Silicon Valley Landmarks

San Jose is a hilly city in Northern California. It is often known for its warm weather and consistent sunshine. You might be surprised to learn that some of your favorite TV shows and movies were set right in San Jose. Flubber We all remember Robin Williams and his comedic scientific role in "Flubber." The 1997 movie was a remake of "The Absent-Minded Professor" from 1961. Williams lived in nearby San Francisco, which could have influenced the film's location. There are actually a few different scenes in "Flubber" that are shot in actual San Jose locations. more The "Flubber" main characters live in a house in the Rose Garden district of San Jose. Some home scenes are also shot on University Avenue nearby the house. Many of the academic movie scenes are also shot right in a classroom at San Jose State University. Silicon Valley Silicon Valley is often known as the technology hub of Northern California. It has produced some of the leading technology designers and companies of today. It is no surprise then, that many of today's tech-based movies and TV shows, including "Silicon Valley" are also filmed here. "Silicon Valley" follows the life of a computer programmer that wants to reinvent the internet. Other scenes in "Silicon Valley" are filmed throughout the Bay area, including in Los Angeles and Palo Alto. Additional tech shows filmed in the San Jose Silicon Valley area include "Betas," "MythBusters," "The Social Network," and "Steve Jobs." Beverly Hills Cop III It does not matter that it took it until the third installment of "Beverly Hills Cop" to film in San Jose, many locals were excited at the additional filming location. This 1994 movie featured Eddie Murphy on an action-packed experience as a Beverly Hills Cop. One particular scene in the movie portrays him dangerously hanging from a large Ferris wheel called the Spider. The actual Ferris wheel filmed was called The Triple Wheel and was a part of Paramount's Great America Park. Although you can no longer ride The Triple Wheel, you can still see it in "Beverly Hills Cop III." Winchester You might not yet recognize this movie name because it was just released this year. Much of the filming of the thrilling horror movie "Winchester" took place right in San Jose. The movie is claimed to be inspired by true events and involves the mysterious events at a local haunted house. The haunted house is a prison for ghosts seeking revenge on the Winchesters. Not only does the haunted house reside in San Jose, California, but you can also book a tour. Sarah Winchester is a real person and the house is a real place. You can tour the 110 rooms of the large mansion, which includes mysterious items like a window on the floor, doors that open into nothing, and the number 13 randomly scattered around the house. You do not have to head to Los Angeles to see the film sight of some of your favorite movies and TV shows. Many of them were filmed right here in the city of San Jose, California. Photo by the_tahoe_guy | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

If you haven't heard of Morgan Hill, California, you're in for a treat. This Silicon Valley city is home to abundant wineries and nature trails, but it's the hidden gems that really bring an air of surprise and amazement to locals and tourists alike. Here are a few treasure troves worth checking out in the area. Vietasia Restaurant Located on East Dunne Avenue, Vietasia Restaurant is the go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Guests rave about the clean and casual setting as well the reasonably priced foods. The affordable dishes make it seem like you're getting a fancy dining experience, but without the high prices. more Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Vietasia Restaurant has a diverse menu that offers both classic Vietnamese dishes and flavors from around Asia, including Korea, China, and Thailand. Popular items include beef pho, shrimp spring rolls, imperial crab eggrolls, and tempura-fried sweet potato fries. However, you can also find a large selection of noodle-based dishes, rice plates, vegetarian options, and exquisite tea flavors. Murphy's Mercantile Located on Monterey Road in Morgan Hill, Murphy's Mercantile is a lovely hidden gem with a large selection of antique and vintage wares. Sisters Honnie and Melissa Murphy opened the shop as a way to share their love for collectibles with others, and you certainly get a glimpse of this passion with the lovely displays of hand-crafted, collectible items arriving regularly from antique shows and estate sales. Whether you're looking for goods to gift to others or hunting for your own personal treasures, this shop has affordable items packed with one-of-a-kind charms you won't want to miss out on. These include household decorations, furniture, jewelry, artwork, vases, tea sets, and antique cookware. You'll even find seasonal items such as miniature trees with vintage ornaments, fall flower arrangements, and other adorable themed trinkets. If you're interested in stopping by, Murphy's Mercantile opens Tuesday through Saturday (and sometimes on Sundays) at 10 a.m. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve If you want a ridgetop view of Coyote Valley and natural peaks such as Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum, this final spot on our list beckons a visit from outdoor enthusiasts. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is a rural patch of land at the end of Palm Avenue between Morgan Hill and San Jose that sits adjacent to the Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. Spread out among 348 acres of natural landscape is a four-mile, multi-use Arrowhead Loop trail that's ideal for jogging, hiking, biking, and equestrian riding. You'll also find picnic tables, a bridge, educational panels, and lots of scenic views. If you're looking to plan a trip to Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, you'll find it offers a day full of exploration and adventure from sunrise to sunset. We know you can't visit every attraction in Morgan Hill, but don't let these hidden gems fall under the radar. While you're in Santa Clara County, stop by these three destinations and find out for yourself what makes each so unique. Photo by donjd2 | Licensed under cc by 2.0

The West Coast of America has plenty of forests, deserts, mountains, valleys, and other natural beauty, which is why there are plenty of state and national parks from one end of California to the other. For those starting out in San Jose and the local area, you can enjoy several state parks just a short drive away in a Ford vehicle. Henry Coe State Park The Henry W. Coe State Park is a short drive east from Morgan Hill and other towns along US-101. Coe Park covers 87,000 acres of California wilderness, and it's open year-round to hikers, campers, and mountain bikers. You won't have any trouble finding places to hike, either, because the park contains 250 miles of hiking trails and ranch roads. The park even has an old hot springs resort on the southwestern edge, but unfortunately the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Resort is still in the middle of a big restoration project. more The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Head straight south to Santa Cruz, go east to Aptos and go north to make your way to the Forest of Nisene Marks. The forest doesn't see too many visitors each year since most people in the area want to enjoy the beaches, but that's perfect if you want to see some great spots without worrying about sharing the moment with a big crowd. You can only take bikes or horses on certain tracks, but you can hike through most of the forest and admire the young and old redwoods that fill it. Big Basin Redwoods State Park The Big Basin Redwoods State Park is straight southwest of San Jose, and it's easy enough to find by following Big Basin Way (CA-9) out from the city limits. The park has its own highway because it's the oldest in the state, established in 1902, and the reason it's the oldest state park is because that big basin contains the largest group of old-growth coast redwoods south of San Francisco. Bay Area residents have been visiting this park for over 100 years, and the park allows biking on all fire roads and hiking throughout the park. Castle Rock State Park Castle Rock State Park is so close to San Jose that you have to pass it on your way to the Big Basin Redwoods. The park covers much of southwest of San Jose, including Castle Rock itself. The peak gets its name from the great view you can get of all your surroundings, and you can get to the peak on a day trip thanks to a one-mile trail loop you can take from the main parking lot. Plenty of Ford vehicles can be your ticket to seeing the best side of nature, especially when you live near so many great state parks and forests. The southern Bay Area offers mountains, valleys, and forests full of ancient and new redwoods, and the only question is which state park you should visit first when you decide to take a day trip. Photo by MiguelVieira | Licensed under cc BY 2.0