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10-Day Vegetarian Food and Cultural Exploration in San Jose, CA

Viewed by 130 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Downtown

San Jose, USA on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Veggie House

Enjoy a hearty Asian-vegetarian breakfast at Veggie House, known for their extensive vegan and vegetarian options open from 8:30am.
USD15, 1h0m

10:30am

San Jose Museum of Art

Explore contemporary and modern art at this centrally located museum open from 11am to 5pm, perfect for art lovers.
USD12, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Good Karma Artisan Ales & Café

Taste excellent vegetarian sandwiches and salads in a laid-back environment that champions local ingredients.
USD18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Santana Row

Stroll through this upscale shopping and dining district filled with boutiques, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Happy Hooligans

Enjoy a casual, fully vegetarian dinner with organic craft brews, open till 9pm.
USD22, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tech and Culture

San Jose, USA on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Gratitude

Start the day with inspirational plant-based meals and creatively named dishes, opening at 8:00am.
USD16, 1h0m

10:00am

The Tech Interactive

Spend your morning at this hands-on science and technology museum that offers fun interactive exhibits, open 10am-5pm.
USD25, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Veggie Grill

Enjoy a variety of globally inspired vegan comfort food in a modern setting.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Discover one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in the West, open from 9am to 5pm.
USD12, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Falafel’s Drive-In

Taste vegetarian Middle-Eastern specialties with renowned falafel and hummus, open till 9pm.
USD14, 1h0m
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Day 3: Nature and Science

San Jose, USA on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Loving Hut

Enjoy a purely vegan Vietnamese-inspired breakfast, opening at 7:30am.
USD12, 1h0m

9:30am

Municipal Rose Garden

Take a tranquil walk in this beautifully maintained rose garden, open 7am to sunset.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Visit this family-friendly zoo with a focus on conservation and education, open 10am - 5pm.
USD15, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Veggie House (repeat) or try Blossom Vietnamese Restaurant

Taste authentic Vietnamese vegetarian food available from 11am, noted for fresh, flavorful dishes.
USD18, 1h0m

4:00pm

Alum Rock Park

Explore nature trails and scenic views in this natural park open from 8am till sunset.
Entry Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Counter - Vegetarian Burger Options

Custom-make delicious vegetarian burgers with varied fresh ingredients, open till 10pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cultural Heritage

San Jose, USA on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Veggie Grill

Start with a wholesome vegan breakfast with a broad menu and fresh juices, opens at 8am.
USD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Japanese Friendship Garden

Visit this serene garden reflecting Japanese culture, perfect for calming strolls, open 10am – 5pm.
USD8, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Falafel’s Drive-In (repeat) or try Veggie Express

Enjoy quick vegetarian wraps and falafel made fresh daily, open 11am to 8pm.
USD12, 1h0m

1:30pm

History Park

Explore reconstructed historic buildings that show early San Jose life, open 10am to 5pm.
USD5, 2h0m

4:00pm

San Pedro Square Market

Browse vibrant market stalls and sample vegetarian snacks and local craft drinks, open till 9pm.
Free entry, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Green Chile Kitchen

Indulge in vegetarian Southwest and Mexican dishes with fresh produce, open till 10pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip: Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA, USA on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Loving Hut San Jose

Fuel up early with plant-based dishes before the day trip, opening at 7:30am.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Santa Cruz

A scenic 45-minute drive to the beach city, enjoy views of the coast along the way.
Fuel Cost approx. USD15, 45m

10:00am

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Explore this iconic seaside amusement park with free beach access, open 11am - 6pm.
USD0 entry, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Saturn Café

Try the popular vegetarian and vegan dishes in this retro diner setting, open from 11am.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Natural Bridges State Beach

Enjoy coastal nature, famous for butterfly sanctuary and scenic views open all day.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive Back to San Jose

Head back to San Jose in the evening after a refreshing beach day.
Fuel Cost approx. USD15, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Happy Hooligans

Relax after arrival with craft beers and vegetarian comfort food, open till 9pm.
USD22, 1h30m
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Day 6: Art and Shopping

San Jose, USA on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Gratitude

Enjoy hearty vegan breakfast bowls and organic drinks, opens at 8am.
USD16, 1h0m

10:00am

San Jose Flea Market

Browse this vast market known for local crafts, fresh produce, and vegetarian street food, open 8am - 6pm.
Free Entry, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Veggie Express

Enjoy fresh vegetarian sandwiches and wraps quickly in a casual setting.
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Winchester Mystery House

Tour this famously quirky mansion and its mysterious architecture, tours run till 5pm.
USD40, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk in Kelley Park

Enjoy the gardens and open spaces surrounding the Mystery House for a peaceful walk.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Green Chile Kitchen

Delight in Southwest-inspired vegetarian cuisine to end the day, open till 10pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cultural Festivals & Gardens

San Jose, USA on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Loving Hut

Relish a satisfying vegan breakfast with Asian influences, open from 7:30am.
USD12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Municipal Rose Garden

Spend your morning surrounded by thousands of blooming roses, open 7am till sunset.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

California Theatre

Take a daytime tour or check out a matinee for cultural immersion, open times vary for shows.
USD25, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Good Karma Artisan Ales & Café

Savor fresh vegetarian dishes with a hip local vibe, open from 11am to 3pm.
USD18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Revisit or explore further the ancient artifacts, open till 5pm.
USD12, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Counter

Enjoy customizable vegetarian burgers for a relaxed dinner, open till 10pm.
USD20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 8: Day Trip: Monterey Bay

Monterey, CA, USA on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Veggie Grill San Jose

Start early with fresh vegan dishes before driving out, open from 7:30am.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Monterey Bay

Travel about 1.5 hours to the famous coastal town, enjoying scenic views en route.
Fuel Cost approx. USD20, 1h30m

9:30am

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover marine life through one of the world's best aquariums, open 10am to 5pm.
USD50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Passionfish Restaurant (vegetarian options)

Enjoy carefully crafted vegetarian dishes with a sustainable focus, open from 11:30am.
USD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

17-Mile Drive

Drive through stunning coastal views with numerous scenic stops, maintains a park fee, open daylight hours.
USD11.25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to San Jose

Drive back and rest after a full day of sightseeing.
Fuel Cost approx. USD20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Happy Hooligans

Unwind with local craft brews and vegetarian fare to end the day, open till 9pm.
USD22, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 9: Local Exploration

San Jose, USA on May 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Gratitude

Enjoy a wholesome and poetically named vegan breakfast, opens at 8am.
USD16, 1h0m

10:00am

Santana Row Shopping and Gallery Visits

Spend the morning browsing local boutiques and art galleries in this charming district.
Free entry, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Veggie Grill

Refuel with global vegan dishes at this popular chain, open till late afternoon.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore the SAP Center vicinity

Walk around the area, enjoy public art installations and parks, accessible anytime.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Falafel’s Drive-In

Finish with authentic Middle Eastern vegetarian specialties in a casual setting, open till 9pm.
USD14, 1h0m
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 10: Relaxation & Departure

San Jose, USA on June 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Loving Hut

Enjoy a leisurely vegan breakfast with diverse choices before your departure, opening from 7:30am.
USD12, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax at Guadalupe River Park

Take a peaceful morning walk along the river trails to unwind, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Green Chile Kitchen

Have a final flavorful vegetarian meal with southwestern flair before heading to the airport.
USD20, 1h0m
Find Hotels in San Jose
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