San Jose, California is a city defined by constant reinvention. As the oldest civilian settlement in California and the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose brings together centuries of innovation, migration, and creativity. From bustling art districts to historic landmarks, the city offers a unique blend of tradition and forward-thinking energy. Home to over a million residents, San Jose is also one of the most diverse cities in the United States, with communities representing Latin America, East and Southeast Asia, South Asia, and beyond. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, you'll find that every street corner tells a story—from immigrant entrepreneurs launching startups to community murals celebrating heritage. Located just two miles from San Jose International Airport, Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport offers a front-row seat to the city’s thriving arts and culture scene.
The soul of San Jose can be seen and felt in its vibrant Chicano and Latino culture. Generations of Mexican-American families have called East San Jose home, and their influence is everywhere—from the vibrant murals on Story Road to the lowrider car shows and the annual Fiesta Patrias celebrations. The Mexican Heritage Plaza is a cornerstone of Latino arts and education, featuring visual and performing arts that reflect the community’s strength and pride. San Jose's lowrider culture has gone from a form of protest to an iconic part of the city’s identity, with stunning custom cars, cruising events, and cultural festivals. This deep-rooted heritage has inspired generations of artists, musicians, and activists who continue to influence both local and national movements. Whether you're attending a performance or exploring the murals, visitors can experience the richness of Chicano culture firsthand.
San Jose’s role as the epicenter of the tech revolution is globally recognized—but fewer people know about the counterculture that helped ignite it. In the 1960s and '70s, the Bay Area was a hotbed of experimentation, not just in computers but also in consciousness. Figures like Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters used San Jose and nearby towns as playgrounds for psychedelic exploration, laying the groundwork for the open-minded innovation that Silicon Valley would become known for. Many early tech pioneers, including Steve Jobs, openly acknowledged the influence of LSD on their creativity. Today, visitors can explore this legacy at The Tech Interactive, the Computer History Museum, and the Stanford Research Park. San Jose's role in merging technology with the counterculture makes it a fascinating study in how rebellion can fuel progress.
San Jose has always had a powerful connection to music, from the early days of the psychedelic era to today's diverse local soundscape. The Grateful Dead performed in local venues before becoming legends, and echoes of that spirit can still be found in intimate shows around town. Local legends like Smash Mouth got their start here, blending pop-rock with West Coast flair, while the city’s underground scenes have birthed everything from punk bands to jazz ensembles. The SoFA District (South First Area) remains a creative nucleus, hosting live music, art walks, and spontaneous DJ sets. Venues like The Ritz, MACLA, and BackBar SoFa keep San Jose's music culture alive and electric. Whether you're into vintage vinyl or experimental beats, San Jose is a destination for music lovers.
San Jose has produced an impressive roster of athletes, entertainers, and innovators who have made their mark on the world stage. The city is home to the NHL's San Jose Sharks and the MLS's San Jose Earthquakes, two professional teams with passionate local followings. Beyond sports, the South Bay has produced stars like Anjelah Johnson, Cote de Pablo, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. NFL players like James Jones and Aaron Jones hail from San Jose, adding to the city's proud legacy of excellence in athletics. Local high schools and community centers have long fostered young talent, many of whom go on to represent San Jose nationally and internationally. Visitors can catch a Sharks game at the SAP Center or explore the neighborhoods that raised some of today’s biggest names.
San Jose’s cultural richness is deeply rooted in its immigrant communities, especially its Asian American population. The city is home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, centered in the vibrant Little Saigon district along Story Road. Historic Japantown, one of only three remaining in the U.S., offers authentic Japanese cuisine, festivals, and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose. Filipino, Chinese, Indian, and Korean cultures also thrive here, visible in everything from cuisine to temples to business districts. Annual events like the Tet Festival and Obon Festival bring thousands together to celebrate shared traditions. These communities not only enrich San Jose’s cultural fabric but also play a key role in shaping its economic and social future.
Art lives on every block in San Jose, from colorful community murals to world-class museums. The San Jose Museum of Art features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works, while MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana) uplifts voices from across the Latinx diaspora. The SoFA District is home to dozens of studios, galleries, and public installations, and the monthly First Fridays art walk turns downtown into a vibrant open-air museum. Community-driven mural projects celebrate everything from immigrant stories to local legends, turning alleyways and business walls into living narratives. For visitors and locals alike, exploring the arts scene offers a deeper understanding of San Jose’s layered identity.
San Jose rests on the ancestral lands of the Ohlone people, whose stewardship and cultural practices continue to influence the region. Spanish colonization brought missions and settlements, some of which still stand today, like the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House. The city’s agricultural era earned it the nickname "Valley of Heart's Delight," before the tech boom transformed it into Silicon Valley. Visitors can explore San Jose’s historical layers at places like History Park, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and the Lick Observatory. This unique blend of indigenous, colonial, agricultural, and technological histories makes San Jose a rare and fascinating American city. Each neighborhood, landmark, and tradition offers a window into the city’s evolving story.
Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport isn’t just a hotel—it’s your gateway to experiencing the heart of San Jose culture. Located just two miles from the airport and near all major cultural hotspots, we offer tropical gardens, a poolside retreat, and easy access to everything from Japantown to downtown’s SoFA District. Whether you're here for a concert, conference, or to explore the region’s rich history, Uptown Oasis places you at the center of the action. Enjoy our free 24/7 airport shuttle, spacious rooms, and warm hospitality as you discover the creative soul of the Bay Area. San Jose’s art, music, history, and innovation are waiting—and we’ll make sure you’re in the perfect place to experience it all.
