San Jose is a beautiful city surrounded by a sprawling metropolitan area of all cultures and people. And what better way to see the city than from high above? That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best views in San Jose: from bars and restaurants on rooftops, to hiking trails and vista points, there are a lot of views for you to choose from depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Posted by Vbar at Hotel Valencia on Monday, October 29, 2012
V Bar at Hotel Valencia Santana Row
355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128
For those of you who love shopping, there’s a perfectly located rooftop bar in Santana Row, one of the hottest shopping locations in San Jose! At the Hotel Valencia, V Bar has a sleek, contemporary atmosphere, with cozy seating, red mood lighting, and tasty cocktails for you to sample. It’s a perfect place for social gatherings and groups to meet and mingle.
Best of all is their large outdoor rooftop patio, where you can a wonderful view of Santana Row bustling beneath you. As for ahead of you, you’ll see the sprawl of urban San Jose, and when the time comes, you’ll have the perfect spot for that sunset selfie! The spacious patio boasts plenty of seating as well as a few fire pits and a large water feature, creating both an inviting and accommodating atmosphere.
Cielo at Hotel Valencia Santana Row
355 Santana Row, San Jose, Ca 95128
Sticking around Santana Row, perhaps you’re more in the mood for a nice glass of wine and a more quiet atmosphere. Since you’re already at the Hotel Valencia, then just take a few easy steps across the way and enter Cielo. This wine and cocktail bar, only open seasonally, is a great spot for an evening of fine wine, crafty cocktails, small nibbles, and a wide, yet intimate view of Santana Row. The patio itself provides a beautiful rooftop garden-like atmosphere, and is large enough to host private events.
Summer nights on the patio are a warm and inviting experience. And on those cooler fall nights you can get cozy beneath one of their many heaters or near the fire pit, so you can enjoy the evening view for hours. Their menu of appetizers includes things like hummus & chips, cheese plates, sliders, and more. If you’re in the mood for a quiet, romantic evening, then Cielo should number one on your list!
Loft Bar and Bistro
90 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113
In the heart of downtown San Jose, sits this contender on our list. Loft Bar and Bistro boasts an indoor multi-level dining interior, as well as a relaxing rooftop patio. At night, both the patio and the people light up as the evening settles in, creating a nice vibe for all to enjoy. With high-end bistro cuisine, a wide selection of wine, and specialty cocktails, it’s sure to be a soirée for all the senses.
Though the view isn’t sprawling and majestic, you’ll get a nice view of the street and some of the skyline of downtown San Jose above you. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing evening out with a friend or two.
Floodcraft Brewing Company
777 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
Located on The Alameda near the Shark Tank (AKA the SAP Center), Floodcraft Brewing Company is a great place to come before or after the game! A part of Whole Foods, the grocery chain opened Floodcraft Brewing Company in San Jose to branch out into the brewing business. They have a menu of 21 different beers, with a high focus on IPAs, though they have other beers available as well.
Outdoors is a roomy second-story rooftop patio with a perfect view of the SAP Center! When lit up at night, this patio provides a great chill atmosphere for beer drinkers of all kind to drink and enjoy! Sharks fans gather and celebrate together here, and you should too!
Alum Rock Park
15350 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose, CA
Getting away from the city and into more rugged territory, Alum Rock Park has some beautiful hiking trails that take you up on the hillsides. There, you’ll be blown away by whole of San Jose spread out before you. Depending on which trail you take, you’ll end up with differing views and directions of the city, giving you multiple opportunities for that selfie!
Apart from the views, Alum Rock Park is a beautiful natural park teeming with all kinds of plants and wildlife for you to observe. The hiking trails are well-maintained and traveled, and during the rainy seasons, some of the trails run past rushing streams. Some of the hiking trails go up to 13 miles, so make sure to bring good walking shoes and be prepared to really get moving!
Calero County Park
23205 McKean Rd, San Jose, CA 95120
Maybe Alum Rock Park is a little crowded for your taste. If so, head to south San Jose and take a hike around Calero County Park. With a little over 18 miles of interconnected trails, your options of views are vast. Hiking along the Longwall Canyon Trail, you’ll be presented with a stunning view down into the canyon below, along with a grand view of the valley to the north and south. Other trails lead to vista points with lookouts over the Calero Resevoir, giving you a beautiful lakeside picture.
Rolling green hills are the landscape in the rainy seasons, producing a rainbow array of wildflowers and fauna. Deer and turkey are known to thrive in this area as well. Surrounded with woodland and natural growth, this county park is more secluded and quiet, giving you that much-needed time with nature you’re looking for. Just mind the poison oak!
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