Hamann Park - San Jose, CA

Though many people know San Jose for its tech reputation, the large city actually has a long history. First settled in 1777, San Jose began as an agricultural center. Santa Clara County produced many fruits for sale throughout the world. However, the area became known for its technological innovations in later centuries.

Hamann Park locals benefit from their proximity to the Winchester Mystery House, a large mansion known for its mysterious rooms and staircases that lead to nowhere. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum downtown also delights people with its displays of Egyptian artifacts. Heartworks Gallery, one of several art galleries in Campbell, sells unique pieces to art collecting hopefuls. Others come around for events such as the annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest.

Campbell, Santana Row and other destinations around Hamann Park house a number of restaurants, bars, lounges, and other spots that draw in community members. Residents cross the highway to get to the mall, or they drive south for a few minutes to get to the Campbell attractions. Restaurants in West San Jose range from flavorful Asian fare to high-quality American cuisine. San Joseans find most of these places along South Winchester Boulevard or in the heart of Campbell.

Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill, a favorite among sushi fans in Hamann Park, serves up unique rolls, such as the rainbow blossom roll and the San Jose roll. Get the crab cucumber wraps or the spicy tuna salad for a healthy start, then dig in to the sushi menu. Customers who prefer not to get the sushi often try the pork katsu, a large portion bound to fill up anyone. End the meal with a helping of red bean tempura ice cream, a dessert the locals love.

Hamann Park locals who go to Campbell stop by Naschmarkt Restaurant to try out some Austrian and German fare. People eat up classics such as smoked pork bratwurst, as well as Weiner schnitzel served with Austrian potato salad. Others prefer the double-cooked pork belly with its celery puree and pork au jus. Order a glass of riesling to enjoy with dinner, and make sure to try the schoko kuchen chocolate cake for a truly sweet dessert.

West San Joseans head to Campbell for breakfast and brunch at Hash House, an eatery known for its many eggs Benedict choices and hash plates. Get the Irish hash with corned beef, or go for the veggie hash for a healthier option. Many patrons adore the fried chicken eggs Benedict, as well as the customary house potatoes. Locals take the large portions home as leftovers so they can relive the Hash House experience for a few more mornings.

Santana Row houses many of the closest bars to Hamann Park, so locals from the neighborhood take a quick trip to the mall for some tastings. Yard House serves food and drink, and Vintage Wine Bar serves good wine in a prime location within the outdoor mall. The Cielo lounge’s rooftop bar in Santana Row gives patrons a chance to drink with a great view of San Jose.

The Cardiff Lounge in Campbell attracts dance fans in West San Jose, but others like to go downtown to find more options.

Hamann Park is primarily a residential neighborhood, so most locals choose to drive to get where they need to go for work and entertainment — though walking within the neighborhood is safe and simple. Interstates 280 and 880, located close to Hamann Park, give drivers a jumping-off point to use when they decide to travel around the city or the rest of the Bay Area.

Parking in Hamann Park proves easy for residents, however, parking in nearby areas, such as Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair, can be difficult on the weekends. Parking garages can be found in many areas. Those without a car can call a cab or get a ride from Lyft or Uber cars. They can also use public transportation — Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority buses and light rails provide public transit through town.

The flat roads throughout Hamann Park allow for easy access by cyclists. However, not all roads have bike lanes, so bikers should be aware of traffic around West San Jose.

Marijane Hamann Park, the neighborhood’s largest recreational area, sits on 10.5 acres and features two playgrounds, tennis courts, and an unlighted softball field. Adults play sports to get their exercise in, and children love the multiple playgrounds for younger and older kids. Additionally, families can get together and have a barbecue for any type of celebration. This free park allows dogs to join in on the fun, as long as owners keep them on a leash.

Locals attend outdoor events at Central Park in Santa Clara, where people enjoy the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival every year. Santana Row hosts a number of gatherings and festivals as well, such as wine strolls and cooking demonstrations.

Life in the San Francisco Bay Area can be expensive for many of its residents. The average one-bedroom apartment in Hamann Park costs around $2,000 a month to rent. A gallon of gas in Hamann Park costs 6 percent more than the national average. A typical glass of beer costs about $4 in a neighborhood pub.

Commuters in Hamann Park save a bit of cash by using public transit — Santa Clara VTA transit costs $2 per one-way ride on buses and light rails.

Shoppers from Hamann Park have the chance to decide between two malls. Westfield Valley Fair, an indoor mall, houses retailers such as Apple, BareMinerals, Henri Bendel and Haagen-Dazs. High-end shoppers stop by Louis Vuitton or Tiffany’s. Across the street, Santana Row provides an outdoor shopping experience in a European-style environment. There, high-end shoppers have even more options in Gucci and Anthropologie.

Women who like local shops go to some high-class boutiques in the area, such as Designer’s Corner on South Winchester Boulevard. Find the perfect outfit or dress for a special occasion at this classy shop. West San Jose features a few specialized hobby shops, such as Carrier’s Bees, a beekeeping supply shop. Everyone interested in beekeeping can get what they need to start their own colony.

Within Hamann Park, people go to Grocery Outlet for the closest grocery shopping. Safeway and Walmart, outside the neighborhood, give shoppers more food options. Others buy fresh meat and produce from Las Palmas Mercado y Carniceria, a Mexican grocery on Saratoga Avenue. Those looking for a farmers market go to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center’s market during the summer, where vendors sell homemade and gluten-free goods, along with fresh produce.