San Jose, California: February 18th-19th, 2023

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Built on agriculture and mining, and founded as one of the first secular pueblo towns in California, the city of San Jose is now a major hub for big tech, earning it the nickname, "capital of the Silicon Valley."  Located in the San Francisco Bay area at the center of the Santa Clara Valley, San Jose is traversed by many major roads including Highway 101 and Interstates 880, 680, and 280. With a vibrant downtown, beautiful parks, interesting museums, and several wineries, there's plenty of fun to be had in San Jose. With San Francisco only 48 miles away, you might decide to add a few more days to your California adventure!

 Click here for directions to the hotel.

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The hotel offers overnight guests a complimentary airport shuttle from Norman Y. Mineta International Airport, an exercise center, a 24-hour business center, and an onsite restaurant. Breakfast is available for around $18 per person. They also have a bar that is open from around 3:00pm to 10:00pm each day.

 To book your hotel room, call the Holiday Inn San Jose-Silicon Valley at  (408) 453-6200  and mention group code MMC to get a discounted rate. Be sure to book the hotel that is located at 1350 N. 1st st. in San Jose, as there are several Holiday Inn locations in the area.   

Nearby Fun:. 

4th Street Bowl offers bowling, billiards, and karaoke less than a half-mile from the hotel. Rosemary Gardens Park is also just a half-mile away, offering grassy areas, a playground, and an exercise course. There are also lots of restaurants and two casinos--Bay 101 and Casino M8trix--within a mile walk of the hotel. With Gish station at your doorstep, the VTA train is a convenient and affordable way to explore San Jose and neighboring communities.

Nearby Food Options:

Sushi Kan Japanese Restaurant 0.2 mi

La Victoria Taqueria 0.4 mi

Vito's Trattoria Italian Restaurant 0.8 mi

Jade Cathay Chinese Restaurant 0.3 mi

Küsan Uyghur Cuisine 0.6 mi

Denny's 1.2 mi

Ike's Sandwiches 0.8 mi

Starbucks 1 mi

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Shopping:

76 gas station open 24 hours 0.3 mi

Kogura Co. giftshop in Japantown 1.6 mi

Tienda Bambino giftshop 2.2 mi

One Stop Fun Shop 2.9 mi

Safeway 4.5 mi

Airfield Supply Company dispensary 2.2 mi

Exploring San Jose:.

Interesting places to see in San Jose include the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum featuring ancient magical artifacts and real-life mummies, the Winchester Mystery House, and Monopoly in the Park--the world's largest permanent Monopoly board! The Guadalupe River Park offers beautiful trails and scenery for those who want to relax in nature. The bustling downtown features restaurants, shops, and more. For tech lovers, be sure to visit the Intel Museum and Tech Interactive. If you're a  confectionary connoisseur, stop by the San Jose Candy Kitchen for chocolate-dipped strawberries and other artisan-crafted sweets. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and the Japanese Friendship Gardens offer a relaxing and engaging getaway just a 15 minute drive from the hotel.

Exploring San Francisco: 

Just 48 miles away and accessible via public transit (VTA, Caltrain, and BART) or the monterey Airbus, there is much to see and do in San Francisco! 

The Castro District (Take the Rainbow Honor Walk and check out the Seward Street Slides!)

Japantown (Visit the Peace Plaza and shop unique stores)

Chinatown (See the famous Dragon's Gate and shop for gifts)

Golden Gate Bridge 

Fisherman's Wharf (see the sea lions at Pier 39 and views of Alcatraz!)

Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory 

Lombard St. (the world's most crooked street)

Coit Tower (great views, plus parrots!) 

Exploring California's Wine Country: 

Just a 20 mile drive to the southwest brings you to the heart of Santa Cruz wine country, known for it's lively wines. See the Guide to Santa Cruz Wine Country for more information on suggested routes, vineyards, and tasting rooms. There are also several wineries with tasting rooms in San Jose, including J. Lohr Vineyards and Divine Wine.

Further Adventures:

If you're interested in learning about local Bigfoot sightings, ask the pros and check out the evidence at the Bigfoot Discovery Museum, just 32 miles to the southwest in Felton, CA. 

If you like exploring haunted places and other oddities, check out this guide to mysterious places near San Jose.