The unofficial capital of swish, slick Silicon Valley, sunny San Jose is all-too-often eclipsed by nearby San Francisco. The city is, however, a superb destination in its own right. Home to big names including eBay, Cisco Systems and Adobe, this Californian city abounds with smart modern spots for couples and families to discover. Accommodation ranges from simple business hotels or self-catering apartments to indulgent properties fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, the best places to stay in San Jose promise a warm welcome and easy access to the city’s many attractions.
California’s oldest Spanish civilian settlement, San Jose was founded in 1777 and remnants of its Spanish architecture remain, including the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, dominated by the imposing Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph. There’s a great downtown buzz with an array of trendy cafés, bars and eateries to sample as well as a thriving evening scene at weekends. Spend your days strolling around the historic centre, admiring the farmers’ market and shopping in smart stores. The many museums are top-notch, too: head to History Park, the San Jose Museum of Art, the Tech Museum of Innovation, the MACLA Gallery or the Children’s Discovery Museum. If you’re into history and culture, the illustrious Stanford University is just down the road in Palo Alto, and well worth visiting.
Venture outside San Jose for fabulous wine tours and tastings as well as great hiking and adventuring in the surrounding parks and mountains. The city also boasts an exciting programme of annual events — from festivals to live gigs and theatrical performances — so book your trip well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in San Jose!