San Jose Attractions

San Jose, founded in 1771 by Spanish explorers, lies 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of San Francisco at the southern end of San Francisco Bay. It is in the heart of the computer industry's "Silicon Valley", the fastest growing city in California and one of the three safest cities in the United States. There are more than 50 wineries in the vicinity, three of which are inside the city limits; many offer free tours and tastings. Other sights in San Jose are the Winchester Mystery House, the eerie mansion of the eccentric heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune; a number of amusement parks: Overfelt Botanical Gardens which include a natural wildlife sanctuary. Annual events include the Santa Clara County Fair, the Great American Arts Festival, and the Fire Fighters Rodeo.