Car Hire San Jose - Mini guide to San Jose

San Jose is a friendly, progressive city located in northern California, a short drive southeast of beautiful San Francisco. As the site of California's first settlement, El Puebla de San Jose de Guadalupe, the city carries enormous historical significance. Only one of the buildings from this original settlement remains, the Peralta Adobe, situated on West St John Street.

The Tech Museum of Innovation, in central San Jose, is a brilliantly designed complex focusing on how technology has become an integral part of our world, and the way it affects every aspect of our lives. Among the numerous interactive exhibits are a spectacular IMAX theatre, and a massive earthquake simulator table.

The San Jose Museum of Art, also in the city centre, has displays dating from the 20th and 21st centuries, with particular emphasis on west coast artists. The Richardson Romanesque portion of the building dates back to the late 19th century and brilliantly offsets the modern addition, an impressive structure of golden sandstone.

Alum Rock Park, just minutes from downtown San Jose, is an excellent place to take a break from the city bustle. It has abundant leisure options, including: biking, horseback riding, hiking and picnicking. Golf is also popular in the San Jose region, with a full range of top-class golf courses available.

The San Jose Flea Market is the largest open-air market in the nation, and is also a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs and bargains on almost any item imaginable. For culinary bliss, check out some of the many fine restaurants on San Pedro Square, in the heart of the city.

Southwest of San Jose, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest amusement park, providing non-stop entertainment. Just outside Saratoga, in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is one of the few authentic Japanese gardens in the country, designed to present beauty through all seasons. The fabulous city of San Francisco is also within easy driving distance of San Jose.

The primary road route into San Jose is US 101, which goes north to San Francisco and connects with the west coast's major highway, I-5. Amtrak trains travel along the coast, stopping at San Francisco. BART or Caltrain trains travel between San Jose and San Francisco, and Greyhound buses link San Jose with the rest of the United States. The major airports in the San Jose area are San Francisco International and Oakland International.

The major suburbs in San Jose are: Agnew, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Mountain View, Robertsville, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunny Vale.