San Jose was originally founded in 1777, but it would become a part of Mexico in 1821 following the Mexican War of Independence. The city was ceded to the United States in 1848, and after California officially became a state shortly after, San Jose was named its first capital. San Jose experienced a major economic boom after World War II, and later after the technology and electronics industries took off in the area, it became an urbanized metropolitan city.
Today, San Jose has a population of around 1 million people, and it's considered to be the cultural center of California's Silicon Valley. In addition to being a hub of technological innovation, San Jose is home to a variety of scenic parks, vibrant neighborhoods, interesting museums, and top-notch eateries.
When you're exploring San Jose, one great place to start is the Willow Glen neighborhood. The historic district features tree-lined streets and lots of lovely boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and coffee shops. After that, you may want to spend a couple of hours at the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo or enjoy a peaceful walk through the Municipal Rose Garden. Or, if you feel like picking up some fresh food and produce, you could head over to the San Pedro Square Market.
Another place you won't want to miss while you're in town is the strange and unique Winchester Mystery House, which you can take a guided tour to explore. You could also browse the thousands of works at the San Jose Museum of Art, check out the fascinating artifacts at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, or learn about Chinese-American history at the Chinese American Historical Museum. When it's time to eat, there are tons of excellent options to consider around San Jose. One tasty spot is SP2, which features high-end American bistro fare. You could also go with Mizu Sushi Bar and Grill, where you'll find some of the best sushi in the city. Alternatively, if you're just looking to kick back in an old-fashioned tavern setting, you can stop by the Farmers Union.
AAPI Cultural Festival - The annual AAPI Cultural Festival is an event to celebrate the unique contributions of various Asian community groups. Taking place in mid-May at the Mountain View Civic Center, the event features many artistic performances and cultural booths.
Annual Little Italy San Jose Street Festival - Come on out to this lively festival in early October to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, live entertainment, a wine garden, and more.
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival - This fun annual festival takes place at Santa Clara Central Park in mid-September. Attendees will enjoy 170 arts and crafts booths, delicious food, local wine, and entertainment on two stages.
California is filled with breathtaking national parks, and Pinnacles National Park is no exception. The park is named for its many amazing geological formations, which shoot up out of the beautiful landscape and were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Popular activities around the park include hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Plus, you can even explore the fascinating caves that are found throughout the area.
Another gorgeous national park in Central California is Yosemite National Park, which covers 1,200 square miles of ancient sequoia forests, majestic waterfalls, and towering cliffs. During your visit, you'll certainly want to explore iconic landmarks like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. You can also go rafting on one of the nearby rivers or hike through the lush, peaceful forests. If you're in the park during winter, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, tubing, ice skating, or skiing and snowboarding at the nearby resort.
Kings Canyon National Park is also nestled into the region. Like several of California's other national parks, the area is covered in groves of impressive sequoia trees. However, the most famous tree in the park is the giant General Grant Tree, which is believed to be around 1,650 years old. The area is also home to clear lakes, streams, and towering mountains, and popular activities for visitors include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and horseback riding.
Located 30 miles southeast of San Jose, you'll find Portola Redwoods State Park. The park is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers, featuring over 18 miles of scenic trails. Horseback riding is also a common activity among the redwoods, and there's even a lovely on-site visitor center.
Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area is a wonderful, tranquil outdoor haven where many go to enjoy a relaxing camping experience or partake in outdoor fun. The park's reservoir is excellent for fishing and boating, and wooded trails perfect for hiking and horseback riding run high into the local hills.
Big Basin Redwoods is another state park not far from San Jose, and as you may expect, it features lots of majestic redwood trees. The old-growth forest also contains 80 miles of serene hiking trails, which take hikers past beautiful waterfalls and up steep slopes to incredible viewpoints. If you'd prefer, you can alternatively navigate the trails on a bike or horseback.
California is home to numerous monuments and landmarks that are worth visiting, and you can check out quite a few of them without traveling far from San Jose. One of the most famous is San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, which spans nearly two miles and stands 220 feet above the water. You can cross the bridge on foot, drive across it, or get a great look at it from one of the nearby parks or viewpoints.
Another iconic San Francisco landmark is Alcatraz Island, which served as an ultra-high-security prison for many years. The island has also hosted a military fort, military prison, and lighthouse, and you can explore all of the closed facilities via guided tour.
If you travel north, you can visit the amazing Chandelier Tree, which is located near the town of Leggett, California. The tree not only stands roughly 300 feet tall, but it also has a huge opening at its base that's big enough for visitors to drive cars through. Visiting the incredible tree will surely be a memorable experience.
When you're deciding where to camp around San Jose, you can't go wrong with the Coyote Valley RV Resort. The park has 127 full-hookup RV sites available for $70 per night. The campground also offers a clubhouse, fitness center, and regularly scheduled events for guests.
Another lovely camping destination is the Morgan Hill RV Resort, which is surrounded by lush tree-covered hills and hiking trails. The modern park has an Olympic-sized pool, Wi-Fi, mini-golf, and a variety of sports and gaming courts.
One other high-quality camping area is the Trailer Villa RV Park. There, you can rent an RV site with full hookups for $75 per night, and you'll also have access to a dump station, showers, and laundry facilities. Guests at the campground also get to enjoy beautiful views of the nearby water.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $250 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my San Jose, CA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in San Jose, CA?San Jose has plenty of freeways, making RV access to other nearby cities easy. The outskirts of San Jose also have plenty of parks and green spaces, and there are beaches less than an hour away. Be sure to take in a San Jose Sharks game if you're there during hockey season and check out Santana Row for delicious food and shopping.
What are the RV rental requirements in San Jose, CA?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites if you are unsure about traveling there. and any regulations they may have.
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in San Jose, CA?Renting an RV in San Jose, California means mild weather year-round, rolling hills, and proximity to places like San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Bay Area traffic can be heavy, so allow plenty of time to reach your destination and try to drive during off-commute hours. You'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with pools, and lots of places to hike. Summers in San Jose are dry and can be hot, but it's also a great time for festivals, minor league ballgames, and other fun, outdoor events.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in San Jose, CA?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my San Jose, CA RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in San Jose, CA?RVshare.com has many pet-friendly RVs available. When searching for your RV, choose the 'Allows Pets' filter to narrow down results to RVs that welcome your furry friends on board.
Can I have my San Jose, CA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from San Jose, CA?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
