I've noticed for quite some time that whenever someone asks a question about San Francisco, a particular poster always replies with the same phrases regarding the homeless population ("aggressive" is one of his favorite adjectives) and then he/she almost always recommends the traveler visit San Jose instead. He/she goes on to recommend the Tech Museum and the Rosicrucian Museum *and* (this one really cracks me up) the Winchester Mystery house, all in San Jose.

Does this person work for the San Jose chamber of commerce? Is it good travel advice to steer people away from San Francisco to San Jose? I have my own opinions regarding both of these cities, but I'd love to hear from others. What are your experiences with San Francisco and San Jose and particularly these "must-see" museums?

I've been to both several times and wouldn't even compare them. How could you? Someone must have a grudge against SFO. Yeah, there are a lot of homeless but that doesn't make SJC a comparable visit.

As a northern Californian I have been cracking up at the posters who have been pushing San Jose for a month now. What's with that? Can't even imagine San Jose as a vacation destination. Who cares if the homeless population is not agressive there. Nothing is there.

I live in the San Jose area and while it's a great place to live, I would never push this place over SF as a vacation destination. In fact, I always look forward to a weekend in the city because it's like a mini-adventure every time we go...so many things to do and see!

I grew up in San Jose--love the Rosicrucian museum--all those mummies were so fascinating when I was a kid. The Japanese tea gardens, Wing's Chinese restaurant........

But, I also lived in San Francisco. The ultimate weekend destination. The museums, the theater, the park, DIM SUM...I LOVE SF!!!

San Jose is not a vacation destination--although if you are there, you can have some fun.

This sums up San Jose. They named their airport after Norman Y. Minetta, current Sec. of Transportation!

With respect to this San Francisco vs. San Jose thing, it has gotten out of hand. As a native Northern Californian, I feel that both cities have their pluses and minuses, however, I feel that the criticisms about San jose have been overstated. The city's downtown has seen a dramatic improvement over what it was 15 yrs. ago. At least downtown San Jose is a destination, and not a place to avoid. As For San Francisco, again it seems as if some of the comments have been a bit harsh. But comparing SF back in the 80's to what is is now, there is definitely room for improvement. Hopefully the next mayor can clean up SF

We live in Palo Alto, mid Peninsula between SF and San Jose. I agree that the two cities cannot be compared. SF is the tourist destination but a rather difficult and expensive place to live, San Jose has some things of interest but is a good place to find housing. Personally I find the Winchester House a big zero. The Tech Museum is great fun with kids. After business hours there's very little going on in San Jose except for a few restaurants. The strangest recommendation I've seen is one to visit the "Mystery Spot" up in the Santa Cruz Mtns. There are some posters on this board who either don't know what they're talking about or enjoy steering folks the wrong way. Too bad.

Kam......"San Jose.......is a good place to find housing."

Are you nuts????????? A 3/2 nothing is $500,000!!

Native

Well, the housing in San Jose is marginally cheaper than in Palo Alto ;-) (I live on the peninsula too, Kam). But I think what Kam means is that San Jose is a nice place to live, great weather, centrally located for trips to SF, wine country, Monterey, Tahoe. And I do think the housing is cheaper and easier to find than in SF. Remember, it's all relative.

But, I don't think a great place to live equals a great tourist destination! However, when my kids finally grow up and fly away we will be selling our house in suburbia and buying an apartment in the City (that's San Francisco).

Thank you, Susan, that's exactly what I meant to say. All Bay area housing is very expensive but there is a better selection in San Jose than in SF. However, we also look forward to retiring to the city!

I have visited both places on many occasions. San Francisco definately has a big city feel. I love going to Fisherman's Warf, pro baseball games and all the other wonderful activities available there.

However, driving and parking can be an adventure and there do seem to be more unfortunate people in San Francisco. On one occasion, we stayed at a very elegant hotel. Every time we left the hotel on foot, we would have to hold our noses for at least a block because of the stench of urine on the surrounding streets. On another trip near the Warf, a woman accosted us and tried to take our baby out of her stroller. Then there is the man at the Warf who hides behind an artificial plant and jumps out to scare people. Agressive street people? Definately! Is it still worth the visit? Yes!

San Jose has a different feel (Yuppy maybe?). It is a more sprawling, modern city with a lot to see if you have a car. The Tech Museum is very impressive. The Winchester House is strange. People watching and shopping for bargins at the huge San Jose Flea Market is something we never miss. Day trips to Santa Cruz and Monterey are always fun. It always seems like we end up going into San Francisco when we are in San Jose.

Actually San Jose does has a nightlife after 6:00 PM. I enjoy going into Center City (Downtown) for a casual dinner at Gordon Biersch or one of the great restaurants along South First Street or San Pedro Square. The nightclub scene on in the SoFA (South First Area) is also quite good.

Apparently Susan "spike" is geographically challenged. The City is San Jose, and it has been the City for some time. San Jose not only is the most populated city in Northern California, but as the Capital of Silicon Valley is the region's economic engine. Add to that a revitalized downtown with plans for more 5 star hotels, luxury condominiums, and office towers, a City is defined by where it is going rather than where it has been.

If I said "the city" to anyone living in the San Francisco bay area they would assume I meant San Francisco. I've lived here most of my life, including living many years in San Jose, and I know what I'm talking about. You, xxx, have your head in the sand.

I guess that you didn't read Leigh Weimers recent column in the Mercury News. I think that you and all the other "geographically challenged" individuals ought to take YOUR heads out of the sand and realize that SF was a great palce at one time, but has rested on its laurels and is now a has been. Whether you like to admit it or not, San Jose is a City on the way up. Wish I could say the same thing about SF.

to xxxxxxx: WOW! Leigh Weimers says it so it must be true! hahahahahahahahahaha.
San Jose IS on it's way up...in crime, traffic, smog, unemployment, illegal aliens, gangs, low school test scores.

The term "The City" is an old one and has always been used to refer to SF.

If Tony Bennett left his heart in SF, one would probably leave their anus in SJ. It would be appropriate.

San Jose is actually one of the safest big cities in the country. Also, with Mayor Gonzalez, the City has seen dramatic decreases in gang violence and gang graffiti. Any major City will have its traffic and smog problems. Most of our traffic is a result of people from that largw town up north who come to work in the City. But remember that all Cities are not perfect, as some of those who live in that town up north like to point out.

In my opinion, there is nothing in San Jose that would make my TOP TEN things to do/see in the Bay Area. It's that simple!

Tourists shouldn't go to San Jose just to visit whatever museum someone from the SJ Chamber of Commerce is pushing.

However, if you ever stop in San Jose for whatever reason, then I highly recommend the A.P. Stumps restaurant. I happened to go there for lunch while I was attending a conference and the food was outstanding.

This restaurant lives in the shadows of San Francisco, but the food is excellent. I was impressed and I ate at several highly regarded restaurants in SF.

Memo to whomever is pushing San Jose: STOP MISLEADING TOURISTS!