San Jose International Airport makes an ideal starting point for an exploration of Santa Clara Valley - otherwise known as Silicon Valley - and the San Francisco Bay area by car hire. Just 5 miles away by way of Airport Boulevard and Coleman Avenue is the city of San Jose Ca. Boasting its own symphony orchestra and opera and ballet companies, San Jose Ca is a thriving cultural centre with some vibrantly varied neighbourhoods. Santana Row in West San Jose is the place for sophisticated shopping and dining, while the colourful and authentic Japantown district brings a touch of the Far East, culminating in the Obon Festival in July with fairs, live music and street performers. Even closer to the airport off Coleman Avenue is Santa Clara, where you will find the Levi's Stadium, the new billion dollar venue for the San Francisco 49ers. Another of its attractions is California's Great America theme park, located on Highway 101, which features an array of exciting thrill rides and family-friendly live shows. A few short miles further down Highway 101 is the city of Palo Alto, home of Stanford University.