Joining the NTC crowd this year? If you are, then San Jose is the place to be as thousands of nonprofit staff, volunteers, experts, and vendors descend on the city for the three-day event this March 23-25.
San Jose is the hub for Silicon Valley. Though it is often overshadowed by its neighbor to the north, San Francisco, San Jose is a hip town with plenty of restaurants, museums, nature, and nightlife to satisfy even the pickiest visitor.
After checking in with local friends, below are just some of the many highlights of this eclectic city. A few of the destinations are fairly well known, but all were recommended by people who live in and love the area.
As you plan your route, don’t forget to factor in your networking opportunities! If you’re going to plan a group event and invite other NTC attendees, many of the suggestions below are great options.
Get Cultured
Historic Associated Oil Service Station at History Park (photo courtesy of History San Jose)
Hear the name “San Jose” and you either think of tech companies and Silicon Valley or the famous song from the 1970’s “Do You Know The Way To San Jose?” by Dionne Warwick.
But this city has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last twenty years and its museums capture both the history of the city and its continued contribution to the future of technology.
1.Tech Museum of Innovation
201 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
What would the heart of Silicon Valley be without a tech museum? And the Tech Museum of Innovation does not disappoint. Browse the museum’s many galleries, including Body Metrics and Cyber Detectives.
Enjoy a hands-on opportunity to explore how technology shapes humankind. The museum also boasts an IMAX theater with several movies shown daily.
2.Rosicrucian Museum
1660 Park Avenue
San Jose, CA 95191
Whether you’re obsessed with Egyptian culture or just a little curious, the Rosicrucian Museum is a must-see. It’s an amazing place with the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in western North America.
Learn about Egyptian pharoahs and rulers, burial rituals, or gods and goddesses as you tour the facility that was inspired by the Temple of Amon.
3.Winchester Mystery House
525 South Winchester Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95128
One of the most famous tourist spots in the San Jose area, this curious home is full of mystical legend. With its 160 rooms, doors that lead to nowhere, and stairs that climb to the ceiling, the Winchester Mystery House is truly a one-of-a-kind tour.
Experience the eccentricities of Mrs. Sarah Winchester, the bereaved widow and heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune. You can almost feel her following you as you make your way around a most unusual home.
4.Children’s Discovery Museum
180 Woz Way
San Jose, CA 95110
If you’re bringing the kiddos along, take some time to explore the Children’s Discovery Museum.
Through “interactive engagement” children are encouraged to think creatively, ask questions, gain insight, and develop a lifelong commitment to learning and discovery. The museum welcomes children of all ages including children with special needs.
5.San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
520 South First Street
San Jose, CA 95113
For a truly unique experience in art and a time out from the world of technology, a visit to the Museum of Quilts and Textiles has to be a part of any art lover’s trip to San Jose. The museum’s collection includes 850 historic and contemporary textiles and garments from world cultures.
If you’re one to forgo the all too familiar souvenir t-shirt for something more meaningful and collectible, shop at the museum’s store for handmade gifts by local artists.
6.History San Jose
635 Phelan Avenue
San Jose, CA 95112
History San Jose is one of the oldest and most comprehensive historical organizations in San Jose and Santa Clara Valley. It manages three sites including History Park, the Peralta Adobe-Fallon House Historic Site, and the Collection Center.
Got tattooes? Than you might be interested to know that today more women than men have tattoos. That little info nugget and much more can be found at History Park’s exhibit Tattooed & Tenacious: Inked Women in California’s History.
Satisfy The Shopping Bug
City of Los Gatos (By Geraoma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)
San Jose, like most large cities, offers a wealth of shopping options from quaint boutiques to mega malls filled with national retail chain stores. Since malls can be found practically everywhere, I’ll focus on two awesome and unique local shopping options.
7.Santana Row
377 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
If shopping is your passion, this place has to be on your must-see list. Designed to resemble a town square, Santana Row is brimming with over 75 specialty boutiques and national chain stores, including H&M, Chico’s, Diesel, and Crate & Barrel.
Spend time gazing through the many shop windows that line the sidewalks or stop and have a glass of wine at Cielo Wine Bar or a delicious French pastry at the indoor/outdoor Cocola Bakery.
Santana Row is a great place to chill out and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the conference. Also, it’s located a short distance from Winchester Mystery House so you could enjoy both within the same trip.
8.Los Gatos
Located just south of San Jose, the town of Los Gatos is the 33rd wealthiest city in the nation and one of the oldest communities in Santa Clara.
The shopping in Los Gatos is centered around the historic downtown area that is pedestrian friendly and loaded with boutique shops, national specialty retail chains, and restaurants that fit any palate or budget.
Indulge In Local Cuisine
Original Joe’s Italian Restaurant, San Jose, CA
Like most people in this digital age, I tend to browse the travel sites or Yelp when looking for food options.
But since everyone has different taste (hence the reason Yelp reviews are less than trustworthy) and there are hundreds of options, I’ll narrow it down to a few local favorites, most of which will require hopping into a car and taking a short drive from the conference area.
9.Bill’s Cafe
302 North Bascom Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128
An absolute favorite in San Jose, so if you love breakfast you will love Bill’s Cafe. There are five locations in the area and all are within a short drive from the conference site. Breakfast is served until 3:00 p.m. so even if you have to wait for a table, you’ll have plenty of time to browse their extensive menu.
10.Cha Cha Sushi
547 West Capitol Expressway
San Jose, CA
Touting its menu as “the ultimate in cutting edge Japanese cuisine,” Cha Cha is famous for its wide selection of sushi, sashimi and specialty rolls. Go for the rookie California Roll or be brave and order a Hot Like Fire made from spicy tuna and jalapenos. Top off your meal with a warm sake or cold Sapporo.
11.El Burro
The Pruneyard
1875 South Bascom Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
Another long-time local favorite, El Burro is located in The Pruneyard, a shopping center in Campbell, approximately five miles south of the Convention Center. If you like Mexican food, El Burro will not disappoint as it combines great food with large portions at reasonable prices.
12.Falafel Drive-In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd
San Jose, CA 95128
Recipient of numerous area “Best of” awards, Falafel Drive-In is your best bet for a quirky and casual dining option with a fairly unique menu. Combining Mediterranean and traditional American, the menu offers everything from gyros and tabbouleh to burgers and fries.
13.Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant
1320 Saratoga Avenue
San Jose, CA 95129
Feed your adventurous side by dining on authentic Ethiopian cuisine prepared by master chef, Zeni. Zeni Ethopian Restaurant is a unique dining experience features entrees that include beef, lamb, and poultry, but also offers several vegetarian dishes. If you really want a memorable treat, call in advance and request the Ethiopian coffee with full ceremony.
14.Original Joe’s (Italian)
301 S. 1st Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Open 11:00 a.m. to midnight Friday through Saturday, Original Joe’s is the place to go if you want great Italian food with a slice of history. Throw out any pretense of healthy eating and bring your appetite but also your patience as you may have a bit of a wait to get a table.
Get Your Groove On
Ready to party the night away? San Jose is flush with bars, gastropubs, and nightclubs. Whether it’s craft cocktails you crave or great pub food and a micro brew, here are a few of the local favorites.
15. Haberdasher
43 W. San Salvador
San Jose, CA 95113
Known as a craft cocktail bar, Haberdasher is famous for its single barrel whisky offerings and craft cocktails. The speakeasy-style decor harkens back to the days of prohibition – a time we’re all happy is long gone. And if you have the all important designated driver status, you’ll be happy to know that Haberdasher also offers craft sodas.
16. Paper Plane
72 S. 1st Street
San Jose, CA 95113
They had me at “punches on tap.” This is definitely the place to bring your new NTC friends and share a punch bowl filled with one of their fruity seasonal punches. Not into punch? Paper Plane is also known as a gastropub – just the place to spend a few hours enjoying pub-style food and craft cocktails.
17. Cafe Stritch
374 S. 1st Street
San Jose, CA 95113
If live music is your thing, Cafe Stritch comes highly recommended. Though known predominantly as a jazz club, this restaurant/bar combo features uber-talented local, Bay Area musicians from across musical genres.
#OptOutside
Japanese Friendship Garden (photo courtesy of Bayphoto Net Photography)
Conferences are notorious for keeping people warehoused in giant hotel meeting rooms for hours on end. For this venue, I suggest you bring your hiking boots or running shoes and steal a few moments of time to get some exercise, clear your head, and enjoy the natural wonders of the area.
18. San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
Naglee Avenue & Dana Avenue
San Jose, CA 95126
A former prune orchard, this 5 ½ acre garden is now home to 189 varieties of roses and over 3500 plantings. Prime viewing is in the months of April – November, but if the weather is warm, you just might catch some beautiful blooms welcoming in the spring season at the Municipal Rose Garden.
19. Japanese Friendship Garden
Senter Road and East Alma Avenue
San Jose, CA 95112
In the mood for a little peace and tranquility? The Japanese Friendship Garden is a great place to sit and enjoy a quiet spring day. Small ponds and fountains call out as you embrace your inner Zen.
20. Santa Cruz Mountains
Check website for directions to various trailheads
If the hiking enthusiast in you will not leave you alone, check out the plethora of trails located in this breathtaking mountain range. Take in the grandeur of the coastal redwoods or towering cliffs, or if you have a day to kill, hike to the stunning Five Finger Falls. There is a trail for nearly any skill level.
21. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, CA
If you get anywhere near the Santa Cruz area, the Beach Boardwalk is a must-see. Built in 1907, this historic oceanfront amusement park boasts of fun for the entire family with thrill rides that include the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the 125 feet Double Shot tower. For the less adventurous the park also offers miniature golf, laser tag, shopping, and a host of food options.
Valley Transportation Authority Light Rail Map
Get Around
Uber and Lyft are both well represented in the Silicon Valley, but if you’re looking for even more economical transportation, San Jose has a robust public transit system.
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
Bus and light rail within the San Jose area.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
San Francisco light rail will get you up to and around this famous city by the bay.
Valley Transportation Authority Light Rail Map
This year’s NTC event is packed with interesting sessions and dynamic speakers so there is certainly plenty to keep you busy. But if you do have some time to spare, get a group together and venture out. Whether you decide to stick close to the Convention Center or you have an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon in the mountains or a craft cocktail at a local nightclub, the San Jose area has something for everyone. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new and network with your peers in a setting that is sure to create lasting memories.
And most of all, have fun!
