California’s Silicon Valley encompasses several metropolitan areas from Gilroy in the south, through San Jose to Milipitas and Palo Alto in the north. It’s most famous as the home to several technology companies, including smaller start-ups and giants such as Apple, Google and Intel. While on the map for high tech, Silicon Valley includes some of California’s most picturesque outdoor vistas, from the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve (video) to the Morgan Hill’s Henry W. Coe State Park, surrounded by the Diablo Mountain Range and the Santa Cruz Mountains. For shopping, visit The Village in Saratoga. For history, visit historic downtown Campbell or Santa Clara’s Mission Santa Clara de Asis and Mission Gardens. For culture, enjoy the performing arts and museum at Stanford University in Palo Alto.