Hikes in the hills are one thing, but sometimes urban people- and dog-watching is the best entertainment of all. At Santana Row, San Jose's wildly successful, Mediterranean-style shopping and entertainment district, the see-and-be-seen scene extends to the world of fashionista canines. Plop down at any of 25 dog-friendly sidewalk cafés (patio heaters run full blast in winter) and watch the parade: you're likely to spot everything from pugs in hand-knit sweaters to six-foot blondes with legs up to here walking Afghan hounds with hair as silky as their own.
There's always a limo pulling up or a Lamborghini parked outside the Hotel Valencia, best place in town for celebrity-spotting (if one of very few places on the Row that doesn't allow dogs). Look for "paws welcome here" stickers in shop windows to identify the Row's dozens of pet-friendly stores and restaurants. And don't forget to download the free Santana Row iPhone app to learn about deals like Rainy Day Rewards, good through March for 15 percent off shopping and dining on drippy days.
