1. Santana Row: More than Just a Mall
One of the most acclaimed retail and urban recreation developments in the USA, Santana Row is much more than just a shopping mall (although there are plenty of sought-after brands, from Gucci to Ann Taylor LOFT). It's also San Jose's major events space, hosting festivals, markets, fashion shows, and live music events. It's a nightlife hub thanks to bars and restaurants where happy hour never seems to end. Plus, it's a cultural quarter, with performance spaces and arthouse cinemas. Right at the heart of town, it's a great place to begin your exploration of San Jose.
2. Tech Museum: Join the Silicon Valley Elite
The Tech Museum of Innovation sums up what this corner of California is all about: cutting edge apps, coders functioning solely on coffee, and a never-ending quest to introduce the next big thing, whatever that might be. Located right next to the historic Montgomery Theater, the museum is the perfect place to take any budding Bill Gates. From informative exhibits on cyber-security to the opportunity to "build your own robot", there's no end to the gadget-related fun on offer.
3. Winchester Mystery House: A Kooky Curiosity With Ghostly Legends
Just next to the hip bars and boutiques of Santana Row, you'll find this quirky attraction. Once the home of wealthy widow Sarah Winchester, this mansion was designed in a willfully eccentric way, with rooms dedicated to contacting spirits, bizarre attics, and corridors that seem to lead nowhere. More importantly, thousands of visitors have reported a ghostly presence (maybe the souls of those killed by Winchester rifles). Either way, it's a fascinating place to tour, whether you are into haunted houses or just an architectural enthusiast.
4. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: Explore Ancient History in an Exotic Setting
A mile or so west of Downtown San Jose, you'll find this magnificent collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Founded by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, who were seeking Egyptian objects for their spiritual powers, the museum was also constructed in what the founders considered a classically Egyptian style. Nowadays, it houses 2,000 ancient items in a completely unique setting, coupling their permanent collection with sumptuous gardens and a captivating planetarium. If you've ever wanted to know how to make a mummy, or you want to learn about the Egyptians' obsession with cats, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum has all the answers.
5. Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph: Adding Some Catholic Grandeur to Silicon Valley
Built by the Spanish rulers of California back in 1803, the Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph is San Jose's spiritual and civic heart. It's been rebuilt on a number of occasions, and renovated in recent times, resulting in a tranquil, beautiful place of worship that's full of decorative details. From the numerous stained glass windows to the pipe organ that is well over 100 years old, tours of the cathedral unveil plenty of delights, and seeing mass being celebrated there is a magical experience.
6. Napa Valley Wine Train: Ride the Rails
The Napa Valley Wine Train combines a gourmet fine dining restaurant with a tour through the scenic Napa Valley in vintage rail cars. As the antique train runs along 25 miles of tracks, visitors dine on a multi-course meal paired with wine selections. Along with enjoying the scenery, there are stops at the major wineries along the way. The interior of the train features plush upholstery, mahogany paneling, and brass accents in an authentic recreation of early 20th-century luxury train travel. Various tour options are available.
