Top 3 Water Parks Near San Jose, CA

Ella Fitzgerald sang, "Summertime, and the livin' is easy," and there isn't a better time in the year to wind down and enjoy some cool events in the city. Whether you're on vacation or are getting ready for the weekend, here are five summer events where you can soak in the sun and relax. Music in the Park No matter how big or small the bands are on stage, the Music in the Park summer festival is all about good music and good fun. There are plenty of food and drink options available at the venue, so all you need to bring along is your good mood. For extra comfort, blankets and low-back chairs are allowed in the area. more The event happens every year from June to August at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Jazz takes over the city for three days in August with famous and up-and-coming artists performing on 12 different stages. Plaza de Cesar Chavez has been the festival's central venue since its inception in 1990. Despite its growth, the atmosphere is still very much like those early days in San Jose, where you can listen to live performances of jazz, fusion, and funk. Tickets are available as single entries, starting at $15, or as 3-Day Passes, starting at $50. The event kicks off on Friday, Aug. 10, at 5:30 p.m. and continues through the weekend, with stages opening at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Sunset Thursdays Who says summer fun only happens on weekends or on vacation? Every Thursday evening, from June to August, San Jose locals gather at Plaza de Cesar Chavez from 5 to 9 p.m. to enjoy live music, play lawn games, and taste the best dishes of the food trucks available that day. This event is open to the public and free to enter. Follow the organizer's Facebook page for up-to-date information on live acts, food trucks, and upcoming events. July Passport Celebration Day For wine enthusiasts, Passport Celebration Day is the one event in the year they most look forward to. These special Passport holders can visit over 50 participating wineries throughout the year, during opening hours. But, on specific dates, four times a year, wineries are open for tastings and other experiences all day long. The passport costs $65, and the July event falls on the 21st, beginning at noon. It takes place at participating Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries. Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic Tennis fans flock to attend this week-long women's professional tournament, the first sports event of the U.S. Open Series. Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, and Williams sisters Venus and Serena are some of the names on the list of former champions of this nearly-50-year-old tournament. From July 30 to Aug. 5, all tennis roads lead to San Jose State University. Ticket prices vary according to location. Finals Weekend ticket packages start at $300. Weeklong Championship Series ticket packages start at $850. Individual tickets start at $31. Each day begins at a different time, so be sure to check the schedule to arrive on time. Throughout the summer, there are all kinds of events for all tastes and budgets. The one thing they all have in common? They are all meant for you to have fun. Photo by Toolstotal | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Looking to enjoy a nice day on the water? Luckily, Morgan Hill is close to numerous beaches along the California coast. Next time you're craving the sun on your face and the sand between your toes head to one of the following beaches just under an hour's drive from downtown. Seacliff State Beac Seacliff State Beach is just 54 minutes from Morgan Hill via CA-152 W, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. Here, you'll find plenty of attractions, including picnic areas, bike trails, windsurfing, geocaching, and more. The beach, however, is best known for more its long fishing pier as well as the remains of the SS Palo Alto. Unfortunately, part of the pier and ship are currently undergoing renovations to make them safe for the public, so you'll have to admire their decaying beauty from afar. Admission to the park is $10 per vehicle per day, but seniors can get in for $9. Dogs are also welcome, but they must be on a leash that's shorter than 6 feet. If you'd like to spend the night, Seacliff also offers a beachfront campground for RVs that provides 26 full hookup and 37 non-hookup sites. Manresa State Beach You certainly won't burn up a tank of gas heading to Manresa State Beach, as it is just 51 minutes away via CA-152 W. When you arrive, you'll want to take in the sweeping vistas of the sea and bluff-backed sand. You'll also enjoy gazing at the Santa Cruz Mountains to the northwest and the lush trees in the southwest on the Monterey Peninsula. Many families flock here to camp at one of the 60 walk-in tent sites, fish for California halibut and striped bass, or spend the day picnicking at many of the tables along the bluff. Kids can join the Junior Lifeguard program to test their skills, learn more about aquatic safety, and brush up on key environmental awareness issues. As with Seacliff, there is a $10 vehicle fee, and dogs are also permitted. Sunset State Beach Is CA-152 W too jammed with traffic? Escape the hustle and bustle and head on US-101 S to reach Sunset State Beach in just 52 minutes, as it's further south than the other options. This beach is known for the peaceful pines that surround the sand, creating a pristine and idyllic atmosphere that's perfect for a mid-day picnic. You might also enjoy tackling the numerous hiking trails; fishing for surfperch, striped bass, or sardines. You might also like camping in one of the 90 family sites, which accommodate RVs up to 31 feet long, or you can set up your tent. The admission fee is $10 per vehicle, and dogs can walk the beach as long as they are leashed. It's great that Morgan Hill is so close to the coast, as it gives both residents and visitors a chance to relax by the sea. Whether you're planning a day trip, weekend getaway, or two-week family vacation, these beaches are all prime options. Photo by fogcat5 | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

California is often referred to as wine country because of its abundance of vineyards and wine tasting destinations. Check out a few of the best wine spots in the San Jose, California, area. Divine Wineries Divine Wineries is conveniently located in downtown San Jose and serves some of the highest-rated handcrafted wines in the entire area. None of their unique wines are available for purchase in local stores and can only be tasted at this winery. They source their wines from the Sierra Foothills, the Santa Clara Valley, and even the Alexander Valley. Reservations are not required and they are open Wednesday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. more This winery is within walking distance of nearby hotels, making it a great choice for a full day of wine tasting. Locals can also join the Divine Wineries wine club for just $35 per month. This membership includes up to three free bottles of wine each month and special discounts on wine accessories and unlimited happy hour events. Vino Vino Vino Vino is also a wine tasting destination in downtown San Jose that has 13 different fine wines available. They also serve small plates to pair with your wine tasting. Want to bring along a guest that does not enjoy wine? Vino Vino also serves local craft beers. This winery has a simple goal: to provide locals with a no-frills spot to taste local wines, share good food, and get to know their neighbors. This sports bar environment is perfect for a casual wine tasting experience, and you can easily reserve a table online. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines The history of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines is not only interesting but is also an important part of the California wine industry. The founder, Jerry Lohr, spent many years attempting to find the right spot for his vineyard. He eventually landed on the central California coast, paving the way for a vibrant wine industry. Both of the J. Lohr locations are open daily for free wine tastings. No appointment is necessary, but larger groups should always call ahead. You can also join the J. Lohr club. Membership includes access to VIP events, brand discounts, and free bottles of wine. Left Bend Winery The Left Bend Winery is just a short drive outside of San Jose in Los Gatos. All of the wines from the Left Bend Winery are sourced from the Santa Cruz Mountains. This windery handles every aspect of the winemaking process, from pre-harvest to bottling. You can order bottles of their wine and join the wine club online. Club members receive complimentary tastings, discounts on wine bottles, and four wine annual shipments of your favorite wines. The Left Bend Winery is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 until 5 p.m. Spend a day checking out the best wines of San Jose, California. Each of these local vineyards is a great choice and has special deals and memberships to ensure you have a great wine-tasting experience. Photo by dalecruse | Licensed cc by 2.0