Ultimate San Jose Adventure: A 3-Day Road Trip Experience

Day 1: San Jose Exploration

San Jose, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bill's Cafe

Start your San Jose adventure with a hearty breakfast at Bill's Cafe, famous for its delicious pancakes and hearty omelets that will fuel your day.
Located just 10 minutes from downtown San Jose by car.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Tech Interactive

Immerse yourself in the future at Tech Interactive, a hands-on science and technology center, perfect for tech enthusiasts and families alike.
A short 5-minute drive from Bill's Cafe.
USD25, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory

Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory, where you can indulge in classic Italian pasta dishes in a charming atmosphere.
Just a quick drive of 5 minutes from Tech Interactive.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the San Jose Museum of Art

After lunch, dive into the world of contemporary art at the San Jose Museum of Art, featuring a robust collection of work from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Only a 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Stroll through the Municipal Rose Garden

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the Municipal Rose Garden, with over 4,000 rose bushes and stunning views, offering a picturesque retreat from the bustle of the city.
Drive for about 10 minutes from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at La Mediterranee

Savor a Mediterranean dinner at La Mediterranee, known for its flavorful dishes and cozy ambiance - a perfect way to end your day in San Jose.
Just a 7-minute drive from the rose garden.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Santa Cruz Retreat

Santa Cruz, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Begin your day with breakfast at The Breakfast Bar, where you can relish scrumptious eggs benedict and local passions like the Aloha omelet.
About a 1-hour drive from San Jose via CA-17.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy the sun and fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an iconic amusement park on the beach offering rides, games, and snacks.
5-minute drive from The Breakfast Bar.
Free to enter, rides priced individually., 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Grab a fresh and locally sourced lunch at The Picnic Basket, featuring delectable sandwiches and salads in a casual setting.
A short walk of about 10 minutes from the boardwalk.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Natural Bridges State Beach

Head over to Natural Bridges State Beach, where you can admire stunning natural rock formations and enjoy some beach time.
Just 10 minutes by car from the lunch spot.
USD10 for parking., 2 hours

4:30 PM

Walk in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Immerse yourself in nature with a scenic hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where you can explore towering redwoods and serene trails.
About a 20-minute drive from the beach.
USD10 for parking., 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Shadowbrook

Conclude your day with dinner at Shadowbrook, a unique riverside restaurant known for its stunning views and delicious menu options.
20 minutes drive from Henry Cowell Redwoods.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: San Francisco Spectacle

San Francisco, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day in the City by the Bay with a classic breakfast at Mama's, known for their French Toast and crab omelets.
A 1.5-hour drive from Santa Cruz via CA-1.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Spend the morning at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can explore shops, watch sea lions at Pier 39, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Just 10 minutes from Mama's drive.
Free to enter, attractions may have costs., 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Treat yourself to a classic San Francisco sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder at Boudin Bakery, an iconic spot.
A 5-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry over to the infamous Alcatraz Island and explore its fascinating history via an audio tour of the prison.
Ferry terminal is close to Boudin Bakery.
USD40, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Golden Gate Park

Spend the late afternoon relaxing in Golden Gate Park, where you can stroll through gardens, lakes, and the Japanese Tea Garden.
A short 15-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Free, with nominal fees for tea garden., 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

End your 3-day adventure with an unforgettable dinner at The Cliff House, overlooking the ocean, offering a seasonal menu and breathtaking sunset views.
A 15-minute drive from Golden Gate Park.
USD40, 2 hours
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