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Exploring San Jose, California in 6 Days

Viewed by 97 travelers

Day 1: Downtown Discovery

San Jose, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bill's Cafe

Kickstart your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Bill's Cafe, renowned for its fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets.
Short drive or walk to Bill's Cafe
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore The Tech Interactive

Immerse yourself in interactive science and technology exhibits at The Tech Interactive.
Walk to The Tech Interactive
$20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at San Pedro Square Market

Grab a quick and diverse lunch at San Pedro Square Market, featuring local vendor offerings.
Stroll to San Pedro Square Market
$10-$20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit San Jose Museum of Art

Discover contemporary art at the San Jose Museum of Art, located conveniently nearby.
Walk to San Jose Museum of Art
$10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Original Joe's

Savor a classic Italian-American dinner experience at Original Joe's, a beloved San Jose establishment.
Drive a short distance to Original Joe's
$30-$40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 2: Coastal Charms in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Walnut Avenue Cafe

Enjoy a cozy breakfast at Walnut Avenue Cafe to energize for the day ahead.
Drive from San Jose to Santa Cruz (Approx. 45 minutes)
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Adventure

Have a thrilling time at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with its amusement park rides and beachfront fun.
Walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from Walnut Avenue Cafe
$40 (rides), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Indulge in a fresh lunch at The Picnic Basket offering gourmet sandwiches and salads.
Short walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to The Picnic Basket
$10-$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Natural Bridges State Beach

Discover the beauty of Natural Bridges State Beach with its unique rock formations and tide pools.
Drive to Natural Bridges State Beach from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Approx. 15 minutes)
$10 (parking fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Laili Restaurant

Unwind with a delicious Mediterranean dinner at Laili Restaurant in Santa Cruz.
Drive to Laili Restaurant from Natural Bridges State Beach (Approx. 10 minutes)
$30-$50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz

Day 3: Silicon Valley Tech Exploration

Silicon Valley, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Buck's of Woodside

Savor a unique breakfast at Buck's of Woodside, steeped in tech industry history and charm.
Drive from San Jose to Woodside (Approx. 30 minutes)
$20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Computer History Museum

Immerse in the world of computing history at the acclaimed Computer History Museum.
Drive to Computer History Museum from Woodside (Approx. 20 minutes)
$15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Counter

Enjoy a customizable burger experience at The Counter, a favorite spot for burger enthusiasts.
Drive to The Counter from Computer History Museum (Approx. 15 minutes)
$15-$20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Stanford University

Stroll through the picturesque grounds of Stanford University, known for its architectural beauty.
Drive to Stanford University from The Counter (Approx. 20 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bird Dog

Delight in modern and innovative dishes at Bird Dog, offering an exceptional dining experience in Palo Alto.
Drive to Bird Dog from Stanford University (Approx. 10 minutes)
$40-$60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Silicon Valley

Day 4: Wine Tasting in Livermore Valley

Livermore Valley, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Denica's Real Food Kitchen

Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast at Denica's Real Food Kitchen before embarking on a wine tasting journey.
Drive from San Jose to Livermore Valley (Approx. 45 minutes)
$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Wine Tasting at Wente Vineyards

Delight in award-winning wines and beautiful vineyard views at Wente Vineyards, a renowned family-owned winery.
Drive to Wente Vineyards (Approx. 15 minutes)
$20-$30, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards

Enjoy a delectable wine country lunch at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards with a scenic backdrop.
Short drive to The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards
$30-$40, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Golf or Bocce at Garre Vineyard & Winery

Engage in a round of golf or enjoy a game of bocce ball at Garre Vineyard & Winery for a fun afternoon.
Drive to Garre Vineyard & Winery from Wente Vineyards (Approx. 10 minutes)
$20-$40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Range Life

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Range Life, offering locally-sourced and seasonal dishes in Livermore.
Drive to Range Life from Garre Vineyard & Winery (Approx. 5 minutes)
$30-$50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Livermore Valley

Day 5: Beach & Nature Day at Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, overlooking the picturesque harbor.
Drive from San Jose to Half Moon Bay (Approx. 45 minutes)
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve

Embark on a refreshing hike through the redwood forest at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve.
Drive to Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve (Approx. 30 minutes)
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sam's Chowder House

Savor fresh seafood and majestic ocean views at Sam's Chowder House, a coastal dining gem.
Drive to Sam's Chowder House from Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve (Approx. 15 minutes)
$20-$30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Half Moon Bay State Beach

Unwind and enjoy the serene Half Moon Bay State Beach, perfect for a leisurely coastal stroll.
Drive to Half Moon Bay State Beach (Approx. 10 minutes)
$10 (parking fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Moss Beach Distillery

Experience a sunset dinner at the historic Moss Beach Distillery, known for its ghostly tales and ocean views.
Drive to Moss Beach Distillery from Half Moon Bay State Beach (Approx. 15 minutes)
$30-$50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Half Moon Bay

Day 6: Wildlife and Outdoor Adventure at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Boulder Creek, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast surrounded by ancient redwoods at Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters.
Drive from San Jose to Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Approx. 1 hour)
$15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hike to Berry Creek Falls

Embark on a scenic hike to the majestic Berry Creek Falls, encountering wildlife and lush greenery along the way.
Begin the hike from Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Redwood Grove

Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the towering redwoods in the peaceful Redwood Grove.
Short walk from Berry Creek Falls
$10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Spot Wildlife at Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail

Explore the diverse flora and fauna along the scenic Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, watching for wildlife encounters.
Continue the hike on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Black China Bakery

Rejuvenate with a comforting dinner at Black China Bakery, famed for its homely baked goods and local flavors.
Drive to Black China Bakery from Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Approx. 30 minutes)
$20-$30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Boulder Creek
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