San Jose / Silicon Valley Hotels

San Jose is known as the capital of Silicon Valley, and its dynamic ambience has shaped it into a city that is both hi-tech and steeped in history and culture. Since the 1950s, San Jose has expanded into a bustling metropolis, and its artistic and cultural scene has grown along with it. The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art and Museum of Art are well worth perusing, as is the Tech Museum, and go back in time when you visit History Park, a village re-created with artefacts from the past.

If the kids are coming, take a trip to the Children’s Discovery Museum and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and spend an afternoon enjoying family friendly activities including rides and amusements and more than 140 different zoo animals. For amazing views of the city by day and the stars by night, head over to the Lick Observatory and get an eye full. The shopping opportunities in San Jose are boundless, with malls, boutiques and department stores all over the city. Try Santana Row for a trendy European feel. The nightlife thrives in San Jose, and nightclubs, bars and restaurants provide enough nocturnal entertainment to render your San Jose holiday experience complete.

When To Go

San Jose is most temperate between April and October, but enjoys mild to warm temperatures all year round. The city’s subtropical Mediterranean climate results in summer highs of around 28°C (82°F). In the coolest months of December and January, the average high temperature is about 14°C (57°F). Precipitation in San Jose is quite sparse and nearly non-existent during the hot summer. The rest of the year averages around 50-60 mm (2-2.4 inches) per month. The high season is between May and October, though there are things to do at anytime of the year in San Jose.

• Average summer temperature in San Jose is around 28°C (82°F), which falls to about 14°C (57°F) at the end of the year.

• Rain falls mostly in winter, with dry conditions the rest of the year.

• Summer is peak tourist season, but winter is also mild.

Getting There

San Jose is serviced by the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, situated just 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the city centre, which hosts flights from many major US airlines. There are many forms of transport into town, including bus shuttle and the VTA Airport Flyer, which connects with the local BART Light Rail system. Taxis and rental cars are also readily available to transport you to your hotel in San Jose. When renting a car, be sure to bring your international licence with you. The excellent light rail system is perfect for moving around the city, but for outer areas and beyond there is an AMTRAK rail link downtown.

• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is just 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from downtown San Jose.

• Light rail, buses and taxis are the best way to see the sights.

• Use the AMTRAK rail service for outer areas and interstate destinations.

HotelClub Blog