DOWNTOWN. This multi-domed basilica dates to the 1870s, although it's actually the fifth incarnation of the church. Furthermore, the cathedral basilica stands on the former site of the city's first church, St. Joseph Church, an adobe structure dating to 1803. Inside the building are stunning stained glass windows and a unique pipe organ. Open, airy, and elegant, the cathedral basilica is a lovely place to worship and to marvel at art, history, and architecture.

DOWNTOWN. Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is a 150-acre natural haven in the heart of San Jose. In addition to being a refuge for migratory and song birds, the three-mile long riverside park offers 2½ miles of scenic walks and jogging trails. Located adjacent are the Guadalupe Gardens, which feature over 3700 varieties of roses. River Park and Gardens hosts several festivals and concerts each year and provides ample picnic facilities for folks with outdoor dining in mind. A benefit of the park is that it serves as a buffer for potential river flooding that could harm downtown San Jose.

Kelley Park, a 160-plus acre public park, offers an excellent break from the traffic and noise of downtown San Jose. This picnicker's paradise includes several ponds, the idyllic Japanese Friendship Garden, and several lawn areas. San Jose's Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and the San Jose Historical Museum also are located here.

DOWNTOWN. This is one of the states largest multipurpose centers dedicated to the furthering of Latino culture. The Mexican Heritage Plaza contains beautiful thematic gardens, a Pavilion area, a 500-seat theatre, a 4000-foot exhibition space called La Galería, and several offices and classrooms. This facility hosts several exhibits, concerts, and festivals each year and offers suitable facilities for corporate meetings.

Paramount's Great America, located just north of San Jose, offers some of the best family-oriented fun in the South Bay area. The park is a great place to spend an afternoon, and you'll find a wide range of entertainment from rides and play areas to games and shows. Great America is the home of such rides as the "Demon," the "Drop Zone," a James Bond ride called "License to Thrill," "Stealth," the world's first flying roller coaster; and an IMAX theater.