I’m already for a while in the Silicon Valley now, so I thought it would be time to publish a list of places in this area that I like. Some of them might be just interesting for Tech Geeks, others for everyone. The list is of course not complete and I will amend it as I’ll explore new places.
- Googleplex
- San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation
- Mountain View Downtown
- Computer History Museum
- Lake Tahoe
- Apple Mothership
- Berkley University
- Santa Cruz
- San Francisco Castro District
Googleplex
Biggest Nexus One @ Googleplex
OK, this is a tricky one. You can of course just drive to the Google HQ which is located at 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway in Mountain View, but you won’t be able to see a lot before you get kicked out by the security guards. According to them are you not even allowed to park your car in the huge parking lots there. Also the Google HQ is a closed campus and does not offer any tours through the buildings.
I found my way in by signing up for the Silicon Valley Google Technology User Group on meetup.com. Participation is free and they normally organize one meetup per month about Google technologies. Of course that is not comparable to a real tour, but at least it’s a way to see one of the buildings from the inside.
San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation
The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose is actually more made for kids then for grown ups, but lets be honest; who is already so grown up that he/she does not like to explore scientific base principles in a playful and fun way anymore? Well, I’m not! And I’m sure that everyone can still learn one thing or another there.
Mountain View Downtown
Mountain View has a nice Downtown area which is basically located left and right of the Castro Street between Central Expressway and Church Street. It’s nice to stroll around there on a warm summer evening, have dinner in one of the Restaurants or just drink a Beer in the English Pub.
Computer History Museum
A must for every Computer Geek! The Computer History Museum in Mountain View exhibits literally the last 2,000 years of computer history. From the first wooden calculation engines to the newest smart phones, you can find everything there.
Lake Tahoe
Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is about a 4 hour drive away from the Silicon Valley. Therefore, I would not recommend to go there for just one day. I’ve never been there in the Summertime so far, but in the Wintertime you can Ski and Snowboard there. More information about Tahoe can be found here.
Apple Mothership
The Apple HQ is a must for every Tech fan. Just the address itself is worth the visit: 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino. Basically there’s not so much to do and see, it’s just about the feeling to be at the place where it all happens. And don’t forget to buy a “I visited the Mothership” T-Shirt at the Apple store there.
Berkley University
Berkley
A nice University city where you can see the elite of the next generation at work. You can easily spend a whole day there hanging around, relaxing in the grass or just drinking a coffee in one of the many coffee shops around the campus.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the Beach and Surfer spot of the Silicon Valley. On hot summer weekend days it seems almost as if everyone rushed there for a place in the sun. The Santa Cruz city beach is therefore mostly totally crowded. Right next to the beach is the Boardwalk with a lot of attractions.
If you like it more quiet, you can just head a bit more to the south. There are plenty of public beaches coming up like the Sunset State Beach. Unfortunately you have to pay there to drive with your car to the parking.
San Francisco Castro District
The Castro district in San Francisco is famous for it’s gay community. Nevertheless, also straight people can have lots of fun there on a Friday or Saturday Night. There are plenty of Bars and Restaurants around, so everyone should be able do find something that he/she likes. What else is there to say about the Castro? Be open minded and most important: Have Fun!! 
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