Somebody as Hakone Gardens needs to update the website and social media better when the cherry…read moreblossoms bloom. I drove 45 minutes to Hakone Gardens recently at the end of March and found out that most of the cherry blossoms were gone. I was like whaaaa....I usually go during the end of March and they would be in full bloom. Apparently, they bloomed earlier this year. I was looking forward to seeing the wonderful pink color all around. Anyways, Hakone is still a treat to walk around and is very nice when the flowers are blooming. I love sitting near the beginning of the trail and looking at the ponds, bridge, koi fish and all the trees. It transports me to Japan without the airfare and passport. Parking can be difficult on busy days and will be waiting for awhile for someone to leave. Gift shop is cute and there are many cute finds in there. Admission is now $12 but parking is still free.

This is such a tranquil and beautiful spot in Saratoga. My friend and I came here over the weekend,…read moreand we spent about an hour walking around the estate and gardens. My favorite part was definitely the koi pond! They have quite a few fish, and it was relaxing just to watch them swim around. I also enjoyed walking on the trails while being surrounded by bamboo. Each ticket to enter costed about $15 online, and they have a lot where you can park for free. Since the gardens are located on a hill, keep in mind that some of the areas are slightly steep. I wish that the trails around the gardens were a bit longer, as it didn't take us too long to walk through the entire estate. Overall, this is a lovely spot if you want to be surrounded by nature and learn a little bit about Japanese culture.

In 1850-51, around this site, Martin McCarty's Toll Gate, the town of Saratoga grew. The city name…read morechanged several times from Toll Gate to McCartysville to Bank Mills to Saratoga. In 1850-51 Martin McCarty, a lumberman, built a toll road up the canyon to what had become known as Campbell's Redwoods. At the lower end of the road a small settlement, then known as Toll Gate, began to grow. In 1855 a post office was established under the name of McCartysville. McCarty's toll gate crossed Big Basin Way, then known as Lumber Street, near the corner of Third Street. In 1854 William Haun and John Whisman established a gristmill called Redwood Mills. The mill was later purchased by Charles Maclay who changed the name to Bank Mills. In 1863 he was also successful in changing the name of the post office to Bank Mills. In 1865 the village changed its name again. This time Saratoga was chosen as the town was close to the nearby Congress Mineral Springs. The name commemorates the famous mineral springs in New York. Information from Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California, April 7, 2011.

It's a lovely place to hike and see some outdoor artwork. I would like to go back and hike again…read more Because I did just some trails. The hike is not that long and easy hike. And it's good to see artwork while feeling the nature. And next I would find time to watch a concert for sure.

Such a beautiful park maintained jointly by the Montalvo arts center and santa clara county parks…read more It's truly a hidden gem in Saratoga with beautifully maintained lawns, and ample trails. The Great Lawn in front of the main building ie the Montalvo Center allows picnics without reservations - just set up camp under a tree. There's a very well maintained Italian garden right next to the great lawn with varieties of succulents, a pagoda like structure and cedars. Also saw a wedding in progress while we were there and it is such a beautiful location for it! I will definitely visit again to explore the trails. Parking can be a little hard on weekends but you gotta just wait till a spot opens. If the event venue is booked out - that makes parking harder since they reserve a lot for guests. Free entry and free parking

As one drives to downtown Saratoga, California, we always like to see the Memorial Arch. Its a…read morevery nice memorial to the Saratoga residents who passed away in World War I.

Designed by famed architect Bruce Porter, the arch was built…read morein 1919 as a memorial to the Saratoga men who lost their lives in World War I. Funds were raised by contributions from the community. On the arch is the official plaque designating Saratoga as State Registered Landmark No. 435, installed in 1950 as part of California's Centennial celebration.

What a delightful little jewel in Campbell! I had no idea this place existed until recently based…read moreon some volunteering work that someone I know did here. Each of the rooms has been decorated by a different organization for Christmas and it looks awesome. The volunteers here were so friendly and earnest. Loved it! Check out a slice of history in our backyard!

I find the docents at the Ainsley House very friendly, knowledgeable and very passionate about…read moresharing historical information about this beautiful home located in downtown Campbell. I have been here at Christmas time and every room has a Christmas tree and well decorated by different organizations or individuals. They have two nights were you can visit the beautiful gift shop and enjoy appetizers and wine. Really well done and so magical!

Saratoga is a historic town in the South bay …read more It is known for its winery ,restaurants and historic landmarks like Villa Montalvo , Mountain winery , and Hakone gardens . It had a population of 31,051 at the 2020 census. We visited on a Sunday afternoon like 5 pm . Had an early dinner there and then walked around the main street . The parking lot was almost full but we managed to find a spot. It was peaceful and quiet surrounded by many good restaurants. I enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere and nice decor everywhere. Many flowers were blooming and the plants and trees were planted around the restaurants . A enjoyable leisure walk .

This review is for Nina Walker a facility administrator, this poor lady really needs to retire, she…read morebeen with the city of Saratoga over 20 something years. I really think she has job burn out. I never been treated like garbage before! My work was having a gathering at a park. I had to get a permit. She was very rude; I gave her my check for the permit. She looked at it and says okay, it looks good! Why wouldn't it be!! Her assistant was even rude! I felt I was in the Seinfeld episode, dealing with a soup Nazi!!

America's Best Rose Garden Run by Volunteers!!!…read more This is a beautiful 5.5-acre rose garden officially recognized as "America's Best Rose Garden." It features over 3,500 shrubs and around 200 varieties, with about 75% being hybrid teas. The garden has an interesting history: it was once a prune orchard purchased by the San Jose City Council in 1927, thanks to advocacy from the Santa Clara County Rose Society. Today, it also serves as an official All-America Rose Selections (AARS) display garden, where new award-winning rose varieties are tested before public release. The layout is classic and park-like, with a two-tiered fountain and mature, decades-old trees that add to the atmosphere. Some standout roses that I enjoy, include: * Rosa 'Handel' (climbing rose): Soft pink, slightly ruffled blooms that look great climbing fences or arches. Light fragrance, subtle but nice up close. * 'Camille Pissarro': Super eye-catching striped petals in pink, red, yellow, and cream. Looks like a painting. Mild scent. * "Make Me Blush" (hybrid tea): Clean, soft blush-pink rose with a neat classic shape. Light, gentle fragrance. * "Perfect Moment" (hybrid tea): Very polished, classic rose form with rich color and that "traditional rose" look. Noticeable floral scent. * "Double Delight": Creamy white with red edges that deepen in the sun. Each bloom looks a bit different. Strong, sweet spicy fragrance: one of the most fragrant ones there. A pleasant surprise is that the garden is entirely volunteer-run. Volunteers actively work to preserve heritage roses, even rescuing and propagating rare varieties from old cemeteries, abandoned homesteads, and rural roadsides. Practical info: * Parking: free street parking with no time limit * Hours: daily, 8am to 30 minutes after sunset * Restrooms: available (clean, basic, and well-stocked) * Dogs: not allowed * Yoga: permitted if non-commercial * Alcohol: not permitted * Photography: casual photography and picnics are free, but professional shoots require a $100 permit Overall, it's a peaceful, well-maintained garden with both botanical depth and historical character, especially enjoyable for rose enthusiasts or anyone looking for a quiet walk among carefully preserved varieties.

This historic site has become a special place for my son and I, especially on Mother's Day. We have…read morebeen coming here since he was a baby and that's something to think about! So many memories have been made here throughout the years and I love every visit I made and will continue to make! As much as I love dogs, I am glad this place is now more strict about not allowing them within the gates. You could be fined if caught! In the past, I've seen people walk their dogs around and even seen people not prepared to pick up after their left behinds. It's a beautiful place and we don't need to see or step on any poo-poo. Are cats allowed though? Asking for a friend.

This is a pretty great place to see the sunset in Cupertino! Nice spot to take a few photos if…read moreyou're in the area.

So this pedestrian bridge is pretty iconic as it passes across Interstate 280 in Cupertino. I don't…read morereally call it by it's real name and I just call it the Mary Avenue Bridge lol. It's nice to walk on in the daytime to watch the cars pass by and it's absolutely stunning during sunset and at night. Be careful though, there are a lot of bicyclists and sometimes if you're taking photos or just standing in the middle of the bridge, just be on the lookout. I kind of wish the bridge was a bit wider with a side for pedestrians and another side for bicyclists. But it's okay, it's like a mini Bay Bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists. This is a true Hidden Gem because I don't really see a lot of people visiting it even though people drive by it all the time on the freeway. When you get the chance, park on Mary Avenue on the south end and then take a nice walk across the bridge. You'll absolutely love it.