Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Former mining facility |
At the corner of McAbee Road and Camden Avenue San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95120 United States +1 408 358 3741 http://www.parkhere.org/prkpag... |
This erstwhile mining facility that dates back to the 19th century has miles of trails for horseback riding, cycling or just plain hiking. Buried in the foothills south of San Jose, the park is definitely off the beaten path, making it a nice retreat from the city. Once there, you can gaze at remnants of mercury mining facilities from the Gold Rush days. They are a sometimes poignant reminder of how hard it was to stake a claim in those days and how few miners actually struck it rich. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marcel Marchon  |
 Photo: Dawn Ellner |
 Photo: Ellen Fredricks |
 Photo: Andrea Lee |
 Photo: Tom Lechner |
|
California's oldest park |
16240 Alum Rock Avenue (at the corner of Crothers Road) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95121 United States +1 408 259 5477 |
If you enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from horseback riding to picnics, from cycling to playing with the kids, then this park is for you. It has been around forever. Up at the end of Alum Rock Avenue, the park is buried in the foothills east of San Jose; on the drive there, you pass some impressive mansions. There are playgrounds and miles of trails. It is a very natural setting in which to enjoy leisure activities. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott G. Campbell |
 Photo: Jeff Halter |
 Photo: Scott G. Campbell |
 Photo: Christopher Walker |
 Photo: Sylvie Oxman |
 Photo: Cindy Royster |
 Photo: Paul Crovella |
 Photo: Ben Lilly |
 Photo: Lucy W. Shih |
 Photo: Chris Suen |
 Photo: Judy M_2007 |
 Photo: Raymond Cavalcante |
 Photo: krisshcv |
 Photo: Vlad Butsky |
 Photo: Angela Tamboura |
 Photo: mark suasin |
 Photo: vinay_143 |
 Photo: Alan Cantillep |
|
Countryside picnic facility |
At the corner of Coyote Ranch and Metcalf roads San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95013 United States +1 408 463 0661 http://www.coyoteranch.com |
This large ranch, located in the hills south of San Jose, is available for all sorts of events: company picnics, barbecues, graduation parties, and several other types of events. There are several softball fields, horsehoe pits, and volleyball courts. Events for all ages can be planned here and the courteous staff will be glad to handle all your needs when it comes to food and beverages. Or just show up on the weekend, there are several things always going on from live music to pony rides to line dance instruction. It is a great place for real western hospitality. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Guadalupe River Park & Gardens |
438 Coleman Ave San Jose, CA 95110 United States 408-298-7657 http://www.grpg.org |
Crawling for three miles alongside the Guadalupe River and harnessing Highway 87, this unique natural environment contains a rose garden, jogging trails, several species of birds and lots of picnic tables. Nestled in a particularly scenic spot in the South Bay, it is a great place for a day's outing or a slow leisurely walk. Improvements are ongoing and when it is finally completed, it will be a spectacular place for everyone in the family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Xi |
 Photo: Alan Brown |
|
Serene Japanese gardens |
21000 Big Basin Way (at the corner of Ambric Knolls Road) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95070 United States +1 408 741 4994 |
This authentic Japanese garden is one of the best places to smooch in the entire South Bay, at least that is what several local publications have proclaimed. You will be swept away by the serenity and the perfect harmony of it all. There are koi ponds, tea and Zen gardens, and even a tea museum. Muko, Japan, a sister city of Saratoga, California, donated the materials for the bamboo garden. The facility also offers art classes, and Japanese dance performances are available. Docent tours are available on weekends. Admission is free, hours vary, call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: liwen's memory |
 Photo: Donna Lynn Vennum |
 Photo: Cherri Lakey |
 Photo: Jim Konkler |
 Photo: Donna Lynn Vennum |
 Photo: Stephen A Lee |
 Photo: alan.creeksideretrea |
 Photo: John Conrod |
 Photo: PattiG |
 Photo: Allan Hack |
 Photo: xephemiance |
 Photo: Kathy Kobashi |
 Photo: Anna Zieo |
 Photo: ronH |
 Photo: wang_a_ma_chang |
 Photo: Doña Bumgarner |
 Photo: Bob Wall |
 Photo: Taswiir |
 Photo: jorge bachmann |
 Photo: Rex Walters |
 Photo: Karen Louie |
|
Great for the kids |
1300 Senter Rd (at Alma Ave) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112 United States +1 408 277 3000 http://www.hhpz.org/ |
This fun-filled spot is highly recommended for families with young children (and pretty much anyone else, too). People have been flocking to the park and zoo since the early 1960s. All the things that children could want are here: puppet shows, rides, birthday facilities, classes and holiday feasts. A great place for an affordable family outing, it caters especially to kids younger than 12, but kids of all ages are welcome. You can even adopt pets if you so desire. Check website for admission prices and further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jan Yarnot |
 Photo: Chris McSorley |
 Photo: Shauna Carlson |
 Photo: Dave Knudson |
 Photo: OrangeLimey |
 Photo: Jun Aviles |
|
Getting to know San Jose |
1650 Senter Road San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112 United States +1 408 287 2290 http://www.historysanjose.org/ |
Here's where you come when you need to know all about San Jose's local history. The city is not just about bright lights and bustle; it's also California's oldest, and richest in terms of culture. The park consists of historical landmarks and old houses that forms a quaint village with a breathtaking view of the valley. Go for a long stroll, if you'd like to scour its nooks and crannies on your own, or, better still, hitch a ride on the electronic trolley. This car has its own charm, with reversible seats and wooden framework. The park's early car models are also displayed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Loftesness |
 Photo: Scott Loftesness |
 Photo: Amlan Chatterjee |
|
Modeled after Okayama |
1300 Senter Road (at the corner of Alma Avenue) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112 United States +1 408 277 5254 |
Located in Kelley Park, this garden is modeled after Korakuen Park in Okayama, Japan, which is one of San Jose's sister cities. In a very peaceful, relaxing setting, enjoy the unique bridges, ponds and pathways that exquisitely demonstrate the fine art of classic Japanese landscape gardening. You can even feed the fish. You will always be immersed in a wide variety of colors, varying from wisteria lavenders to azalea pinks and depending on the season. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robb Kistler |
 Photo: Graham Hellewell |
 Photo: Brian McCrory |
 Photo: Eva Kaniasty |
 Photo: rhodag1981 |
 Photo: rhodag1981 |
 Photo: Thomas Weisbach |
 Photo: Sarah B |
 Photo: Thomas Weisbach |
 Photo: Rich Sharples |
 Photo: Scott Loftesness |
 Photo: Wyatt Hatfield |
 Photo: Avital Gertner-Samet |
 Photo: Avital Gertner-Samet |
 Photo: Sarah B |
 Photo: Jonas M Luster |
 Photo: Aryana Mehrabi |
 Photo: ghin321 |
 Photo: James |
 Photo: gz0 |
 Photo: Alex Liu |
 Photo: Leslie Gauthier |
 Photo: © Adrian Rahardja |
|
Diverse and unique |
1300 Senter Road (at the corner of Alma Avenue) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112 United States +1 408 277 2757 |
This wonderful facility is a great place to take advantage of the generally sunny weather with which San Jose is blessed. It contains the Japanese Friendship Garden, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, the San Jose Historical Museum, a huge amount of picnic tables, an amphitheater and other venues. This is a fantastic spot for wedding receptions, barbecues, family camping or other group functions. It is a diverse place, one that is great for a family day out.Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Valerie Franek |
 Photo: Ei-Nyung Choi |
 Photo: Catie Anchev |
 Photo: Bluntzilla |
 Photo: Raul S. Dequito |
 Photo: www.mandajuice.com |
 Photo: pikabon |
 Photo: Kevin Tien |
 Photo: Winnie Shih |
 Photo: Michael Rymer |
 Photo: Samantha Luu |
|
Huge reflecting telescope |
P.O Box 85 Summit of Mt. Hamilton San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95140 United States +1 408 274 5061 http://www.ucolick.org |
About an hour's drive up Mount Hamilton Road you will find one of the world's largest telescopes, with a diameter of ten feet. Situated atop the 4,209-foot Mount Hamilton, the observatory dates back to the late 19th century, when it was one of the finest facilities of its kind anywhere in the world. It is still impressive, though the modern influx of light pollution has become a problem for some types of astronomical observations. The visitor's center offers many tours and viewing events during specific nights. Call for details. Because it is relatively fog free, this is still one of the best star-gazing spots in the Bay Area. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jacob Jurjen Loman |
 Photo: Judy |
 Photo: Dalmdad Landscape Photography |
 Photo: Lucy Rodriguez |
 Photo: Anshuman Gondalia |
 Photo: Kevin Bingham |
 Photo: Andrew Madden |
 Photo: Henry Lubong |
 Photo: jennifer m. |
 Photo: Juan del Real |
 Photo: Steve Dorsey |
 Photo: Hans Kneller |
 Photo: Annie |
 Photo: Mark Slater |
 Photo: Matt Lee |
 Photo: emilyd10 |
 Photo: Louis Campbell |
 Photo: Paul Elliot |
 Photo: Brandon Liew |
 Photo: lindseybread |
 Photo: Siamak Mirnezami |
 Photo: elastigirl & mr incr |
 Photo: Gabriel Caffrey |
 Photo: Don Hoekwater |
 Photo: heathkneller |
 Photo: Sara Ferguson |
 Photo: Tracy Cook |
 Photo: Joelle Diepenbrock |
 Photo: Elaine with Grey Cat |
 Photo: Satarupa Bose |
 Photo: Roshan Baliga |
 Photo: Andy Chou |
 Photo: Shelly Albaum |
 Photo: Tomoo Watanabe |
 Photo: Joe Cardello |
 Photo: Melissa McDowell |
 Photo: Kavini Mehta |
 Photo: mikifuma |
 Photo: Priti Hansia |
 Photo: me2! |
 Photo: Rob Jaworski |
 Photo: Devin Crain |
 Photo: Chris D |
 Photo: Sherwood Harrington |
 Photo: edwin soh |
 Photo: Randy Gardner |
 Photo: Michael Swain |
 Photo: James Li |
 Photo: Karen Ziv |
 Photo: Paul Ramsbottom |
|
Defy gravity? |
1953 Branciforte Drive San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95065 United States +1 831 423 8897 |
For almost 60 years, this attraction has been puzzling its visitors with bizarre phenomena. Apparently, there are unusual deviations in gravity, mysterious inflections of light, and altering perceptions of velocity and space. The staff takes you on a tour of the property, and you can witness all sorts of mysterious phenomena. It is a great place for the kids (and the adults who love them). This attraction is open every day of the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bunny Red |
 Photo: Steven Fiche |
 Photo: Vedanta Barooah |
 Photo: David M. Marriott Jr |
 Photo: Hernan Mojarro |
 Photo: ddefranza |
 Photo: ivychang1999 |
|
A California Tradition |
1590 Berryessa Road (at the corner of East Hedding Street) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95133 United States +1 408 453 1110 http://www.sjfm.com |
What may be the world's largest flea market (that is the claim, anyway) covers nearly 120 acres and offers lots of parking. Browse goods from more than 2,000 sellers, some commercial, some private. Everything is here: arts and crafts, produce, clothing, furniture, tires, bicycles, music, electronics, collectibles, shops, markets, barbecues or knick-knacks. It is a great destination for the bargain hunter. Admission is free, but parking is $5 on weekends and $1 on weekdays. Some vendors may accept credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cherie Leonard |
 Photo: jennifer yin |
 Photo: Peggy Kramer |
 Photo: Emma Mordue |
 Photo: Jesus H Gonzalez |
 Photo: Elbert Porteria |
 Photo: J. Miri |
 Photo: chloemakes |
 Photo: LeAnne Smith |
 Photo: Gerald D. Lund |
 Fifty Years of Fun |
344 Tully Road Santa Clara County Fairgrounds San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95111 United States +1 408 494 3297 http://www.thefair.org/ |
This fun filled, old fashioned fair is one of the biggest in California, not to mention one of the best. It is all here arts, crafts, concerts, a carnival, food, livestock, exhibitions, auto races, games and plenty of things to keep the kids busy. There are also carnival rides and games to go with the down home food and top-notch musical performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Romeo Cuerpo |
 Photo: Donovan Snyder |
 Photo: CKTink |
|
New Urban District in South Bay |
368 Santana Row, Suite 1020 San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95128 United States +1 408 551 4600 http://www.santanarow.com |
Santana Row is the new urban district, a magnet for shopping, dining, entertainment and accommodations in North San Jose. With 42 acres at the corner of Stevens Creek & Winchester Boulevards, and 528K square feet of luxury, lifestyle and "new concept" boutique retail, Santana Row redefines the entire destination experience. There is something for the entire family: 14 full service restaurants; twice-weekly farmers market; WiFi Internet access zones; Hotel Valencia world-class boutique hotel; outdoor cafes, public parks, gardens, plazas and courtyards; and a 6-screen CineArts complex. Developed by Federal Realty Investment Trust, Santana Row is a $531 million project that successfully combines the best elements of an urban plaza with the convenience and variety of a mall. Santana Row, it's a place like no other. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Charlton Barreto |
 Photo: Orbby Chang |
 Photo: Jason JT |
 Photo: Sophie Xia |
 Photo: Adam Alessandrini |
 Photo: Trevor DeVincenzi |
 Photo: Tony Hahn |
 Photo: Andrew Choy |
 Photo: Michael Huang |
 Photo: Yesica |
 Photo: Nigel |
 Photo: Rebecca Lowell |
 Photo: Erik Toth |
 Photo: barce |
 Photo: Inna Tsimbler |
 Photo: David Barbour |
 Photo: orensheep |
 Photo: farcloud |
 Photo: Jessica Marrone |
 Photo: Mike Mendoza |
 Photo: Holly Ward |
 Photo: wang-mess |
 Photo: benjabennett |
 Photo: around.the.world |
 Photo: Prakash Muniyappa |
 Photo: Nikki Cid |
 Photo: Alana Salom |
 Photo: Natalie C. |
 Photo: patrick.swint |
 Photo: Irma DeWitt |
 Photo: www.foodnut.com |
 Photo: Radostina Georgieva |
 Photo: Chuck Ezell |
|
Area's oldest public picnic facility |
22801 Big Basin Way San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95070 United States +1 408 867 3016 http://www.saratoga-springs.com/ |
Immerse yourself in a natural, mountainous environment at this picnic facility, perfect for company picnics, weddings, reunions or meetings of any kind. You will be amid redwood trees that reach up as far as you can see. There are also streams, a swimming pool, a volleyball court and camping facilities. It is an excellent remote location for a corporate meeting, as the staff can provide catering and the whole nine yards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: babettekd |
 Photo: Carol Scott |
 Photo: Tim Dickinson |
 Photo: tine time photography |
 Photo: Corine C |
|
700-acre Park |
3070 N Shoreline Blvd San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 94043 United States +1 650 903 6392 |
The 700-acre Shorline Park offers visitors expansive hills, a saltwater lake and a golf course. Gusty winds in the area make Shorline a popular location for windsurfers and kite-flyers. Hikers, walkers and bikers will find miles of trail to explore. Review © 2007, Wcities |
