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.
San Jose is a warm, sunny California city that is very pet-friendly! You can search pet-friendly RV rentals San Jose in RVshare for possible rentals. Make sure you also check with the campground where you want to stay to ensure they allow pets.
You can bring your pet's bed, blankets, and toys along on your trip so they have some familiar things of their own. If you need to leave your pet alone in your RV for a while, make sure they have wee pads, fresh litter, and toys to keep them entertained.
There's much to see and do when visiting San Jose in an RV. The Alum Rock South Rim Trail is about eight miles outside the city. It's the ideal place to incorporate some strenuous exercise into your vacation. The trail is in Alum Rock Park, which is also home to the challenging Serpentine Loop Trail.
Come on a Family Fun Day to the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose located downtown, and enjoy themed activities, entertainment and opportunities for families to bond and learn together. Go about seven miles outside of the city to Raging Waters San Jose for a fun-filled day of water slides, relaxing in a wave pool and drifting along the lazy river.
The downtown San Jose Museum of Art is a leading institution for modern and contemporary art in Silicon Valley that features a permanent collection of over 2,000 artworks. Also located downtown in the Rose Garden neighborhood, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in the Western United States.
San Jose boasts lots of nighttime fun for tourists, like the Lick Observatory. Located only 25 miles from San Jose, it's the perfect place to view faraway astronomical objects. You can also visit Mountain Winery, 17 miles away in Saratoga. Sample a selection of award-winning wines produced on-site while taking in panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley from the winery's hilltop location.
RVshare offers affordable RV rental options for those looking to explore San Jose, CA. Plenty of campgrounds in the area, like Coyote Valley RV Resort and Garden City RV Park, offer hookups for motorhomes of various sizes. Traveling in a small Class B motorhome works great for solo and pairs of travelers. These campervans are perfect for romantic getaways in the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which sits 75 miles southwest of San Jose.
Class A motorhomes work better for family getaways. They provide sleeping space for up to 12 people, full kitchens and bathrooms with showers. Some of the best spots near San Jose that offer family-friendly activities are Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Henry W. Coe State Park. One of the more popular water parks in the area is California's Great America Boomerang Bay Water Park, located eight miles away in Santa Clara.
Class C RVs tend to be a bit smaller than Class A options, making them more budget-friendly. A few of the best areas near San Jose to visit in this type of RV include Alum Rock South Rim Trail, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose and the San Jose Museum of Art.
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 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!
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.