Things to do near convention center? Do I need a car? (San Jose: hotel, beach)

[yam]

I'll be attending a conference at the San Jose convention center in November and staying at a hotel nearby. I'll have a few evenings free.

First question, what notable points of interest would I enjoy visiting in this city and/or area during the evenings? Just me, no family/kids along. I'm interested mostly in engineering and nature destinations that I can visit after 5pm.

Second question, do I need a car for this trip? I'm hoping that there are enough things near the hotel that I don't need to drive.

[mysticaltyger]

There aren't going to be many nature destinations you can visit for any length of time after 5PM since it's starting to get dark early. Any nature destinations are going to require a car.

Otherwise, you might try visiting the Tech Museum (across the street), the San Jose Museum of Art, the large, jointly run, library operated by San Jose State U and the City of SJ on the corner of 4th & San Fernando (walking distance). They'll even let you borrow one item if you can show an ID, even if you're from out of state.

[yam]

anyone else have comments??

[sonarrat]

Most nature destinations will close at sundown, and because we're in a valley, it's dark much earlier than it is in, say, Boise. Those lovely rolling hills have a way of blocking out the light. The best I can think of on public transit is to take the light-rail to the Almaden station and walk to the Almaden Lake Park. It's got a little beach area and you can look out over the water, but more importantly, at the south end of the park, there is the Alamitos Creek Trail which runs through the Almaden Valley for several miles and has some really pretty scenery.

[bigdumbgod]

San Jose Sharks game! Best show in town in November, just a few blocks from your hotel.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

You could do a lot without a car.

[yam]

ping

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by yam

ping

pong