Los Gatos
This is one of San Jose’s neighboring cities. It is located on the foothills of the Santa Clara Mountains, making this town seem like it is nestled within them. Los Gatos is a very charming town filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as a bike trail for a leisurely ride. Many of its homes from the Victorian era have also been restored and provide pleasant scenery for avid photographers and admirers alike. Some of them have even been converted to shops, cafes or galleries. Downtown Los Gatos is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you’re looking for a unique place to shop, a new dining experience or the opportunity to just relax and people-watch, you will not be disappointed with Los Gatos.
Santa Cruz
From San Jose, the beach town known as Santa Cruz is about an hour away. It is the perfect escape for those who want to experience some fun in the sun. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a top destination for families. Not only does it have the beach to relax on but a fun carnival with games and rides well. For those wanting to be near the beach but not on the beach, Downtown Santa Cruz is a vibrant area with many shops, art galleries and restaurants. Every first Friday of the month, participating retailers are open late as they collectively host First Fridays Art Night. First Fridays are when the art galleries in the downtown area have an ‘open house’ so everyone is welcome to participate. Some galleries even have demonstrations while some provide snacks.
Berkeley
This quaint college town in the East Bay has its own charm and personality. Its small streets lined with historic homes give this place a unique touch. UC Berkeley, the university that this town surrounds, has one of the most diverse student populations in the nation. Converging together from all walks of life, the students at this campus have significantly contributed to the city’s identity. Telegraph Ave. is one of the streets leading up to the campus. Here you will find a number of unique shops here including vintage shops and a few used CD stores. You will also find a number of vendors along the streets selling anything from tie-dyed t-shirts to plants. Do not be surprised if propagandists approach you as Berkeley is known to be an activist town.
The “Gourmet Ghetto,” is an area of Berkeley that has many restaurants and is home to Alice Water’s “Chez Panisse,’ the first restaurant to ever serve organic California cuisine.
Aside from walking the campus grounds of this prestigious university, there is much more to see. Indian Rock, located on Shattuck Ave. is great for rock-climbing and not to forget, offers great views of San Francisco’s Bay Area. On a clear day, you can see the Oakland Bay Bridge from atop.