When taking off from SJC the typical departure is the LOUPE 1 http://flightaware.com/resources/air.../LOUPE+ONE/pdf This requires a almost immediate right turn to go southeast past the airport before being turn back to the north going right over the airport. The aircraft is required to be at above 12000 feet when overhead the airport and at or above 14000 8 miles north of the airport. My memory of this departure is you go over the bay more than anything, but it has been awhile since I have flown it. At 12000 feet you wont see much and you will be climbing quickly. I dont remember the arrival patterns for coming in from the north into SJC so cant really help you there.