No trip to Northern California without a stop in San Jose. With its close proximity to Silicon valley, San Jose is a truly modern city, but not without a rich historic past.

San Jose's high-tech reputation stems from strong ties with Asian innovation. Currently, about 32% of San Jose's residents are Asian. As a result, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a very popular attraction. This park covers six acres of the landscape, and includes waterfalls, bonsai plants, cherry trees and bridges over koi ponds, as well as a real Japanese tea house where you can enjoy tea and snacks.

The long celebrated Spanish history of San Jose is evident at the Peralta Adobe, San Jose's oldest address. Over 200 years old, this is the last remaining structure from the El Pueblos de San Jose de Guadalupe. On the same site is Fallon House, an exquisite Victorian mansion that was built in 1855 by Thomas Fallon, one of San Jose's earliest and most famous mayors. Stroll through the Peralta Adobe and the Fallon house to get a taste of San Jose's rich and interesting history.

History buffs will love the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium, featuring a full-scale replica of an ancient Egyptian temple, and one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in the United States. Or, for more recent history, stop at the San Jose Mystery house, where visitors can tour the 160-room Victorian mansion and gardens of wealthy widow, Sarah Winchester.

For more modern tastes, The Tech (Tech Museum of Innovation) explores technology and how it affects our lives, from robotic engineering to satellites and the innovations of Silicon Valley.

The multi-domed Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph is worth a stop, even if it is just to see the stunning stained glass windows and pipe organ. Visitors here marvel at the architecture, art and history that make this cathedral a San Jose landmark.

Museum-hopping is great, but don't forget, San Jose is also very close to California's famous wine country. While in San Jose, check out the J. Lohr Winery and tasting room, just off the Alameda, for a taste of the regional wines.

Traveling with children? Don't miss the interactive exhibits at the Children's Discovery Museum, or take the kids for a fun learning experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the finest aquariums in the nation. Finally, climb aboard the Niles Canyon Railway and take in seven miles of historic transcontinental railroad on Pacific Locomotive's vintage trains.

Don't let hunger creep up on you, or slow you down in San Jose. Be sure to plan a stop at Original Joe's, known by the locals as 'OJs,' this is the place is known for its simple charm, award-winning burgers, Italian dishes and excellent tiramisu.

And finally, when it's time to rest from all the fabulous sightseeing in San Jose, look no further than the Hotel Valencia. With two five-star properties in San Jose, Riverwalk and Santana Row, this hotel offers a seamless fusion of style, luxury and contemporary design, right in the middle of the city's best dining, entertainment and shopping districts.