Back to school in 2020 is unlike any other year. Instead of Back to School shall we say Back to Zoom 🙂 The summer vacation that felt year long was spent primarily socially distanced and exploring local spots that are normally hidden and mostly ignored. Finally, the new academic year started. And we as a family, always looking for new places to visit, wrapped up our summer vacation with a day trip to Alviso – a quaint little place almost frozen in time. 

Alviso is a neighborhood in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California. It is at the north end of San José where it meets the southern end of the San Francisco Bay and borders the cities of Milpitas, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. I have seen the signs to Alviso many times on CA 237 but never made the trip.  I was always curious to know about this mysterious Bayside neighborhood. Alviso is a quaint waterfront town almost frozen in time trying to hold its place next to the ultra-modern Silicon Valley.

As you take the exit to First Street on CA 237, you will notice the changing landscape from Silicon Valley’s office buildings to a village of forgotten buildings, marshlands, mudflats, open bay, and a ghost town. Alviso was a historical port to travel to and from San Francisco to South bay. Alviso’s history goes back to 1845 when it was founded. This was the home for Alviso mills and Bayside Canning Company which closed in 1936. On Elizabeth Street, you can still find that old building reminding us of history. The Geodesic Dome House, The Laine Store, and The Tilden-Laine House are some other historic sites in this neighborhood

 Apart from the lovely historic town  Alviso Marina County Park is also a gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. 

This is a lovely place to visit especially in the evenings when the sun is almost about to set. People come here for walking, jogging, biking, and boating. If you are lucky you can see the train which passes by you. Don’t forget to bring your camera as you will see splendid colors in the sky and the landscape too, during the sunset. There are a couple of benches along the main path to sit and enjoy the view. There are boardwalks to walk and observation decks for bird watching and boards that talk about local Alviso History. There is a boat ride through Alviso Slough that describes how the South Bay’s shoreline has changed over time. Check the timings of the boat ride before you visit. You can also take your own boat for a ride through the Slough. There is a wheelchair accessible boat launch ramp that provides access to both motorized and non-motorized boats. The park has a few wheelchair-accessible pathways and observation decks from where you get a 360-degree view of the marshland that you can faintly see from the freeway. 

Walking through those pathways and the observation decks is actually fascinating as you find yourself in the midst of thousands of wildflowers and birds in the sky. Overall it was a pleasant stroll with the sun almost on the horizon and a gentle breeze.

If you are planning to take a bite, there is a famous Mexican joint Maria Elenas on the way back in Alviso town.

The marshland and the observation decks form the perfect backdrop for quinceanera and wedding photography.

♿️ Accessibility ♿️

  • The terrain of the pathways is fairly flat for your mobility scooters or a wheelchair. 
  • There are a few steps in the pathway. But the steps are very low. Any wheeled device can ride over it easily.
  • The trails are bumpy. A wheelchair with wider wheels will make the ride a little easier.
  • Try to use the main gate to enter the trail. The Pedestrian gate has a small step.
  • The observation decks are all wheelchair accessible and have a very nice 360-degree view. Some observation decks may not be accessible directly from the parking lot.
  • If you want to enjoy the sunset from the car then there is a parking lot just next to the waterfront where you can get a wonderful view.
  • The boat launching area is completely wheelchair accessible.
  • There are wheelchair accessible restrooms on the side.

♿️ COVID-19 Precautions ♿️

The Shelter in Place has eased now with the reopening of many recreational activities. However, it is absolutely essential to keep social distancing and safety procedures in mind. At no point should these be compromised. 

  • Always wear your face mask even if you are not getting out of the car.
  • Avoid crowded areas if you are stepping out of the car
  • Always remember to carry gloves, hand sanitizer, water, food.
  • Do not forget to use the restroom before leaving from your house as it is safer to avoid using public restrooms during this period
  • Remember to wipe your crutch or mobility scooter handle or the wheelchair wheels every time you return from outdoors
  • Do not leave your items unattended.
  • Do not open your car windows in crowded places
  • While dining outside make sure you wipe your chairs if possible.