day trip to san jose

One Day in San Jose Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in San Jose, California

You may know San Jose as the global center for high tech, but probably not much else. And who could blame you? With huge attractions nearby, like San Francisco, Napa Valley, Yosemite, and Santa Cruz, San Jose is easily overshadowed by all the amazing things that surround it. Of course, San Jose is no Los Angeles, but as the capital of Silicon Valley and the largest city in Northern California, the city definitely has no shortage of things to see, do, and eat. Spending one day here can therefore be extremely pleasant. Here’s how!

What’s the best time to visit San Jose?

With 257 sunny days per year and a Mediterranean climate, the weather is never terrible in San Jose. But the most comfortable time to visit is in September and October when the temperature high averages low 80s to high 70s. Summer is mostly nice too, averaging in the high 80s, but it is not uncommon for temps to pass 100 at least a couple of times each summer, so be careful if you hate heat. Always bring a sweater for evenings (even in summer!), and avoid visiting in winter months. It can get chilly then, with highs averaging in the 60s and lows reaching high 40s.

San Jose is not a major tourist destination, like nearby San Francisco, so you won’t notice tourist crowds, even in summer. But if you plan to use the city as a base for beach trips, the freeways leading to the beaches will be very crowded all summer long. Local kids are out of school (summer vacation in the United States is from June to August!), so hit the roads early in summer to beat the rush.

A few facts about San Jose

With over one million residents, San Jose is the 10th largest city in the United States. After Los Angeles and San Diego , it’s the third largest city in California. It is known for being one of the most expensive places in the country, and it was actually the first capital of California, before that got moved to Sacramento further up north.

San Jose is located in a valley with mountains on both sides, hence the name Silicon Valley. This provides some beautiful views, comfortable weather, and also influences the local culture. People here love outdoor activities and like to take advantage of the mountains and hills around them to enjoy hiking.

San Jose is also very diverse. Many people from all over the world and even all over the country move here for the tech industry and warm weather, so you can find authentic ethnic foods of all kinds with no problem. And even though this is a large city with diverse people and a strong economy, the downtown area does not play a huge role in the city’s vibe, and so the whole city feels rather suburban. This leaves many visitors a little unsure about how to plan a trip here. But you’re in luck because you’re getting the inside scoop. Keep reading for the perfect one day in San Jose itinerary!

One Day in San Jose Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the best of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do on your one day in San Jose.

Start with a stylish brunch

Start your morning in glitzy Santana Row . This is the place to see and be seen in San Jose. Dress to impress and take a stroll along the European-styled streets. Snap some pics in front of the luxury cars parked outside, and find a cute restaurant or cafe to sit outside and have some brunch while you people watch. There are tons of posh boutique shops here, but if you want to get some serious shopping done, cross the street over to Valley Fair Mall . It’s filled with top designers and affordable staples alike. It also has a huge food court with tons of trendy Bay Area favorites like KoJa Kitchen , Sushirito , and boba milk tea shops .

Explore the Mystery

Next, it’s time to get cultured. Head to nearby Winchester Mystery House , which is a historical landmark. This architectural wonder once belonged to an heiress widow, who moved west from the east coast to San Jose after losing her husband and baby daughter. Over 150 years later, you can tour her legendary mansion, known for ghost rumors, secret rooms, and mysterious psychics. Even if you don’t enter, consider driving by and simply looking from the outside.

Time to head downtown

Not a fan of touring mansions? That’s fine, as there’s plenty to do at your next stop: Downtown San Jose. Take your pick from the Tech Interactive Museum , San Jose Museum of Art or the other museums downtown. If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to take a stroll around Christmas in the Park (free!) and ice skate at the outdoor rink by the large Christmas tree.

Enjoy a nice dinner with the locals

Afterward, swing by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph , one of the prettier buildings downtown. Then walk over to San Pedro Square Market for an early dinner. Here, in one of San Jose’s oldest neighborhoods, you’ll find a variety of creative food options, indoor and outdoor seating, and a great atmosphere full of locals.

Check the website before your visit to see if there are any cool events or live music going on. San Pedro Square Market is also a great location to watch a sporting event, especially if you are visiting in late spring and the Golden State Warriors are in the NBA playoffs.

Public Market Entrance, San Pedro Square, San Jose

End the day with a stunning view

To end your day, it’s time to see the city from above. San Jose is in a beautiful location, surrounded by mountains on two sides and water on the other, but you can never fully appreciate that from the city center. So head to the mountains and take your pick of a couple of different options, depending on what day it is and the vibe you want. There’s the Mountain Winery in Saratoga , which often has concerts and events that provide the opportunity to visit late. There’s also House Family Vineyards , which has an awesome outdoor patio but has limited hours, except on Fridays when it closes at 8 pm. Regardless of your choice, unwind while you think back on your one day in San Jose and enjoy the sunset over the city, the mountains, and the water.

If you’re not up for that drive, simply enjoy your night around Downtown Willow Glen or Downtown Campbell, which are a little closer to the city center. Both of these areas have cute tree-lined streets, restaurants, and a relaxed yet social vibe.

Where to stay in San Jose, California?

Fairmont san jose.

Located conveniently in central Downtown San Jose, the Fairmont is an elegant and classic choice for your stay. Here, you’ll enjoy a rooftop pool, six restaurants, a gym, and easy walking distance to everything worth doing in downtown.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel Valencia Santana Row

Hotel Valencia Santana Row is the only hotel on this fancy street and it fits the surroundings perfectly. Beautifully designed in a Spanish style with an outdoor pool and two great restaurants, as well as luxurious rooms and a gym, this place is where you will get the rest you deserve while staying at a fantastic location.

Finding affordable housing is difficult to do in Silicon Valley, but Alura Inn provides all the basics and free WiFi at a reasonable rate. Each room has a microwave and a fridge, and the inn even has an on-site Mexican restaurant.

Day trips from San Jose

San francisco.

San Jose might be the biggest city in the area, but it doesn’t feel very urban at all. If tall buildings, hustle and bustle, and typical city life is what you’re after, a day trip to San Francisco from San Jose will be perfect. You can drive 50 miles there (be sure to avoid Silicon Valley rush hour!) or take Caltrain from downtown San Jose.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Who comes to California and doesn’t go to the beach? Luckily, the local favorite Santa Cruz is not far from San Jose at all. It has an awesome boardwalk (closed in winter) and is hugely popular with surfers. Be careful to leave San Jose before 8:30 in the morning if you make this drive during summer! Otherwise, plan to sit in some traffic.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

California is known for the tallest trees in the world. Specifically, they are located right in the mountains behind San Jose, in Big Basin State Park. It has multiple hiking trails of different lengths, full of waterfalls and creeks.

Monterey and Big Sur

Monterey, known for whale sightings, a lively pier, and a world-class aquarium, is about a 1.5 hour drive south of San Jose, making it a great day trip option. Also worth seeing in the Monterey area are Carmel and Big Sur.

Extra tips for visiting San Jose

Rent a car, or download an app.

San Jose, like most of California, is not a pedestrian-friendly city. Most residents have cars, and they are the best way to travel here, so you will likely be using ride-sharing apps (like Lyft or Uber) to get around. Alternatively, you can rent a car for a day. Driving is very convenient here, as parking is rarely hard to find and is never too expensive.

Time Your Visit with Big Events

Are you an American football or an ice hockey fan? The San Francisco 49ers and San Jose Sharks both play near downtown San Jose, so time your visit with football or hockey season if you want to catch a game. Similarly, San Jose’s SAP Center also hosts many big-name concerts year-round, so check when your favorite performer is on tour and maybe time your visit with it.

Take Advantage of the Outdoors

Do you love the outdoors? Well, people from San Jose do! The city has tons of parks, hiking trails, small lakes, and creeks. Squeeze an easy 3-mile (5 km) hike at Almaden Quicksilver County Park into your morning for some nice views of the city with minimal effort.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Em recently left her promising career in corporate finance to travel the world. It was a tough decision, and one she had put off too long, but in the end she had to take a risk and follow her heart. When she’s not exploring far-off places, she’s writing and sharing photography on her personal travel site, That Travelista. She hopes to encourage fellow millennials to question the status quo and take risks to achieve their own definitions of happiness.

Now I really want to go to San Jose. These photos are beautiful.

You should definitely go 🙂

Thats just an great articel,your writing skills are on a top level! And I liked San Jone,don’t know that this place is actually worth seeing! Gonna plan my next trip now to this wonderful place

15 Best Day Trips from San Jose (CA)

One of the most significant technological and cultural hubs in the country, San Jose, California, is a hotbed of urban prowess, entertainment and of course, has its stunning Mediterranean-like climate and topography, delivering warm, dry and sunny weather all year round.

One of the best things about San Jose is its convenient location, within arm’s reach of a number of beautiful places that are ideal for day trips.

Thanks to Northern California’s diverse landscape, you can go from surfing the waves under the hot sun to standing on a mountain peak above the clouds within the same day.

Check out this handy guide outlining some of the best day trip destinations from Silicon Valley’s San Jose.

1. Santa Cruz

The epitome of a Californian beach town and still one of the nation’s favourite destinations because of the perpetual summer vibe that can be found here, Santa Cruz is best known for its sun, beach and famous Boardwalk.

The majority of visitors will spend most of their time on the buzzing promenade enjoying the rides and games, however, Santa Cruz also has a wealth of cultural and natural attractions to offer.

The historic mission church is a fascinating and spectacular sight to behold, while destinations like Wilder Ranch State Park offer enchanting and unspoiled hiking spots, perfect for soaking up some truly unmissable views.

The town of Alameda can be found close to downtown San Jose and has strong historical and cultural roots that are apparent when wandering its charming streets full of mid-century architecture and signage.

There’s also a huge antiquing culture here, which gives the streets and shops a vintage feel that is enchanting to be immersed in, the hub of this being Park Avenue.

Here you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and apparel to fascinating trinkets from all over the world.

For a real treat, head down to the old naval base on the first Sunday of each month to visit the Alameda Antiques Faire in search of something truly unique to take home.

The true epitome of wine country and a nationwide favourite destination, Napa can be reached in less than two hours from San Jose.

It is home to some of the finest wining and dining in California.

With a vast number of tours operating in the area, it has never been easier to learn about Napa’s rich history in winemaking and sample some of the delicious end products.

Napa also offers some truly breath-taking hiking destinations due to its gently rolling foothills and orchards, and offers endless great spots for a stroll and a picnic.

4. Half Moon Bay

Another immediately recognisable and iconic Californian coastal destination is the town of Half Moon Bay; charming and quaint in equal measure, and a popular alternative to raucous Santa Cruz.

Only an hour northwest of San Jose, you’ll find this water sport haven, where kayaking in the bay and surfing in the Pacific are two of the most popular pastimes.

With many surf schools offering lessons, it’s a great place to learn during the summer, though beginners may want to take a back seat in winter as the waves grow to monstrous sizes exceeding 50-feet in height.

5. San Francisco

The iconic and classic “Golden Gate City” should be on the bucket-list of anyone visiting the states, let alone California.

Easily reachable from San Jose even without a car, thanks to the world-class public transport connecting the two, San Francisco can be the perfect day trip if you know what you want to do when you arrive.

Popular favourites are the Golden Gate Bridge, Mission Dolores and Lombard Street, but if you want to head off the beaten track, head over to Haight-Ashbury and wander the colourful streets covered in murals and exuding a heavy dose of flower-power.

A world-class destination when it comes to indulgence, Gilroy is a self-proclaimed foodie and retail haven, only half an hour to the south of San Jose.

The aptly named garlic capital of the world plays host to the Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, where you can enjoy every garlic-based dish and snack imaginable, including their world-famous garlic fries and even garlic ice cream.

You’ll also find one of the country’s premium shopping malls in Gilroy, housing over 140 stores and boasting the accolade of having the largest collection of designer stores in Northern California.

7. Livermore

Perfect for wine lovers who are looking for an alternative to the popular Napa Valley, Livermore is a thriving community of wineries that comprise an up-and-coming wine industry.

Many have been producing critically acclaimed wines since the time of the San Francisco Mission.

A mere 30 minutes from San Jose in Alameda, the town has a long history of ranching and agriculture as well as the grape farming, and is a wonderful place to explore on foot.

8. Sausalito

At the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge you’ll find the enchanting beachside community known as Sausalito that has visitors falling in love with it within minutes of arriving.

The small town is a former shipbuilding hub that has transformed into a wealthy and picturesque artist’s hideaway with a wealth of hidden gems to discover.

Home to a great number of pop-up restaurants serving progressive seasonal menus, garnished with gorgeous views across the bay, Sausalito is an ideal day trip to grab a bite to eat and explore one of San Francisco’s numerous attractive suburbs.

9. Silicon Valley

An eye-opening and insightful day trip that can actually be within the city limits, depending on where you go, a day out in Silicon Valley will leave you curious and hungry for more.

Of the many technological landmarks found here, some of the most popular are the Apple Headquarters in Cupertino or the famed HP garage in Palo Alto.

Visitors can experience the pioneering force behind many of the world’s social media and online powerhouses like Google and Facebook, and marvel at the quirky and sometimes bizarre office spaces they operate from.

10. Carmel by the Sea

A great number of San Joseans regularly make the trip to this romantic coastal resort with its spectacularly sandy beach and irresistible small-town ambience.

You’ll find the gorgeous beach in the long cove curling around Carmel Bay, where secluded spots and picturesque sunsets are plentiful.

Heading further into town, you’ll quickly become accustomed to the lack of numbered street addresses and find that meandering around is the norm here, and discovering hidden gems around every corner is commonplace.

Expect to stumble across art galleries, charming artisan boutiques and some truly world-class dining options.

11. Muir Woods

One of the last remaining redwood forests in the San Francisco Bay area, the Muir Woods are only a couple of hours from San Jose and will transport you to another world.

The trip itself by car is wonderfully picturesque, taking you across the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headland, but once you arrive at the Muir Woods, the scenery will take your breath away.

Monumentally large trees tower above visitors on all sides and you can hike towards the ocean or up into the mountains.

Be sure to pack plenty of water and a lunch, as shops are few and far between in the forest.

12. West Cliff Drive

A six-mile path that hugs the coast, West Cliff Drive is a favourite amongst walkers and cyclists who want to leisurely explore this beautiful stretch of rocky coastline and headlands.

Part of Monterey Bay, the route is also popular with surfers chasing the perfect Pacific breaks.

You can even find the world’s first surf museum here, commemorating one of the nation’s most celebrated sports and resulting cultures.

Appropriately located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, you can learn about the surfers braving the crashing waves while enjoying excellent views of them doing just that.

13. Monterey

The perfect day trip for those looking to learn about California’s colonial past whilst enjoying spectacular coastal and mountain views, Monterey has a little something for everyone.

The gorgeous “Monterey’s 17-Mile Drive” is a scenic route featuring beaches, cliffs, headlands, and the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Seal Rock Picnic Area is also a popular stop-off on the coast where you can see wild birds, seals and sea lions in their natural habitat.

For a dose of culture, head over to the Monterey Museum of Art, and for a foodie experience, try one of the many mouthwatering downtown eateries.

14. Berkeley

This famous university town north of San Francisco is as rich in history and culture as it is in academic knowledge.

Art lovers, foodies and shoppers all regularly take a trip here to make the most of the diverse range of activities and entertainment on offer.

A visit to the famed university itself is worthwhile, if only to see the beautiful grounds.

Downtown is a great place to try new things, whether it’s window shopping at quirky stores or browsing through the fresh produce at the absolutely enormous market, the Berkeley Bowl.

15. Pescadero

Piegon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, California

Another charmingly quaint seaside town that offers both entertainment and exceptionally beautiful natural reserves is the area known as Pescadero.

About an hour away from San Jose, it is home to sandy beaches and blustery, rocky headlands where wild birds seasonally come and nest.

Home to endless hiking trails around the coast and further inland past coastal scrub and eucalyptus groves, Pescadero is exceedingly popular with hikers.

End your day at one of the many cafes or restaurants in town while you watch the sun set over the ocean.

15 Best Day Trips from San Jose (CA):

Half Moon Bay
San Francisco
Silicon Valley
Carmel by the Sea
West Cliff Drive

The Wandering Blonde

Solo Female Travel Blog

California , Itineraries , North America , United States · February 5, 2019

One Perfect Day in San Jose, California

Ah, San Jose. Surrounded (and overshadowed) on all sides by travel magazine-worthy destinations like San Francisco, Yosemite and Napa…you never really stood a chance, did you?

Sure, you’re the tech capital of the nation and a popular jumping off point for all sorts of California adventures…but how can you compete with iconic San Francisco and wine country to the north, wild mountain ranges to the east, and stunning stretches of coastline to the south and west?

Honestly, I do understand how many people could feel this way about San Jose…but not me.

San Jose is the 10th largest city in the United States and the largest in Northern California (yes, it’s actually bigger than San Francisco).

It was founded by the Spanish in 1777, and is now considered to be one of the most affluent cities in California, a hub of technological innovation, and the heartbeat of Silicon Valley.

Nestled in a valley surrounded by grassy hills, San Jose has a typical Mediterranean climate (meaning generally mild weather, dry summers, and wet winters). With nearly 300 sunny days per year, I truly think San Jose has some of the nicest weather in all of the United States.

Why Visit San Jose, California?

I don’t want to paint a misleading picture – San Jose is no San Francisco.

Although it’s actually the larger city, San Jose is much less dense than San Francisco, giving it a more suburban feel in many areas.

It doesn’t have a strong existing tourism presence, an abundance of time-tested itineraries, or a long list of “must see” attractions on TripAdvisor. You won’t find any sights as iconic as the Painted Ladies or as grand as the Golden Gate Bridge here in San Jose.

No, San Jose is still far under the tourism radar…so what DOES this city have to offer visitors?

San Jose is incredibly diverse, with large populations of Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Indian and other immigrants. It’s a true melting pot of cultures, which visitors can experience through the vibrant food scene and abundant multicultural events.

The city also has a growing craft beer presence , and is in close proximity to what Conde Nast labeled as one of “the best wine regions to visit in 2019” (the Santa Cruz Mountains).

Simply put, San Jose is up-and-coming. It’s a city with interesting stories to be told, beautiful sights to be seen, and incredible food, wine and beer to be enjoyed.

As someone who is not native to San Jose but has lived here for nearly two years, I like to think I have a unique blended insider/outsider perspective. With that said, here’s my take on how to spend one perfect day in San Jose, California:

One Day San Jose Itinerary At-a-Glance

9:00am: the breakfast club at midtown, 10:00am: municipal rose garden, 11:00am: winchester mystery house, 12:30pm: stroll down santana row, 2:00pm: choose your adventure: craft brew trail or wine tasting in the mountains, 6:00pm: dinner at san pedro square market.

Red. Velvet. Pancakes. Need I say more?

…Okay, I should probably say more! And here it is: if I could recommend just one place for breakfast or brunch in the San Jose area, it would hands-down be The Breakfast Club at Midtown!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Breakfast Club at Midtown (@thebreakfastclubmidtown) on Mar 24, 2018 at 1:47pm PDT

And while their red velvet pancakes (topped with cream cheese drizzle, powdered sugar, whipped cream and chocolate chips) are the absolute BOMB, the rest of their menu is pretty dang amazing, too.

I’m a big fan of their Benedicts (they have a whopping ten varieties to choose from), but they also offer an impressive selection of scrambles, omelettes, and Mexican-inspired breakfast dishes. (Breakfast nachos? Sign me up!)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Breakfast Club at Midtown (@thebreakfastclubmidtown) on Nov 13, 2018 at 1:28pm PST

Oh, and did I mention their crepes, waffles, French toasts, mimosas, spiked coffees, and INSANE Bloody Marys and other cocktails? Just trust me on this one, guys – I KNOW my breakfast & brunch joints, and this is a good one. The best one, in fact!

(Insider tip: Arrive early in order to avoid – or at least minimize – the inevitable long wait for a table.)

After breakfast, hop in the car and drive just a mile up the road towards San Jose’s Rose Garden neighborhood .

Rose Garden is easily my favorite neighborhood in the city, and it’s easy to see why as you drive through the quiet residential streets. Historic homes dating back to the 1800s with beautifully manicured lawns are the norm here, as are towering palms that sway in the breeze.

How to Spend One Day in San Jose California

The highlight of the area – and the destination that you’re heading for – is the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden , which has been named “America’s Best Rose Garden.”

This 5.5-acre garden features an expansive grassy lawn and more than 3,500 perfectly planted rose shrubs. It’s a gorgeous (and fragrant!) space for strolling and snapping some photos, especially if you happen to be visiting during the springtime.

You likely won’t need more than 30 minutes or so here, but I’d recommend budgeting a bit of extra time for leisurely exploring around the neighborhood.

(…or holding an impromptu photoshoot in the gardens. It happens!)

I’m not particularly superstitious; in fact, if anything, I’m a bit of sceptic.

But there’s no denying that there’s something a bit unsettling about the infamous Winchester mansion!

The legend behind the sprawling 161-room Victorian estate goes something like this: After the tragic death of her husband, Sarah Winchester – heiress to the successful Winchester rifle fortune – believed that she was being haunted by the victims of her deceased husband’s rifles.

A psychic told the widow that the only way to seek refuge from the angry spirits was to drive them away with the sounds of drills and hammers. So, she purchased an old farmhouse and began renovating it…24 hours a day, for the next 38 years.

By the time Sarah died in 1922, the Winchester estate had become a maze of confusing hallways, slanted floors, stairways that led into the ceiling, and doors and windows leading to nowhere.

Whether it was the Winchester rifle ghosts (as Sarah believed) or just the strange and unusual layout, both Derek and I felt dizzy, disoriented, and on-edge during our tour of the mansion.

We booked the standard Mansion Tour , which is $39 for adults and lasts just over 1 hour. Tours are held every 20 minutes, beginning at 9:20am.

Although there is a good chance you will be able to walk up and purchase a ticket at the window, I do recommend booking in advance online if there’s a specific entry time you want.

Otherwise, you may end up waiting a while!

Conveniently located just across the street from the Winchester Mansion is Santana Row, one of San Jose’s most scenic and iconic shopping streets.

Personally, when I’m exploring an exciting new city I don’t like to spend too much of my precious time window-shopping at stores you can find anywhere in the world (like Lululemon, Anthropologie and Sephora).

That said, Santana Row is still unique enough that it definitely warrants a visit – even if that just means a quick stroll along the length of the street.

For one thing, it’s a truly gorgeous street! Inspired by charming European villages, Santana Row is defined by its colorful buildings, leafy trees, picturesque string lights, and abundant al fresco dining options.

Vintage Wine Bar and El Jardin Tequila Bar are my two FAVORITE spots for getting buzzed and soaking in the ambiance on Santana Row, although if you’re in the area before noon, they’ll likely won’t be open yet.

The good news is that if you’re visiting on a weekend, you might get lucky and be able to catch the monthly Makers Market event! This curated craft fair features handmade jewelry, art, soaps, candles, and other fun goodies made by more than 30 local artists. There’s usually some live music, too!

Breakfast? Done. Sightseeing? Done. Shopping? Done.

Now, it’s time to drink!

I promise I’m not a complete lush – I just truly feel that many of San Jose’s most unique and exciting activities happen to involve beer and wine.

Hear me out: How would you like to spend your day picnicking at mountaintop wineries, sipping locally-made Pinot Noirs and Zinfandels, and soaking in views of redwoods, vineyards and valleys?

Or perhaps you’d rather get a feel for San Jose’s urban atmosphere while walking, biking, or ride-sharing your way between some of the city’s coolest craft breweries?

The choice is yours – choose your boozy adventure wisely!

Option 1: San Jose Craft Beer Trail

Feelin’ thirsty? Downtown San Jose has you covered!

This city may not have the craft beer reputation of Portland or Denver (…yet!) but there’s a serious up-and-coming local brewery scene here in San Jose.

My recommendation? Put on your comfiest walking shoes or rent a bike for the day, and follow the craft brew trail through downtown!

Strike Brewing Co. & Warehouse Taproom , Hermitage Brewing Company , Santa Clara Valley Brewing , Clandestine Brewing , and Uproar Brewing Company are five excellent breweries that are all within a 2.5 mile walk of each other. Make a day of it by hopping from one brewery to the next and tasting what’s on tap.

I’m also a fan of Hapa’s Brewing Company ; it’s not quite within walking distance of the other breweries, but they’ve got plenty of fun board games, food trucks are usually parked outside on weekends (tacos + craft beer = yaaaaas), and it’s dog-friendly!

What’s not to love?

Option 2: San Jose Area Wineries

Who needs to make the two hour trek north to Napa or Sonoma when you’ve got the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountain wine region just 30 minutes south of downtown San Jose?

There are more than 150 wineries nestled within these forested mountains, each offering their own unique varietals and stunning views. Some of my personal favorites are:

House Family Vineyards : Following the short quarter-mile trail through the vineyards from the parking area to the tasting room feels like journeying through a storybook setting. Once you arrive, you can choose from the indoor area, the covered patio (with fire pit tables if it’s chilly), or the outdoor area (with picnic tables and umbrellas). We’ve visited on gloomy, cold days and sunny summer days – it’s cozy and beautiful either way (and the views of the vineyards and Silicon Valley below are unreal)!

Ridge Vineyards: Monte Bello Estate : This was the first Santa Cruz Mountain winery that Derek and I visited after moving to the Bay Area, and it was completely on a whim. All we wanted at the time was a laid-back winery with a nice picnic area and views of the Silicon Valley (check, check, and check). So imagine our surprise when we later learned that Ridge is actually globally renowned! Apparently its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon famously beat out top French varietals in a blind taste test.

Picchetti Winery: Free-roaming peacocks. String lights. CHOCOLATE FUDGE. Need I say more?! Unlike the other vineyards on this list, I didn’t tour Picchetti until earlier this year…and oh man, how I wish I had come sooner! In a single visit, this charming historic winery became one of my favorites. Insider tip: Choose the Port in your build-your-own tasting flight, and you’ll receive a complimentary piece of fudge to go along with it. Mmmm .

Savannah Chanelle Vineyards : A true mountain winery, this quiet spot will make you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of San Jose. Enjoying a tasting in the historic renovated barn, or take a seat in one of the white Adirondack chairs and soak in the views of the misty mountains and towering redwoods (with a Pinot Noir in hand, of course).

Testarossa Winery : Just 20 minutes from downtown, this elegant tasting room is actually located in a historic wine cellar! You can also drink and dine on the outdoor patio, surrounded by shady sycamore trees and equipped with umbrellas, heaters, and fire pits for all types of weather. I will say that I found the tasting to be a bit lackluster; the pours were small and there wasn’t much information provided about the vineyards or the wines, but you can’t beat the location.

See more vineyards and wineries in the San Jose area here !

Helpful Tips for Visiting the Wineries:

All of the wineries on this list close by 4 or 5pm, which means you really need to arrive to the first winery no later than 2pm if you want a fully enjoyable experience – after all, wine tasting is not an activity that should be rushed!
Regardless, you’ll likely only be able to visit two wineries at the most in a single afternoon. Or, you may simply prefer to pick one and spend an entire relaxing afternoon there!
Most of the wineries do NOT offer food – not even cheese and crackers. If you’re in the mood for a picnic, I recommend stopping by a store in town to pick up some supplies before you drive into the mountains. Alternatively, stop by Mendocino Farms while you’re on Santana Row to grab tasty salads, sandwiches, and assorted deli items to-go.
Safety first! Although the drive is short (around 30 minutes) the roads to the mountain wineries are narrow and windy, and can quickly become perilous when drinking is involved. Choose a designated driver, or take turns participating in the wine tastings to ensure someone stays sober and able to provide safe transportation.

After a long afternoon of boozing your way through downtown San Jose’s craft breweries or the Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, you’ll likely be ready to dig into some delicious local cuisine. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it in San Pedro Square Market.

In my opinion, this is one of the COOLEST areas of San Jose. Picture this: an urban public food market with more than three market halls, twenty vendors, and a massive outdoor patio filled with picnic tables, shady trees, and string lights.

Sushi? They’ve got it. Burgers? Got those too. Wood-fired pizzas, Vietnamese spring rolls, falafel? Yes, yes, and yes.

Everyone in the group can find something to eat at San Pedro Square; just step up to any one of the food counters, place your order, and then find a seat at one of the indoor or outdoor tables.

And of course, don’t forget to stop by the bar for beer or wine (available by the glass or bottle).

There’s often live music in the evenings at San Pedro Square, making it a great place to just chill and socialize for a few hours. Downtown San Jose is also a a great area to keep the party going, if you’re so inclined. Many of the city’s trendiest bars are located within just a few blocks of San Pedro Square.

…and there you have it, one PERFECT day discovering the best of San Jose! My hope is that after this visit, you’ll be as smitten with this diverse, progressive, up-and-coming city as I am 😀

Where to Stay in San Jose, California

In my opinion, one of the absolute best hotels in the San Jose area is the Hotel Valencia Santana Row . Derek and I actually planned a one-night “staycation” here for our anniversary last year – that’s how much I love this hotel!

It’s beautifully designed in an Old World European style, and is incredibly romantic. If you happen to be visiting during the summertime, the outdoor pool and rooftop bar Cielo will definitely be highlights.

If you’re able to pay a bit more for one of the Deluxe Balcony Rooms (rather than the Classic Room) I highly recommend it; propping the huge wooden doors open and soaking in the sights and sounds of lively Santana Row from the comfort of our room was one of my favorite things about staying at this hotel.

Alternatively, there are a TON of great hotel options in Downtown San Jose!

All of the following hotels are highly rated, and have excellent locations in downtown. I’ve ranked them from closest (0.2 miles) to furthest (0.6 miles) from San Pedro Square, but really you can’t go wrong with any of their locations:

Hotel de Anza
Fairmont San Jose
Four Points by Sheraton San Jose
Westin San Jose
Hyatt Place San Jose, Downtown
Hilton San Jose

Personally, I wouldn’t stay anywhere other than Santana Row or Downtown while visiting San Jose. They’re both interesting, fun, walkable neighborhoods that are in close proximity to everything on this itinerary.

Having a tough time deciding between the two areas?

Go for Santana Row if you’re drawn to the luxurious European-inspired design, plentiful shopping, and moderately upscale bars, restaurants and shops; opt for Downtown if you prefer to be located near the heartbeat of the city, are looking for more nightlife and trendy dining options, and don’t mind a little bit of urban grittiness.

Are you familiar with San Jose, California? Would you ever plan a trip to a city like San Jose? I’m super curious to hear what you guys have to say!

Note: This post contains several affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. My affiliate income helps offset the cost of running this blog, and allows me to keep this site free of ads and sponsored posts. So, thank you!!

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Last Updated On
September 5, 2023

25 Best Day Trips From San Jose — Places Nearby!

San Jose is a gorgeous treasure chest of culture and tech wrapped up in the cozy blanket of NorCal’s weather.

But sometimes, you just have to break free and inhale something different.

And guess what?

San Jose is your best friend in that regard.

What’s the catch?

The city is close to an array of picture-perfect spots within a few hours of driving.

I’ve wandered through these places myself.

So trust me when I say they’re worth every minute of your time.

I did you a solid and curated this little gem of a list featuring the best day trips from San Jose.

You’ll also get some tips on what to do, see, and eat at each destination.

Ready to discover some hidden gems and have some fun?

Then keep reading because you don’t want to miss these spots.

Best Day Trips From San Jose Compared

If you’re looking for a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of San Jose, you’re in luck.

These are some of the most amazing places to explore from the city.

Editor’s Choice

Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is renowned for being home to many global and start-up technology companies.

Family friendliness: 4/5
Safety: 4/5
Affordability: 3/5
Accessibility: 5/5
Fun factor: 5/5

#2nd Best Choice

Muir Woods is a National Monument that’s been protecting redwoods since 1908.

Family friendliness: 5/5
Safety: 5/5
Accessibility: 3/5
Fun factor: 4/5

#3rd Best Choice

San Francisco

San Francisco is the financial, commercial, and cultural center of Northern California.

Accessibility: 4/5

Here are the top 25 day trips from San Jose.

1. Silicon Valley (Editor’s Choice)

Silicon Valley, CA Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

Technological hub: Silicon Valley is known for its high-tech companies and startup concentration.
Educational opportunities: The area is home to prestigious universities and research institutions, offering opportunities for educational visits, lectures, and workshops.
Lack of natural attractions: Silicon Valley is primarily known for its technology industry and urban environment, so it doesn’t offer as many natural attractions.
Traffic Congestion: The area can experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, which may impact travel time and convenience.

It takes about 40 minutes to drive from San Jose to this attraction.

Who doesn’t want to learn more about where Facebook, Apple, and Google came from, right?

Visit the Facebook Headquarters and take a picture with the thumbs-up sign.

Then take a tour of Stanford University and its beautiful campus.

Or get your inner car geek out and test drive a car from the Tesla Motors ShowRoom.

And finally, learn about how technology advanced this much at the Computer History Museum.

This museum is right next to Google’s headquarters, so it’s like hitting two birds with one stone.

This is one of the many San Jose day trips worth checking out if you’re techy.

Recommended Hotel: The Ameswell Hotel

Related: Beaches Near San Jose

2. Muir Woods

1 Muir Woods Rd Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 561-2850 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Scenic beauty: Muir Woods is renowned for its majestic redwood trees and picturesque forest trails.
Wildlife viewing: The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species and unique forest-dwelling creatures.
Limited accessibility: Muir Woods is located outside of San Francisco and requires transportation, which can be challenging for those without a vehicle.
Parking: Parking can be difficult in the area and may require a reservation.

This trip will take 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete from San Jose, but it’s worth every second.

Walk among the oldest redwood trees in the country, and breathe in that fresh air.

It’s like stepping into a Star Wars movie set and is a magical park for releasing negative energy.

Attend The Park Ranger Presentation to learn about being safe as you take your trek through the forest.

One of the visitors’ favorite spots is Cathedral Grove, a quiet and still portion of the forest.

Take in the fantastic sights of the looming trees, take pictures, and indulge in nature’s grandeur.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley – Sausalito Area, an IHG Hotel

3. San Francisco

San Francisco, CA Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Iconic landmarks: San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Cultural diversity: The city is famous for its diverse communities, vibrant arts scene, and culinary delights, offering a rich cultural experience for visitors.
Higher costs: Accommodation, dining, and entertainment options can be relatively expensive compared to other destinations.
Weather Variability: San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable, with fog, wind, and temperature fluctuations.

It’s only an hour’s drive from San Jose and is a bustling city worth visiting.

You can’t visit San Francisco without checking out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

This bridge is the world’s most-photographed bridge, and for a good reason.

Take a tour of Alcatraz Island and learn about how it used to hold some of the most infamous criminals in the world.

Pier 39 is also a popular destination, especially when it comes to playful, barking sea lions.

Take a relaxing stroll along Golden Gate Park and its groves of trees, rolling hills, and hidden treasures.

Finally, visit the Ferry Building Marketplace to get into the heart of San Francisco and its love for art and cuisine.

This city is one of the top places to see near San Jose for apparent reasons.

Recommended Hotel: Fairmont San Francisco

Related: Activities in San Jose

4. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 726-8380 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Half Moon Bay is a small city located on the California coast, known for its string of beaches.

This trip will only take 47 minutes and is one of the most scenic places near San Jose.

Visit one of Half Moon Bay’s four beaches to appreciate the gorgeous scenery and breathe fresh air.

Go hiking or biking through the California Coastal Trail, where you’re greeted with even more picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.

Then visit Pillar Point Harbor for whale-watching during whale migration season.

There are also plenty of waterfront restaurants in this area, such as Barbara’s Fishtrap or Sam’s Chowder House.

Regardless of what you decide to do, this makes a beautiful one day trip from San Jose to destress.

Recommended Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Napa, CA (707) 257-9500 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Napa Valley is located in California and is well known for its climate, which is ideal for growing grape vines.

This drive will take an hour and 22 minutes from San Jose, and it’s worth every second.

Play a game of outdoor bocce ball at one of its parks.

Then see the scenery from a hot air balloon flying high above the valley floor.

Take the Napa Valley Wine Train to dine and sip on wine while passing through gorgeous vineyards.

Or enjoy a downtown Napa walking tour to check out the cute boutique shops and restaurants .

Finally, explore the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art to see local and international art pieces displayed.

If you’re looking for places to visit near San Jose, you might love Napa.

Recommended Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley

Also See: Day Trips Around San Francisco Fun Day Trips From San Diego Best Day Trips From Orange County, CA

Gilroy, CA (408) 842-6436 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Gilroy is a city in Santa Clara County, best known for the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival that started in 1979.

This city is a mere 34-minute drive from San Jose and is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Visit the Gilroy Garden for the funkiest trees and over 40 fun rides and attractions.

These are some of the best fun activities you can do with kids from San Jose.

Discover award-winning wines and sip on a glass while admiring the vineyard views.

If you happen to be visiting during August, you’ll want to buckle up for the Gilroy Rodeo and its horses.

Head to Downtown Gilroy to find antique treasures or find gold at Casa de Fruta.

And as strange as it sounds, try the infamous Gilroy garlic ice cream when in town.

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From San Jose

7. Livermore

Livermore, CA (925) 960-4000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Livermore is a scenic wine-growing region located east of the San Francisco Bay area.

This trip will take only about 39 minutes, so it’s perfect for a one day trip from San Jose.

Explore over 50 wineries in Livermore Valley, and go hiking and biking through the gorgeous green valley.

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Discovery Center offers plenty of hands-on fun activities for kids and adults.

Or have a relaxing picnic at the Sycamore Grove Regional Park, with plenty of trails for hiking.

Then enjoy a dance or comedy show (even acrobatics) at the Bankhead Theater before calling it a day.

Recommended Hotel: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Livermore

Also See: Best Day Trips From Fresno, CA Fun Day Trips From Lake Tahoe Day Trips Around Santa Barbara

8. Sausalito

Sausalito, CA (415) 289-4100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Sausalito is a city in Marin County known for its scenic wooden boardwalk.

It will take you about an hour and 14 minutes to drive here, and it is one of the San Jose trips you don’t want to miss.

Check out the Bay Area Discovery Museum for fascinating interactive exhibits your kids will love.

Then look out at the stunning views of the Golden State Bridge and the ocean from the observation deck on Battery Spencer.

Finally, walk through the iconic Sausalito Boardwalk to check out boutique shops and renowned restaurants.

If you’re looking for things to do outside San Jose, you’ll find a thing or two here.

Recommended Hotel: Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa

9. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA (831) 420-5010 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Santa Cruz is a relaxing beach town located on the Pacific Coast, known for its family-friendly activities.

It’s only 40 minutes south of San Jose, so it’s perfect for that family weekend getaway.

Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for thrilling rides, fantastic food, and unforgettable memories.

This is one of the best day trips from San Jose for families that you could take.

Then visit the Natural Bridges State Beach, which has fantastic photo opportunities with stunning rock formations.

The Mystery Spot is a relaxing secluded beach you could check out for a fun swim.

Then indulge in the vibrant colors of plants and flowers at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

End your day with sunset viewing at the Santa Cruz Wharf, and you’ve got the perfect daycation.

Recommended Hotel: Dream Inn Santa Cruz

10. Carmel by the Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA (831) 624-2522 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Carmel by the Sea is a quaint beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula.

It’s known for the museums and libraries of the historic Carmel Mission.

This city attraction is an hour and 16 minutes away from San Jose during regular traffic.

The Carmel Mission Basilica Museum is a stunning basilica dating back hundreds of years that you must visit.

For beautiful views and fresh air, head to the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

The Carmel River State Beach is also fantastic for swimming, picnics, and sun tanning.

Finish it with a meal at the Mission Ranch Restaurant for the best views.

Recommended Hotel: Tradewinds Carmel

11. Alameda

Alameda, CA (510) 747-4714 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Alameda is a city located in the East Bay region of the Bay Area and is known for its beaches.

This charming city is only a 43-minute drive from San Jose, so it’s perfect for a quick getaway.

Check out the fascinating metal birds of the skies at the USS Hornet-Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

This is a popular spot for kids or vehicle and spacecraft enthusiasts.

Spend a few hours sun tanning, picnicking, swimming, or biking at the Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach.

Or visit the Pacific Pinball Museum to see the first editions of the classic game to exist.

End your day with a movie at the Alameda Theatre and Cineplex.

And you’ve just accomplished one of the most romantic day trips from San Jose for couples.

Recommended Hotel: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham-Oakland/Alameda

12. West Cliff Drive

W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 425-1234 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

The West Cliff Drive is a scenic path along the Pacific Ocean with views of Monterey Bay.

It’s a quick 55-minute drive from San Jose, so prepare your road tunes and snacks.

Take a 5-mile walk to admire the sight of waves crashing into the shoreline and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

See Steamer Lane to watch surfers do what they do best, or join them yourself.

Then visit the Lighthouse along the way, which is now the Santa Cruz Surfers Museum.

Go for a walk with your dog, go biking, skating, jogging, or take pictures.

There’s plenty to do at their relaxing spot, and it’s no wonder it gets so many visitors.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

13. Monterey

Monterey, CA (831) 646-3799 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Monterey is a seaside town in Northern California and has been a tourist destination since the 1700s.

This city is a 1-hour and 12-minute drive from Santa Fe, so you should head out early.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see fascinating sea creatures.

You’ll even get the chance to feed them and touch others.

The Old Fisherman’s Wharf is an iconic waterside complex with seafood restaurants, shops, and water activities galore.

Then check out Dennis The Menace Playground to have your kids enjoy the maze, rock climbing wall, and more.

Take a stroll through Cannery Row, where you’ll find historic buildings housing old sardine-canning factories.

You’ll also come across boutiques and restaurants here, so it’s a great way to live in a local’s shoes.

Recommended Hotel: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Related: Weekend Vacations in California

14. Berkeley

Berkeley, CA (510) 549-7040 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Berkeley is a city in Northern California known as the birthplace of the 1960 Free Speech Movement.

The drive from San Jose will only take about 56 minutes during normal traffic.

Visit the gorgeous and magnificent Botanical Garden at the University of California.

This garden features more than 10,000 plants worldwide and is even more stunning during the fall season.

Enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Bridges, Alcatraz, and Angel Island from the Berkeley Marina.

A popular attraction here is the Adventure Playground, which is packed with fun for kids.

Then enter a magical fantasy land at the Tilden Regional Park, which also features plenty of activities.

There are nearly 40 miles of hiking trails to explore, a golf course, and Lake Anza, where you can swim during spring and summer.

Recommended Hotel: The Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel

15. Pescadero

Pescadero, CA Visit Website Open in Google Maps

A small rural town in Northern California, Pescadero is only 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

This town is 1 hour and 19 minutes away from San Jose and is worth every second.

Visit Harley Farms to say hello to the cutest goats and donkeys.

Or sit for a picnic around the pond and browse the farm shop for homemade products.

For wine enthusiasts, check out the Pescadero Winery for a wine tasting paired with award-winning goat cheese.

Head to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse to go whale watching from the deck while enjoying the stunning views.

Then enjoy the multi-colored pebbles at Bean Hollow State Beach.

You can explore tide pools while looking for starfish, sea urchins, sea anemones, and crabs during low tide.

Recommended Hotel: Pescadero Creek Inn

16. Ano Nuevo State Park

1 New Years Creek Rd Pescadero, CA 94060 (650) 879-2025 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ano Nuevo State Park is located offshore the Ano Nuevo Island, known for its pinniped rookeries.

It’s a 1-hour and 19-minute drive from San Jose, so it’s not that bad.

This beach is not only home to gorgeous views of white cliffs but a cute little surprise as well.

Year-round, you’ll see elephant seals wash up on shore to soak in some sun.

There are also plenty of trails around you could take for a hike so you could see more views.

There’s also a lighthouse from the 1800s you could visit.

Recommended Hotel: The Historic Brookdale Lodge

17. Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay, CA (707) 347-9645 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Bodega Bay is a village in Sonoma County known as the home of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.

This quirky and friendly town is located 2 hours and 5 minutes away from San Jose, so you’ll need snacks on the road.

This town is jammed with biking and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

You can head to its nearby beaches to swim, have a picnic, or fly a kite.

Visit the Bodega Head Peninsula to go whale-watching and watch the magnificent creature break the water’s surface.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Ace It Bike Tours offers a fun tour that lets you explore the area and learn about its history as you go.

You can also explore the beauty of Bodega Bay by kayaking or paddling around on a stand-up paddle board.

Then rent a horse from Chanslor Stables and ride into the sunset and ocean views.

Recommended Hotel: The Lodge at Bodega Bay

18. Bodega Dunes

3095 California 1 Bodega Bay, CA 94923 (707) 875-3483 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Bodega Dunes is a beachside strip offering 99 campsites and a boardwalk overlooking a sandy beach.

This fun attraction is about 2 hours and 11 minutes away from San Jose.

You don’t have to spend the night to visit this campground, and it’s just as much fun during the day.

Take a hike through Kortum Trail and take in the scenic views.

Then bring your camera to the peak of Duncan’s Landing to watch the ocean and marine life.

You can also go swimming, have a picnic, or indulge in bird-watching here.

Recommended Hotel: The Inn at the Tides

19. Capitola

Capitola, CA (831) 475-7300 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Capitola is a quaint seaside village where the first beach resort was founded in 1870.

This town is only 45 minutes away from San Jose, so it’s worth your time.

Take a few hours to relax, sunbathe at Capitola City Beach, or go swimming.

This beach is also popular for fun activities like volleyball, birdwatching, and surfing.

For fishing and hiking opportunities, New Brighton State Beach is a nice spot to hang out.

Visit the Capitola Historical Museum for details of the social and cultural history of the Santa Cruz County regions.

Or head to the Armida Winery for a wine tour and tasting.

For a romantic meal, head to the Shadowbrook restaurant, a charming spot in a cozy 1920s log cabin.

Recommended Hotel: Capitola Beach Suites

20. Jack London State Historic Park

2400 London Ranch Rd Glen Ellen, CA 95442 (707) 938-5216 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Jack London State Historic Park is a protected landmark known as the home of the legendary Jack London, a writer, and adventurer.

This trip will take you a little under 2 hours to make it from San Jose.

Visit the House of Happy Walls Museum to see some of the author’s original books and belongings.

London’s Cottage was built in the 1860s and is a charming visit for a step back in time.

Check out the Beauty Ranch to see scenic views of a vineyard and livestock.

Wolf House Ruins was the original house Jack used to live in, but all that’s left are the masonry and stone walls.

If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a hike on the Sonoma Mountain Trail.

Recommended Hotel: Gaige House

Jenner, CA (707) 865-9757 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Jenner is a small coastal town located between the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean.

This trip will take you 2 hours and 26 minutes from San Jose.

Check out Goat Rock State Beach for unobstructed views of the ocean.

Then head to the River’s End Restaurant for a cozy and delicious meal.

Go wine tasting at the local winery, or have a picnic by the sea.

There’s also a historic park and fort you might be interested in, filled with fascinating stories about the town.

Recommended Hotel: Guerneville Lodge

22. Mission San Juan Bautista

406 2nd St San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 (831) 623-2127 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Mission of the 18th century San Juan Bautista was started in 1797 and was named after Saint John the Baptist to honor him.

This attraction is only 45 minutes away from San Jose, so it wouldn’t hurt to visit for a quick day trip.

You can stroll along the relaxing grounds while taking in the peace.

Head inside the mission to see stunning artwork and architecture from hundreds of years ago.

Take pictures of the statues around the area, or go for a hike on one of the trails nearby.

Recommended Hotel: Hacienda de Leal, Ascend Hotel Collection

23. Nicasio

Nicasio, CA Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Nicasio in Marin County was once called Rancho Nicasio.

This was a Spanish land grant from the 1800s that covered the area from San Geronimo to Tomales Bay.

The drive from San Jose will take 1 hour and a half to complete.

Go shopping for gifts and souvenirs in one of the many charming shops downtown.

Or visit an old cathedral or church to see old architecture.

There are also plenty of biking and hiking trails where you can explore.

Recommended Hotel: Olema House at Point Reyes

24. Pinnacles

5000 Highway 146 Paicines, CA 95043 (831) 389-4485 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Pinnacles National Park in California is home to volcanic rock formations that are more than 23 million years old.

This natural beauty is an hour and 23 minutes away from San Jose and is worth the drive.

There are over 26,000 acres of diverse wildlands here, and it is renowned for its beauty and wildflowers.

This dry-looking desert and rocks come to life during springtime with vibrant and colorful flowers.

Go for a hike to explore the spectacular vistas and wildland communities.

Or try climbing some of the unique rock formations here.

Don’t forget to bring plenty of water for this trip to keep you hydrated.

Recommended Hotel: Ridgemark Golf Club and Resort

25. Point Reyes National Seashore

1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 (415) 464-5100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Point Reyes National Seashore is a 71,000-acre home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals.

This natural sanctuary is about 1 hour and 49 minutes away from San Jose, but it’s worth it for that peace of mind.

Listen to the thunderous crash of waves against rocky headlands as you walk along the seashore.

Relax on expansive sand beaches, take pictures, and make memories with friends and family.

Explore the open grasslands, forested ridges, and brushy hillsides for an adventure.

And keep your eyes open for over 1,500 species of plants and animals to discover along the way.

This has been home to several cultures over thousands of years and is a sanctuary that offers more than meets the eye.

Day Trip Guide

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

I’m always on the lookout for fun day trips from San Jose that can satisfy my wanderlust.

As a tech geek, one of my favorite destinations is Silicon Valley.

The place oozes innovation.

You can almost feel the creativity in the air, and visiting the tech giants like Google and Apple is priceless.

It’s a massive playground for the intellectually curious, but it’s not all code and gadgets.

There’s an unexpected dash of culture, too, with fascinating museums and delicious international cuisines.

Another destination that I love is Muir Woods.

It’s a national park that preserves some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world.

Imagine breathing in the crisp, eucalyptus-scented air while wandering amidst towering redwoods.

It’s a tranquil escape from the city rush, a total soul-soother.

Now, San Francisco is the quintessential city experience.

From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the quirky charm of Pier 39, it’s a city that never stops surprising.

Where else can you ride a historic cable car, then turn a corner and find a gourmet sourdough bakery?

All three destinations are within an hour or two from San Jose, so they’re perfect for a day trip.

But they’re also very different from each other, so it depends on what you’re looking for.

Do you want to be inspired by innovation, reconnect with nature, or experience diversity?

Where will your adventure begin?

How I Picked The Destinations

Choosing the perfect day trip destination from San Jose was a challenging task, but I’ve got you covered.

As a resident of California, I know the state like the back of my hand.

I’ve experienced these gems firsthand, combining my personal explorations with extensive research and conversations with locals.

I handpicked these destinations because they offer something unique and unforgettable.

Our Rating Method

I rate these destinations based on the following criteria.

Family friendliness: This criterion assesses the family-friendly appeal of every destination. Does it offer attractions suited for the whole family? Does it have facilities and services that entertain and engage all age groups? I use these questions to evaluate family friendliness.
Safety: I use this to evaluate safety and security. Does the area have a low crime rate? Is public transportation secure? Are local authorities reliable and helpful? I ask myself these questions when evaluating safety.
Affordability: This is used to assess affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it cheaper compared to the other options? I consider these factors when rating affordability. I consider these factors when rating affordability.
Accessibility: This criterion evaluates the accessibility of every location. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? How walkable is the area? How far is it from the base? These are the questions I ask when myself assessing accessibility.
Fun factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the day trip is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Does it offer attractions that promise fun experiences for the whole family? Are there theme parks, beaches, and hiking trails? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to visit close to san jose.

There are many attractions and destinations close to San Jose. Some of the best places to visit close to San Jose include Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, Alameda, Napa, Muir Woods, and San Francisco.

How Many Days Should You Spend In San Jose?

The number of days you should spend in San Jose depends on your interests and preferences, but a general recommendation is 2 to 3 days. This will give you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions, such as the Winchester Mystery House, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Tech Interactive, and the San Jose Museum of Art. You can also enjoy some of the city’s cultural and culinary offerings, such as the San Pedro Square Market, the Japantown, and the Santana Row.

How Do You Spend A Day In San Jose, California?

There are many ways to spend a day in San Jose, California. Here is one possible itinerary: start your day with breakfast at one of the cafes or bakeries in downtown San Jose, visit the Winchester Mystery House and head to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Then, have lunch at the San Pedro Square Market and check out the San Jose Museum of Art. Enjoy dinner at Santana Row, and end your day with a show at one of the theaters or venues in San Jose.

Is San Jose Worth Visiting In California?

San Jose is worth visiting in California for many reasons. It is the largest city in Northern California and the heart of Silicon Valley, making it a hub for innovation, culture, and diversity. Moreover, it is near many other destinations, ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.

Conclusion

Silicon Valley takes the cake for the best day trips from San Jose.

I’ve danced my way through the tech wonderland and the lush redwoods of Muir Woods and breathed in the intoxicating vibes of San Francisco.

But Silicon Valley is like your favorite pair of stilettos; it elevates everything.

The innovation is electrifying, the energy is palpable, and it’s a paradise for curious souls.

While Muir Woods wraps you in nature’s embrace and San Francisco tickles your cultural tastebuds, Silicon Valley is the powerhouse that makes your heart sing.

Let’s not forget the educational treasures and the tasty food that are the cherries on top.

So, for an unforgettable, inspiring experience, Silicon Valley is the crown jewel.

And who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

25 Best Day Trips From San Jose — Places Nearby!

YEAR OF THE MONKEY-a blog about travel, dogs and food

20 Fun Day Trips From San Jose, California (Under 2 hours)

April 20, 2024 February 6, 2022 | Paroma

Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Paroma

If you’re looking for some fun day trips from San Jose, California to spice up your weekend plans, then this is the post for you! I am here to give you all the deets on 20 amazing destinations (towns, landmarks and attractions) that are under 2 hours drive from San Jose for a full day of fun and enjoyment! Continue reading to find the best places to visit for epic San Jose day trips!

Day trips from San Jose, san Jose day trips, 20 day trips from San Jose under 2 hours

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San Jose, California (not to be confused with San Jose in Costa Rica) is not only the largest city in the Bay Area but also synonymous with the famous (or infamous) Silicon valley, i.e. the seat of modern tech. San Jose lies about 55 miles south of downtown San Francisco, cradled around the southernmost boundary of the San Francisco Bay. It is served by its very own airport, i.e. the San Jose International Airport (SJC) which is a mere 10 minute drive from downtown.

This southern location of San Jose pretty much guarantees lots of options for day trips extending all the way to the Central Coast of California. Much like my post on Bay Area day trips from San Francisco, here too I am going to talk about 20 amazing destinations that you can drive to from San Jose and all under 2 hours one way (traffic permitting). No one likes to spend a majority of their day trips driving and so this cut-off of two hours is where I draw the line for places conducive for making day trips from San Jose with plenty of time to enjoy your chosen destination.

I have arranged this list of places, i.e. day trip ideas from San Jose geographically from north to south for your convenience. One final tip before we get started on the list: maximize your day trip experience, please get an early start as much as possible since the Bay Area has notoriously bad traffic!

Table of Contents

DAY TRIPS FROM SAN JOSE (MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, EAST BAY PENINSULA)

Distance: 68 miles

Muir woods is one of the best destinations for a day trip from San Jose

This famous grove of coastal Redwoods named after environmentalist John Muir is one of the most popular draws of Marin county and one of the best ideas for a day trip from San Jose. Protected as a National Monument since 1908, this serene grove of old growth Redwoods has plenty of hikes with over 6 miles of trails to keep you busy. Download the Muir Woods map here and see the hiking trails here .

Please be aware that you need to make advanced reservations to access Muir Woods and entry is timed, based on your parking or shuttle reservation. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit. Dogs are not allowed in Muir woods.

MARIN HEADLANDS (POINT BONITA LIGHTHOUSE, MUIR AND STINSON BEACHES)

Distance: 53 miles

This is one of the northernmost destinations that I’d recommend on going on a day trip from San Jose with about an hour and half of driving through San Francisco and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Marin Headlands ( see map here ) is the part of Marin county that lies right north off the bridge and is one of the best places in the Bay Area from where you can get stellar views of our beloved Golden Gate Bridge . I recommend stopping by Battery Spencer or Hawk Hill for breathtaking views.

Apart from the panoramic views of our azure blue waters, the coastline and the bridge the one thing that Marin Headlands is famous for is its beaches and coastal hikes as well as Point Bonita Lighthouse , one of the few remaining functioning lighthouses on the California Coast.

A short walk along the Point Bonita Lighthouse trail from the parking lot will lead you to the lighthouse that is open only on Sunday and Monday from 12:30-3:30 PM (as of Feb 2022, PB Lighthouse is unfortunately closed till further notice due to an electrical safety issue).

Beside Point Bonita, the other attractions of the Marin Headlands is undoubtedly the coastal hikes that connect its many beaches. The closest beaches are Rodeo and Tennessee Beaches with Muir Beach and Stinson Beach being further north. If you love to hike, then the scenic Rodeo Beach Coastal Trail or the Tennessee Valley Trail (starting from the beach’s parking lot) are good options. See all the Marin Headlands Trails here.

If you’re not into hiking, then a day at the beach or even better a visit to Muir Beach Overlook is another excellent option when at the Marin Headlands. Muir Beach Overlook provides a panoramic view of the coast and also has a nice trail (Owl Trail) that leads to Slide Ranch. This spot is one of my favorite places in Marin Headlands!

MILL VALLEY

Distance: 66 miles

Mill Valley is that cute as a button town in Marin County where we often find ourselves when we’re in the mood to either explore a gurgling waterfall (yes, Mill Valley is home to Cascade Falls that is a short drive from downtown), hiking the DipSea Trail , admiring the Redwoods at Old Mill Park or simply noshing some yum food in downtown Mill Valley (home to boutique stores and art galleries along Throckmorton Avenue).

When in Mill Valley, I recommend getting a bite to eat at either Avatar’s Punjabi Burritos or Boo Koo and grabbing baked goods from Flour Craft Bakery at Mill Valley Lumber Yard now refashioned into a beautiful outdoor mall with lots of local stores and restaurants. Also, please stop by Poet and the Bench , my favorite store in Mill Valley selling jewelry, artwork and ceramics by my favorite local ceramicist Judith Lemmens .

Distance: 62 miles

Day trips from San Jose: Visit Sausalito

Sausalito is the very first town in Marin county that you’ll find yourselves in once you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. This charming artsy town can also be reached by ferry from San Francisco’s Ferry building.

A day out in Sausalito can mean hanging out at the beaches with plenty to choose from, such as Rodeo Beach, this secret Black Sands Beach and Kirby Cove Beach with fantastic views of Bridge. Downtown Sausalito is bustling with restaurants, cafes and many art galleries (Galerie Elektra is my favorite) with fabulous views from the harborfront that is home to a Sea Lion sculpture by Al Sybrian.

My favorite places to eat out in Sausalito are Sushi Ran , The Spinnaker (on the very edge with marvellous views of the coast), Bar Bocce and Scoma’s (they have the freshest seafood). Fans of Herge’s Tintin comics can stop by Sausalito Ferry Co. Novelty Toy and Gift Store to pick up some Tintin merchandise.

ANGEL ISLAND

Distance: 55-62 miles + Ferry

Angel Island State Park is the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay and is located right off the shores of Tiburon , another coastal town next to Mill Valley. Angel Island is also known as the “Ellis Island of the West” because this is where immigrants coming into California (and west coast in general) made landfall prior to being allowed inland.

You will need to board the ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon to get here (the ferry from Tiburon plies on weekdays as a charter service during winter). The ferry ride from Tiburon is shorter than the one from San Francisco in case you are worried about getting motion sickness. Once you get to the island at Ayala Cove, grab a bite at the restaurant/cafe for a picnic by the Bay and also because there are no other food options inside the island.

Angel Island has a fascinating history and was only commissioned to be a state park starting from 1954. The once home to Coast Miwok, Angel Island was a seasonal hunting and gathering location for the local native tribes. With the arrival of the Europeans, this island acted as a safe refuge and supply stop for Spanish explorers like Juan Manuel de Ayala who was one of the first to map the San Francisco Bay.

From 1910 to 1940, Angel Island acted as the base for the U.S. Immigration Station which processed hundreds of thousands of immigrants, the majority being Chinese who had braved the long journey to California in search of opportunities, especially in the aftermath of the Gold Rush. During World War II, this station served as a detention center for Japanese and German POWs before they were sent to facilities farther inland.

With the outbreaks of World Wars I and II, thousands of troops both returning and going to war all around the world were processed through this Island. In the ’50s and ’60s, the Island saw its last military service as a home to a Nike missile base, and the transition to a State Park became complete after the departure of the last military troops in the 60s.

Angel island is a great place for hiking and coastal views. However, the most important visiting point in Angel island is the Angel Island Immigration Station which is now a museum that is free to the public. Nearby is the Detention Barracks museum and the Fog Bell which are also must visits.

My visit to Angel Island several years ago was a poignant affair where the sight of the detention cells and the discrimination towards the Asian immigrants (something that continues to this day) made me teary eyed. There is also a memorial facing the Bay with plaques of thousands of immigrants whose descendents live all over the Bay Area today.

SAN FRANCISCO

Distance: 55 miles

The famous “City by the Bay” or “Fog City” lies only 55 miles north of San Jose and is perfect for a day trip to get a taste of all the mind boggling possibilities that it packs within its tiny 49 square miles (much smaller than San Jose which is 180 square miles in area). I have been living in San Francisco for the last 12 years and let me tell you one thing: a day trip to San Francisco is definitely not enough to see everything!

However, if you only have a day to spare in the city, I recommend two things: a) treat this day trip as a layover of 6-8 hours and read my San Francisco layover post to maximize your limited time in the city by seeing the major attractions (if this is your very first time) and b) try not to drive into the city if you can help it (because our parking is crazy expensive and difficult to find) and take the Caltrain from San Jose Diridon station.

If this is not your first rodeo in the city, then boy do I have a ton of posts for you to explore my home a bit more! Find out where to find the best hidden gems in San Francisco , the best San Francisco neighborhoods , best photo spots in SF , free things to do in San Francisco (your wallet/purse will thank you), where to eat for cheap in the city , foodie experiences in San Francisco -including vegetarian and vegan restaurants , best dessert spots , artisan chocolate stores and fancy afternoon tearooms .

San Francisco is one of those cities where urban hiking is a thing, with lots of tranquil and coastal hikes revealing panoramic views of the rugged California coast and the Bridge. You can read my guide to the best hiking trails in San Francisco , hidden beaches in San Francisco , the best viewpoints in San Francisco and the best things to do in Golden Gate Park if you love to explore the outdoors.

Visiting San Francisco with your pup? I have you covered with all my dog friendly San Francisco guides – dog friendly parks , dog friendly beaches and the best dog friendly hikes in the city for a fun day trip to SF with your best friend.

Resident’s tip: San Francisco is almost always cold and chilly, even in summer! Read my what to wear in San Francisco guide or find this handy packing list to dress appropriately for our crazy microclimates.

Distance: 41 miles

Oakland is another great San jose Day trip destination

Oakland is the third largest city in the Bay Area and is one of the most diverse, historically and culturally rich cities in USA. Although it does not get nearly as much touristy love as its sister San Francisco, you can easily spend a week in Oakland exploring its vibrant neighborhoods and outdoor space.

Oakland is a big city, so you are best advised to pick one or two neighborhoods or attractions when visiting on a day trip from San Jose. I recommend exploring either Jack London Square (Oakland’s bustling waterfront), strolling around Lake Merritt, checking out the beautiful murals in Downtown, eating out at Rockridge and Temescal neighborhoods or going on a hike amidst the Redwoods at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park.

PS: Read my guide to 25 terrific day trip ideas from Oakland right here

Distance: 33 miles

Day trips from San Jose, Where to go to on a day trip from San Jose, Livermore wineries

Napa and Sonoma, the two gems of California wine country may be bit much of a stretch when it comes to day trips from San Jose but why go all the way north when you have Livermore wine country on the East Bay that under an hour’s drive from SJ?

If you’re a wine enthusiast looking to taste some refreshing, crisp Chardonnay-then head to Livermore Valley wineries which produce this grape in abundance. Livermore valley AVA is one of the best wine regions in California and has been growing wine grapes since the 19th century (the first grapes were planted in 1840s). Cresta Blanca Winery (founded in 1882) was one of the earliest wineries in this region with its first vintage (1884) winning Grand Prix at the 1889 Paris Exposition , becoming the first California wine to win a competition in France much before the 1976 Judgement of Paris.

Livermore has over 50 spectacular wineries, of which the the biggest and most famous wineries are Concannon and Wente , the only two that were in operation during the infamous Prohibition . The other notable wineries to visit are Murrieta’s Well , McGrail Vineyards , Rodrigue Molyneaux and Wood Family.

Distance: 47 miles

This charming coastal town with pristine beaches and gorgeous hikes is one of the must visit stops along Highway 1 if you’re driving from San Francisco to Carmel and makes for an excellent day trip from San Jose. When in Pacifica stop by the popular Mazzetti’s bakery or get yourself a “wellness latte” at Saltwater Bakery in Downtown Pacifica (which is so cute!).

A day out in Pacifica means getting your fill of the sun and sand at one of its many beaches such as Esplanade beach, Pacifica State Beach, Pacifica Beach View Park, Rockaway Beach, San Pedro beach and Gray Whale Cove Beach (between Pacifica and Montara), to name a few. I highly recommend either Pacifica State Beach (say hi to the surfers and playful pups on the sand) or Gray Whale Cove Beach.

Pacifica has tons of amazing coastal hikes revealing dramatic views of the ocean. Since you cannot get to all of them on a day trip, just take my word for it and get on the Mori Point Loop Trail for its ease and views. The other easy hike is on the Devil’s Slide trail (paved trail which used to be a part of Highway 1) or the Pedro Point Headlands trail. See all the Pacifica hiking trails right here.

HALF MOON BAY

Half Moon Bay is the oldest town in San Mateo County and saddled right along Highway 1. A day out to Half Moon Bay means chilling on one of its many popular beaches and gulping down some of the best chowder that you can find in Northern California!

Home to the world famous Mavericks beach (where surfers compete annually at the Big Wave competition) is here but it is a bit off route from Highway 1, Half Moon Bay also boasts of several beaches right off Highway 1 such as Redondo Beach, Pillar Point Beach, Poplar Beach, Mirada Surf Beach, Dunes beach, Roosevelt beach, Surfer’s Beach and Miramar Beach. My favorite? Pillar Point Beach – it is right next to the harbor and Sam’s Chowder House.

I’d be remiss if I did not include the many beautiful coastal trails that Half Moon Bay is blessed with. The most scenic one is undoubtedly the California Coastal Trail, a 1200 mile trail stretching from Oregon to Mexico along the coast that passes through Half Moon Bay, revealing spectacular views. Get on this dog friendly trail from the Poplar Beach parking lot and walk towards Pillar Point Beach in the north.

If you love seafood, check out the offerings at Sam’s Chowder House or Miramar Beach Restaurant which are famous for their fresh catches and chowder. Downtown Half Moon Bay is super nice with lots of restaurants and cute stores to keep you busy.

FILOLI HISTORIC HOUSE AND GARDENS

Distance: 31 miles

Photo credit

If you’re a nature or plant lover, then a visit to the Filoli Historic House and Gardens is one of those day trips from San Jose that you should not miss at any cost! Located in Woodside in the Peninsula and open daily from 10AM-5PM, this 20th century estate property hosts a spectacular garden that comes alive with a riot of floral colors and fragrant fruits in Spring and Summer.

The estate is home to the grand, opulent resident of William Bourn (owner of Empire Mine and San Francisco Gas Company) and his wife Agnes. Designed by architect Willis Polk, the house spans over a whopping 54000 square foot with 56 rooms! Even more impressive is the 16 acre garden with over 75,000 spring bulbs planted and 250 fruit trees, all of which are tended to by 14 horticulturists! The estate itself is a sprawling 654 acres with 577 fruit trees in its orchards.

Filoli Gardens is a treat for the botanical lover in you and a perfect way to get lost in the nurturing beauty of nature amongst the urban sprawl of the Bay Area. Currently, visits are by reservation only and you can book your tickets here .

SAN JOSE DAY TRIPS (SANTA CRUZ COUNTY)

Big basin redwoods state park.

Distance: 28 miles

Photo Credit

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park and is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient redwoods, with 18,000 acres of old growth and recovering Redwood forests to be found south of San Francisco . Elevations in the park vary quite a bit from the sea level to over 2,000 feet. Beside a day of hiking and relaxing at Waddell beach, a visit to the fascinating Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center should be on your list.

Like the Giant Coastal Redwoods in Humboldt County that you’ll encounter on a Northern California road trip , some of the trees here are more than 300 feet tall and 50 feet in circumference, with some as ancient as 1,000 to 2,500 years. The park is partially open in 2022 as it continues to recover from the devastating California wildfires of 2020.

SANTA CRUZ (ONE OF THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SAN JOSE)

Natural Bridges beach and state park in Santa Cruz

Visiting the charming beach town of Santa Cruz is hands down one of the easiest and best day trips from San Jose . In just about 40 minutes, you will end up on the Central Coast in this vibrant town boasting of world famous beaches, lots of surfing action, whale watching activities from the harbor, scenic hikes, lighthouses perched on the coast, a bustling downtown, tons of good restaurants and cafes and a mind blowing wine region in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The geographical diversity of Santa Cruz is mind-boggling to say the least. From beaches to misty mountains to Coastal Redwood groves (Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park), Santa Cruz has something for everyone. The year round mild weather makes it a fantastic winter getaway in California and one that you can visit with family members of all ages.

Santa Cruz is also a great dog friendly getaway in Northern California , thanks to its dog friendly hikes, beaches and restaurants. You can read my Santa Cruz guide (dog friendly) and where to eat in Santa Cruz for your trip inspiration.

I personally recommend visiting Santa Cruz in winter (Nov-Feb) to catch the Monarch butterflies flock to the Eucalyptus grove next to Natural bridges State Beach for their wintering ritual. Also, Winter and Spring are (Dec-April) are perfect to see the migratory whales from boats and trailers departing the Santa Cruz harbor.

For a day of fun, hop onto the Roaring Camp train for the time of your life! The train has two routes-one that takes you through the Henry Cowell Redwoods up to Bear mountain and the other being a coastal route from the Santa Cruz mountains to the beach boardwalk.

CAPITOLA, SOQUEL, APTOS

This tiny beach town in Santa Cruz county lies just outside the city of Santa Cruz and is famous for the row of colorful homes, aptly titled “The Venetians” that line one end of Monterey Bay and form a pretty sight when viewed from the Capitola State Beach or the boardwalk.

Capitola Wharf is a lively place with restaurants and stores showcasing local artists. I highly recommend checking two stores on Capitola Avenue: Lumen art gallery featuring eclectic, local California art and home decor as well the Ethos Santa Cruz shop dedicated to helping people move towards a zero waste lifestyle and less plastic usage.

Soquel and Aptos are two other nearby towns in Santa Cruz county that have some really good restaurants and wineries. In fact, Soquel is home to Bargetto winery which is the oldest one in Santa Cruz county while Aptos has some splendid beaches such as Seacliff State Beach.

DAY TRIP IDEAS FROM SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA (CENTRAL COAST)

Distance: 72 miles

Monterey Harbor, Monterey is an excellent day trip idea from San Jose

Monterey County is ideal for day trips from San Jose since there is so much to see and do here, especially on the Peninsula. The largest and most popular spot here is undoubtedly the erstwhile fish canning town of Monterey, made famous in the novel “ Cannery Row ” of John Steinbeck ( the author was born and raised in nearby Salinas which is home to a museum dedicated to him).

A day out at Monterey means a quick photo-op at the Cannery Row (it is very touristy so please come in early to park), strolling the historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, visiting the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, dipping your feet in the sand at its many beaches (Monterey state beach, Del Monte Beach or San Carlos Beach at Monterey harbor) and doing some serious whale watching throughout the year via Monterey Bay Whale Watch that departs from the Wharf!

Monterey has a thriving dining scene replete with the freshest seafood, bakeries and even a vegan Mexican restaurant on the waterfront! My favorites are Parker Lusseau pastries , Alta Bakery and Cafe , Old Fisherman’s Grotto and Monterey’s Fish House .

PACIFIC GROVE

Pacific Grove is right next to Monterey and is another coastal town on the Peninsula that deserves a day trip of its own to explore. My number one recommendation would be to visit Pacific Grove in late spring (aka April-May) when the coast gets covered by a purple blanket of blooming ice plant flowers. This sea of purple is a sight to behold as you walk along the coast. You can read details on my Pacific Grove post here .

My other favorites things to do in Pacific Grove are walking down Ocean View Boulevard starting from Lover’s Point Park, visiting Point Pinos Lighthouse (the oldest continuously operated lighthouse in California), visiting Asilomar State Beach, checking out the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary (Dec-Feb) and enjoying some tasty seafood at Passion Fish. If you’re a nature lover, stop by the Natural history museum in downtown to learn more about the flora and fauna of the central coast, especially the migratory Monarch butterflies.

CARMEL BY THE SEA

Distance: 75 miles

Carmel by the Sea is a mere 10 minute drive from Monterey but feels like a totally different world! This coastal town feels like a fairy tale European village with Tudor style homes and cottages all around, not to mention the cute as heck downtown where you can easily get lost in the flower ladled cobbled bylanes. For those of you couples coming in from San Jose, Carmel also doubles up as an excellent Northern California romantic getaway.

A San Jose day trip to Carmel is actually very doable if you start in early so that you can have ample time to park and explore downtown. Since I have visited Carmel at least a dozen times over my 12 years of living in San Francisco, you can read my crazy detailed guide to Carmel to plan your trip.

The short version is that explore downtown, walk down Ocean Avenue to Carmel Beach, discover the whimsical fairytale cottages, explore the art galleries and enjoy the food and wine in one of the many cafes, restaurants and tasting rooms in downtown. I recommend my favorite La Bicyclette, Stationery (great for brunch), La Balena and Cultura Comida y Bebida as must visits.

When in Carmel (or Monterey or Pacific Grove), try to squeeze in a few hours to explore the iconic 17 mile drive looping between these towns. This drive takes you through several scenic stops, viewpoints and beaches-the most famous being the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach.

Right outside of Carmel lies the magical Point Lobos State Natural Reserve which deserves a day trip of its own, thanks to its pristine beauty, beaches and hikes. You could spend a few hours in downtown Carmel, stop by the famous Carmel Mission and then enter the Reserve ($10/vehicle) for hiking and scenic views.

Pro tip: Fireworks are prohibited in Carmel over the July 4 weekend. So if you’re wondering where to take your dog on 4th July , escape to this seaside town.

CARMEL VALLEY

Distance: 78 miles

Carmel by the Sea is super popular as a Bay Area day trip for many, but diehard wine lovers make it to Carmel valley in Monterey Peninsula.With dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, Carmel Valley village will make your day trip from San Jose a fantastic mini wine vacation! Carve out your day at Carmel Valley with this my detailed guide on where to go wine tasting, dining and having a good time!

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK

Distance: 76 miles

Pinnacles National Park is the smallest (and also the one most recently designated) National Park in California and is located inland in Monterey county. Pinnacles is known for its unique Geologic Landscape born out of tectonic plate activity and volcanic action-leading to the formation of the unique spires or “Pinnacles” towering solemnly over the earth. Besides these obvious geologic structures, this park is also famous for its talus caves and condor sightings and is popular with rock climbers, much like Joshua Tree National Park .

A day trip from San Jose to Pinnacles means leaving early and arriving either at the Pinnacles Visitor Center on the East entrance or driving further south to Soledad to access the park from the West Entrance. Trails from both entrances lead to Talus caves and more strenuous hikes into the High Peaks for condor spotting. Read my complete guide to Pinnacles National Park to plan your trip today!

Distance: 110 miles

Big Sur is that 90 miles of California’s central coast that has been immortalized in prose and poetry and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. However covering Big Sur as a day trip from San Jose is definitely stretching things a little bit where you are going WAY over the 2 hour driving time.

A complete Big Sur road trip from San Jose is something I would 100% advise against, but that does not mean that you shouldn’t venture out on Highway 1 and cover a few major stops.

The only issue is that once you get onto Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1/Cabrillo Highway) after Carmel, then you cannot get onto any other freeway till you hit San Simeon, 90 miles south! So pick a few stops beyond Carmel judiciously so that you have a relaxing time on your day trip from San Jose.

My recommendation to experience Big Sur as a day trip from San Jose would be to make a hard stop at Partington Cove Trailhead and turning back. Upto this point, you will get to spend time at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (one of the many romantic stops at Big Sur ), Garrapata State Park and Beach (with the Calla Lilies blooming in spring in the adjacent valley), Bixby Bridge, Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Beach (with purple sand), Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Henry Miller Memorial Library. Big Sur Bakery and Nepenthe are two excellent places to stop by for lunch.

And that brings me to the end of this post on some of the best day trips from San Jose that you can explore on weekends! I hope you liked this list of destinations to check out as San Jose day trips and have made some fantastic weekend plans already! Thanks a lot for stopping by and safe travels.

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San Jose, California’s third-largest city, is home to high-tech computer firms, which sit alongside farms, ranches, and open spaces between the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding hillsides.

It’s a culturally diverse old city, jam-packed with historic buildings, brilliant museums, many fine restaurants, lively nightclubs, world-renowned art galleries, and several tourist attractions.

1. Winchester Mystery House

The mansion, known for its unusual size and peculiar architecture, has become a popular tourist destination that showcases Mrs. Winchester’s otherworldly convictions. The estate spans 4.5 acres and boasts almost 160 rooms, comprising 40 bedrooms, two ballrooms, 47 fireplaces, 10,000 glass panes, 17 chimneys, two basements, and three elevators.

2. History Park San Jose

This 14-acre park highlights the Santa Clara Valley’s past, with 27 original and replica homes, businesses, and landmarks, complete with paved streets, running trolleys, an 1881 Electric Light Tower, and elements of the Old West, including a one-time stagecoach stop and a downtown saloon. Located at the south end of Kelley Park at the corner of Senter Road and Phelan Avenue.

3. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

A child-centric amusement park and zoo that initially opened in 1961, Happy Hollow includes over 140 animals, a petting zoo with an animal barn, an education center, rides, and structures for toddlers and children featuring slides, swings, ropes, and climbing areas, and a carousel and roller coaster. Website .

The Tech Museum of Innovation San Jose CA

4. The Tech Museum of Innovation

This 132,000-square-foot domed building is unlike any other in the world. It comprises three floors, house an Imax theater, and four major theme galleries that capture Silicon Valley’s fascination with technology. 201 S Market St, San Jose. Website .

5. Peralta Adobe Plaza

In the heart of downtown San Jose is Peralta Adobe Plaza, home to the Peralta Adobe and the Thomas and Carmel Fallon House, two surviving remnants of California’s oldest Spanish civilian settlement. The adobe and the Victorian-style house built in 1855 are historical museums entirely furnished with period features.

6. Chinese Cultural Garden

Highlights include a Friendship Gate, the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, the Chiang Kai-shek Pavilion, and a unique statue of Confucius. The Chinese Cultural Garden is situated in Overfelt Gardens Park and was inspired in 1971 by Frank and Pauline Lowe. 2145 McKee Rd, San Jose.

7. Santana Row San Jose

Tucked neatly into one of San Jose’s burgeoning business districts is Santana Row, an upscale shopping, residential, dining, and entertainment complex which offers a mix of high-end and mid-tier retail stores and local and chain restaurants.

8. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

If you’re a history buff, then you must put the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum on your list to do while in San Jose, through 3 different floors of artifacts from mummified cattle to coffins of Pharaohs. The museum offers guided and self-guided tours, all for a modest entrance fee. Outside you will find a beautiful labyrinth garden, and adjacent to the museum, their planetarium. 1660 Park Avenue, San Jose. Website .

9. Almaden Quicksilver County Park

New Almaden Mines, which operated on the property from 1847 to 1976, was a mercury source used to extract gold from ore during the California Gold Rush era. In 1976 the county of Santa Clara bought the mining property and began turning it into a regional park. Thirty-seven miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails, plus ruins of mining equipment and buildings. 21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose.

10. Raging Waters San Jose

If you visit San Jose during the summer, Raging Waters is a great place to cool off. Raging Waters-San Jose is Northern California’s largest waterpark, featuring 23 acres of water slides, pools, and attractions. 2333 S White Rd, San Jose.

Getting to San Jose, Ca

If you’re traveling from San Francisco, San Jose is just a short 45-minute drive away. However, if you’re coming from Los Angeles, it’ll take you approximately five hours. The city is conveniently accessible via U.S. Highway 101, several state highways, and county-wide expressways linking its six significant districts.

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Braulio Carrillo Colina Park

Parque Central de San José

Plaza de la cultura, children's museum, where to eat, soda tala #1, la esquina de buenos aires, bar rest. malibu.

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All road trips from San Jose

San Jose to Arenal Volcano National Park drive
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Explore nearby places

Chirripo National Park
Garabito Municipality
Santo Domingo de Heredia
San Rafael de Escazu
San Jeronimo
San Antonio De Belen
Santa Barbara
Rio Segundo
Poas Volcano National Park
Ciudad Colon
San Jose de la Montana
San Pedro de Poas
Santiago de Puriscal

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San Jose throughout the year

San Jose in January
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For a fall day trip from San Jose, California, head to Half-Moon Bay

Oct 8, 2021 • 5 min read

From local beach towns for surfing to some of the best wine vineyards in the world, day trips from Santa Cruz are sure to please

With a prime location between major cities, popular attractions, state parks and sandy beaches, you couldn’t ask for a better base than San Jose for exploring what the Bay Area has to offer.

From local beach towns to wildlife spotting, kelp forests and California’s most famous wine region, these are the best day trips from San Jose, all within a two-hour drive, bus, or train ride from the city.

Boy with down syndrome having fun in pumpkin patch, smiling

Half Moon Bay

If you don’t want to deal with the traffic heading to Santa Cruz over Highway 17, Half Moon Bay is another beautiful beach town near San Jose. Visit the four-mile Half Moon Bay State Beach , walk the breezy Coastside Trail, explore the shops along Main Street and indulge in fresh crab cakes from Sam’s Chowder House. If you’re visiting in October, Half Moon Bay goes all in on fall festivities. It’s not only the pumpkin capital of the world with its numerous pumpkin patches, it’s also where the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival takes place each year.

How to get to Half Moon Bay: Take Caltrain from Diridon Station to Hillsdale, then hop on bus 294 which drops you off in downtown Half Moon Bay.

From pristine beaches to windswept walks, redwood forests and a classic seaside amusement park, there’s a lot to love about Santa Cruz . Santa Cruz is not only an ideal family day trip from San Jose, it’s for anyone who wants to explore one of California’s most scenic beach towns. Spend your day shopping along Pacific Avenue, riding the Big Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , walking West Cliff Drive and visiting one of the city’s many beaches . Before calling it a day, enjoy a sit-down meal from El Palomar and a decadent hot chocolate from Chocolate.

How to get to Santa Cruz: Take the hour-long Highway 17 Express bus from Diridon Station.

San Francisco

San Jose might be the capital of Silicon Valley but San Francisco is the heart of the Bay Area. Located just 50 miles north, San Francisco is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from San Jose and the perfect destination for those looking for a busier atmosphere and more tourist attractions. Although you could spread out your time in San Francisco over a few days, with the city’s compact nature of 47 square miles, it’s easy to see a lot in just a day.

Explore the main sights such as Alcatraz , the Golden Gate Bridge , Coit Tower , Fisherman’s Wharf , Chinatown and Lombard Street . If you’re looking for something quieter and more nature-focused for the day, head further north to Muir Woods or the Marin Headlands . Before you head back to San Jose, grab dinner at Burma Superstar or La Taqueria and a drink from one of the city’s many tiki bars.

How to get to San Francisco: From Diridon Station, take Caltrain to 4th & King in San Francisco. The journey takes about an hour and a half normally or just an hour on the baby bullet (Caltrain’s express train). Alternatively, you can take BART from Berryessa/North San Jose Station to any of the BART stations in San Francisco for an hour and fifteen-minute trip.

Año Nuevo State Park

It’s not every day you get to see thousands of Northern California Elephant Seals take over a beach in preparation for mating rituals, breeding and molting. Año Nuevo State Park is one of the best places to learn more about these impressive animals and see them in their natural habitat. Visit the park during breeding season from December 15th to March 31st when the seals are at their most active. Guided walks with a docent are required at this time of the year and should be reserved ahead of time.

How to get to Año Nuevo State Park: There aren’t any good public transit options to get to the park, but driving there takes just over an hour.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Known as one of the best and most diverse aquariums in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the perfect day trip to enjoy with kids or anyone who loves the ocean. The main attraction to not miss is the 28-foot giant kelp forest exhibit where leopard sharks, colorful fish and eels flit in and out of a mesmerizing underwater forest. After finishing up at the aquarium, explore the rest of Monterey with its many aquamarine beaches, seafood restaurants and bayside attractions like Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. If you have more time and a car, road trip the 17-Mile Drive and end with dinner in charming Carmel-by-the Sea before heading back up north.

How to get to Monterey Bay Aquarium: Take the Monterey Airbus from the San Jose International Airport to Calle Principal and then take bus 1, 2, Jazz A or Jazz B to the aquarium.

Napa Valley

Although there’s a lot of quality wine tasting right next to San Jose in the Santa Cruz Mountains, there’s nothing quite like exploring California’s most popular wine region, the Napa Valley . Covering 789 square miles and housing over 375 wineries that are open for tastings, saying there’s more than enough to keep you busy would be an understatement. Plan on visiting 3-4 scenic wineries for the day and grab a nice lunch from Oxbow Public Market in between tastings.

How to get to Napa Valley: The easiest way to get up to the Napa Valley is to drive. The journey takes around an hour and a half, just make sure you have a designated driver if you plan to be drinking. Alternatively, there are limited wine bus tours to Napa that leave from San Jose.

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Destinations

25 Best Weekend & Day Trips from San Jose, CA

Last Updated By VI on April 11, 2024 in Things to Do in Northern California

Half Moon Bay

Ano nuevo state park.

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More ideas: Half Moon Bay Fishing

The island’s Crown Memorial Beach has been rated among the best spots in the United States for kite boarding and windsurfing. Take a lesson, or enjoy watching. More things to do in Alameda

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Bodega Dunes

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Carmel by the Sea

More ideas: Things to Do in Carmel

Gilroy is affectionately referred to as the garlic capitol of the world. The California agricultural town is just 30 miles south of San Jose. In Gilroy’s historic downtown you’ll find shops that span the old and new, including antique shops, unique boutiques with local and handmade goods, and restaurants serving garlic-flavored favorites. Free concerts take place on Thursday nights. Self-guided walking tours explore Gilroy’s history, which is painted in mural form along the Historic Paseo between fifth and sixth streets. The Road to Garlic Map highlights everything garlic. The Gilroy Garlic Festival takes place each year the last weekend of July. Things to Do in Gilroy

Jack London State Historic Park

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Mission San Juan Bautista

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Day Trips from San Jose, CA: Napa

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Point Reyes National Seashore

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San Anselmo

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San Francisco

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Silicon Valley

California’s Silicon Valley encompasses several metropolitan areas from Gilroy in the south, through San Jose to Milipitas and Palo Alto in the north. It’s most famous as the home to several technology companies, including smaller start-ups and giants such as Apple, Google and Intel. While on the map for high tech, Silicon Valley includes some of California’s most picturesque outdoor vistas, from the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve to the Morgan Hill’s Henry W. Coe State Park, surrounded by the Diablo Mountain Range and the Santa Cruz Mountains. For shopping, visit The Village in Saratoga. For history, visit historic downtown Campbell or Santa Clara’s Mission Santa Clara de Asis and Mission Gardens. For culture, enjoy the performing arts and museum at Stanford University in Palo Alto.

1. Half Moon Bay
3. Ano Nuevo State Park
4. Berkeley
5. Bodega Bay
6. Bodega Dunes
7. Capitola
8. Carmel by the Sea
10. Jack London State Historic Park
12. Livermore
13. Mission San Juan Bautista
14. Monterey
15. Muir Woods
16. Day Trips from San Jose, CA: Napa
17. Nicasio
18. Pescadero
19. Pinnacles
20. Point Reyes National Seashore
21. San Anselmo
22. San Francisco
23. Santa Cruz
24. Sausalito
25. Silicon Valley

Day trips from San Jose take visitors through the valley and beyond into San Francisco’s Bay Area and Marin County to the North, or south along the Pacific Coast. Enjoy the wine growing regions of Napa and Livermore, breathtaking beach and mountain landscapes, the contemporary bustle of San Francisco, or smaller rural towns such as Gilroy, the Garlic Capitol of the World.

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6 Excellent Day Trips From San Jose, California

Destinations
United States

With Macintosh computers slowly replacing the apple orchards that once filled the area, San Jose has steadily grown over the past few decades to become the largest city in the Bay Area. While there are plenty of fun things to do in sunny San Jose , California, these excellent day trips will allow you to experience more of Northern California.

While everyone can agree that a day trip is a short excursion that allows you to fall asleep in the same bed where you woke up that morning, further defining a day trip can vary by traveler. As someone who doesn’t like to get up too early, doesn’t want to spend all day in the car, and definitely wants enough time to really enjoy the day trip destination, my recommendations are all within a two-hour drive from downtown San Jose. But, depending on when you start and end your day trip, the traffic in the Bay Area can quickly turn a one-hour drive into a seemingly all-day affair, so take that into consideration when planning your excursions.

1. Santa Cruz

As a teenager in the Bay Area, Santa Cruz was always a favorite summertime day trip, because as you travel south from San Francisco’s fairly consistent 60-degree Fahrenheit climate, it’s one of the first beaches where it’s warm enough to get into the water without a wetsuit.

Located about an hour south of downtown San Jose, I recommend heading straight for the beach. Stroll along the sand and watch the surfers ride the waves then explore the shops and restaurants on the Santa Cruz Wharf . Get out on the water by renting a boat, or leave the driving to someone else by booking a fishing excursion, whale and dolphin watching trip, or scenic bay cruise.

And before you leave, be sure to take a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster . Now a National Historic Landmark, this nearly 100-year-old wooden roller coaster has appeared in several movies, including Sudden Impact , Dangerous Minds , and The Lost Boys .

Before you head back to San Jose, be sure to fill up on fresh seafood by grabbing dinner at Johnny’s Harborside or Riva Fish House .

2. Monterey Peninsula

Another great coastal day trip from San Jose is the Monterey Peninsula. About 90 minutes south of San Jose, the 12-square-mile piece of land that juts into the Pacific is home to the towns of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, among others.

Start your day trip to Monterey at the Monterey Bay Aquarium . Once a sardine cannery, you can watch scampering sea otters, pulsing jellyfish, and more than 500 other species in this world-renowned aquarium on the coast. Next, explore the shops along Cannery Row and grab a bite at Lalla Oceanside Grill or the Chart House (and be sure to try abalone, if it’s available).

Sea anemone at Monterey Aquarium, California.

Pro Tip: If you can’t get enough of the cute sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, here are six great places to see them in the wild, including along the coast adjacent to Cannery Row.

Don’t leave the Monterey Peninsula without touring 17-Mile Drive. Beginning near the aquarium and winding past Instagram-worthy spots like Spanish Bay, China Rock, and the Lone Cypress before it approaches the Pebble Beach Golf Links , it’s easy to see why the route is one of the most scenic drives in the US .

Tallest lighthouse on the West Coast, Pigeon Point Light Station, Pescadero, CA.

3. Pescadero

To circumnavigate redwood-topped mountains, visiting this coastal town due west of San Jose requires traveling a fair distance north or south. So when day-tripping to Pescadero from San Jose, I recommend a circular path that loops through Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay before returning to San Jose on I-280. The total drive time is about two and a half hours, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Start your day trip to Pescadero at the Pigeon Point Light Station . Standing 115 feet tall on a craggy cliff overlooking the ocean, it is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. Stretch your legs, watch for wildlife, and breathe in the fresh, salty air by taking a scenic walk along the trails that surround the lighthouse.

Olallieberry Pie at Duarte's Tavern, Pescadero, CA.

Be sure to stop at Duarte’s Tavern for lunch. A Pescadero establishment dating back to 1894, the tavern is now a James Beard Award-winning eatery focused on creating mouthwatering dishes from freshly caught fish and locally grown produce. In fact, many of the ingredients come straight from the restaurant’s garden! No matter what you select for your main meal, be sure to start with a bowl of artichoke soup and finish with a slice of olallieberry pie. (If you haven’t tried an olallieberry before, it’s a little like a blackberry.)

Next, work off some of those delicious calories by heading inland for a little forest bathing under a canopy of old-growth redwoods at Butano State Park . With 40 miles of trails, you can enjoy everything from a guided nature walk to a 1.5-mile hike on the Little Butano Creek Trail to a 5-mile trek on the Jackson Flats Loop. Be certain to take along a good pair of hiking boots, like these Regatta walking boots so you’ll be comfortable.

Pro Tip: To cure a craving for Duarte’s artichoke soup after you’ve returned home, try whipping up a batch yourself with this recipe .

Hanging grapes at the Livermore Valley Vineyard, Livermore, CA.

4. Livermore

While Napa is popular with wine lovers (and a recommendation you may find on other San Jose day trips lists), you won’t see it on mine. Not only is it pushing my two-hour limit from San Jose (especially with traffic), but once you’re in Napa, you will want to slow down, enjoy the amazing scenery, taste the world-class wine, and savor the delicious food without having to get back in the car for the long return trip to San Jose.

But fear not, fellow wine lovers. I have an alternative recommendation!

Home to more than 45 amazing wineries , Livermore is just 45 minutes north of San Jose, so you can be chilling with a chardonnay or sipping a syrah in Livermore well before you’d even arrive in Napa. And the award-winning wines produced in the Livermore Valley are fantastic.

Travelers can typically visit about four wineries during a day of wine tasting. If you only have one day to spend in Livermore wine country, I recommend visiting McGrail Vineyards and Murrieta’s Well , where the delicious wines are accompanied by breathtaking views; Wood Family Vineyards , where the wines are produced by one of the few female vintners in the region; and Mitchell Katz , where the tawny port is better than any dessert you’ll ever eat.

Pro Tip: Before you head to wine country, be sure to brush up on your wine tasting etiquette !

Sustain yourself with a midday bite at the Garre Cafe , where the menu is packed with delicious options from small bites to salads and sandwiches to full entrées. And fuel up with dinner at Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard or the First Street Ale House before heading back to San Jose.

5. San Francisco

With its world-famous Golden Gate Bridge and clanging cable cars, it’s easy to see why San Francisco draws millions of visitors a year. Just an hour north of San Jose (when the traffic gods are smiling on you), there is so much to see and do in San Francisco that it’s impossible to tackle it in one day. However, The Golden City is a fantastic day trip from San Jose for folks who have visited before and want to cross a few specific activities off of their travel bucket list.

From visiting Alcatraz to riding the cable cars and from free activities to hidden gems , you’re sure to discover day trip activities that pique your interest with these amazing articles published at TravelAwaits . And whether you pick a place in San Francisco’s Chinatown or grab a sourdough bread bowl of chowder on Fisherman’s Wharf, be sure to savor the local flavors before calling it a day in the City by the Bay.

6. Berkeley

Another urban day trip from San Jose is the college town of Berkeley, about 90 minutes north of San Jose. I recommend starting your day by touring the Cal campus, strolling through the school’s botanical garden , and enjoying the panoramic views from the Campanile (officially named Sather Tower).

Then head down to the marina where you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline in a whole new light from across the bay on a clear day. Drink in the views while dining on delicious seafood at Skates on the Bay or strolling along the waterfront trails.

Or head to Fourth Street where you can enjoy perhaps the best pancakes on the planet at Bette’s Oceanview Diner . Whether you order a short stack of buttermilk pancakes or an apple brandy souffle pancake, your taste buds will tell you to purchase a copy of The Pancake Handbook before you leave.

In the surrounding Fourth Street shopping district , you’ll find everything from fashion and beauty products to home goods and specialty stores. One unique experience that may not be available where you live is the Amazon 4-star store, a retail space with a selection of highly rated items (you know, like at least four stars at Amazon.com) that you can explore to discover products you’ll love.

Pro Tip: Here are several other fun things to do in eclectic Berkeley , California.

From quaint coastal towns to wine country and bustling urban areas, these are some of the best day trips from San Jose, California.

Bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time, Sage Scott is addicted to travel. From her nomadic upbringing in a military family to her personal and professional travels as an adult, Sage has visited all 50 states, lived abroad twice, and explored nearly 30 other countries.

Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage writes with a midlife traveler’s perspective from Kansas City — the Midwestern cowtown affectionately called the Paris of the Plains and the undisputed Barbecue Capital of the World — and is always in search of new experiences whether in her hometown or halfway around the world.

9 Best Day Trips from San Jose California

The San Jose area, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a plethora of exciting day trips for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're seeking a beach getaway, a wine tasting adventure, or a cultural experience, there's something for everyone within a short drive from San Jose. In this blog post, we'll explore the best day trips from the San Jose area, including coastal towns, bustling cities, and picturesque wine regions. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures that are just a stone's throw away from San Jose.

Just a short 45-minute drive from San Jose, Santa Cruz is a quintessential California beach town that makes for a perfect day trip. With its laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking coastline, and vibrant cultural scene, Santa Cruz has something for everyone. Here are some highlights to explore during your visit:

Beaches and Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Enjoy the stunning amusement park right on the beach, with ocean views overlooking Monterey Bay

Main Beach and Cowell Beach: Soak up the sun, play beach volleyball, or catch some waves at these popular beaches.

Outdoor Activities

Surfing: Santa Cruz is known for its excellent surfing opportunities, so grab a board and hit the waves.

Hiking and Biking: Explore the beautiful redwood forests and coastal trails in the area, such as Wilder Ranch State Park or Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Local Cuisine

Healthy Eats: Santa Cruz is known for its healthy cuisine and love for local businesses

. Be sure to try some fresh, locally-sourced dishes at popular eateries.

Craft Breweries and Wineries: Sample local craft beers and wines at various tasting rooms and breweries in the area.

Cultural Experiences

Live Music: Santa Cruz offers a diverse music scene, with venues hosting rock, jazz, blues, and electronic music performances

Art Galleries and Museums: Visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History or explore local art galleries to appreciate the area's creative side.

With its close proximity to San Jose and a wide range of attractions, Santa Cruz is an ideal day trip destination for those looking to escape the city and enjoy the best of California's coastal charm.

Half Moon Bay

About an hour's drive from San Jose, Half Moon Bay is a charming coastal town that offers a refreshing escape from the city life. With its stunning coastline, quaint downtown area, and numerous outdoor activities, Half Moon Bay is the perfect destination for a day trip. Let's explore some of the highlights you can enjoy during your visit:

Scenic Coastal Views

Montara State Beach: Just north of Half Moon Bay, this beautiful stretch of coastline is known for its rugged cliffs and picturesque views.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve: Located 20 minutes up the coast, this reserve is a great spot for tide pooling and exploring the diverse marine life.

Charming Downtown Area

Main Street: Stroll through the heart of Half Moon Bay, where you'll find a variety of shops, galleries, and boutiques.

Historic Points of Interest: Discover the tiny Half Moon Bay Jail and the beautifully restored Johnston House, both located near downtown.

Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails along the coast, such as the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail or the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

Beaches: Relax at Half Moon Bay State Beach or venture further to the picturesque beaches between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.

Fresh Seafood: Indulge in delicious seafood dishes at local restaurants, such as Sam's Chowder House, where you can also catch a glimpse of surfers riding the waves.

Farm-to-Table Dining: Enjoy the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients at various eateries in the area.

With its close proximity to San Jose and a wide range of attractions, Half Moon Bay is an ideal day trip destination for those looking to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Northern California coast.

San Francisco

Just a quick 1-hour drive from San Jose, San Francisco is a bustling city known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural scene. As a day trip destination, San Francisco offers a wide range of attractions and experiences that cater to all interests. Let's take a look at some of the must-see spots during your visit:

Iconic Landmarks and Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge: Marvel at this world-famous suspension bridge and take in the stunning views of the bay.

Alcatraz Island: Visit the infamous former prison and learn about its fascinating history.

Fisherman's Wharf: Explore this lively waterfront area, home to Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and numerous shops and restaurants.

Diverse Neighborhoods and Cuisine

Chinatown: Wander through the bustling streets of the oldest Chinatown in North America and sample authentic Chinese cuisine.

The Mission District: Discover the vibrant murals, galleries, cafes, and bookstores in this culturally diverse neighborhood.

North Beach: Experience the Italian heritage of this charming neighborhood, known for its cozy cafes and delicious Italian eateries.

Arts and Culture

Museums and Galleries: With over 50 museums and hundreds of galleries, there's no shortage of ways to be inspired in San Francisco.

Performing Arts: Catch a show at one of the city's many theaters, showcasing everything from Broadway productions to cutting-edge performances.

Golden Gate Park: Explore this massive urban park, home to the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the Japanese Tea Garden.

Twin Peaks: Hike to the top of these iconic hills for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

With its close proximity to San Jose and a wealth of attractions, San Francisco is an ideal day trip destination for those looking to experience the excitement and diversity of this iconic city.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley, a world-renowned wine region, is just about a 1.5-hour drive from San Jose, making it an ideal day trip destination for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. With its picturesque vineyards, quaint towns, and vast rolling hills, Napa Valley provides a refreshing escape for those looking to indulge in the finer things in life. Here are some highlights to explore during your visit:

World-Class Wineries and Vineyards

Wine Tasting: Sample exquisite wines at over 400 world-class wineries, each offering unique tasting experiences.

Vineyard Tours: Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy the stunning scenery on guided tours of the vineyards.

Gourmet Dining Experiences

Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Treat yourself to a memorable meal at one of Napa Valley's many acclaimed restaurants.

Farm-to-Table Dining: Savor the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients at various eateries throughout the region.

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soar above the valley and take in the breathtaking views from a hot air balloon.

Hiking and Biking: Explore the beautiful landscapes of Napa Valley on foot or by bike, with numerous trails and parks to choose from.

Art and Culture

Art Galleries: Discover the vibrant art scene in Napa Valley, with numerous galleries showcasing local and international artists.

Museums: Learn about the history and culture of the region at various museums, such as the Napa Valley Museum.

Napa Valley's close proximity to San Jose makes it an excellent day trip option for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and allure of California wine country. With its diverse array of outdoor activities, culinary delights, and cultural experiences, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in this enchanting region.

Monterey, a beautiful coastal town situated on the southern edge of Monterey Bay in Northern California, is just about a 1.5-hour drive from San Jose. With its rich history, stunning ocean views, and diverse attractions, Monterey makes for an excellent day trip destination. Let's explore some of the highlights you can enjoy during your visit:

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the top aquariums in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea otters, jellyfish, and sharks.

Interactive exhibits and educational programs make it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

Cannery Row

Once the center of the sardine-packing industry, Cannery Row is now a lively waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Stroll along the scenic promenade and take in the views of the bay.

Fisherman's Wharf

This historic wharf offers a variety of dining options, souvenir shops, and opportunities to spot sea lions and other marine life.

Take a whale watching tour or enjoy a scenic harbor cruise.

Kayaking: Paddle through the calm waters of Monterey Bay and get up close with sea otters, harbor seals, and other marine life.

Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails along the coast, such as the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

Fresh Seafood: Indulge in delicious seafood dishes at local restaurants, many of which offer stunning ocean views.

Wine Tasting: Sample local wines at various tasting rooms in the area.

With its close proximity to San Jose and a wide range of attractions, Monterey is an ideal day trip destination for those looking to experience the beauty and charm of California's central coast.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque coastal village located just about a 1.5-hour drive from San Jose, is the perfect day trip destination for those seeking a charming and relaxing getaway. With its enchanting architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant art scene, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a unique and memorable experience. Let's dive into some of the highlights you can enjoy during your visit:

Picturesque Village

Fairy-tale Cottages: Stroll through the quaint streets lined with ivy-covered cottages and cobblestone alleyways.

Colorful Buildings: Admire the charming architecture and vibrant colors of the buildings throughout the town.

Art Galleries and Boutique Shops

Art Scene: Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its thriving art community, with numerous galleries showcasing local and international artists.

Unique Shopping: Browse through the boutique shops, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Beautiful Beaches

Carmel Beach: Relax on the soft white sands of this stunning beach, known for its cypress trees and scenic views.

Nearby Coastal Communities: Explore the neighboring towns along the picturesque Monterey Peninsula, each offering its own charm and attractions.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Scenic Hiking Trails: Discover the breathtaking coastal trails and diverse wildlife at Point Lobos, just a short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Whale Watching: During the migration season, catch a glimpse of gray whales from the reserve's shoreline.

Fine Dining: Indulge in delicious meals at some of the town's renowned restaurants, many of which offer locally-sourced ingredients.

Wine Tasting: Sample local wines at various tasting rooms in the area, showcasing the best of California's wine country.

Carmel-by-the-Sea's close proximity to San Jose makes it an excellent day trip option for those looking to immerse themselves in the charm and beauty of this enchanting coastal village. With its diverse array of attractions, stunning scenery, and laid-back atmosphere, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in this captivating destination.

Just about an hour's drive from San Jose, Gilroy is a charming town known as the Garlic Capital of the World. With its unique culinary attractions, outlet shopping, and local wineries, Gilroy makes for an enjoyable day trip destination. Here are some highlights to explore during your visit:

Garlic Capital of the World

Gilroy Garlic Festival: Held annually, this famous festival celebrates all things garlic, featuring gourmet garlic dishes, live entertainment, and cooking demonstrations.

Garlic-themed Restaurants: Indulge in delicious garlic-infused dishes at local eateries, such as The Garlic City Cafe.

Outlet Shopping

Gilroy Premium Outlets: Shop for great deals at over 145 designer and brand-name stores, offering everything from clothing to home goods.

Local Wineries

Wine Tasting: Sample local wines at various wineries in the area, such as Hecker Pass Winery and Solis Winery.

Vineyard Tours: Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy the beautiful scenery on guided tours of the vineyards.

With its close proximity to San Jose and a variety of attractions, Gilroy is an ideal day trip destination for those looking to experience the unique charm of this garlic-loving town. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a bargain hunter, or a wine lover, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Gilroy.

Located just about an hour's drive southeast of San Jose, Livermore is a charming city in the Tri-Valley region, known for its wineries, outdoor recreation, and shopping opportunities. With its warm sun and wide-open spaces, Livermore makes for a delightful day trip destination. Here are some highlights to explore during your visit:

Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours

Livermore Valley: Home to over 50 wineries, Livermore Valley offers a diverse range of wine tasting experiences.

Top Wineries: Visit renowned wineries such as Retzlaff Vineyards, Concannon Vineyard, and McGrail Vineyards and Winery.

Outdoor Recreation

Del Valle Regional Park: Enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in this beautiful park, which also features a lake for swimming and boating.

Fantastic Hiking Trails: Explore the numerous trails in the Tri-Valley area, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

San Francisco Premium Outlets: Shop for great deals at this popular outlet mall, featuring over 180 designer and brand-name stores.

Diverse Dining Options: Savor delicious meals at various eateries in Livermore, ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes.

Livermore's convenient location and variety of attractions make it an appealing day trip destination for those looking to experience the charm and beauty of the Tri-Valley region. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a shopping aficionado, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Livermore.

Situated just about a 40-minute drive from San Jose, Capitola is a whimsical and colorful seaside town in Santa Cruz County. Known as California's oldest seaside resort town, Capitola offers a picturesque and relaxing atmosphere for a day trip. Here are some highlights to explore during your visit:

Capitola Village

Charming Atmosphere: Stroll through the vibrant streets of Capitola Village, home to numerous boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Esplanade Park: Enjoy concerts and events at this park, which fills with music throughout the year.

Capitola Beach

Relaxing Spot: Unwind on the soft sands of Capitola Beach, a family-oriented and dog-friendly location.

Scenic Views: Take in the breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and the mouth of Soquel Creek.

Surfing and Boating: Capitola offers fishing and boating services, as well as a popular surf break.

Soquel Creek: Explore the creek that runs through the town, adding to its charm and natural beauty.

Diverse Dining Options: Savor delicious meals at various eateries in Capitola, ranging from seafood restaurants to cozy cafes.

With its close proximity to San Jose and a variety of attractions, Capitola is an ideal day trip destination for those looking to experience the charm and beauty of a quaint California beach town. Whether you're a beach lover, a food enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing escape, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Capitola.

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10 Incredible Day Trips From San Jose, California

ten incredible day trips from San Jose, California

I’ve lived in San Jose my entire life, so I’ve been accustomed to taking day trips from San Jose since before I started driving. All the spots I’ve highlighted below are places I have been to multiple times (I’ve even stayed overnight in nearly every one of these towns and cities).

Each day trip from San Jose is unique, and no matter which direction you choose to head in, you’re bound to encounter mountains and trees, beaches and coastland, or metropolitan areas – whatever your travelust desires. One thing is guaranteed: these excursions are sure to be adventures and most likely, you’ll want to return to these locations again and again, as it’s difficult to see it all the first time around.

Read on to find out my top picks for ten incredible day trips from San Jose, California!

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Table of Contents

Carmel-By-The-Sea

Drive Time From San Jose: 1.5 Hour s

Carmel-By-The-Sea is one of the prettiest day trips from San Jose. This exclusive seaside city showcases plenty of eye candy with unique art galleries , fine-dining restaurants, delectable bakeries, and expensive boutiques. Comparable to Hollywood’s Rodeo Drive , you might spot one of Carmel’s famous residents, Clint Eastwood, or Brad Pitt, who recently purchased property in this quaint town . For an amazing (albeit pricey) meal with a breathtaking view, head to Eastwood’s Mission Valley Ranch .

Travel Tip: Even if the forecast calls for high temperatures and sunny skies, dress in layers if you plan to be in Carmel-By-The-Sea during evening hours as the ocean breeze picks up once the sun goes down.

A couple freeway exits from Carmel is the beautiful coastline of Monterey . Although you could technically visit both seaside towns in a day, Monterey could easily be a dedicated day trip from San Jose. Don’t miss Cannery Row for its historical value and modern transition into restaurants and specialty shops. If you love marine life, book a whale-watching tour on a boat for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean . Try Old Fisherman’s Wharf for delicious seafood cuisine. Or simply relax by the beach.

P.S. Grab a girlfriend (or two) and head to any number of antique shops around the city. One spot not to miss is Cannery Row Antiques Mall, which features more than 100 sellers and is located in one of the old Cannery Row buildings.

Pismo Beach

Drive Time From San Jose: 3 Hour s

Even as a California native, I still squeal in delight as the Highway 101 scenery transforms from miles of farms to crystal clear water and clusters of mountains . Located on the Central Coast, many Bay Area residents prefer to stay overnight at Pismo Beach because of the three-hour drive. Don’t let that deter you. This is still one of the best day trips from San Jose. Pismo Beach offers six miles of beaches , a pier and boardwalk with tourist shops, fishing and surfing, even ATV riding! Arrive early and head to Beachin Biscuits for an American-style comfort food breakfast .

If you have the time (and don’t mind heights), take Highway 1, the longer, scenic route back to San Jose for breathtaking views. Pack a camera and snap some shots of the spectacular mountains, gigantic rocks, trees, and Pacific Ocean as you pass through Big Sur on the return trip.

Drive Time From San Jose: 1 Hour

Due to Santa Cruz’s size, tourists can visit many sections of town in just a few hours. Start off at the beach. Then, after some time in the sun, head up the stairs to the boardwalk for amusement park rides . Take a quick walk to the wharf to go fishing. Or check out beachwear at the gift shops, and dine at a variety of seafood restaurants, like Riva Fish House , which offers indoor and outdoor seating, quality food, and non-touristy prices. For more restaurants and shopping, drive out five minutes by car to the hip downtown area , busy during weekday evenings and weekends.

Although Santa Cruz is just 30 miles from San Jose, the time it takes to get there will drastically depend on when you leave. During weekdays, it’s best to hop onto Highway 17 after 10 a.m. to avoid rush hour . On a weekend, depart before 11a.m. or you might get stuck in traffic for more than an hour.

Known as the garlic capital of the world , let your nose guide you to Gilroy, one of the most unique day trips from San Jose. Approximately 30 miles away from San Jose, Gilroy has something for everyone. Amusement park Gilroy Gardens is great for families, boasting 500 acres of rides and botanical gardens . For adults sans-kids, you can’t go wrong with wine-tasting. Gilroy has more than 30 wineries and tasting rooms to choose from. Shopaholics of all ages can check out Gilroy Premium Outlets, featuring 145 discount stores. After a day of rides, wine-tasting, or shopping, stop in at neighborhood favorite West Side Grill for one of their daily specials.

Pro Tip: During summer months, Gilroy can be unbearably hot. If you’re heat sensitive, try going early to avoid the hot afternoon hours, and bring water to stay hydrated.

San Francisco

No list of day trips from San Jose would be complete without mention of San Francisco. Narrowing down where to go when visiting the ‘city by the bay’ is nearly impossible, but here are some places not to miss on a one day whirlwind trip : Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf for tourist shops, restaurants, and sea otters hanging down below. Ghirardelli Square for shops and of course a stop at the namesake itself for a delicious chocolate fudge ice cream sundae. More hot spots to check out include the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park (complete with multiple museums, a flower conservatory, playgrounds and more), the famous Ferry Building which features a wide array of eateries and stores to browse through, and last but not least, Alcatraz, which must be booked in advance as tickets sell out quickly .

Travel Trip: If possible, extend this trip by at least two days, (your feet will thank you). A car is not needed, as many destinations are close by and it’s even possible to walk from Chinatown to the water. If you prefer wheels, Uber and another San Francisco mainstay, the cable car, will do the trick! If you do rent or drive a car, don’t leave anything inside, as car break-ins have become more frequent in recent months.

Past San Francisco, after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the most charming day trips from San Jose – Sausalito. At first glance, the small coastal city could be mistaken for a European town with its brightly-colored houses and buildings situated on steep hills overlooking the bay. The adorable downtown area is full of diverse restaurants, upscale shops and plenty of ocean views from every angle. Grab a coffee, a plate of pasta, or a pizza from Taste of Rome , a casual Italian restaurant just two blocks from the downtown strip and sit inside for a cozy atmosphere or outside for the fresh sea breeze.

P.S. Make this day trip into a two-for-one by taking the 25-minute ferry ride (just steps from the downtown area) across the Bay to San Francisco.

Napa Valley

Drive Time From San Jose: 1.5 Hours

Another quick day trip from San Jose is Napa Valley. Consisting of Napa, St. Helena, and Calistoga, Napa Valley is one of the most renowned areas for wine-tasting . No matter your preferred wine of choice, there is sure to be a winery that will please your palette. A favorite is Castello di Amorosa , featuring a 13 th -century castle situated upon a steep hill overlooking Napa Valley , complete with farm animals milling about the expansive property. Extra time? Book the wine train , an impressive 36-mile journey where you can enjoy a meal and sample wines while taking in magnificent views of the valley.

Be sure to check out downtown Calistoga too for superb restaurants and tranquil downtime. For something faster-paced, book a hot-air balloon in advance (or just get up early to watch them lift off during clear weather).

Drive Time From San Jose: 4 Hours

One of the longest day trips from San Jose (and definitely one that’s worth an overnight stay ) is Lake Tahoe, a sprawl of blue nestled in the Sierra Foothills . Surrounded by mountains, trees and sparkling water, Lake Tahoe is divided into North and South; both are equally beautiful, offering a wide range of activities, no matter what season you visit. In the winter, take advantage of up to fifteen ski resorts scattered throughout Tahoe, where tourists can ski, snowboard, or even snow-tube (for a less risky snow activity). In the warmer months, enjoy hundreds of hiking and biking trails and beaches for more outdoor adventures.

For a truly mesmerizing experience, drive around the lake (approximately 70 miles) and make sure to stop along the way to take photos.

Berkeley may best be known as a college town boasting UC Berkeley, but this San Jose day trip destination has so much more to offer than just the university. Featuring a vast downtown area , Berkeley is vibrant . It’s a haven for music lovers with an abundance of shops to cater to that passion. There are also plenty of independent and small business stores to get lost in. After shopping and wandering, head to one of many family-owned eateries to fuel up your energy. Staying until evening? Attend a concert at Greek Theater , where popular bands often perform.

Travel Trip: Berkeley is the gateway to both San Francisco and the East Bay, and BART is easily accessible and affordable for transportation.

Did you enjoy this list of day trips from San Jose? What are your favorite day trips from San Jose? Let us know in the comments below! As always, we love hearing from you.

Contributing Writer

Tina Casalino is a published writer with 20 + years experience. A graduate of San Jose State University, she received her B.A. in English with a minor in journalism. An avid traveler, she loves to explore new places, and her favorite country to visit is Saint Raphael, France. She lives in San Jose, California with her fiancé and 3 cats (but wishes she lived in France).

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30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California

By Chirasree Banerjee

Last Updated On March 10, 2022

In United States

If you’re looking for amazing day trips from San Jose, California, look no further than these 30 beautiful destinations. In this blog post, we will explore 30 different day trip ideas from San Jose .

Whether you’re looking for a nature-filled adventure or a chance to explore some of California’s most famous landmarks , these best day trips have something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect day trip today!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Pinnacles National Park – An escape into the wild!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is a hidden gem just two hours away from San Francisco, offering an enticing blend of rugged landscapes and remarkable wildlife.

Although smaller than some of the other national parks in California , it punches above its weight with breathtaking rock formations sculpted by ancient volcanoes millions of years ago and an array of outdoor activities.

Hike scenic trails, watch for the rare California Condor, and explore the fascinating talus caves. My blog post – Exploring Pinnacles National Park in a Day: What Can You See? – offers a comprehensive guide to make the most of your visit!

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Pinnacles National Park to make your next day trip from San Jose unforgettable. Also, don’t forget to stop at the visitor center and buy a souvenir for your memories .

A trip to Pinnacles is one of the best day trips from San Jose to refresh in the wilderness.

2. Muir Woods National Monument – One of the best day trips from San Jose, California

Located just an hour and a half from San Jose, Muir Woods National Monument is a must-visit for nature lovers. This beautiful park is home to towering redwoods, and it’s a great place to go for a hike or a picnic.

The grandeur of the redwoods is something that will take your breath away. The tall, large, lush redwood trees soar up into a vivid blue sky.

The branches wave in the wind, and the birds fly across its crown. The woods themselves are so dense – the way the light comes in, it doesn’t shine directly in, it just filters through in pieces.

It’s a different kind of light, and it’s really beautiful. Explore these ancient giants who have stood watch over us since before recorded history began!

The scenery at Muir Woods is simply stunning. With a little sunlight and fresh air to invigorate your soul plus views so breathtaking they’ll make any photographer’s heart skip beats- this spot has it all!

READ MORE: 19 Best North Bay State Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area

Feel the reel below 💖

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chirasree Banerjee (@travelrealizations)

3. The Monterey Bay Aquarium – An escape into another world!

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great option for a day tour.

Deep under the sea, a colorful world exists, and if we get a chance to peep into that world for a day, the excitement knows no bound.

If you visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you will love watching another world in slow motion through giant glass windows.

One of my favorite exhibits in this aquarium is the 28 feet kelp forest enclosure, which is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the whole wide world.

If you want to take a break and relax, then head over to the food area. Sit near a window, order a sandwich and see the boats sailing by.

If you have kids, check out the play area too. Buy a souvenir from the aquarium gift shop. I remember buying a stuffed red octopus that resembles an original Octopus I found in one of the exhibits.

Tip: After exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium, head towards Cannery Row and enjoy a delicious dinner at an open-air patio!

You can also listen to a Self-Guided Audio Tour while exploring the historic sites along Cannery Row where John Steinbeck was inspired.

Travel Tip : There are plenty of ways to enjoy a beautiful day in Monterey! Read my Monterey travel guide about the Top things to do in Monterey .

4. Napa Valley and its scenic drives – Enjoy the luxury!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Napa Valley

Wine lovers rejoice! Napa Valley has some of the world’s best wines. It is an ideal destination for those who want to tour various vineyards while sampling wines at various tasting rooms.

The scenery is just as amazing as the wine in Napa Valley. Also, go for a scenic drive to enjoy while you sip on some delicious wine.

A drive through the Silverado trail is my favorite. This scenic route winds through the heart of Napa Valley .

You’ll find winding roads that lead through picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. You can also cruise through the back roads of Calistoga and Spring Mountain and visit the 3.4 million-year-old Petrified forest .

Walk among majestic petrified redwood giants and step back in time. You can also choose to explore the back roads of Coombsville AVA (AVA stands for American Viticultural Area), a quick scenic drive.

This is one of the most unexplored regions of the valley where you can enjoy a slower pace and a taste of country life.

Tip: Autumn is the best time to visit the wine country. I especially love seeing the spectacular fall colors in Napa Valley .

Whether it’s for a week, a day, a glass or a meal – when the time is right, experience the Napa Valley Spirit for yourself. Visit Napa Valley

5. Marin Headlands – A scenic escape!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands

If you’re looking for a day trip with incredible views, consider exploring Marin Headlands. This area is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and offers stunning vistas of the Bay Area.

You can explore the area by hiking or cycling, and there are also plenty of places to stop for a picnic lunch.

6. Capitola – A quirky escape!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Capitola

Capitola is a cheery beach with candy-colored houses. It is the oldest seaside resort town in California.

If you are looking for a picturesque, quaint, and relaxing vacation destination then Capitola village fits just perfectly.

I enjoyed a leisurely walk at the Capitola wharf and witnessed a stunning sunset. I often feel that a long, wandering walk is the best way to imbibe the sights, sounds, and smells around us.

You can go fishing from Capitola Wharf (no fishing permit required when fishing off the pier). Also, look out for the frequent flowers left on the wharf’s railing that add an additional pop of color to the vibrant village scene.

I also loved the beautiful murals sprinkled in and around the Capitola village and the wharf. I love the way murals revitalize public spaces .

You’ll find excellent culinary options in this popular beachfront destination. Also, you can explore New Brighton State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and Seacliff State Beach.

If you’re lucky you might even catch a local surfing competition. Capitola is large enough to enjoy diverse activities yet small enough that it can be explored on foot.

While there are many beach towns along California’s beautiful coastline, there’s only one Capitola. I love visiting this quaint beach town and I highly recommend it both for a day trip or a weekend trip from the Bay Area .

Interesting fact: On 18 August 1961, residents in the town of Capitola, California, awoke to find sooty shearwaters slamming into their rooftops, and their streets covered with dead birds.

News reports suggested domoic acid poisoning (amnesic shellfish poisoning) as the cause. This incident inspired the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film ‘The Birds’.

7. Almaden Quicksilver County Park – A historical landmark in Northern California!

Are you looking for a day trip that is both fun and educational? Then be sure to visit Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

Located in South San Jose, Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a sprawling park that covers over 4,163 acres and is home to miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding.

Additionally, this popular park features several historical sites, including the remains of the New Almaden mercury mine.

During early spring , the park offers one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region. This park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, thanks to its beautiful scenery and abundance of wildlife.

Tip: Choose the Hacienda entrance to the park. It features the iconic New Almaden bell tower and outdoor mining museum in the parking lot of the Hacienda Entrance.

Also, don’t miss seeing St. Anthony Church, located within a minute of walking distance. It is one of the oldest churches in San Jose, a nd features beautiful architecture.

8. Point Reyes National Seashore – A breathtaking grandeur of nature!

A trip to Point Reyes National Seashore has many layers of beauty. When I saw large herds of tule elk, native to California, basking in the sun on a green valley, it gave me a bucolic feeling.

While walking through the Cypress tree tunnel , a must-see place, on the way to Point Reyes Lighthouse, I felt that I have left the cacophony of the modern world somewhere afar.

I loved the wildness of the Pacific when I spent a day at Drakes Beach. With the beautiful view of the vast expanse of the Pacific ocean from above, Point Reyes National Seashore is a gem.

While walking to Point Reyes Lighthouse, I got to see a gorgeous sunset. The white visitor center sparkled along the way ❤️.

I greeted the twilight with the symphony of the evening wind. This natural sanctuary is a refuge for us mortal souls.

I would highly recommend savoring all the attractions slowly while exploring the bucolic and the wild.

READ MORE: 50 Top Things To Do in Point Reyes, California

Relish an Instagram reel below 💖

9. Half Moon Bay – A top day trip from San Jose, California

I always enjoy a day trip to Half Moon Bay , a small city on the California coast. I think one of the best things about a day trip to Half Moon Bay is that it’s so close, but still feels like an escape.

With all its breathtaking views and activities waiting around every corner, Half Moon Bay is a perfect destination for a day trip from San Jose.

A few of my favorite spots are the Ritz Carlton – a luxurious hotel located right on the coast with free coastal access, Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel in Moss Beach, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, and Cowell-Purisima Trail for a beautiful hike.

Enjoy a virtual hike at Cowell-Purisma Trail below 💚

READ MORE : 46 Top Things to Do in Half Moon Bay, California.

10. 17 Mile Drive – A best and must-do day trip from San Jose, California

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, 17mile drive, Lone Cypress

The 17-mile drive is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and it’s a must-visit from San Jose. The drive winds through dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, mystical forests, and iconic golf courses.

You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful sights in the area, including the inspiring Lone Cypress, Crocker Grove – home to the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in existence , look at the untouched beauty at Fanshell Beach, Point Joe, and Spanish Bay.

At the end of your drive, take a stroll by the beautiful golf course and the Pacific Ocean at The Lodge – a luxurious Pebble beach resort.

The coastal access is open to the public. Finish your day after dining at one of the restaurants at The Lodge at Pebble Beach.

Tip: Admission to 17-Mile Drive is $10 per vehicle. Check out the 17-mile drive map .

Fun fact: Novelist Robert Louis Stevenson was said to have roamed the hills and dunes that now shape the first five holes at Spyglass Hill.

The stunning scenery was supposedly his inspiration for the book, Treasure Island .

11. Palo Alto – the birthplace of silicon valley

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Hp Garage, Birthplace of Silicon Valley

If you want to imbibe some Silicon Valley vibes, then head to Palo Alto and explore its various corners.

Palo Alto is home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world. Visit HP Garage, the birthplace of silicon valley tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined residential street near Stanford University.

The HP Garage stands today as the enduring symbol of innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. You can visit the Stanford University campus and the Cantor Center for Visual Arts .

You will have a great time, believe me.

12. Pacific Grove – the Butterfly town

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove, the small town is beautiful all year-long. But the magic carpet or the blooming ice plant that graces Pacific Grove’s shoreline at Perkins Park during the spring makes it one of the perfect destinations for spring break .

Also, from October through February, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to Pacific Grove, cluster together on pine, cypress, and eucalyptus trees in the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.

Due to this unique phenomenon, Pacific Grove is nicknamed Butterfly Town and gives us another reason to visit Pacific Grove during the holiday season.

Another quirky place I like in Pacific Grove is a vibrant butterfly house . You have to see this in person ❤️. I especially enjoy its laid-back vibe – a Xanax for the soul!

Tip: Mark the exact address of the house full of butterfly sculptures and artwork – 📍309 9th St, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

13. Carmel-by-the-Sea – An escape to a beautiful beach town!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Carmel-by-the-sea

Another great option for a day trip from San Jose is Carmel-by-the-Sea , one of America’s Top Beach Towns.

This charming town is known for its art galleries, quaint shops, and world-famous golf courses, givi ng it a disti nctive Europea n vibe.

Exceptional dining, wine-tasting rooms, and boutiques make it an ideal place to relax. You can spend the day exploring or relaxing on Carmel Beach.

If you are in the mood to go for a hike, then take the scenic road starting at 8th Avenue and ending near Martin Way.

It meanders above the bluff overlooking Camel Beach through sculptured Monterey Cypress trees.

Travel Tip: There are plenty of ways to enjoy a beautiful day in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Read my travel guide about the Top things to do in Carmel .

14. Stockton – An offbeat day trip from San Jose, California

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Stockton, Wat Dhammararam

Explore Stockton on a day trip from San Jose. Stockton is a city on the San Joaquin River, in California’s Central Valley, the most productive agricultural region of Califor nia and one of the most productive in the world.

There’s a lot to see and do in Stockton, California. My favorite is Wat Dhammararam, a Cambodian Buddhist temple in Stockton.

This temple features over 90 colorful and larger-than-life jewel-encrusted statues that celebrate the life and story of the Buddha, in a Cambodian setting.

One thing that I loved the most was the sculptures depicting the scenes which Gautama Buddha witnessed when he was a prince.

I have read about those scenes and realizations of Buddha many times but seeing them in the form of sculptures was remarkable.

Also don’t miss Pixie Woods – a lovely amusement park that is perfect for kids of all ages. Discover Pixie Woods’ enchanted forest and magical pathways and be transformed by a world of imagination and wonder.

If you love doing a picnic in the park, then Louis Park beside Pixie Woods is a perfect option.

15. West Cliff Drive and Natural Bridges State Bridge in Santa Cruz – Oh nature!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, West Cliff Drive

If you are not in the mood for a long drive then here is an easy day trip from San Jose . I n less tha n a n hour, you can reach West Cliff Drive – a scenic, 3-mile promenade i n Sa nta Cruz .

While walking the path I often stop to take in the refreshing views of the Pacific. Soak up the sun and do some people-watching before heading to the Natural Bridges State Beach.

This park and beach is an excellent vantage point for viewing shorebirds, migrating whales, as well as seals and Sea otters playing offshore.

Further along the beach, public access tidepools offer a glimpse into life beneath the sea, while low tides reveal sea stars, shore crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life.

The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring.

Tip: Visit Natural Bridges Monarch Trail from late October and all of November to go for a walk and observe the monarch butterflies which flock here in late autumn and stay here throughout the winter months.

16. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco – A beautiful park in a beautiful city!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Sculpture garden at De Young Museum in San Francisco

If you’re looking for a fun day out in San Francisco, look no further than Golden Gate Park. With plenty of activities to keep you busy, it’s easy to spend a whole day here without getting bored.

To start your day, make your way to the Music Concourse. This beautiful open space is home to a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.

You can also find a number of food trucks here, so it’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch. After you’ve eaten, wander over to the California Academy of Sciences .

This world-renowned museum is a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco. It’s home to a variety of exhibits, including an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum.

Next, head to the Japanese Tea Garden. This stunning garden is one of the most popular attractions in Golden Gate Park, and it’s easy to see why.

With its pagodas, ponds, and koi fish, it’s a true haven of peace and tranquility. Just beside the Japanese Garden is the de Young Museum, San Francisco’s oldest museum.

De Young Museum is a fine arts museum and is perfect for intellectual stimulation, reflection, and contemplation.

Also, go for a walk in their sculpture garden and enjoy a cup of coffee at the de Young Café in their outdoor setting.

There’s plenty to see inside the Golden Gate Park, so make sure you set aside enough time to do it justice. No matter what you choose to do, Golden Gate Park is a must-visit for anyone traveling to San Francisco.

Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not rent a bike and explore the rest of the park? 🙂

Book your tickets for 1. California Academy of Sciences 2. De Young Museum

17. Museums in San Francisco – For enriching day trips!

If you are someone who always seeks to expand her frontier of knowledge then museums are often a nice place to start with.

I love how museums are like a book you can open up and always find new things inside, that inspire and stimulate.

I like getting lost in someone else’s world especially when all my own proposals don’t seem quite as feasible at times 😉.

The various museums in San Francisco with their unparalleled exhibits on art & science alike lure me. I have bee n to almost all the exciting museums in the city.

I spent delightful days exploring both classic-style museums and new-era immersive exhibits in San Francisco.

So, if you want enriching day trips on any of your weekends, choose any one of the museums below or all and explore. Here are my best picks.

One of my favorite places to go when I want something different is the San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art, or SFMOMA because they have amazing exhibits featuri ng the best of moder n art!

It makes me think.

I remember visiting the exhibition on the effervescent pop art of Andy Warhol and enjoyed it thoroughly. Book tickets for SF MOMA

Legion of Honor

If you want to explore classical Europea n art, then Legion de Honor Museum is a great place to visit. They have an amazing collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts focussi ng primarily o n art from Europe.

I remember seeing a sculpture of an eye by a Swiss artist and I was awestruck by its detail. I’d definitely recommend Legion of Honor to get a taste of Europea n museums right here i n Sa n Fra ncisco.

Book tickets for Legion of Honor .

Exploratorium

The Exploratorium in San Francisco is one of the top 10 science museums in the United States and provides a fertile platform for curious minds.

It encourages everyone to wonder – What? How? Why? Abstract concepts of science are displayed in an easy-to-understand format and are highly interactive. Book tickets for Exploratorium .

Tip: After spending a whole day exploring a museum, if you have some extra time, how about a fun activity?

How about a cable car ride at night 💖 ? Cable cars have come to symbolize San Francisco along with the Golden Gate Bridge.

A cable car ride in San Francisco at night is definitely an experience you won’t forget. The city is lit up and the views are spectacular.

The cars themselves are quite old and rattly, but that only adds to the charm. Make sure to hold on tight though, as these cars can move pretty fast!

Tip: Explore the Exploratorium at night with special Thursday programming (18+)

18. Explore the Presidio of San Francisco and spend a cultural evening in the city

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, The open lawns of the Presidio, San Francisco with the iconic red share chairs!

If you want to combine outdoor activities along with indoor ones on your day trip then Presidio in San Francisco is a great option.

This former military base is now a national park, and there’s plenty to see and do there.

One of the highlights of Presidio is the Main Parade Ground, where you’ll find rows of bright red chairs, affectionately called “share chairs”.

It’s a great place to relax with unbeatable Golden Gate Bridge views , and during the warmer months, a great spot for a picnic.

Another popular spot and my favorite in Presidio is the Lovers Lane trail and Wood Line to the right. Wood Line is an iconic work by one of the world’s most renowned artists, Andy Goldsworthy.

Made up of eucalyptus branches sourced from various park projects that required tree removal, Wood Line is more than 1,200 feet in length.

You have to see this outdoor art installation of trees that winds their way through the peaceful eucalyptus forest in person.

This secluded spot is perfect for a romantic stroll. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum while you’re in Presidio.

This unique museum is dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney, and it’s a must-see for fans of his movies and cartoons.

Tip: After spending a beautiful day at Presidio, you can catch a show of the San Francisco Ballet or Listen to live music from the San Francisco Symphony at the Davies Symphony Hall.

You can also check for ongoing exhibitions in the city. I remember visiting the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit – a unique experience.

19. Big Sur – An unmissable escape from San Jose!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge

If you are in the mood for a long drive, then choose Highway 1 and drive to Big Sur , one of the best places for a day trip from San Jose.

Also, this is the best way to experience California’s breathtaking coast. With the Pacific Ocean as a constant companion, a sense of vastness permeates into our being while driving here.

The winding curves will take your breath away with their stunning views. Every turn here is beautiful. You can always choose to pull over at numerous turnouts and take in the amazing views.

One place where you must stop is Bixby Creek Bridge. After all, it is one of the most photographed bridges in California!

If you want to go on a hike, especially after sitting inside the car for long, then head towards the Pfeiffer Falls trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

If you don’t feel like hiking, watch the water rush by in the Pfeiffer-Redwood Creek and relish a tasty dinner or afternoon coffee and snack in the Big Sur Lodge .

Perhaps it was one of the best coffee spots on this drive. If it is a sunny day and you enjoy outdoor sitting arrangements with stunning views, Nepenthe is also a great option for a sumptuous lunch.

20. Gilroy – Garlic Capital of the World!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy is a small town located in Santa Clara County, California. Gilroy is known for its garlic crop and a large garlic festival that takes place every year featuring various garlicky foods such as garlic ice cream, leading to the city’s nickname, the Garlic Capital of the World!

If you’re looking for a fun day trip to do with your family or friends, Gilroy is a great option! Some of the main attractions in Gilroy include Gilroy gardens, Mt. Madonna County Park , Mt. Madonna Center, and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.

Gilroy Gardens is a garden-themed family theme park. The park has 22 rides and 5 attractions and is perfect for some fun and run for the little ones and the whole family.

Don’t miss Axel Erlandson’s Circus Trees and a train ride through the garden! Mount Madonna Center is a nature preserve and retreat center that offers hiking trails, yoga classes, and other outdoor activities.

After spending a couple of hours in Gilroy Gardens, head towards the Mount Madonna Center – a peaceful haven where you can step back, slow down, contemplate, and get engaged in deeper conversations with members there.

You can also join one of their yoga classes. Please reserve your spot there before going. I loved this center and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple located inside.

I am not a particularly religious person but loved the spiritual and serene atmosphere.

Tip: If you are in the mood to go shopping then visit Gilroy Premium Outlets . It is one of Northern California’s largest outlet centers, where you’ll find impressive savings at more than 145 factory outlet stores.

21. Downtown San Jose – A world apart!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Downtown San Jose, The Tech Museum of Innovation

If you are in a mood to explore a town on foot then downtown San Jose is a great place to spend a day. There are plenty of things to see and do here. Explore them all at your pace.

Take a stroll through the Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

It is a popular place to hang out as it is located near museums such as The Tech Interactive and the illustrious San Jose Museum of Art. The park regularly attracts visitors with its musical performances and festivals.

I love the beautiful water fountains, flower beds, and even an open-air theater.

The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose is a must-see place for everyone, whether you are interested in technology or not.

At the heart of silicon valley, where new ideas emerge and lead us and have had such a profound influence on the world, a museum such as this is indeed expected.

All the exhibits here are interesting. Innovations in Health Care and Body Motion are two of my favorite exhibits. This museum entertains, educates, involves, and inspires. Book tickets for The Tech Museum

Also plan to visit the San Jose Museum of Art, located at a walkable distance from the Tech Museum of Innovation.

This premier modern and contemporary art museum in Silicon Valley has inspired me in different ways. I love seeing their well-thought exhibitions, all year round.

Whenever I visit this art museum, I am struck by the hanging colorful glass chandeliers by Dale Chihuly. Also do n’t miss the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph located in Downtown San Jose.

Tip: If you are tired after exploring the city head for a delicious dinner in one of the innumerable restaurants in downtown San Jose.

READ MORE: 54 Top Weekend Trips from San Jose, California – A Getaway Guide

22. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Whalers Cove

If you’re looking for a beautiful and serene nature escape among South Bay State Parks , Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is the place for you.

Among all of California’s 280 state parks, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has often been called the “crown jewel of the State Park System.”

Select a sunny day and go for a hike. It offers a wild, majestic landscape laced with 14 meandering trails. If you choose a trail along the shoreline, as I did, you will get to see innumerable seabirds along the way.

The soothing serenity and abundance of natural beauty here will nourish the painter, poet, or photographer in you. If you want to spice up the day with some adventure, then go for scuba diving.

The sea near Point Lobos is considered to be one of the richest underwater habitats in the world.

Don’t miss seeing Whalers Cove, a small cabin built by Chinese fishermen which is now a cultural history museum.

23. Oakland – A gorgeous city!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Lake Merritt, Oakland

Oakland is a beautiful city, and it’s definitely worth a day trip from Sa n Jose! There are so many things to see and do in Oakland, you could easily spend an entire day there. Here are some of the highlights.

Lake Merritt and its surroundings are perfect for a leisurely stroll. I often visit Lake Merritt especially around sunset for beautiful sunset photographs.

The reflection of the buildings, trees, and boats look stunning during the golden hour. But that doesn’t mean you have nothing else to do during the day.

Visit the adjacent Bonsai garden and spend some time savoring the beauty and diversity of these tiny plants.

Then visit the Oakland Museum of California to know the history of California and how it has evolved.

It is the best museum o n California by far, and you will be humbled and proud to know about how much influence it has had on the world! Don’t forget to check out the museum shop for some pretty cool souvenirs.

After exploring the museum, visit The Cathedral of Christ the Light , a new age church where Jesus Christ is created usi ng digital projectio ns.

Next head to Jack London Square. This is a great spot to take in the views of the Bay Area. You can also wander around the shops and restaurants, or take a boat ride.

24. Berkeley – The world-famous u niversity tow n near San Jose, California

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, UC Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a short and fun-filled day-trip destination from San Jose, consider Berkeley , California.

This vibrant city is home to some amazing attractions a nd is home to arguably the best public u niversity i n the world. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Berkeley.

1. Visit the University of California, Berkeley campus. This world-famous university is one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the country. Explore the campus and admire the impressive architecture.

2. Stroll down Telegraph Avenue. This vibrant street is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to people watch and soak up the city’s unique atmosphere.

3. Visit the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. This museum is home to a wide variety of art, from ancient sculptures to contemporary works. It’s also home to the world’s largest collection of independent films.

4. Be sure to stop at the Berkeley Rose Garden for some beautiful views of the roses in bloom.

5. Another great option is the 34-acre UC Botanical Garden. It is one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, with over 10,000 types of plants including many rare and endangered species.

25. Computer History Museum and Googleplex i n Mou ntai n View – An enriching escape!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Computer History Museum

Technology is changing the geography of our lives. Since we live in the heart of Silicon Valley, it is interesting to know the long history of technology and its revolutionary impact on the world.

Visit the Computer History Museum in Mountain View and discover stories and exhibits that inform and inspire, or satisfy your curiosity with hands-on activities.

The story of computing is invigorating and is driven by the human passion for tinkering, inventing, and solving difficult problems.

Spend a day here and you will go back home thinking about human ingenuity. Silicon Valley’s innovative tech culture is built up around a belief that Change is Good .

While exploring this museum, I was thinking about the changes brought about by technology to every aspect of our lives.

The pace of change confounds me often. This museum gave me a fertile ground to reflect upon many profound things directly related to our lives.

After exploring the Computer History Museum, head over to Googleplex in Mountain View – the corporate headquarters of Google. Enjoy a cool sculpture garden there before heading back home.

26. Healdsburg – For a taste of wi ne cou ntry i n So noma Cou nty

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Healdsburg is a city located in Sonoma County

If you want to plan an incredible wine country day trip in a quaint, yet mighty town then Healdsburg, located at the north end of Sonoma County is matchless.

Open outdoors with stunning natural scenery, delicious food and wine, and warm hospitality here is a true celebration of California life.

Settle in a relaxed atmosphere at any of the vineyards and escape to happiness. I highly recommend La Crema Estate at Sarlee’s Vineyard and Angeline – Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery .

If you are planning a trip here in spring don’t miss seeing the beautiful garden named Richard’s Grove at Sarlee’s Vineyard. Stroll through Healdsburg’s charming downtown district, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Be sure to stop by Healdsburg’s lovely central Plaza, a beautiful public square, which was named by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Town Squares.”

When people think of wine country, they typically think of Napa Valley. Napa and Sonoma are collectively known as California wine country, but despite being close to each other—only separated by a mountain range—both wine capitals are very different from each other. Sonoma’s wineries are more laid-back, less crowded and commercialized than Napa. Travel Pulse

27. Davenport, Santa Cruz – One of my favorite day trips from San Jose, California

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chirasree Banerjee | SF Bay Area, CA (@travelrealizations)

If you’re looking to slow down a bit then head towards Davenport, California.

Nine miles north of Santa Cruz, Davenport’s coastline is carpeted with mustard fields in spring and includes sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

Locals call this area SlowCoast. Relax at Davenport beach and see unique rock formations, including the “Shark Fin,” at Davenport Cove Beach.

Slip into this relaxing realm below through a YouTube short💙

28. Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton – An escape to a world of starry light and dark!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton

After your daily work, have you ever looked up and got lost in the beauty of the moon or the immense night sky? I am sure you have.

So, plan a drive to Lick Observatory, which is the world’s first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory.

Come here and get lost in the world of cosmos through its various exhibits. Listen to a short informal talk about Lick history while taking a look at the Great Lick Refractor in the 36-inch telescope dome for free .

Also, don’t forget to take a short walk to the Shane Dome to view the 120-inch Reflector. The Shane reflector is one of the major telescopes used to discover extrasolar planets.

Enjoy a cup of coffee in the adjacent garden and enjoy the view of the Santa Clara Valley from the parking lot at 4,209 feet.

29. Moss Landing State Beach and Salinas – A literary escape!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, National Steinbeck center

How can we live without our lives? How will we know it’s us without our past? John Steinbeck

Remember this beautiful and profound sentence?

This is by John Steinbeck, a winner of the Nobel Prize in literature. Spend a few hours exploring the National Steinbeck Center and I am sure you would love it.

Buy one of his books, the Grapes of Wrath being my favorite, from the museum and head towards Moss Landing State Beach.

In Moss Landing State Beach , relax and feel the sun while reading the book you bought. This is definitely off-beat but the creative indulgence is oh so satisfying!

I love this beach very much because it is easily accessible from the parking lot and is never very crowded. Later, you can also opt for whale watching, one of the must-do activities in Monterey .

Drive to Monterey Old Fisherman’s Wharf, where the boats set sail into the harbor with breathtaking sea views. Book your tickets for Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour.

Tip: Enjoy delicious Fish & Chips at Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery. 📍 7600 Sandholdt Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039

30. Steam Train Ride at Roaring Camp Railways – A bit of fu n a nd adventure!

30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California, Travel Realizations, Steam Train Ride at Roaring Camp Railways

If you are in the mood to do something fu n a nd adve nturous, consider a steam train ride at Roaring Camp Railways.

Embark on a steam train and ride through the towering green trees. and see how the light filter through the leaves.

Listen to the sound of the train rolling over the track. Within minutes, you will feel you are far away from the familiar cityscape.

The puffing sound of the train as steam is blown through the stack and the hissing of the air pump will take you away to a world of a bygone era.

After the refreshing ride, explore the adjacent Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for an invigorating hike amid the towering redwood trees. A ride on a steam train ride is fun for a child and adult alike.

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We live in a world where it’s all too easy to spend our days glued to screens. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with spending time indoors, it’s important to take time to enjoy the great outdoors as well.

A day trip from San Jose is the perfect opportunity to do just that. The sights, smell and sounds of a new place can be so refreshing, and they’re a big part of what makes travel so special.

Whether you’re hiking through the wilderness or exploring a charming town or museum, you’re sure to have a memorable day. So grab your camera and go!

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Leave a comment below if you have any questions, or DM me on Instagram @travelrealizations

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to 30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California. You may enjoy these other Bay Area and San Francisco travel guides:

Bay Area’s Best Redwood Hikes: A Comprehensive Guide
54 Top Weekend Trips from San Jose, California – A Getaway Guide
Bay Area weekend getaways on California Highway 1
San Francisco at Night: The Best Things to Do With Family
Super scenic Cypress Trees and Tunnels near San Francisco
Discover 80 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in San Francisco
100 Best Free Things to Do in the San Francisco Bay Area
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Exploratorium in San Francisco – When the Destination is Science!
San Francisco to Death Valley – A Super Scenic California Road Trip!
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50 Top Things To Do in Point Reyes, California
55 Top things to do in Napa Valley Besides Wine Tasting
31 Top things to do in Berkeley, California
33 Top Things to do and see in Los Gatos, California
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Chirasree Banerjee

Hello. My name is Chirasree. I have been traveling for almost 11 years to places all over the world. I enter into a separate reality during my travels and enjoy the allure of escape from the mundane. I seek beauty through nature and human-made creations. Because beauty is powerful. I seek knowledge. I observe, absorb, and write about the places I visit and the profound realizations and inspirations that each place has to offer.

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When I would vidir my brothers in San Jose, it was always fun to drive to Santa Cruz and ride the old roller coaster.

20 years living in L. A and l can only check off 7 of these! So many great trips, so little time. My next trip back for a visit, l need to check out a couple more.

What a great collection of places to add to my California bucket list! I feel like I only scratched the surface when I visited – you’ve given me so many more ideas for things to see! I definitely want to visit the Lick observatory now!

You thought of so many great ones! I used to live in CA, and you’re making me miss all the things to do. I love Carmel-by-the-Sea – one of my favs!

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Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill’s Café in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road. From here, head up H-17 toward Felton for your first stop at Roaring Camp Railroads . Catch the steam train for an unforgettable ride through the magnificent redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains until you reach the end of the line at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . Stroll the boardwalk to catch the laid-back surfer vibe and head to Cowell’s Beach for morning surf lessons.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, stay on the beach for a seafood sandwich, steamed clams and a bloody Mary at the Ideal Bar and Grill where you’ll fit right in with the bare-footed locals. The large patio is great for people-watching: look out for volleyball players. Then head down the wharf for some souvenir shopping or drift toward the harbor and hop aboard the 65' Team O'Neil catamaran and experience an adventure at sea.

Once back on land, go down the iconic West Cliff Drive to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to learn about the history of surfing – after all, you’re in surf city. If you’ve had enough surfing for the day, request an Uber and detour to Kelly’s French Bakery for a delicious, homemade dessert and espresso. Kelly’s is in a converted warehouse-turned-district that locals flock to shop boutiques and explore the brewery and wine tasting rooms. Wander through or take your goodies to go and enjoy them at Natural Bridges State Beach , one of the most-photographed beach icons in California.

Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a short drive down the coast to Capitola Village, California’s oldest seaside resort town, which today remains a popular spot full of unique charm and colorful architecture. There’s no shortage of seaside dining – you can’t go wrong with any dining choice here. Paradise Beach Grille offers tasty dishes accompanied by occasional live music and equipped with a bayside patio where you’ll watch the golden tones of the sun drape the town as evening sets in. We encourage you to stay the night as you’ve probably missed the last train departing the boardwalk. But no worries: Zelda’s offers an exceptional breakfast and you’ll get the opportunity to do some shopping in the mercantile. After, head back to Santa Cruz and enjoy the day on the boardwalk before catching the train back.

A breathtaking view looking down at McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Monterey Bay Day Trip

Mountains, redwoods and the gorgeous Pacific Ocean; stunning natural beauty surrounds you in every direction. Whichever path you choose, there is plenty to see and do from San Jose to the Monterey Bay.

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Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Jose

a man with his hands up in the air showing peace sign in front of yosemite valley view

Begin your tour of Yosemite’s awe-inspiring monuments with a pickup in San Jose

The most time in Yosemite National Park—over 5 hours
Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove (conditions permitting)
Five more stops to explore Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View
2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley
Fully guided by a Yosemite Park expert
Convenient pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose

What’s Included

Pick up in downtown San Jose
Park reservation and entry fee (pay at checkout)
Hike to Yosemite’s Giant Sequoia redwoods
Local expert guide (English)
Foreign language audios in 8 languages

Please note: This season’s greatest-of-all-time waterfalls have led to a surge in Yosemite park visitors. So you can have the best possible experience, our new “early bird” itinerary is designed to beat the crowds and avoid delays at the popular attractions. Please note the new earlier hotel pickup times.

Description, experience yosemite in a day from san jose.

Join us on this breathtaking tour of Yosemite National Park, whose towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature trails are perhaps the most stunning in the world. This award-winning tour spends the most time in Yosemite and includes a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoia trees .

Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Jose. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.

Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views

After entering Yosemite National Park, we’ll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan , Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.

Once you’ve had your fill of photographs from this perch overlooking the valley, the tour will arrange a memorable stop where you can get eye to eye with wispy Bridalveil Fall.

Have Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure

After arriving at our main stop in Yosemite Valley , you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.

Take a Moment with More Iconic Monuments

Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.

Feel the Quiet Grandeur of Giant Sequoias

The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe, we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

06:15 AM to 10:30 AM - San Jose Pickup, Head to Yosemite

Convenient hotel pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose
Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Admire Views of Yosemite Valley

Enter Yosemite National Park
Stop to ogle and photograph Tunnel View
Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome

12:30 PM to 2:30 PM - Explore the Valley On Your Own

Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
Have lunch (meal not included)

2:30 PM to 3:30 PM - Stops at El Capitan and Valley View

Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM - Hike to Giant Sequoia Redwoods

Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of redwoods
Hike the nature trail to the Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Return to San Jose

Descend the Sierras as you return to San Jose
Break for dinner
Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays. Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour

What Our Guests Are Saying About Us

What a day!!!

Once I got in the van, the adventure started! I felt safe, knew where we were going and the plan for the tour. Bud driver and guide were super friendly, went out of their way to make the most of the experience and were very thoughtful of the needs of the visitors. They really made it a great day I won’t forget. Thank you for a great experience, I’ll be back!!!

Viktoria Rethmeier , Google

I had a blast in Yosemite

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Fer Mijangos, Google

I didn't know if one day was going to be enough, it's obviously not enough but Lars my tour guide did a great job with explaining everything and giving us tips about the park. I loved the giant sequoias hike, shared the road with some chipmunks and deers. I liked the fact that he gave us free time to do what we wanted to do, I like hiking so I used my time for that. He did a great job telling us about Yosemite and the area's history, being a mexican I really enjoyed listening to the "other side of the border" version.

The Yosemite Tour with Giant Sequoias was incredibly well planned and on point.

It was perfect to see everything you want to see in one day there in Yosemite. The short hike of 50 minutes to see the Giant Sequoias was perfect to get a feel of this kind of experience there, and the shuttle rides around the main sights and to the picnic area were perfect to keep you cool (with A/C) and rested. Everything I wished to see was seen on the tour with time to stop at each. John, our guide, was entertaining and smart. He handled the whole day with care and great attitude. I would book again with this company and I highly recommend this tour!!

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies

Erin Harris, Google

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies but we are so glad we went this route for Yosemite! Our tour guide Denise was so personable and a wealth of knowledge about not only the park but also the Bay Area and regions we drove through. She had great recommendations for after the tour, gave us as much time as she could inside the park and had such a positive outlook on life in general. This company and industry both are better with Denise in it! Thank you for helping us make memories that will last a life time, Denise! Look us up if you make it to the Midwest!

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it.

Karim Maarouf, TripAdvisor

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it. It was a long day which started with a limousine pickup that took the small number of people from the Fairmont San Jose to a meeting point with the bus that would take us to Yosemite. The total drive was about 4 hours, but was quite interesting. The views were very nice and along the way our tour guide Denise gave us a lot of interesting information about the area we were driving through. Once we arrived to Yosemite, we proceeded to an area with the giant redwoods. We had about an hour to hike down to the redwoods and back up again, which was enough to enjoy them. Then we proceeded to a viewpoint over Elcapitan and half dome. The views from there were quite nice. After that we had some free time and were given some tips on where to go. I hiked to the waterfall and walked around a river there. The views were amazing and I also saw some wild animals. Finally, we went to another viewpoint, which was up close to Elcapitan. There Denise gave us so much information about the climbers there and shared a lot of interesting stories. Then began our long drive back home. All in all I would definitely recommend this trip. Especially if you only have one day. Otherwise, you should think about staying over at least one or two nights. There was so much to be done there.

We had a great day with Rob as our guide.

He was helpful, humorous and a very safe driver-thankfully. The tour itself was great. We were able to see highlights such as the giant sequoias, bridal veil falls, El Capitan and half dome. Rob lent us his binoculars to view climbers on El Capitan. What a place!

Jessica Thiessen, Google

He did a great job explaining what each sight was. He also gave lots of info about San Francisco on the way down which was great. Great trip overall. We loved it!

It's a great tour

Nikunj B , TrustPilot

We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job. Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining. Yosemite is magical and one day tour isn't enough. But if you are short of time and get the most from your day, choose this tour. Few things to keep in mind. Keep your water bottles and food with you. Go on weekdays for better all round experience. If you want to travel solo and website doesn't seem to allow solo booking, contact their customer support and convince them.

Our guide Mike was super professional

Our guide Mike was super professional all the time and our whole trip was really fun with him! I'd definitely recommend this tour to other friend!

Suhye Seo, Google

So much fun!

I’ve been dying to see Yosemite for years. I am a flight attendant and had a long layover in San Jose. I ubered 30min to the 7-eleven pickup area. The tour was great! Loved my guide. I had 2 hours to explore and hike the lower area of the Yosemite falls.

Brenna Skipper , GetYourGuide

And we had an hour and a half to go look at the giant sequoias. That walk was about 2.5 miles, going uphill back. It was tough but the trees were beautiful! (It’s optional whether you wanna walk the trails or not there).. the stops for food on the way there and back we’re great too!! Highly recommend this tour! :)

It definitely beats driving yourself!

It definitely beats driving yourself to and from the park after a long day of hiking, but I'm glad I read through ALL the reviews before going - the San Jose groups gets picked up by a shuttle that takes them to Livermore where they wait for the bus with everyone from San Fran.

Daniel Lim, GetYourGuide

Our Van was on time, you also definitely have to count on the other 30ish people in the tour group to make it back onto the bus on time when we stop for food or pictures. However, if you pack your patience cap its still a wonderful day. Our tour guide, Andy, went above and beyond. He was super knowledgeable both about the history of the area, but is also a geologist and has a lot of experience with the outdoors which he was very excited to share. He also went out of his way to help take pictures for people on our tour who wanted photos of themselves with the iconic sites.

, TripAdvisor

The hike is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. Individuals with respiratory issues or not used to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.

Is a day enough time to see Yosemite?

Our incredible 1-day tour to Yosemite from San Francisco visits all the top attractions, like Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and (conditions permitting) the Giant Sequoias.

How can I travel around the park during my free time?

Walking is the best form of transportation in the Valley. We do not recommend public transportation or park shuttles during your free time since you cannot be certain about getting back to the tour vehicle on time. The most popular attractions are a short distance from the drop-off point near Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Can I use my annual pass for the United States National Parks to enter Yosemite for free?

Sorry, but no. The entrance fee we pay to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on the individuals, and the entrance is located at a toll gate – not on foot. Therefore, the tour cost includes the admission fee.

Do you offer this tour in different languages?

Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.

What should I bring with me on tour?

The weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable and you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature. We recommend that you dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops). Bring along a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, hat and sunscreen, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it’s a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park.

What stops do we have for photographs?

Your Yosemite tour will make 5-6 stops for you to exit the vehicle and take some photographs although weather and traffic conditions may require your driver to alter the itinerary slightly. The usual stops are: Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.

What can I do during my free time in Yosemite Valley?

Nice and easy hikes through Cook’s Meadow or to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Swinging Bridge can all be done during your free time. On clear days, biking to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake or the Ahwahnee Hotel are great choices. Finally, the Ancel Adams Gallery is a wonderful showcase of the artist’s work. We do not recommend taking the park shuttle since the timing of the return trip can be unpredictable.

S et in the heart of the Central Valley of Costa Rica, San Jose (the capital city of Costa Rica) boasts rich culture and history that easily blend with modern architecture, and despite what you may have heard (or read), there are plenty of fun things to do and places to go here that’d genuinely make your stay memorable.

To make it easy for you to plan your vacation, I’ve researched some of the top things to do in San Jose Costa Rica so you don’t have to. Make arrangements for a free walking tour or a paid San Jose city tour and check out all of them!

Please do remember that the San Jose International Airport is about 30 minutes from downtown San Jose, where most of these activities are located. If you want to truly explore San Jose, the best thing to do is to spend a day or two in the city to try all of the great San Jose restaurants and explore the city more in-depth. If you choose to stay longer, there are a ton of great day trips from San Jose that you can explore too. (My favorites are the Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens , and the Espiritu Santo coffee plantation .)

Once you are finished visiting San Jose, you may want to look into another Latin American capital city . One that’s on my bucket list is Havana, Cuba as I’ve heard there are lots of things to do in Havana .

National Stadium

The National Stadium is not only a sight to behold; it’s also one of the best places to catch some of the most mind-blowing sporting concerts and events Costa Rica offers. Located west of La Sabana park, the newly built master arena is the most modern and one of the largest in Central America, accommodating more than thirty-five thousand sports fans in its three decks of seating.

Here, you can get tickets for fabulous soccer matches or cool concerts from famous artists like Shakira, Coldplay, or Lady Gaga. And don’t worry if you can’t find a seat next to the field or stage; each end of the arena has enormous TV screens where you can see a close-up of every action!

You can drive here yourself or use public transportation. However, bringing a car may not be the best way to get here, especially on match or concert days, as there isn’t enough parking. To avoid the hassle, just hop into a taxi or catch one of the trains that run to Sabana station.

La Sabana Park

Another awesome place to spend your time during your stay in San Jose would be the La Sabana Metropolitan Park. If you’ve been to New York’s Central Park, you’ll definitely love being here, as the vibe is pretty much the same – there’s a vibrant atmosphere and verdant, well-maintained greenery where you can just relax and soak in the gorgeousness of the giant skyscrapers surrounding the area.

On the days when there are no matches at the stadium, you can come here and feed the geese by the pond, indulge in various outdoor activities including jogging, biking, rollerblading, tennis, and picnicking, or just hang out with loved ones on one of the benches. Although this park can be a little crowded during the weekends, it’s a great place to mingle with the locals or simply wind down and reconnect with nature in the bustling city center.

Jade Museum

If you’re a history buff, the Jade Museum is a must-see. Located west of Plaza de la Democracia on the Avenida Central, just down the road from the iconic National Museum, this historic building houses a wide and diverse collection of artifacts showcasing rich Costa Rican history.

Here, you will find Pre-Columbian jade, adzes, tables, wood, ceramics, decorative pieces, and other artifacts dating from 500 B.C – 800 B.C carefully displayed in a renovated space. Expect to spend up to two hours touring all five floors of displays. There’s a café and restaurant on site where you can grab a drink or some munchie to keep those energy levels up as you explore the exhibits.

Got children? You’ll be happy to know that there are giant puzzles, excavation role-play, and other exciting kid-friendly activities to keep the little ones entertained.

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is situated under the Plaza de la Cultura and houses one of the largest and most diverse collections of gold items in Latin America, making it an important destination for history and art lovers.

A guided tour of this museum will give you a chance to explore over 1,600 Pre-Columbian gold artifacts including jewelry, religious icons, handmade ceramics, and the country’s very first coin; it’s a great way to learn the history of the precious metal.

If you’ve got some time left, check out the two other currency-related museums located in Plaza de la Cultura – the Casa de Moneda and the National Coin Museum. The Casa de Moneda will showcase the minting history and the National Coin Museum will have displays dating back to 1236, all of which will get you learning more about the history of Costa Rican currency.

National Museum of Costa Rica

In the heart of downtown San Jose at Bellavista Fortress is another incredible art gallery, the National Museum, that offers impressive displays of indigenous and Pre-Columbian artwork, archaeological and geological items, and religious artifacts linked to the Ticos’ colorful history.

What was once a military barracks is now a center for studying, classifying, and protecting natural and artistic products, allowing visitors to explore ancient cultures dating thousands of years back.

While the fantastic collection of pre-Columbian artifacts including medallions, ornate jewelry, and gold statues will truly transport you back in time, do not miss the beautiful glass atrium butterfly garden at the entrance that showcases the country’s natural beauty or the building itself that still has bullet holes from the Civil War of 1948.

National Theatre (Teatro Nacional)

If you’re a fan of performing arts, then you definitely want to put the National Theater on top of the list when planning your day trips to downtown San Jose. Located on Avenida Segunda, the historic building has been entertaining both locals and foreigners with opera, symphony, and other fine art since 1897.

Apart from enjoying the alluring theatrical performances, the building’s neoclassical architecture, lavish finishings, and ornate interior will also be a true feast for the eyes. Several performances are held here every week!

Visit during the International Festival of the Arts that happens in March every year and watch San Jose transform into a giant stage with festivities and live concerts put together by the National Theater.

Children’s Museum

Visiting the Children’s Museum is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in San Jose with kids. The interactive, hands-on museum situated in the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture and which was once a military prison now allows kids to learn, play, and explore our everyday science and interact with other children in a safe environment.

There are over forty exciting exhibits that can be enjoyed by both children and adults including one that showcases the suffering the prisoners experienced in a building that’s now a fun and happy place. Don’t forget to check out the earthquake simulator; it’s just as fascinating!

Central Market

Although Costa Rica is not known for its vibrant markets a la Mexico and Colombia, the Central Market is the closest you will get to find the best of Costa Rica under one roof. And it’s a great representation of Costa Rica culture!

The traditional Costa Rican cuisine here is sublime, and local food is super cheap , so plan to have a meal here for sure. Then shop the herbal remedies, Costa Rican national dance costumes, and even some souvenirs before you head back out into the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose.

Museum of Costa Rican Art

Located near La Sabana and the national stadium, the Costa Rican Art Museum is worth visiting for art fans. You’ll find traveling exhibits from some of the area’s best artists, and a gorgeous sculpture garden out back. In all honesty, this isn’t the best of the tourist attractions for families traveling with young kids- teens and university students might enjoy it more.

The building itself is the crown jewel of the museum- it’s two stories built in traditional Spanish style. Make sure ot visit the library ot see the gorgeous carved wooden ceiling.

Wander just a bit and you’ll find street food stalls almost everywhere in downtown San Jose. Vendors sell everything from fresh fruit to fresh empanadas and pork tamales. Since you can drink the water in Costa Rica, you don’t have to worry as much about consuming street food- so eat away!

Artisans Market

Just south of the area where the National Theater and museums are is a cute little artesian market that sells the best of Costa Rican souvenirs and decent prices. I recommend stopping by to find some fun additions to your collection. They have everything from t-shirts to earrings to painted masks.

The post Top Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica appeared first on Pura Vida Moms .

Set in the heart of the Central Valley of Costa Rica, San Jose (the capital city of Costa Rica) boasts rich culture and history that easily blend with modern architecture, and despite what you may have heard (or read), there are plenty of fun things to do and places to go here that’d genuinely make...

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Costa Rica 2024 - 2nd Annual Wellness & Healing Retreat

Limón Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

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About this trip

Join me on the 2nd Annual Wellness & Healing Retreat which is not limited to but is curated with those who are survivors and/or diagnosed with Autoimmune Diseases, Cancers or who are actively trying to manage stress and anxiety. As a person diagnosed with both Crohn's Disease and Stage IV Endometriosis, I find it extremely important to host an annual retreat that is a mix of wellness and healing as well as fun and adventure.

This year's trip will be hosted in the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica which has a high Jamaican influence. You will fly into San Jose (SJO) Airport from your destination and from there I will transport everyone domestically within CR to Limon and shuttle transfer to Puerto Viejo.

*Inclusions* RT Airport Transfers RT Domestic Costa Rican Flights 4 Nights 4 Star Hotel Accommodations Transportation on all group activities English & Spanish Speaking Guides Welcome Bag Daily Breakfast 2 Lunches & 1 Welcome Dinner Spa Day - Yoga & Massage

White Water Rafting

Caribbean Beach Tour

Local Excursions & Tours Club/Bar Outings

*Does NOT include international flights or travel insurance*

Please note that all deposits and payments made are final sale, nonrefundable and nontransferable. You are strongly advised to get Travel Insurance with a cancel for any reason & medical policy.

What’s included

RT Airport Transfers San Jose to Limon (Flight) and Limon to Puerto Viejo (Shuttle)
Hotel 4 Nights Hotel Accommodations
Tours & Excursions Local tours, white water rafting, beaches & spa day
Some Meals Daily Breakfast, 2 Lunches & 1 Dinner
Transportation & Guides All group activities are guided & include RT transportation

What’s not included

International Flight Your RT flight from your home destination to SJO airport. *Please arrive by 1:30PM to SJO for transport to Limon*
Travel Insurance Liability & Medical Travel Insurance is highly recommended for you to add on in the event of cancellation, disruption, injury or loss.
Some Meals Meals with ($) in itinerary indicate meals that are NOT included

Available Packages

Payment divided into 3 monthly payments.

Full Payment Due at booking.

Available options

Guests fly into San Jose Airport (SJO) no later than 1:30PM

Flight to Limon Airport (45 mins)

Airport Transfer to Puerto Viejo the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Local Excursion Beach & Lunch ($)

Dinner ($)

Nightlife (Bars & Clubs)

Night Life / Salsa Lessons

-PV to Limon (Shuttle)

-Limon to San Jose (Flight)

Return Departure flights to your home destination (book 3PM or later)

San Jose to Vara Blanca
San Jose to La Fortuna de San Carlos
San Jose to Cartago
San Jose to Manuel Antonio
Up to 1 hour
1 to 4 hours
4 hours to 1 day
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4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

Vegamese L 7 contributions 0 4.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Day Tour to Poás Volcano, Café Doka and La Paz Waterfalls In October 2023 we went to Costa Rica for the Caribbean carnival in Limón and to visit the capital San José. In San José we booked the Day Tour to Poás Volcano, Café Doka and La Paz Waterfalls, to enjoy what the city and Costa Rica has to offer. It was an amazing tour, one of the best I ever experienced while travelling. The tour included entrance to the Poas Volcano, entrance to the Doka estate coffee farm and plantation with breakfast prior to the tour, and entrance to La Paz Waterfall Gardens (La Paz Waterfall). Also breakfast and lunch were included. It was a great experience, the guide was very knowledgeable about all sights, only thing was to not have rushed to see the waterfalls and have more time to take more quality pictures. He just wanted us to be there before the waterfalls were going to get more crowded with other tourists. I get that, but in this group there were also people above middle age, so just for safety concern and keep physical condition of each group in mind, a slower pace was appreciated. Read more Review of: Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour Written April 23, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
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How To Watch, Listen, Stream New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants

The New York Mets hope to keep up their winning ways as their west coast road trip moves to San Francisco to take on the Giants.

Author: Matthew Postins

In this story:

The New York Mets wrap up a six-game, west coast road trip when they head to San Francisco to take on the Giants at Oracle Park starting on Monday night.

The Mets (12-9) continue to rack up series wins, as they took two out of three from the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend. Since an April 11 win over the Atlanta Braves , New York has won eight of their last 10 games and won each of their last five series.

The Giants (10-13) are coming off losing three out of four from the Arizona Diamondbacks . Their biggest signing of the offseason, left-handed starting pitcher Blake Snell, hasn’t come around yet. But he’ll get another chance this series as he’s scheduled to pitch in the series finale.

Once the Mets get back home they’ll be there for a week, as a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals transitions to a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs before the next road trip begins.

Here is the preview for the game, with probable pitchers, how to watch, listen and more.

How to Watch, Listen to Mets vs. Giants

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco

Monday’s Game

Game Time: 9:45 p.m. ET

Television: SNY. Radio: WCBS 880, WINS 92.3 FM HD2. Watch on fubo.tv .

Probable pitchers

New York Mets: LHP Jose Quintana (1-1, 3.05)

San Francisco Giants: RHP Keaton Winn (1-3, 4.09)

Tuesday’s Game

Television: WPIX, MLB Network (out-of-market only). Radio: WCBS 880, WINS 92.3 FM HD2.

New York Mets: RHP Luis Severino (2-1, 2.14)

San Francisco Giants: RHP Logan Webb (2-1, 2.93)

Wednesday’s Game

Game Time: 3:45 p.m. ET

Television: SNY. Radio: WCBS 880, WINS 92.3 FM HD2.

New York Mets: RHP Sean Manaea (1-1, 4.12)

San Francisco Giants: LHP Blake Snell (0-3, 11.57)

Next Two Series

April 26-28: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

April 29-May 2: vs. Chicago Cubs

Fantasy Sports

Maller & Danny G. have another great Friday bonus broadcast! They talk: Garlic Day, Travel Log, Burned Gums, Way to San Jose, Great Outdoors, Gum Stains, Idiom of the Week, Foodie Fun, and more! ...Follow, rate & review "The Fifth Hour!" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fifth-hour-with-ben-maller/id1478163837 #BenMaller See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Day trips from San Jose San Francisco. San Jose might be the biggest city in the area, but it doesn't feel very urban at all. If tall buildings, hustle and bustle, and typical city life is what you're after, a day trip to San Francisco from San Jose will be perfect. You can drive 50 miles there (be sure to avoid Silicon Valley rush hour ...
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11. Muir Woods. Source: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / shutterstock. Muir Woods National Monument. One of the last remaining redwood forests in the San Francisco Bay area, the Muir Woods are only a couple of hours from San Jose and will transport you to another world.
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When the state of California was founded in 1850, San Jose became the first capital and has been an important place in California history since the city was founded in 1777. You'll be delighted by the the vast historic experiences and sights waiting to be discovered, as San Jose's vibrant past is celebrated by people, places and events ...
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The city also has a growing craft beer presence, and is in close proximity to what Conde Nast labeled as one of "the best wine regions to visit in 2019" (the Santa Cruz Mountains).. Simply put, San Jose is up-and-coming. It's a city with interesting stories to be told, beautiful sights to be seen, and incredible food, wine and beer to be enjoyed.
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4. Half Moon Bay. Half Moon Bay, CA. (650) 726-8380. Visit Website. Social Media. Open in Google Maps. Half Moon Bay is a small city located on the California coast, known for its string of beaches. This trip will only take 47 minutes and is one of the most scenic places near San Jose.
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Distance: 68 miles. This famous grove of coastal Redwoods named after environmentalist John Muir is one of the most popular draws of Marin county and one of the best ideas for a day trip from San Jose. Protected as a National Monument since 1908, this serene grove of old growth Redwoods has plenty of hikes with over 6 miles of trails to keep ...
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Monterey Bay Day Trip; Santa Cruz Day Trip; San Jose History Tour; 48 Hours in San Jose; Couples Weekend Getaway; Wear Your San Jose Pride. We're partnering with local shop Headliners for a fresh line of merch. Get your white logo tee in black here, and look out for more to come. Plus, sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive updates ...
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In 1976 the county of Santa Clara bought the mining property and began turning it into a regional park. Thirty-seven miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails, plus ruins of mining equipment and buildings. 21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose. 10. Raging Waters San Jose. If you visit San Jose during the summer, Raging Waters is a great place to cool off.
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1-Day Garabito Municipality Itinerary. 1-Day Alajuela Itinerary. 1-Day Cartago Itinerary. 1-Day Santa Ana Itinerary. 1-Day San Pedro Itinerary. Make the most out of your 1 day in San Jose by exploring these top visited places: San José Central Market, Braulio Carrillo Colina Park, Soda Tala #1, and Taco Bell.
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For a fall day trip from San Jose, California, head to Half-Moon Bay. From local beach towns for surfing to some of the best wine vineyards in the world, day trips from Santa Cruz are sure to please. With a prime location between major cities, popular attractions, state parks and sandy beaches, you couldn't ask for a better base than San Jose ...
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9. Carmel-by-the-Sea (from USD 7.0) Show all photos. Enjoy a beach excursion by going for a day trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea when in San Jose. A winding route of about 74.9 miles (120.53 kilometers) will take you to Carmel-by-the Sea from San Jose.
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22. San Francisco. 23. Santa Cruz. 24. Sausalito. 25. Silicon Valley. From San Jose, several day trips take visitors through the valley and beyond into San Francisco's Bay Area and Marin County to the north, or south.
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San Jose is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from San Jose, CA directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 73,976 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from San Jose to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend ...
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Another great coastal day trip from San Jose is the Monterey Peninsula. About 90 minutes south of San Jose, the 12-square-mile piece of land that juts into the Pacific is home to the towns of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, among others. Start your day trip to Monterey at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Once a sardine cannery, you ...
9 Best Day Trips from San Jose California
Just a quick 1-hour drive from San Jose, San Francisco is a bustling city known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural scene. As a day trip destination, San Francisco offers a wide range of attractions and experiences that cater to all interests. Let's take a look at some of the must-see spots during your visit:
10 Incredible Day Trips From San Jose, California
Carmel-By-The-Sea. Drive Time From San Jose: 1.5 Hour s. photo by mana5280. Carmel-By-The-Sea is one of the prettiest day trips from San Jose. This exclusive seaside city showcases plenty of eye candy with unique art galleries, fine-dining restaurants, delectable bakeries, and expensive boutiques. Comparable to Hollywood's Rodeo Drive, you ...
30 Best Day Trips from San Jose, California
I observe, absorb, and write about the places I visit and the profound realizations and inspirations that each place has to offer. California. 30 Best Day Trips From San Jose · 1 Pinnacles National Park · 2 Capitola · 3 Mount Hamilton . 4 Healdsburg . 5 San Francisco 6. Santa Cruz 7.
Santa Cruz Day Trip
The gorgeous and towering redwoods are the only thing separating San Jose from the beach, so this day trip provides an unforgettable journey over the hill to surf city, Santa Cruz. Morning Get an early start to the day with a delightful breakfast at Bill's Café in charming Willow Glen before hitting the road.
10 Day Trips From San Jose
9. Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley is a region with nebulous borders that include San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. For the purposes of a day trip, however, all you need to know is that Silicon Valley is located just 15 minutes from downtown San Jose.
Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Jose
Begin your tour of Yosemite's awe-inspiring monuments with a pickup in San Jose. Departure time: 6:15 am. Departure: Signia by Hilton San Jose. Duration: 15 hours. Free Cancellation: With 24 hours advance notice. Ages: All ages. Ticket: Email and mobile accepted.
Top Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
Visiting the Children's Museum is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in San Jose with kids. The interactive, hands-on museum situated in the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture and ...
THE 10 BEST Day Trips from San Jose
San Jose is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from San Jose, Costa Rica directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 141,857 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from San Jose to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming ...
Costa Rica 2024
This year's trip will be hosted in the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica which has a high Jamaican influence. You will fly into San Jose (SJO) Airport from your destination and from there I will transport everyone domestically within CR to Limon and shuttle transfer to Puerto Viejo. *Inclusions* RT Airport Transfers RT Domestic Costa Rican Flights
THE 10 BEST Day Trips from San Jose
San Jose is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from San Jose, Costa Rica directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 142,015 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from San Jose to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming ...
How To Watch, Listen, Stream New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants
The New York Mets wrap up a six-game, west coast road trip when they head to San Francisco to take on the Giants at Oracle Park starting on Monday night.. The Mets (12-9) continue to rack up ...
The Fifth Hour: "Attracted to a Metal Cock"
Maller & Danny G. have another great Friday bonus broadcast! They talk: Garlic Day, Travel Log, Burned Gums, Way to San Jose, Great Outdoors, Gum Stains, Idiom of the Week, Foodie Fun, and more!

One Day in San Jose Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in San Jose, California

What’s the best time to visit San Jose?

A few facts about San Jose

One Day in San Jose Itinerary

Start with a stylish brunch

Explore the Mystery

Time to head downtown

Enjoy a nice dinner with the locals

End the day with a stunning view

Where to stay in San Jose, California?

Hotel Valencia Santana Row

Day trips from San Jose

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Monterey and Big Sur

Extra tips for visiting San Jose

Time Your Visit with Big Events

Take Advantage of the Outdoors

Make sure you have everything you need

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15 Best Day Trips from San Jose (CA)

1. Santa Cruz

4. Half Moon Bay

5. San Francisco

7. Livermore

8. Sausalito

9. Silicon Valley

10. Carmel by the Sea

11. Muir Woods

12. West Cliff Drive

13. Monterey

14. Berkeley

15. Pescadero

15 Best Day Trips from San Jose (CA):

One Perfect Day in San Jose, California

Why Visit San Jose, California?

One Day San Jose Itinerary At-a-Glance

Option 1: San Jose Craft Beer Trail

Option 2: San Jose Area Wineries

Helpful Tips for Visiting the Wineries:

Where to Stay in San Jose, California

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25 Best Day Trips From San Jose — Places Nearby!

Best Day Trips From San Jose Compared

1. Silicon Valley (Editor’s Choice)

Ratings Criteria

2. Muir Woods

3. San Francisco

4. Half Moon Bay

7. Livermore

8. Sausalito

9. Santa Cruz

10. Carmel by the Sea

11. Alameda

12. West Cliff Drive

13. Monterey

14. Berkeley

15. Pescadero

16. Ano Nuevo State Park

17. Bodega Bay

18. Bodega Dunes

19. Capitola

20. Jack London State Historic Park

22. Mission San Juan Bautista

23. Nicasio

24. Pinnacles

25. Point Reyes National Seashore

Day Trip Guide

How I Picked The Destinations

Our Rating Method

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Should You Spend In San Jose?

How Do You Spend A Day In San Jose, California?

Is San Jose Worth Visiting In California?

Conclusion

20 Fun Day Trips From San Jose, California (Under 2 hours)

DAY TRIPS FROM SAN JOSE (MARIN, SAN FRANCISCO, EAST BAY PENINSULA)