friendly staff. Visit www.shoreline-amd.com for Shoreline concerts and events, tickets and box office information.

Raging Waters - Raging Waters in San Jose is the world's greatest water adventure with maximum thrills, water rides, attractions, shops and food. Experience the new Dragon's Den, which catapults you through mysterious darkness into the abyss of the dragon. Ride the waves in the 350,000 gallon Wave Pool , barrel down 500 feet of splashy twists and high-bank turns plunging into a pool below on the Barracuda Blaster, explore waterfalls, rings, ropes and slides in the Activity Pool, enjoy a relaxing journey through streams and waterfalls on the Lazy River , and many other exciting water adventures. Visit www.rwsplash.com for additional information.   [Top]

Six Flags Marine World - Just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco , Six Flags Marine World is the only combination wildlife park and oceanarium in the country. Animals of land, sea and air are showcased in spectacular shows and innovative attractions. The Gentle Jungle has plenty of hands-on contact for kids and adults, and ucky youngsters can always hope for a kiss from a killer whale.

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo - Located in Kelley Park, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo features a variety of children's rides and amusements as part of admission including carousels, various kiddie rides, and the puppet castle theatre. To add to the fun, there are themed play areas and picnic groves to entertain the whole family. The zoo exhibits over 50 species of domestic, exotic, and endangered animals from all over the world. For a unique hands-on experience, visit the contact area of the zoo. Happy Hollow also invites you to participate in a variety of annual special events for the entire family. www.happyhollowzoo.org

San Jose Heritage Rose Garden - The San Jose Heritage Rose Garden is an unexpected jewel in the midst of a revitalized downtown San Jose , California . A five-acre rose garden that contains over 5,000 plants, the SJ Heritage Rose Garden is in the shape of a large bowl, the center of which is 5 feet deep. This allows the observer to see every single plant from every place in the garden. Inside the garden are six large diamond-shaped sections, each containing a basic class of rose. For more information, visit www.sanjose.org .   [Top]

Peralta Adobe - Fallon House Historic Site - 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. The adobe, built in 1797, is the city's oldest address and the last remaining structure from El Pueblo de San Jose & de Guadalupe. Across the street, the lavish 1855 Fallon House was home to one of San Jose 's early mayors, Thomas Fallon. The mansion showcases 15 fully-furnished Victorian period rooms and also features an exhibit on Santa Clara Valley . Visitor services include tours, an exhibit on Santa Clara Valley , school and public programs, a museum store, facility rentals, and volunteer opportunities. www.historysanjose.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 were once used as the set of the TV series Dynasty . Named Filoli, to Fight, to Love, to Live, by William Bourne who built the country retreat in 1917, the gardens are designed as a sequence of rooms and feature a collection of more than 500 varieties of roses. Property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the estate also features special events, lectures and classes. Filoli is open Tuesday through Saturday, from February 11 to October 25, 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (last admission is at 2:30 pm ). Self-guided tours are available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Reservations required. Admission fees are $10 per adult, $5 per student (with valid ID) and $1 for children ages 7-12. Children under 7 are free. Admission includes self-guided tours, guided tours, and nature hikes. For more information, call (650) 364-2880.   [Top]

Children's Discovery Museum Of San Jose - Since the Children's Discovery Museum opened its doors in June 1990, it has welcomed over 2.5 million visitors and has offered new interactive exhibits each year that respond to children's diverse educational needs, nurture their cognitive development, and celebrate their role in our lives. For more information, call (408) 298-5437 or visit http://www.cdm.org .

Byington Vineyard & Winery - Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains with weeping views of the Pacific Ocean , Byington provides the perfect setting for sipping wines or celebrating special occasions. The manicured grounds of the Byington estate and its Italianate stone winery chateau create a striking backdrop for any occasion. Whether dreaming of an enchanted wine country wedding or planning a corporate retreat, visit www.byington.com .

San Jose Sharks - The exciting San Jose Sharks play 41 season games. Having taken San Jose by storm, the game of hockey and the hometown team combine for the ultimate "powerplay." Join Sharkie, the team mascot, and the rest of the Sharks franchise for a hot day on ice! For ticket and schedule information, call (408) 999-5757 or order online - http://www.sj-sharks.com .

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - California 's oldest amusement park and the only major seaside amusement park on the Pacific Coast , the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk blends nostalgia with modern thrills. Located on a mile-beach between Monterey and San Francisco , the Boardwalk is your admission-free hot spot for beach vibes, classic rides, summer concerts, events, and cook-offs. With more than 34 rides and attractions, everyone has a thrilling time. You can get your fortune told in the old-style arcade, take a raging ride on the bumper cars, or brave the giant wood-framed roller coaster, The Giant Dipper, whose unforgettable dips rival any extreme adventure. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk features a historic carousel and little cars and airplanes for the kiddies. The park's latest rides, the new Fireball and Cliff Hanger, are packed with ocean-view thrills. Other attractions include the Climb & Conquer climbing wall, Venturer Simulator motion theater, Trampoline Thing, the 3-D Fun House, the Boardwalk Grand Arcades, the Casino Arcade and Neptune 's Kingdom. The Boardwalk Bowl across the street is a state-of-the-art bowling center for the entire family. Bring a swimsuit, as you'll be steps from the sandy, Santa Cruz beach. The Boardwalk is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends fall through Spring. For information and upcoming events, call (831) 423-5590 or visit www.beachboardwalk.com .   [Top]

Golf Courses

Coyote Creek Golf Club - Coyote Creek Golf Club, located in San Jose, California right off the Hwy. 101, features two spectacular   18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses , a  Golf Instruction Center , a grass driving range and an elegant clubhouse with a bar & grill , golf shop, and locker rooms. Drawing inspiration from the land's natural contours, Jack Nicklaus has designed the Tournament Course to reward every skill level and to take advantage of the picturesque terrain. The par-72 course plays 7,027 yards from the tips, but has five tee positions on each hole to accommodate all golfing abilities. To the east, the Tournament Course has been sculpted from the lower slopes of the Diablo Range , offering constantly changing views. To the west, the course opens into broader vistas and more generous fairway landing areas. The 18th hole provides a spectacular finish and is considered by many to be the Tournament Course's Signature hole. At 433 yards, this par-4 is bordered by lakes along the entire right side. An accurate tee shot, carried over the water, is rewarded by a short iron approach over the lake fronting the green. This memorable hole completes a golf journey unlike any other in the Silicon Valley . The Valley Course is designed to reward every skill level. The par 72 course plays 7,066 yards from the blue tees, with four sets of tees on each hole. For more information, call 408-463-1400 or visit www.coyotecreekgolf.com .

Cinnabar Hills Golf Club - Peacefully tucked in and around the hills, a short drive south of fast-paced Silicon Valley , Cinnabar Hills Golf Club blends championship-caliber golf with spectacular views. San Jose 's first public course to open in 30 years was designed by award-winning architect John Harbottle III. Each hole has been crafted to maintain the natural slope of the area and to protect the wildlife residing here. Hundreds of old oaks were incorporated into the layout and seedlings from those oaks were nurtured and planted to further enhance the landscape. Inspiring the golf club's logo, red-tail hawks can be seen flying over the course or even perched in a tree. Named for the rich, red ore mined here during the 1800's, Cinnabar Hills offers golfers three distinct nines: the Canyon, the Lake and the Mountain. For more information, visit www.cinnibarhills.com .\

Santa Teresa Golf Club - Nestled against the hills in south San Jose , this par 71, 6742 yard course is one of the most popular and challenging golf courses in the San Francisco Bay Area. Santa Teresa is a pleasingly designed course surrounded by beautiful trees and views. Golfers enjoy wide fairways, fast greens and strategically placed hazards. Along with the main course, Santa Teresa is home of one of the finest par 3 short courses in Northern California . A great place for beginners and seasoned golfers to practice their short game, "Shorty" has water hazards on 4 holes and sand traps abound. No need to book a tee time, "Shorty" is a walk-on course. The Santa Teresa Golf Club is easily accessible from freeways 101 and 85. The driving range is open from sunrise to sunset daily - except Wednesday, when it closes one hour prior to sunset, and Thursdays when it opens 3 hours after sunrise. Private, semi-private, adult group, and junior lessons are offered. In addition to the first-rate golf courses, Santa Teresa has excellent restaurant and banquet facilities for private parties and weddings. The banquet hall is located in a serene area on a small hill overlooking the course. For more information or reservations, visit www.santateresagolfclub.com , or call 408- 226-9598.   [Top]

Wineries & Vineyards

Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards & Winery - Located 25 minutes west of San Jose overlooking Silicon Valley from the foothills above Saratoga and Cupertino , Cooper-Garrod is an estate winery and vineyard that's your gateway to the wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains . They produce award-winning wines from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay grapes grown only in unirrigated, hillside vineyards. Whether you have an afternoon, a weekend, or a week, begin your wine tasting tour in their tasting room, and they'll direct you to other known and obscure wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains - each with different wines to try and stories to tell. The tasting room is open Monday through Friday, 12 - 5 p.m. , and weekends, 11 - 5 p.m. In addition, they have a picnic area, special event facilities, and horse-back rides on trails with panoramic views overlooking San Francisco Bay and the cities of Palo Alto , Mountain View , Sunnyvale , Santa Clara , Campbell , and Los Gatos . For information, call (408) 867-7116 or visit www.cgv.com .

Byington Vineyard & Winery - Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean , Byington provides the perfect setting for sipping wines or celebrating special occasions. The manicured grounds of the Byington Estate and its Italianate stone winery chateau create a striking backdrop for any occasion. Whether dreaming of an enchanted wine country wedding or planning a corporate retreat, visit www.byington.com .

Fortino Winery - This family-owned and operated Itailian winery at the south end of Santa Clara County is located in the beautiful Hecker Pass region of Gilroy , California . Fortino Winery offers romantic vineyard weddings, featuring a large outdoor terrace surrounded by beautiful redwoods and acres of grape vines, scrumptious catering by a professional and personable staff, award-winning wines and champagnes. Fortino features a tasting room and gift shop that's open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A second tasting room and gift shop is located in the Gilroy Outlet Center , which has an outdoor event center and banquet facility for weddings, receptions, corporate events, and private parties with on-site catering for up to 350 guests. For information, call (408) 842-3305 or visit www.scvwga.com/fortino   [Top]

Universities

San Jose State University - Established in 1857, San José State University is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast. 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's mission is to enrich the lives of its students, to transmit knowledge to its students along with the necessary skills for applying it in the service of our society, and to expand the base of knowledge through research and scholarship. Conveniently located on 154 acres in downtown San José in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose State University is an exceptional place for hands-on learning, professional development and personal growth. SJSU is a metropolitan university offering an uncommon range of undergraduate and graduate programs that promote intellectual inquiry and independent thought. One of the 200 top research universities in the nation, SJSU offers rigorous course work and research opportunities to more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students. From Administration of Justice to Zoology, San José State 's academic environment is one of the most challenging in the California State University system. Opportunities for students abound, from the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories to NASA Ames Research Center .

Stanford University - Built in 1891, Stanford University covers 8,180 beautiful acres, centered around the "quad," a complex of classrooms and offices in early-California style. The renovated Stanford Memorial Church stands at its center. Stanford University is considered an elite academic institution that was created to be untraditional, co-educational, non-denominational, and dedicated to producing "cultured and useful citizens. For over 100 years, Stanford has placed a wealth of opportunities within the reach of its students on the beautiful campus in the western foothills near the San Francisco Bay . Students earn undergraduate degrees in three Schools at Stanford - the School of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Engineering , and the School of Earth Sciences . The other four schools offer graduate programs in Business , Education , Law and Medicine . As a major research university, Stanford offers undergraduates the chance to participate in the process of discovery of new knowledge under the direction of its renowned faculty. The benefits of education at a research university are fully complemented by a fine residential college education at Stanford, with faculty involved in mentoring individual students from freshman-year seminars through senior honors projects and research seminars. For information and admissions, visit www.stanford.edu .

Santa Clara University - Santa Clara University is California 's oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1851, with 4,643 undergraduates and 3,417 graduate students. Built upon a 152-year-old Catholic and Jesuit tradition, SCU's academic program helps students develop a foundation in ethics and justice. SCU was ranked in 2001 and 2002 by US News & World Report as "A Great School at a Great Price," and named a "best value" in the West. In 2003, SCU ranked second among master's universities in the West and boasted the fourth-best graduation rate in the country. Located in thriving Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University offers a rigorous undergraduate and graduate curriculum in the arts and sciences, business, and engineering. It has nationally recognized graduate and professional schools in business, law, engineering, pastoral ministries, counseling psychology and education. Santa Clara University 's education is distinguished by a commitment to inquiry, creative imagination, reflective engagement with society, and to fashioning a more humane and just world.   [Top]

Shopping

San Jose Flea Market - A California tradition for over four decades, the Flea Market is the biggest 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. For more information, call (408) 453-1110 or visit www.sjfm.com .

Westfield Shoppingtown Oakridge Mall - Oakridge Mall has always been an integral part of the San Jose community and offers you and your family the things you need to keep up with your hectic lives. With a modern new look, the Mall features more than 100 specialty stores, plus Macy's, Montgomery Ward and an all new Sears. With a host of other great stores like Victoria's Secret, Macy's Express, Eddie Bauer, Bath & Body Works, Millers Outpost, B. Dalton Booksellers, Papyrus, The Gap, Natural Wonders, and Gymboree, Oakridge will continue to provide you with everything you need to look and feel your best. Convenient parking and a freeway location at the Santa Teresa exit off Highways 85 & 87 in San Jose makes getting to Oakridge easier than ever. For more information, (408) 578-2910.

Great Mall Of The Bay Area - The Great Mall is Northern California 's largest enclosed outlet mall, featuring more than 200 stores and eateries. This incredible shopping and entertainment experience includes nine full-service restaurants, an international food court, an entertainment complex, a 20-plex theater, events, and a unique circular racetrack design that allows you to visit every store on a single level, without backtracking . For more information, visit www.greatmallbayarea.com .

Gilroy Premium Outlets - Gilroy Premium Outlets is more than just a great collection of the finest designer labels and brands, it's California 's largest outlet center. With 45 outlet stores, you will find impressive savings at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brook Brothers, Coach, Hugo Boss, J Crew, Jones New York , Liz Claiborne, Nike, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace and more. Include a shopping stop during your next trip to the San Jose area. Conveniently located off Hwy 101 near San Jose , it is a bargain hunter's haven. For information and hours, call 408-842-3729.   [Top]

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