Santana Row is a vibrant, upscale mixed-use district in West San Jose, often referred to as the "Rodeo Drive of Silicon Valley." It blends luxury shopping, fine dining, residential living, and entertainment in a beautifully designed Mediterranean-style setting. Spanning over 2.5 million square feet, Santana Row features: 70+ shops including high-end brands like Gucci, Kate Spade, and Tesla 30+ restaurants offering everything from French pastries at Cocola Bakery to alfresco brunch at Left Bank Brasserie Nine spas and salons, a boutique hotel (Hotel Valencia), and a movie theater Residential units and Class A office space, making it a true “village within a city” 2 The district is known for its tree-lined boulevards, pedestrian-friendly layout, and lively atmosphere with frequent events, live music, and seasonal celebrations. It's located near landmarks like Westfield Valley Fair and the Winchester Mystery House, making it a central hub for both locals and visitors
Westfield Valley Fair is one of the largest and most upscale shopping malls in Northern California, located on Stevens Creek Boulevard straddling both San Jose and Santa Clara. With over 230 stores, including luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and Prada, it offers a premier shopping experience that blends high-end fashion with everyday retail options. The mall features 58 dining venues, from quick bites to gourmet experiences like Eataly and Din Tai Fung, and includes entertainment options such as Bowlero bowling, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and The Escape Game 2. Its modern architecture, spacious walkways, and comfortable seating areas make it a pleasant place to spend the day. Westfield Valley Fair also includes amenities like free Wi-Fi, EV charging stations, and package check lockers, enhancing convenience for visitors. It’s a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination in Silicon Valley.
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose is a captivating destination that houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in Western North America. Located in the serene Rosicrucian Park in the Rose Garden neighborhood, the museum offers a deep dive into the art, culture, and spirituality of ancient Egypt. Founded by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC), the museum showcases over 4,000 artifacts, including mummies, sarcophagi, statues, and a replica of a rock-cut tomb that immerses visitors in the burial practices of ancient Egyptians. The museum also features a Rosetta Stone replica, a statue of Cleopatra, and exhibits spanning from pre-dynastic times. Beyond its exhibits, the museum includes a planetarium, a peaceful garden with koi ponds and an obelisk, and the Alchemy Exhibit, which explores ancient mystical traditions through interactive displays.
The museum features a diverse collection of over 2,600 artworks, with a strong emphasis on West Coast artists and a growing focus on the Pacific Rim. Exhibitions span a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and new media. SJMA is known for showcasing both internationally acclaimed artists and emerging voices, with exhibits often exploring themes like migration, identity, and technology.
Little Saigon in San Jose, California is one of the largest and most vibrant Vietnamese enclaves outside of Vietnam, located in East San Jose along Story Road. It serves as the cultural and commercial heart of Silicon Valley’s Vietnamese-American community, which is the largest of any city in the United States. The neighborhood is a dynamic blend of traditional Vietnamese heritage and modern American life, featuring: Vietnam Town and Grand Century Mall – bustling shopping centers filled with Vietnamese restaurants, bakeries, herbal shops, and boutiques Authentic cuisine – from street-style pho and banh mi to upscale Vietnamese dining The Viet Museum – also known as the Museum of the Boat People & the Republic of Vietnam, which documents the journey of Vietnamese immigrants and refugees Lion Plaza – a central gathering spot that comes alive during Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) with lion dances, firecrackers, and cultural festivities
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a beloved family-friendly destination nestled in Kelley Park, San Jose. Spanning 16 acres, it uniquely blends a zoo, amusement park, and interactive educational experiences, making it ideal for visitors of all ages. 🐾 Zoo Highlights Home to over 150 animals, including jaguars, lemurs, giant anteaters, and meerkats Focus on conservation and sustainability, with programs like Quarters for Conservation supporting global wildlife efforts Offers close-up animal encounters and Saturday Zoo Education Experiences for kids and families. 🎡 Amusement & Attractions Classic rides like the carousel, roller coaster, and the newly reimagined Danny the Dragon ride, which now features a magical journey through five themed lands Puppet Castle Theater and interactive play areas for younger children