Almaden Valley

Almaden Valley and New Almaden are located in San Jose’s southwestern edge with rolling hills and beautiful open spaces – the perfect tranquil escape. The area’s highlight, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, is named after the New Almaden Quicksilver Mines, with more than 4,000 acres of picturesque views overlooking San Jose.

Mount Umunhum, another city landmark, is topped with a five-story concrete radar tower (fondly known as the Cube) and is open to the public with interpretive displays, mountain biking, and hiking trails. Nearby Calero Reservoir is a great place for boating and waterskiing activities. One of San Jose’s finer dining options is found in the Almaden Valley, La Foret, serving elgant French cuisine. Originally a Creekside boarding house for miners working in the quick silver mines, La Foret now stands as a breathtaking getaway to experience delectable farm to fork cuisine. The restaurant is also just a five-minute drive from Alamitos Vineyards, the only vineyard winery in San Jose, with award-winning offerings such as Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and the Portuguese-linked Touriga Nacional.