Although South Bay is viewed by many as synonymous with Silicon Valley, they are two different realms, boasting cultural differences that sets them apart, though proximity keeps them connected. South Bay refers to a specific geographical area, which according to the South Bay Cities Council of Governments is inclusive of “fifteen cities, portions of the City of Los Angeles and unincorporated portions of the County of Los Angeles.” Silicon Valley, on the other hand, is a term that represents for some, a state of mind, fueled by passion and big ideas, by like-minded visionaries who maintain a tech-centric attitude as a business strategy, as well as the Santa Clara Valley, home to communities of high-tech corporations.

South Bay’s boundaries are still open to debate, but it is generally accepted that it is situated in the northern end of the Santa Clara Valley. This industrial region was built around the aerospace industry, which boomed throughout the ‘80s, and later, South Bay became the epicenter of aerospace research and development. At the time, advancement and discovery attracted some of the brightest and best minds to South Bay’s aerospace business. The rich culture of the region also revolves around this industry, with a focus on clean energy and green living. South Bay is described as a melting pot of diverse cities and people, with unique traditions, from food to architecture. Economically, geographically and socially, South Bay is a unique sphere onto itself, and some have even gone as far as to call the place “hipster.”

In the heart of Silicon Valley, the global center of technology and innovation, is San Jose, which boasts a colorful history that includes its role during the Gold Rush of the mid-1800's. It is a place that features much cultural diversity that is characterized by an urban sprawl, thriving art communities and cultural elements that shapes the character and quality of life of the larger San José community. Silicon Valley is more popularly known as the birthplace and home of high-tech companies, such as Apple, Cisco, eBay, Facebook, Google, Oracle, Twitter and Yahoo, among others.

Beyond the cultural and economic magnetic pull of Silicon Valley and South Bay, its subtropical climate, beautiful flora, which includes oaks, redwoods and palm trees, and fauna, such as dark-tailed deer, badgers and tule elks, along with parks, like Pescadero Creek County Park, make for great opportunities to explore the region.