San Jose, California
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a vibrant city known for its technological innovation, cultural diversity, and rich history. Nestled in the Bay Area of Northern California, this bustling metropolis offers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, San Jose has something for everyone, from world-class dining to fascinating cultural attractions.
Nearby Activities
Located in downtown San Jose, The Tech Interactive is a renowned
science and technology center that provides hands-on exhibits and experiences. Visitors can engage with interactive displays on robotics, genetics, and virtual reality, making it an educational and entertaining destination for all ages. The center also features an IMAX theater showcasing documentaries and films that complement the exhibits.
Visit the Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House is an architectural marvel and historic landmark in San Jose. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester, this sprawling mansion is famed for its intricate design, featuring staircases leading to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and a maze-like layout. Guided tours offer insights into the history and mysteries surrounding the property, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
Stroll Through the Municipal Rose Garden
For a serene outdoor experience, the Municipal Rose Garden is a beautiful destination. Established in 1927, this 5.5-acre park showcases over 3,500 rose bushes representing nearly 200 varieties. The garden is meticulously maintained, offering a picturesque setting for leisurely walks, photography, or simply relaxing amidst the vibrant blooms. It’s especially stunning during the peak blooming seasons in spring and early summer.
Best Places to Eat in San Jose
San Jose’s dining scene reflects its diverse population, offering cuisines from around the world. Here’s an in-depth look at some top dining spots:
Established in 1966, Falafel’s Drive-In is a cherished San Jose institution renowned for its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine served in a nostalgic drive-in
setting. The menu features their signature falafel sandwiches—crispy on the outside, tender inside—topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and their famed hot sauce.
Another standout is their banana shake, praised for its creamy texture and rich banana flavor, making it a perfect complement to their savory offerings. The establishment’s enduring popularity is evident from its consistent positive reviews and features on food shows like “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
Affectionately known as “La Vic’s,” La Victoria Taqueria has been a cornerstone 
of San Jose’s Mexican food scene since its inception in 1998. Beyond their delectable burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, they are legendary for their secret family recipe—the Orange Sauce. This unique condiment has garnered a cult following, with patrons often purchasing bottles to take home.
The taqueria prides itself on using fresh ingredients and offers a variety of meats, including carne asada, carnitas, pollo asado, and al pastor. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring a delightful experience for all guests.
Since 1977, Bill’s Cafe has been synonymous with hearty breakfasts and satisfying lunches in the Bay Area. With multiple locations, each venue starts the day early,
preparing fresh fruits, baking croissants and cinnamon rolls, and crafting homemade soups from scratch.
Their extensive breakfast menu includes fluffy pancakes, diverse omelets, and specialty coffee drinks, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. The cafe’s commitment to quality and consistency has solidified its reputation as a go-to breakfast and brunch destination.
Nestled in San Jose’s charming Willow Glen neighborhood, The Table is a contemporary eatery that emphasizes a seasonally driven, farm-to-table menu. Their culinary approach focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, resulting in innovative dishes that reflect the region’s bounty.
The restaurant’s ambiance combines rustic charm with modern aesthetics, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners. While specific details about their menu and offerings are best explored through their official channels, The Table remains a testament to San Jose’s evolving dining landscape.
Each of these establishments offers a unique dining experience, reflecting the rich and diverse culinary tapestry of San Jose.
RV Parks Near San Jose
If you’re traveling by RV, there are several convenient options for parking and staying near San Jose:
Located just south of San Jose in Morgan Hill, Coyote Valley RV Resort is a premium RV destination offering top-tier amenities and stunning views. The resort features 127 deluxe sites with full hookups (20/30/50/100 amps), free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. Guests can enjoy a range of leisure activities, including a large saltwater pool and spa, a fully equipped fitness center, and a clubhouse with an entertainment center.
There are outdoor games like badminton, ping pong, horseshoes, and a putting green, as well as pet-friendly features like a dedicated dog park. Other conveniences include private patio areas with barbecues, an on-site store, and laundry facilities. Pricing varies depending on the site type, ranging from $79–$111 per night, $498–$639 per week, and $2,148–$2,698 per month, with premium pond-view sites at the higher end. Rates are subject to change, so checking their website for the latest details is recommended.
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Uvas Pines RV Park in Morgan Hill is a great option surrounded by scenic foothills and easy access to hiking trails. This 
quiet park provides spacious, paved sites that accommodate any RV size, along with free Wi-Fi, hot showers, laundry facilities, propane services, and fax machine access.
Guests can also enjoy picnic areas near the creek and explore nearby nature trails. The park is well-maintained and ideal for those looking to relax while staying connected. Pricing details are not listed online, so it’s best to contact them directly at (408) 779-3417 for current rates.
Located in San Jose, Garden City RV Park is a budget-friendly option for travelers looking for basic accommodations with easy access to city attractions. While it doesn’t offer luxury amenities, it provides essential facilities and a convenient location for those exploring the area. Due to its affordability and simplicity, it’s a practical choice for RVers on a budget. Specific pricing is not available online, so it’s recommended to call ahead for current rates.
Propane and Dump Stations for RVs
- Propane:
- U-Haul Moving & Storage of San Jose (North 13th Street): Offers propane refills.
- Dump Stations:
- Coyote Valley RV Resort: Offers a dump station for guests.
- Campbell Shell Station: A public dump station in nearby Campbell.
Personal Family Stories from San Jose Trips
San Jose holds a special place in the hearts of many families, including mine. One memorable trip was during a summer weekend when we explored the San Pedro Square Market. We savored delicious pizza and wings and we sat and enjoyed the lively atmosphere filled with music and chatter. My kids were fascinated by the colorful murals and spent time counting all the hidden details.
Another cherished memory was our visit to The Tech Interactive. Watching my children’s eyes light up as they interacted with robotics exhibits and created their own animations was a joy. The IMAX screening of a nature documentary left us in awe.
Camping at the Coyote Valley RV Resort was another highlight. We gathered around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars. The resort’s peaceful ambiance and family-friendly amenities made it a perfect escape.
One spontaneous moment led us to Japantown, where we stumbled upon a cultural event featuring traditional music and dance. The warm sense of community and vibrant performances made the day unforgettable.
These trips remind us of the joy in exploring new places and creating lasting memories as a family. Photo Represents John Stromberg & Family
Books About San Jose and the Silicon Valley Area
To gain a deeper understanding of San Jose and its surroundings, consider reading these books:
- “The Valley of Heart’s Delight: True Tales from Around the Bay” by Robin Chapman – The Santa Clara Valley, with its rich soil and sunny weather, has been home to great diversity and great innovation long before it became known as Silicon Valley.
California’s first immigrants from Mexico were astonished by its beauty. “The land is moist and the hills have an abundance of rosemary and herbs, sunflowers in bloom, vines as plentiful as a vineyard,” wrote one. From the movie stars of Hollywood’s golden era who once came to play to billionaires who grew apricots for pleasure, the valley has hosted orchards, electric railroads, Army camps and even a love-struck poet.
Join author and historian Robin Chapman as she uncovers the true tales of this ever-changing place. - “Silicon Valley: The History in Pictures” by Mary Wadden – Vintage photos populate this artful and timely book as it traces the evolution of Santa Clara Valley from the days of the Gold Rush through modern day. Filled with over 400 high resolution images, this book captures the spirit of Silicon Valley. More than just a place, Silicon Valley is a state of mind and this book serves as a tribute. If you have ever wondered why the microchip, personal computer and Internet were all born in Santa Clara Valley, this is a must read.
- “The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America” by Margaret O’Mara – Long before Margaret O’Mara became one of our most consequential historians of the American-led digital revolution, she worked in the White House of Bill Clinton and Al Gore in the earliest days of the commercial Internet. There she saw firsthand how deeply intertwined Silicon Valley was with the federal government–and always had been–and how shallow the common understanding of the secrets of the Valley’s success actually was. Now, after almost five years of pioneering research, O’Mara has produced the definitive history of Silicon Valley for our time, the story of mavericks and visionaries, but also of powerful institutions creating the framework for innovation, from the Pentagon to Stanford University.
Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer
San Jose is a city of innovation, culture, and culinary excellence. Whether you’re savoring a delicious meal, exploring the arts, or traveling in your RV, there’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings, San Jose is a destination worth exploring.