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10-Day San Jose Family Adventure: Disneyland, Universal Studios, Escape Rooms & More

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: San Jose Exploration

San Jose, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bill's Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring homemade pancakes and hearty omelets at Bill’s Café.
Take the rental car or ride-sharing service to the café, about a 10-minute drive from downtown.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Tech Museum of Innovation

Dive into interactive exhibits and exciting tech displays that will ignite curiosity for kids and adults alike.
A short 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Bill's Café.
USD25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at San Pedro Square Market

Enjoy a selection of diverse food stalls offering everything from tacos to gourmet burgers.
10 minutes driving from the museum.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Winchester Mystery House

Take a guided tour through this architectural wonder full of twists and turns, ideal for the adventurous spirit.
Just a 10-minute drive from San Pedro Square.
USD42, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Oak Hill Memorial Park

Unwind at this beautiful park with serene landscapes and trails—perfect for family photos.
About 15 minutes drive from Winchester Mystery House.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Old spaghetti Factory

Dine at this family-friendly restaurant famous for its delicious pasta dishes in a charming atmosphere.
10-minute drive from Oak Hill.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure Day

San Jose, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast including signature egg dishes and fresh fruit.
15 minutes drive from your hotel in San Jose.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

THE BASEMENT: A Live Escape Room Experience

Engage in a thrilling escape room adventure that encourages teamwork and fun for the entire family.
About 20 minutes drive from breakfast.
USD120 (for family of 4), 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Spend time at this family-oriented park and zoo with entertaining rides and engaging animal exhibits.
15-minute drive from THE BASEMENT.
USD40 (family of 4), 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Phil's Fish Market & Eatery

Savor clams and chowder at this locally adored fish eatery.
30 minutes from Happy Hollow by car.
USD60, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Delve into ancient Egyptian artifacts with family-friendly tours that are informative and captivating.
20 minutes drive from lunch.
USD24 (family of 4), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Market

End your day with fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere right in downtown San Jose.
15 minutes drive from the museum.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature & Relaxation

San Jose, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Mediterranee

Enjoy a Mediterranean flair with fresh pastries and strong coffee to start the day.
10 minutes drive from hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike at Alum Rock Park

Experience the beauty of nature on a family-friendly hiking trail at this 720-acre park.
20 minutes drive from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch Picnic at Alum Rock Park

Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park amidst scenic views.
Pre-pack picnic before heading to the park.
USD30 (for picnic supplies), 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden

Stroll through this beautiful garden that promotes peace and serenity, perfect for relaxation.
30 minutes drive from Alum Rock Park.
USD12 (family of 4), 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Municipal Rose Garden

Marvel at over 4,000 rose bushes in full bloom, providing a fantastic backdrop for family photos.
15-minute drive from the Japanese garden.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Crepe Place

Wrap up the day with a variety of crepes that will please everyone’s palate.
20 minutes drive from the rose garden.
USD40, 1 hour
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Day 4: Disneyland Adventure

Anaheim, California

8:00AM

Breakfast on the Road

Grab breakfast at a nearby café before embarking on the drive to Disneyland.
Drive directly from San Jose to Disneyland.
USD30 (for family of 4), 1 hour

9:30AM

Arrive at Disneyland

Spend the day exploring the magical world of Disneyland, filled with rides, attractions, and fun for the whole family.
Driving will take approximately 4 hours.
USD480 (family of 4 - entrance), 8 hours

6:30PM

Dinner Inside Disneyland

Enjoy dinner at the Plaza Inn, famous for its fried chicken, while soaking up the magical atmosphere.
Walking distance from attractions within Disneyland.
USD80, 1 hour

8:00PM

Enjoy Disneyland Fireworks Show

End the day by watching the iconic fireworks show over the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
From the Plaza Inn, it's a short walk to the main plaza for the show.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: More Disney Fun

Anaheim, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Plaza Inn

Enjoy a character breakfast featuring beloved Disney characters that the kids will adore.
Right inside Disneyland.
USD120 (family of 4), 1 hour

9:30AM

Full Day at Disneyland

Continue your Disneyland adventure as you explore more rides and attractions before heading to California Adventure Park later.
Enjoy walking between attractions in Disneyland.
USD0, 8 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Downtown Disney District

Enjoy a fun dinner experience at Tortilla Jo's, where the family can indulge in Mexican cuisine.
Walking distance from Disneyland.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Universal Studios Experience

Universal City, California

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast offered by your hotel near Disneyland.
Prepare for check-out and travel to Universal Studios.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Universal Studios

Pack the car and head to the iconic theme park for a day filled with movie magic.
Driving takes around 30 minutes.
USD15 (parking), 30 minutes

10:00AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Experience rides and shows based on popular films, perfect for thrill-seekers in the family.
Walking distance within the park.
USD480 (family of 4 - entrance), 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at CityWalk

Dine at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for family-friendly seafood options.
Adjacent to Universal Studios.
USD80, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Hotel

Check-in to a hotel after a day full of excitement and adventure.
Drive back to your hotel or a nearby accommodation.
USD15 (for gas), 30 minutes
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Day 7: San Francisco Day Trip

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Delight in freshly prepared breakfast dishes in a cozy San Francisco establishment.
Drive to San Francisco (~1.5 hours).
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Pier 39

Explore the lively atmosphere at Pier 39 with sea lions, shops, and fun street performances.
15 minutes drive from Mama's.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Crab House at Pier 39

Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning views of the bay.
Walking distance within Pier 39.
USD100 (family of 4), 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Aquarium of the Bay

Dive into aquatic exhibits showcasing the diversity of marine life in the California coastal waters.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
USD80 (family of 4), 2 hours

3:30PM

Ride a Cable Car

Experience the iconic San Francisco Cable Car for a fun and unique way to see the city.
Head to the nearest cable car stop, about a 10-minute walk.
USD40 (family of 4), 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy a classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at this famous wharf.
Directly at Fisherman’s Wharf, walking distance after cable car ride.
USD60 (family of 4), 1.5 hours
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Day 8: San Francisco Exploration

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dottie’s True Blue Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this beloved café known for its unique twists on traditional dishes.
15 minutes drive from hotel.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Take in the stunning views, vibrant landscapes, and gardens at this expansive urban oasis.
20 minutes drive from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the California Academy of Sciences

Visit this family-friendly attraction featuring an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all in one.
5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Golden Gate Park.
USD80 (family of 4), 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Stow Lake Boathouse

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the park with boathouse vibes, perfect for a break.
Walking distance within the park.
USD50 (family of 4), 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Exploratorium

Experience this hands-on science museum that will keep kids engaged and entertained.
15-minute drive from Stow Lake.
USD80 (family of 4), 2 hours

5:45PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Enjoy a fantastic dinner at this famous chain with a diverse menu and spectacular views.
15-minute drive from the Exploratorium.
USD100 (family of 4), 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Relaxing Back in San Jose

San Jose, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to recharge for the day ahead.
Included at hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Lick Observatory

Visit this impressive astronomical observatory for educational programs and awesome views of the South Bay.
20 minutes drive from downtown San Jose.
USD25 (family of 4), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Counter

Enjoy customizable gourmet burgers that the kids will love creating.
30 minutes drive back to downtown.
USD60 (family of 4), 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Children's Discovery Museum

A wonderful place where kids can engage in hands-on exhibits that promote creativity and learning.
10-minute drive from restaurant.
USD40 (family of 4), 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Discovery Meadow

Take some time to relax in this beautiful park with picnic areas and an expansive green space.
10-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Aqui Cal-Mex

End your trip with a fantastic dinner in a vibrant atmosphere, offering Mexican and Californian fusion dishes.
Approx 10-minute drive.
USD80 (family of 4), 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Departure

San Jose, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your accommodation to kick off the day.
Included at hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Pack and Check-out

Pack your bags and check-out of the hotel while reminiscing about the fantastic trip.
Prepare for departure and head to the airport.
USD0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Depart San Jose Airport

Farewell San Jose, until the next adventure!
Drive to San Jose International Airport (~10 minutes).
USD10 (parking fee if applicable), 30 minutes
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