"Heart of Silicon Valley... San Jose " a San Jose Travel Page by venteeocho

Northern California in general and San Jos? in particular have a world-renowned quality of life. The area offers a wide variety of exciting cultural, recreational, educational and entertainment opportunities. In addition, the City of San Jos? has the nation's best public safety record of any metropSan Jose Overview
To many, the South Bay is synonymous with Silicon Valley, the center of high-tech research and the corporate headquarters of such giants as Apple, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and Hewlett-Packard. But Silicon Valley is more a state of mind than a place -- it is an attitude held by the legions of software engineers, programmers, and computerphiles who call the area home. And that home is increasingly visitor-friendly. Within the sprawl are towns with individual personalities, history that stretches back to the Spanish, thriving arts scenes, and shops and restaurants to satisfy the most discerning wallet.

San Jose has its own ballet, symphony, repertory theater, nationally recognized museums, downtown nightlife, and exclusive hotels. Downtown can be easily explored by foot, and Guadalupe River Park, a 3-mi belt of trees and gardens, connects downtown with the Children's Discovery Museum, to the south. The chain of parks and playgrounds extends all the way north to San Jose International Airport.

A 21-mi light-rail system links downtown to the business district and to Paramount's Great America, to the north, and to various suburbs and malls to the south. You will still need a car to get to outlying communities and such sights as the Egyptian Museum and the Winchester Mystery House.
olitan area, a marvelous ethnic diversity and a beautiful climate.

Beautiful Los Gatos cuddles up to the Santa Cruz Mountains' green foothills like a cat, for which the town is named. Situated at the Santa Clara Valley's Southwest edge, the Town of Los Gatos is one of Silicon Valley's most desirable residential communities, with outstanding schools, tree-shaded streets, a lively, historic downtown and a strong sense of community.

Its charms and beauty have long attracted famous residents, from writers John Steinbeck and Jack London to computer inventor Steve Wozniak and Olympic skater Peggy Fleming.

Downtown Los Gatos possesses sidewalk cafes and coffee shops, clothing stores, luxury hotels, antique shops, art galleries and a superlative choice of dining options. Los Gatos also boasts some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in all of California, just steps away from any of its seven unique hotels.

A short 20-minute drive through the Santa Cruz Mountains' redwoods brings you to the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A 15-minute drive in the other direction will take you to downtown San Jose, Capital of Silicon Valley or the San Jose Norman Mineta International Airport.

Vasona Park includes 45 acres of lawn which can be used for informal play such as frisbee tossing, softball or soccer. There are several picnic areas available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eight reservable group areas are placed at scenic locations throughout the park.

Vasona Lake is open for non-power boating year round. Paddle boats and row boats are available for rental from early spring through early fall. The lake also offers fishing for Black Bass, Crappie, Catfish and Blue Gill. Public boat storage is available for a fee and a launch ramp is provided.

The Youth Science Institute, located at the park''s north end, offers programs and outings which interpret science and inspire an appreciation for the natural environment. Behind YSI, visitors can find solitude while hiking the Viola Anderson Native Plant Trail.

Adjacent to Vasona Park is the Town of Los Gatos'' Oak Meadow Park. Here, visitors can ride a carousel, picnic, play informal sports, or enjoy the playground. Miniature train rides on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad originate in Oak Meadow and run through Vasona Park.