San Jose is an eco-friendly place known for its commitment to recycling, sustainability, and innovation. It's also in the heart of Silicon Valley, the famous tech hotspot, and only about an hour and a half from San Francisco by car. When coming here for business, you can smoothly balance work and pleasure thanks to an abundance of outdoor activities within a short drive.
Picking Up Your Car Rental
Upon arriving at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, if you’re in Terminal B, walk to the rental car desks across from the baggage claim. From Terminal A, take the Rental Car Shuttle. Here, you'll find the National Car Rental kiosk which will get you driving in a rental vehicle in no time.
The airport is only four miles away from the city center, making it a short, 10-minute drive to downtown San Jose. Considering the vast amount of tech headquarters located in the region, you may find yourself driving to nearby towns such as Cupertino and Palo Alto, 30 and 45 minutes away respectively.
What to Do in San Jose
When meeting with a client over dinner is on the agenda, consider the trendy downtown district. The Grill on the Alley is an upscale option sure to impress. Try a steak prepared in one of eight styles. For a more laid-back experience, swing by the Willow Glen neighborhood where you'll find John's of Willow Glen. It serves generous portions of American and Greek fare and is a local favorite.
Feeling the need to break a sweat? Wander the pedestrian trails at Alum Rock Park. If you're in San Jose long enough for leisure activities, explore the Tech Museum of Innovation or the quirky Winchester Mystery House. Consider going for a hike in Marin County, which is 90 minutes north of San Jose.
Santana Row has a mix of shops and restaurants perfect for a free afternoon of shopping and dining. Considering it’s one of the hotspots around town, it also makes for great people watching as you relax from the day.
Working in San Jose and Silicon Valley
Located 4 miles from the airport, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center is San Jose's meeting place. It offers 550,000 square feet of space. The facility does not have a restaurant, but meeting organizers can order catered food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as for special events. But, considering its proximity to downtown San Jose, there are many spots within driving and walking distance for a quick power lunch or an off-site meeting place to finish up some business.
With San Jose being in the middle of Silicon Valley, there are a vast number of tech headquarters located in the region. Usually, they're all within an hour drive of downtown depending on the traffic. Use your smartphone to stay traffic aware and discover the best routes to your destination.