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8 Favorite Fishing Spots Near San Jose, CA

For those who like fishing, it is worth making a trip to San Jose, CA. There are dozens of freshwater creeks and rivers around the city which provide ample opportunities for anglers looking to fish with their favorite game-fish on hand!  Some fishing spots have deeper waters, which is perfect if you're looking for trout. Keep reading to learn of our favorite spots around San Jose, California. Los Gatos Creek County Park Los Gatos Creek County Park is a hidden treasure trove for those who love fishing and enjoying nature. It's not only home to steelhead but also hunting ducks and geese! The trails crisscross through marshland that you can explore at your own pace - perfect if you're looking for something relaxing or just want some time away from it all with nature as your guide. more Vasona Lake County Park The best way to spend your day at Vasona Lake County Park is by fishing for black bass, crappie, and bluegill. Several picnic areas can be reserved on a first-come basis, with eight group areas strategically placed throughout the park to make your visit more enjoyable. Guadalupe Creek Guadalupe Creek is one of the best locations to cast a fly rod. The scenery here will make your heart soar with beauty and mild temperatures that are perfect for fishing all year long! You can catch bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill species at this spot. Hidden Lake Park A fishing enthusiast will not be disappointed at Hidden Lake Park. With a wide variety of fish, it's no wonder this is such an iconic spot for fishermen and fisherwomen alike! Lexington Reservoir County Park The fishing at Lexington Reservoir is top-notch. The place has a welcoming and kid-friendly atmosphere, just large enough for that calming feeling while you're out on your own or with friends. Almaden Lake Park Almaden Lake Park is a great place to catch some fish! This little sanctuary has crystal clear water and an abundance of bass, catfish, trout, or goldfish. Whether you're fishing or just enjoying the scenery, there are plenty of activities for everyone in this scenic spot! Loch Lomond Recreational Area The Loch Lomond Recreational Area is a perfect spot for fishing with family and friends. This beautiful area offers an escape from the regular hustle of city life to enjoy some fresh air by the lakeside or on trails through forested areas full of wildlife. Shoreline Lake Boathouse The Shoreline Lake Boathouse is a great spot to spend quality time with friends and family. You can fish for king salmon, steelhead trout, or bass here as well! This spot should be on your "to-do list" when you're in town. Now that you know where to go fishing near San Jose, pick up your rod and reel, hop into your car and explore these beautiful spots. After a catch, stop by Mission Valley Ford Truck Center and check our new and used inventory. We also have commercial Ford vehicles for those in business. Image via Pixabay.com

Your Quick Guide to the 2021 Ford Ranger

The 2021 Ranger is the perfect truck for both outdoor, trail-charting adventures and city driving. It combines the ruggedness you'd expect from a 4x4 capable vehicle, with plenty of interior comforts for everyday driving. There are many options to enhance and personalize the vehicle to your needs with Ford's performance packages as well. To see what this truck is all about, here's a quick guide on the 2021 Ford Ranger and why it's worth a closer look. Powerful Performance and Towing To handle both the ruggedness of outdoor terrain and the stop-and-go driving of everyday work commutes, you need a versatile, yet powerful engine with smooth shifting at all speeds. That's exactly why Ford put a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine under the hood of every 2021 Ranger, along with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. As for the Ranger's towing abilities, equipping the vehicle with the Trailer Tow Package provides it with up to 7,500 pounds of towing capacity. This is much more than enough to tow a camper or boat on any weekend trips you might have planned. more Multiple 4x4-Enhancing Options To enhance its off-road capabilities, there's a Terrain Management System available, which switches the vehicle's stability and traction between four different modes. There's also the Tremor Off-Road Package option, which adds several upgrades to the vehicle, including steel bash plates upfront, an increase in ground clearance from 8.9 to 9.7 inches, and durable skid plates underneath. As if that weren't enough, two other packages, the FX2 and FX4 packages are also available. These options include upgrades to the tires, rear locking-differential, shocks, and other parts of the vehicle that play a crucial role in tackling rough terrain. A Stylish and Customizable Exterior Changing the vehicle's exterior style by adding different add-ons is easy as Ford designed the vehicle with this in mind. Whether you want to add a roof rack, change the bedliner type, or add cargo storage compartments inside the vehicle or in the bed, all of this is possible with the many accessories that are available for the Ranger. As for exterior colors, there are nine different options to match every type of driver's personal flair. If either the Velocity Blue or Race Red don't grab your attention, the Iconic Silver or Carbonized Gray are guaranteed to impress upon first glance. New-Age Safety and Tech Features Advanced technology can be found throughout the vehicle's entertainment and safety systems. SYNC 3 is the Ranger's entertainment hub, which offers many options, such as the ability to connect your smartphone for accessing music, phone contacts, and apps. Also, there's FordPass Connect, which provides an available 4G LTE Hotspot in the vehicle for connecting to Wi-Fi while on the go. The vehicle's safety suite, Ford Co-Pilot360, can keep you safe with multiple safety monitoring features, including BLIS, which is a system that alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. Another highlight of this suite is Ford's Lane-Keeping System, which can not only detect when you're drifting out of your lane but can also adjust the vehicle's steering to respond to this. The Ranger is an all-in-one midsize pickup truck that's ready for any occasion. With its versatility on both streets and trails, its many 4x4-focused options, and its modern tech and safety features, it's the whole package and more. Come and test drive the 2021 Ranger today at Mission Valley Ford in San Jose, California. Image via Ford.com

3 Unforgettable Day Trips You Can Take From San Jose, CA

Located just a few miles south of San Francisco, the city of San Jose, CA, is close to several beautiful urban and nature spots that can be reached in less than two hours by car. If you are looking for destinations to go on exciting day trips and spend some quality time with your family or a group of friends, these are some excellent and nearby spots you should not miss while in the area. 1. San Francisco Without a doubt, the city of San Francisco is the most popular day trip destination for San Jose residents. Attracting millions of visitors each year from all around the world, San Francisco is a true melting pot of cultures where you will always find new activities and places to see. From the Golden Gate bridge to the Alcatraz Penitentiary, the Chinatown neighborhood, and the Transamerica Pyramid, this city is full of landmark buildings and vibrant districts. The downtown San Francisco area is located a little under 50 miles northwest of San Jose, making it possible to reach it in about an hour by car. Although it is not a small city, San Francisco is known for its walkable neighborhoods full of cafés, restaurants, cultural centers, and tourist attractions. Some other spots you should not miss while in the city include the Ferry Building, Coit Tower, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Pier 39. more 2. Lexington Reservoir County Park Boasting an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, a boat launch, and several designated spots for shoreline fishing, Lexington Reservoir County Park is an excellent destination for visitors from San Jose and other towns and cities in the region. As its name indicates, the main feature of this park is a small reservoir located right in the center, where visitors can practice a vast array of water sports including boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Getting to Lexington Reservoir County Park takes about 20 minutes by car, driving a little over 15 miles southwest along route CA-17. With a surface area of about 915 acres, the park provides plenty of spots where you can have a picnic with your family or a group of friends. To access this park, visitors are required to pay a daily usage fee of $6. 3. Stevens Creek County Park Covering a surface area of a little over 1,000 acres, Stevens Creek County Park provides public access to Stevens Creek Reservoir, a large body of water created in 1935 after the construction of a dam across Stevens Creek. This artificial reservoir is a great spot to unwind, spend some time away from the city, and practice several water activities including boating, fishing, and canoeing. Getting here from downtown San Jose takes about 20 minutes by car along route I-280. Are you ready for your next exciting fishing adventure? Before you hit the road, visit us at Mission Valley Ford Truck Sales. We have the best new and pre-owned vehicles in the area, as well as flexible financing plans and a team of expert sales agents. Image via Pixabay.com

6 Impressive Features of the 2021 Ford F-350

The 2021 Ford F-350 is stacked to the hilt with impressive features, amazing capacities, and extra options that will blow your mind. Check out a quick look at some of these impressive features now. 6 Impressive Features of the 2021 Ford F-350 1. Continuously Capable Super Duty The Super Duty range never stops moving forward. The 2021 F-350 is one of the most capable Super Duty trucks to ever hit the market and continues to be a highly competitive vehicle offering outstanding value for money. Even the standard 2021 F-350 comes with a 385-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine to deliver extra low-down torque. more 2. 7.3-Liter Gas V8 The 2021 F-350 design has a gas-powered V8 built for strenuous workloads and tried and tested performance capability Ford offers you with confidence. The pushrod V8 design optimizes low-end torque with variable-camshaft timing to enhance high-end output power. A professional expert at a dealership can explain what the above means if you are not mechanically minded. 3. 6.7-Liter V8 Turbo Diesel The optional 6.7-Liter Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel engine design exploits advancements in fuel injection technology. These fuel injectors run at 36,000-psi to atomize fuel as much as eight times. Think about the difference in the amount of fire after igniting a rag dipped in gasoline and spraying any compressed flammable liquid through a small flame and you will have a good idea of how much this new injection technology influences engine performance. 4. Exterior Paint Colors to Choose Haven't you noticed that the highway is a blur of grey and white? Back in the '70s and '80s, car and pickup trucks were available with a huge range of crazy colors, and you got the color that made your vehicle so good for you to just stare at. Thanks to manufacturers like Ford, huge color pallets are coming back. The F-350 Super Duty is available in no less than 10 very distinctive and different colors. 5. Insanely High Customer Satisfaction Levels Pickup truck buyers really love their pickups. If you are around 2021 F-350 SD pickup buyers when discovering it is possible to customize a new vehicle, do not be surprised if you see big burly men behaving like excited eight-year-old boys. Customer satisfaction levels have reached orbital levels. 6. Driver Enhancing Technology Ford Co-Pilot360TM  driver-assist technologies are designed and built to enhance and compliment driver skills. Technologies available cover everything from avoiding a crash to reducing driver fatigue when heading a long distance on the open roads with adaptive cruise control. It's really worth getting to know your options because driver-assistance technologies also allow you to get more done in each working day with your 2021 F-350. With so many configuration options, the best way to build your own is with the help of professionals who really know what they are talking about. Get in touch with Mission Valley Ford Truck Sales now to arrange a consultation with our experts, who will help guide you to the 2021 F-350 you will love for years to come.

Where to Find the Best Burgers Near San Jose, CA

You don't have to travel far to find the best burgers in San Jose. There are plenty of spots that serve up great burgers in town. Here are five of the best burger spots near San Jose, CA. Where to Find the Best Burgers Near San Jose, CA Main Street Burgers Located in downtown Willow Glen, Main Street Burgers is known for its gourmet-level burgers. The menu offers a wide variety of toppings, from your basic cheeseburger to relatively more exotic options such as the California Burger with pesto, avocado, and pepper jack cheese. more Super Duper Burgers Super Duper Burgers, located in West San Jose, is a no-nonsense burger joint that's been flipping great burgers for over ten years. Super Duper might not look or feel special, but don't let the facade fool you: these seriously juicy burgers are to die for! The simple menu offers seven types of burgers and five types of fries. Kirk Steak Burgers It wouldn't be a burger list without including Kirk Steak Burgers, home to some of the juiciest burgers in all of San Jose. Popular on the menu is the Avocado Bacon, which comes with an ample serving of savory beef on top of a hefty slice of bacon, avocado, and cheese. Brown Chicken Brown Cow Head over to the heart of downtown Campbell for a casual burger joint with a loud and lively atmosphere. Brown Chicken Brown Cow is best known for its extensive menu of burgers with quirky topping combinations. For the ultimate indulgence, try out their Angry Goat Cheese Burger with goat cheese, jalapenos, and onions. Yessiree! St. John's Bar & Grill This award-winning burger joint is famous for its San Jose Burger, which they top with salsa instead of ketchup or mustard. Or try their Beg for Mercy Cheeseburger, a delectable concoction with roasted serrano peppers, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo. Brew City Grill Brew City Grill is a local favorite, with burgers flame-grilled to perfection. It's no surprise that people love Brew City; they serve up delicious burgers and other American favorites like ribs, chicken wings, and sandwiches. Predominantly serving families, Brew City Grill is always buzzing with energy! Konjoe Burger Bar Konjoe Burger Bar is a funky Japanese-style burger bar serving a unique combo of Japanese and American cuisine. The Konjoe burger is indescribable with beef, jack cheese, egg, grilled onion, pickled jalapeno, and konjoe sauce. This world-class craft burger is not to be missed! The Funny Farm Restaurant If you're looking for a great burger, don't miss the Funny Farm Restaurant. They offer a Get Shorty Burger with two types of meat: an Angus beef burger and short ribs on one bun! Locals love this restaurant with its quirky restaurants and outrageous burgers.

6 Reasons to Check Out the 2021 Ford F-250

The 2021 Ford F-250 blends rugged design, immense power and capability, and safety in one package. The powerful engine delivers a real powerhouse capable of every job you throw at it. Read on for more reasons to check out the new super-duty F-250. 6 Reasons to Check Out the 2021 Ford F-250 Multiple Truck Configurations The new Ford F-250 offers multiple configurations to help you build a custom truck. There are six trim levels; XL (10 styles), XLT (10 styles), Lariat (8 styles), King Ranch (4 styles), Platinum (2 styles), and Limited (2 styles). The F-250 super-duty truck is available in a single rear wheel (SRW) ideal for towing small payloads and a dual rear wheel (DRW) for hauling heavy payloads. more You can choose between the regular, extended, and crew-cab body style. For load hauling, there's a choice of two bed lengths; a 6.75-foot bed and a longer 8-foot bed available with the regular cab. Whichever job you have in mind, you can configure your Ford F-250 to get it done. Diverse Engine Options The new Ford F-250 offers you different engine choices to suit any application. The base engine is a 6.2-liter gas-powered V8 that pairs with a 6-speed transmission to make 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The second option is a powerful 7.3-liter gas-powered V8 engine paired with an upgraded 10-speed automatic to produce 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. This is available in F-250 trucks with the off-roading Tremor Package. For the ultimate workhorse, go for the Powerstroke turbodiesel 6.7-liter V8 engine.  This pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission to generate an epic 475 hp and a segment-leading 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard for all models with part-time four-wheel-drive system as an option. Impressive Towing and Payload Capacity When properly equipped, the new Ford F-250 gets maximum gooseneck towing of up to 37,000 lbs and a maximum 5th-wheel towing of 32,500 lbs. The truck also boasts best-in-segment maximum conventional towing of 24,200 lbs and a maximum payload of 4,270 pounds. Comfy and Spacious Interior Step into any F-250 and you instantly appreciate how roomy and comfy these trucks are. The regular-cab trucks seat up to three while the larger extended-cab trucks can seat up to six. The entry-level XL model comes with basic interior features to enhance your comfort and convenience. Upper trims get more upscale features such as power-adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and heated/ventilated front seats. The Ford F-250 Tremor Package The earth-moving F-250 Tremor Package delivers an off-ready truck straight from the factory. The package is available on trim levels from XLT upwards. The package adds features such as a specially-tuned suspension, bigger shocks, off-road running boards, and a trail control system with off-road drive/ crawl modes. Other off-roading add-ons include extended-axle vent tubes, custom 1.7-inch piston twin-tube dampers, and 35-inch Goodyear maximum-traction tires. Advanced Safety Features The new F-250 comes with advanced standard and optional safety tech for a safe driving experience. Available advanced safety features include a 360-degree view camera system, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, adaptive cruise control, and a trailer sway control hitch. If you're in the market for a capable full-size heavy-duty truck, don't look further than the new Ford F-250. To get a feel of this truck in San Jose, CA, contact us at Mission Valley Ford to schedule a test drive.

8 of the Best Beaches Near San Jose, CA

Even when summer's officially over, a trip to the beach can make any day brighter. Whether you're seeking fun or relaxation, the best beaches near and dear to San Jose, CA will whet your appetite for a sandy getaway. 8 of the Best Beaches Near San Jose, CA 1. Santa Cruz Beach San Jose is nestled in the Silicon Valley, but you won't have to travel far to enjoy some coastal waves. Exhibit A is Santa Cruz's main beach, also dubbed Boardwalk Beach for its plentiful family-friendly entertainment options. The water's not too rough and populated by several lifeguards, so kids in particular should enjoy a great time. more They don't dub Santa Cruz Surf City for nothing. Ride some righteous waves whether you're a beginner or ready for Olympic-style competition. 2. Natural Bridges State Beach Another Santa Cruz hot spot, the star attraction of this postcard-worthy beach is the majestic limestone arch that stands faithful guard over the beautiful blue seas. Aside from the many snapshots, you can take for your memory book, you can also embark on a trip along a stunning trail brimming with monarch butterflies. 3. Ano Nuevo State Park If you love wildlife, and especially sea life, this natural reserve is the spot for you. Guided walks most months of the year will take you along a lively beach where you can observe sea birds, sea lions, and sea otters. The charming and sprawling populations of elephant seals dotting the shoreline keep captivated tourists coming back for more. 4. Gray Whale Cove San Mateo's offering lives up to its name. Another beloved respite for nature lovers, the impeccable beaches at this destination beckon sunbathers who enjoy one of the coast's most spectacular shows when the gray whales come to play. The safe journey down the “Devil's Slide” path will leave you in paradise. 5. Waddell Beach Frequent Highway 1 travelers can attest to the scenic feast for the eyes this beach affords. Watch the talented windsurfers and kite-boarders that call this refuge home. Venture along the beach yourself and take home some of Mother Nature's best souvenirs, like authentic sand dollars, blue stones, and seashells galore. If you'd prefer a sea-scape in miniature, a serene creek awaits in close vicinity. 6. Shark Fin Beach Don't let that large “shark fin” jutting from the ocean scare you away. The namesake rock that welcomes you to Davenport Cove is more unique conversation starter than a menacing threat. If you want to soak in the hidden coves that make this part of California so spectacular, no better destination exists than this quiet haven. 7. Capitola Beach This Monterey Bay hot spot draws faithful crowds on a routine basis for a reason. The magnet for sunset watchers, sailors, swimmers, sandcastle-builders, and every beachy excursion in-between is the quintessential California beaching experience. Add in the many community-inspired beach events, and you have an experience young and old alike can enjoy with ease. 8. Cull Canyon If you don't need the ocean to soak in a great beach experience, consider a day trip to this charming lake beach. At a mere 38 miles from San Jose, the lake adventure is the closest sandy destination in sight.

New and Improved: The 2021 Ford F-150

If you're looking for a solid and reputable pickup with amazing performance options and plenty of new creature comforts, the 2021 F-150 is your truck. For years now, the F-150 line has been regarded as legendary, but none have garnered quite as much praise as the 2021 edition. With that said, here's everything you need to know about the reimagined 2021 Ford F-150 and some of its most exciting features. New and Improved: The 2021 Ford F-150 Six Bold Engines and a Hybrid Option With seven different engine options and the ability to choose either a two-wheel or four-wheel drivetrain with each one, the F-150 offers both performance and freedom of choice. Gas-based V6 engine options include a 3.0-liter diesel with 250 horsepower, a 3.3-liter with 290 horsepower, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter with 325 horsepower, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo that produces 400 horsepower. more For more engine roar, there's a 5.0-liter V8 that also generates 400 horsepower. Then, there's the 3.5 L twin-turbocharged V6 Hybrid option that provides an impressive 430 horsepower. Finally, at the top of the food chain, sits the Raptor's twin-turbo 3.5-liter High Output EcoBoost, which churns out a ferocious 450 horsepower output with 510 pound-feet of torque. Strong Towing and Off-Road Capability The 2021 edition also promises a jaw-dropping 14,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity when fully equipped. In models bearing the 5.0-liter V8, the maximum payload capacity of 3,325 pounds means you'll have no problem hauling heavy cargo in the pickup bed as well. While driving off-road, the new Trail 1-Pedal Drive setting will automatically apply the brakes whenever you remove your foot from the acceleration pedal. In certain off-road scenarios, such as navigating steep declines, this can be an especially useful feature. Cutting-Edge Tech and Audio Features With the new SYNC 4 system, staying entertained and communicating with others is easier than ever, thanks to the voice recognition system and optional 12-inch touchscreen. While you're making a hands-free call, your front passenger can simultaneously access other features on their side of the screen. The 2021 edition is also the first to offer Pro Power Onboard, an electrical generator that offers multiple outlets with up to 7.2kW of electricity. Perfect for plugging your laptop, power tools, or other electric devices into. There are also two different B&O premium audio systems available to grace the truck's cabin. If the 8-speaker system with its 640-watt amp isn't enough for you, then you can opt for the colossal 1080-watt 18-speaker system instead. Safety Features That Think Ahead Of all the many amazing safety features found in the 2021 F-150, a few stand out as technological feats. An example of this is the Pre-Collision Assist system with its automatic braking function. With this feature, motion sensors are always on-guard and monitoring for anything that might be up ahead and in your path. It will first warn you if it detects anything and will then automatically brake if you begin to get too close. Another noticeable safety achievement is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). While you should always be looking out for vehicles in your blind spots, BLIS can do that for you if you forget. It will warn you of nearby vehicles, and with trailer coverage, it can also alert you to vehicles that are getting too close to your trailer as well. With a wide array of engine options, off-road agility, excellent towing strength, and advanced safety and tech features, the 2021 F-150 is a serious force to be reckoned with. Come see and test drive this iconic pickup truck today at Mission Valley Ford in San Jose.

5 of the Best Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Places Near San Jose, CA

Sometimes, you need a little help staying cool on the hottest days. If you're feeling the heat and need a cold treat to help you get through it, you can't do better than the ice cream and frozen yogurt served up at the local spots we highlighted below. You'll find all of them in the San Jose, CA area, giving you plenty of local options to pick from next time you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. 5 of the Best Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Places Near San Jose, CA 1. Sweet Fix Creamery All-natural, premium frozen yogurt created from fresh and locally sourced ingredients makes every visit to Sweet Fix an absolute delight. They've got dozens of flavors of frozen yogurt and Italian ice for you to choose from, letting you try something new each time you come in for a visit. They also bake plenty of goodies right on their site, giving you the option of having your favorite scoops sandwiched between two fresh-baked cookies. more 2. Icicles If you've never had your frozen yogurt rolled before, come on down to Icicles to experience this trendy new way to eat your dessert for yourself. They have a wide selection of different flavors for you to get the confection of your dreams, from the zen-inducing Gotcha Matcha to the fruity taste of their It's a Rasp flavor. In addition to their dessert options, they also offer a selection of craft tea drinks that make a refreshing beverage any time. 3. Smitten We can see how this place got its name; after just a few bites, we think we might be in love too. Unique flavors like American Pie or Equator Coffee make for some one-of-a-kind cold treats unlike anything you'll find anywhere else. Get yours by the pint to take home with you or order it on a cone to get a handheld way of enjoying a frozen confection. 4. Sweet Rendezvous Magical scoops and tasty memories are waiting for you at Sweet Rendezvous. Their Heaven flavor is appropriately named because every spoonful of vanilla mixed with brownie pieces and peanut butter took us to paradise. Don't miss out on their fresh-baked goods, because the s'mores bar we tried here was a snack worth coming back for. 5. Willow Glen Creamery Ever since opening in 2002, Willow Glen Creamery has been working tirelessly towards its goal of putting smiles on the faces of their neighbors in their community with the treats they serve up. We were sure smiling ear to ear by the time our visit here was done. Do yourself a favor and order their classic sundaes, giving you all the toppings you could dream of served on top of your favorite scoops. You're sure to walk away smiling when you try the desserts from these local spots.

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