Willow Glen is San Jose’s chic urban district. Graced by trees and a warming sense of community charm, Willow Glen has everything from eateries to pharmacies. Countless cafes, coffee houses, restaurants, retail shops, boutiques and businesses make the area a quintessential epicenter of activities. Free parking along the streets and public parking lots make Willow Glen that much more accessible. Be sure to look into which festivals are taking place, for Willow Glen hosts annual street festivities that showcase both San Jose and the greater South Bay area.

Named during the Tang Dynasty when Taoism was at its peak, Laoshan is one of those places that is as much about the views as it is about the history. The area is dotted with iconic sites like Laoshan Jufeng Peak, Liuqing River, Taiping Palace, Yangkou Beach, and the Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools — each offering a different slice of the region’s natural beauty. From rugged mountain peaks to serene beaches, Laoshan's landscapes are a traveller’s dream. If you're planning to explore, there are a few routes to choose from. The southern route covers the towering Jufeng Peak and the peaceful Taiping Palace. The eastern route takes you to Yangkou Beach and the Qipan Stone Area, while the central route is all about the lush Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools.

Not your typical zoo, Happy Hollow is rife with rides, play areas, and a Puppet Theater. It also operates as an accredited zoo, with over 140 animals in its conservation-centered park.