Scenic overlooks are some of the most beautiful ways to take in the city and its surroundings. There are five top view spots in San Jose to choose from. Mount Hamilton is a challenging climb to the top, and Almaden Quicksilver is a colorful mural. Other popular spots include Santana Row and Overfelt Gardens Park. We’ll discuss some of the best spots for scenic overlooks below. There are plenty of other spots to check out as well, so be sure to include them on your San Jose itinerary.
Mount Hamilton is a steep ascent
If you are looking for a challenging and enjoyable road trip, consider Mount Hamilton in San Jose, California. This steep ascent in the Diablo Range provides stunning views of the San Jose area and surrounding Sierra Nevada. There are two routes up Mount Hamilton – one takes you from downtown San Jose and the other is a 20-mile road trip from Milpitas. Both of these routes have twisty roads and few vending machines along the way. Be sure to plan ahead of time to provide for sustenance as you hike up.
The first climb begins at Smith Creek and continues up the mountain for about a mile before reaching the Lick Observatory. The road climbs steadily to the top of the mountain, averaging 6%. This climb includes steep switchbacks and a few short sections under a canopy of trees. The view from the top is worth the trip. It is possible to visit the Lick Observatory from the Lick Observatory.
Almaden Quicksilver is a colorful mural
Located just south of San Jose in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Almaden Quicksilver is a mural in the Los Gatos High School. The mural is inspired by Almaden Quicksilver County Park. This mural will be a great place to explore nature, and it will also have some fun events like a Pioneer Day and a Geocaching intro class.
For an enjoyable day out, visit Almaden Quicksilver Park. This park is remote and relatively quiet compared to most other parks in the area. The park is known for its grand displays of wildflowers in spring and autumn. The landscape is home to many types of plants, including chamise, sagebrush, coast live oak, zigadene, and saxifrage. Trails are well-maintained, and the mural is a great way to spend time outdoors.
Another mural, “Almanaden Quicksilver”, is a great example of Spohn’s artistic talent. It was created for Los Gatos High School and reflects his transition from abstract to expressionist art, as well as historical themes. This mural depicts the early 19th century Ohlone Indians. The red pigment is decorative paint derived from cinnabar ore in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The mystery illness is caused by mercury poisoning. The chief of the community is visited by a deity who instructs him to shoot an arrow into the mountain and free the healing waters. The arrow is a sign of good luck and protects the people from harm.
Santana Row
The Santana Row is a commercial and residential neighborhood located in West San Jose, California. Stevens Creek Boulevard intersects Santana Row, a major thoroughfare. The neighborhood is also near Westfield Valley Fair and the Winchester Mystery House. There are numerous restaurants and shopping centers in the area, and the view of San Jose’s downtown skyline is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
The view from the presidential room is absolutely stunning! This 2500 square-foot room features a king-sized bed, a separate living room, and a large patio. The view of San Jose’s hills and city skyline is truly breathtaking. Those who choose to stay here can enjoy the resort’s amenities and facilities, including a petting zoo, outdoor seating, and balconies. Guests can even request accessible rooms.
For shopping, the Valley Fair mall is located just north of Santana Row and offers over 250 stores, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, and the newly-opened Bloomingdale’s. Nearby attractions include the Winchester Mystery House, a historic 160-room Victorian mansion designed by the heiress of the Winchester Rifle. If you’re looking for entertainment, the Sharks play at Levi’s Stadium, a few miles away.
Overfelt Gardens Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful park that’s close to downtown San Jose, consider a visit to Overfelt Gardens. This 33-acre park is located in the East San Jose neighborhood of Alum Rock. Overfelt Gardens offers visitors great views of the Bay Area skyline. You can even take in the views of the San Francisco skyline while strolling through the park. It’s well worth the trip.
Overfelt Gardens is a 33-acre botanical garden that opened in 1966. The grounds are landscaped with native plant species and a wildlife sanctuary. There are several areas to picnic and observe the natural beauty. The Chinese Cultural Garden has large statues honoring historical figures and principles of the ancient Eastern culture. There’s even an old historic house that’s worth a look. The grounds are a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
The gardens are near the McKee Road and I-680. From the road, Overfelt Gardens looks a bit scrubby and noisy. But once you get in, you’ll find a beautiful chain of Asian plants. The gardens have multiple lakes, and the largest has a reflecting pool at the base of the Kong Zi statue. The Kong Zi statue is perhaps the only one of its kind in all of Santa Clara County.
San Pedro Square Market
If you love food and live music, you will definitely want to check out San Pedro Square Market in Downtown. There are dozens of different food stalls, as well as bars and cafes, and the area is great for a group dinner. Downtown San Jose also offers plenty of dining options. If you aren’t sure where to eat, check out the many restaurants located along Market Street, from 3rd Street down to William Street. Some of our favorite Downtown restaurants include Nemea Greek Taverna, Mezcal, and Original Gravity Public House.
Besides the many unique food vendors and eateries, there are many other ways to spend your time in downtown San Jose. Try the dozens of food options at the San Pedro Square Market, which includes a central outdoor patio and several restaurants. Besides scrumptious Latin fare, the square market also boasts gourmet Italian sandwiches, trendy Japanese desserts, and local wineries. If you want to get more creative, head to J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines. This award-winning winery is known for its friendly waitstaff and signature flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
La Colina Park
Residents of La Colina Park in San Jose have several choices for dining. They can grab a cup of coffee at Sharetea, a snack at Pho Boba, a dessert at The Cheesecake Factory, or a burger at Sunny House. There are also playgrounds in the area. La Colina Park is a great location for weekend activities. The neighborhood also has numerous public parks.
Residents of La Colina Park are among the wealthiest people in San Jose. There are 33.3% of residents who commute to work in 30 minutes to 45 minutes or less. The city itself is relatively affluent, with an average household size of 3.4 people. That said, it is always important to consider the neighborhood’s demographics before buying a home in the neighborhood. The demographics of a neighborhood are often a clue as to the quality of life. Some home buyers enjoy living in a walkable city, while others prefer the quiet life of a suburban community. Many of these individuals don’t mind a reasonable commute.
People who live in La Colina Park report Mexican, Eastern European, and English ancestry. Nearly two-thirds of residents in La Colina Park speak English at home. Other ethnicities that are common in La Colina Park include English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, and Korean. Despite the diversity of the local demographics, the neighborhood has one of the lowest vacancy rates of any neighborhood in the United States.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Visitors who enjoy the beauty of Japanese culture will appreciate the beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose. This six-acre garden is modeled after the famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama, Japan. It includes waterfalls, water birds, and Koi fish. Visitors can also find quaint Japanese bridges and beautiful eastern architecture. While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the Viet Museum as well, a museum focused on the Vietnamese American experience.
The San Jose Japanese Friendship Garden is a peaceful expanse in the heart of the city. The garden is a living symbol of San Jose and Okayama, Japan. You’ll be able to walk through the garden to reflect on nature, and there are koi ponds with egrets. Visitors can also enjoy the tranquility of the tea house, which offers a serene setting to breathe deeply.
Mission Peak
Mission Peak is one of the most popular hikes in the Bay Area, and the views from it are outstanding. From the start of the hike, you can see the Bay and surrounding towns, as well as the beautiful Sunol Wilderness and East Bay Hills. The most popular image, however, is the summit pole, which many people take a picture of. The hike itself will take approximately an hour and can be done on most days, depending on the weather.
Despite its name, Mission Peak is not the highest peak in the Southeast San Francisco Bay area. Mount Allison, Monument Peak, and San Bruno Peak are higher. But it is also one of the most popular hikes in the Bay Area, with many hiking trails leading to the summit. Hiking to Mission Peak is easy and only takes a few hours. You’ll get fantastic views of San Jose, as well as Mount Tamalpais in Marin County. If you’re planning a hike to Mission Peak, it’s best to do it on a weekday or avoid midday sun.
