Issue link: http://globelitetravelmarketing.uberflip.com/i/444404
94 2 0 1 5 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O S an Jose and Silicon Valley have come of age as centers for the arts, culture and attractions. In 2014, one of the world's leading private collections of modern American art, the Anderson Collection, opened in an architecturally-striking building on the Stanford campus. Santa Clara is now home to the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers, who moved into their new $1.2 billion stadium for the 2014-2015 season. In downtown San Jose, a vibrant urban scene continues to grow with museums, galleries and robust dining and nightlife. The valley has undergone a dramatic change since the mid 20 th century when farms, orchards and ranches lined Santa Clara Valley, and the area was called "The Valley of Heart's Delight." With the technology boom came the development of acres of office parks and an influx of bright, young entrepreneurs—and the new name, Silicon Valley. In the last decade, the vigorous economy led to a revitalization of cities whose residents are known more for their long workdays than nights on the town. Visitors now find pedestrian-friendly burgs, such as charming Saratoga and Los Gatos, with Michelin-starred restaurants and chic shops. Mountain View's Castro Street and Palo Alto's University Avenue are hop- ping, and San Jose's downtown and the Santana Row district are alive with nightlife and attractions, including the Tech Museum, which pays homage to the valley's innovative spirit. SAN JOSE CVB. OPPOSITE: ASIF ISLAM/SHUTTERSTOCK SAN JOSE & SILICON VALLEY TOP CITIES San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS San Jose International Airport (SJC), 4 miles (6 km) north of downtown San Jose San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 36 miles (58 km) north of downtown San Jose TOURISM WEBSITES sanjose.org santaclara.org sanmateocountycvb.com POPULATION 1.8 million SAN JOSE & SILICON VALLEY High-tech innovation hub welcomes visitors