10-Day Vegetarian Travel Itinerary Exploring San Jose State University and Surroundings, California

Day 1: Campus and Arrival

San Jose, CA, USA on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Good Karma Artisan Ales & Café

Start your day with a wholesome vegetarian breakfast at Good Karma, known for fresh ingredients and hearty dishes near San Jose State University.
USD12, 1h

10:30am

San Jose State University Campus Tour

Explore the historic and vibrant campus of San Jose State University, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library and surrounding quadrangles.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Veggie Grill

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch at Veggie Grill, offering a variety of plant-based bowls, burgers, and salads in downtown San Jose.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit San Jose Museum of Art

Discover contemporary and modern art with a focus on West Coast artists at San Jose Museum of Art, open from 11:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays.
USD12, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Falafel’s Drive-In

Savor traditional vegetarian Middle Eastern fare like falafel and hummus at this iconic San Jose eatery that serves fresh dishes until 9:00pm.
USD10, 1h
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Day 2: Downtown Culture

San Jose, CA, USA on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Stritch

Enjoy a relaxed vegetarian-friendly breakfast in downtown San Jose with a menu including fresh juices and creative egg-free options.
USD14, 1h

10:00am

The Tech Interactive

Explore hands-on technology and science exhibits designed to inspire innovation; open 10:00am to 5:00pm daily.
USD25, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Green Mango

Enjoy flavorful vegetarian Thai cuisine with plenty of fresh vegetable dishes, located conveniently close to downtown attractions.
USD18, 1h

3:00pm

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Discover ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies at this uniquely themed museum, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
USD10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mantra Vegan

Dine on inventive vegan dishes blending Indian and international cuisines to end your day with rich vegetarian flavors.
USD20, 1h
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Day 3: Japantown and Parks

San Jose, CA, USA on May 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at San Jose Natural Ice Cream

Start your day with natural fruit ice cream and vegetarian-friendly snacks in San Jose’s historic Japantown.
USD8, 0.5h

9:30am

Explore Japantown San Jose

Stroll through one of the last three authentic Japantowns in the US, enjoy cultural shops, and visit the Japanese American Museum.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Minato Japanese Restaurant

Try delicious vegetarian sushi and Japanese salads at this Japantown staple, open for lunch until 3:00pm.
USD18, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Alum Rock Park

Relax and hike in this scenic park with trails, nature, and picnic spots to enjoy fresh air and greenery.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Veggie Mama

End the day with hearty vegetarian Chinese and Asian-inspired dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
USD15, 1h
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Day 4: Shopping and Tech

San Jose, CA, USA on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Butterfly Restaurant

Start with organic vegetarian and vegan breakfast options just minutes from the university campus.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Santana Row Shopping

Explore upscale shops, outdoor boutiques, and street performances in this fashionable shopping district.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

Enjoy vegetarian pizzas and fresh salads at this casual eatery with many vegetarian-friendly choices.
USD16, 1h

2:30pm

California Theatre of the Performing Arts

Catch a matinee or explore the historic theater's lovely architecture; check schedule for shows and open times.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Happy Hooligans

End with a hearty vegetarian American comfort food dinner in a relaxed setting downtown.
USD18, 1h
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Day 5: Santa Cruz Day Trip

Santa Cruz, CA, USA on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast to Go from Sages Café

Pick up a wholesome vegetarian breakfast wrap before driving to Santa Cruz (about 45 minutes away).
USD10, 0.5h

9:00am

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy the classic seaside amusement park, stroll the beach and nearby shops; open from 10:00am but beach access is free anytime.
Free entry, rides extra, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Gratitude

Delight in organic, plant-based Californian cuisine with fresh, local ingredients near downtown Santa Cruz.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Explore marine exhibits and touch tanks featuring local ocean life, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD12, 2h

6:30pm

Return to San Jose and Dinner at Veggie Grill

End your day with a soothing vegetarian meal back in San Jose, famous for diverse plant-based dishes.
USD15, 1h
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Day 6: Parks and Relaxation

San Jose, CA, USA on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Loving Hut

Enjoy an entirely vegan breakfast with Asian flavors, perfect for health-conscious travelers.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Guadalupe River Park Walk

Walk along scenic trails, enjoy gardens and public art installations along the river valley in central San Jose.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Happy Hooligans

Casual vegetarian-friendly American comfort food in downtown San Jose, great for a midday meal.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Japanese Friendship Garden

Relax in a tranquil garden with traditional Japanese landscaping, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
USD10, 1.5h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Falafel’s Drive-In

Savor more Middle Eastern vegetarian delights before winding down your active day.
USD10, 1h
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Day 7: Monterey Day Trip

Monterey, CA, USA on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast to Go from Butterfly Restaurant

Grab a nutritious vegetarian breakfast for your day trip to Monterey (approx. 1.5 hr drive).
USD12, 0.5h

9:00am

Monterey Bay Aquarium Visit

Explore one of the world’s top aquariums with fascinating marine life exhibits, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD50, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Compassionate Cooks

Enjoy gourmet vegan cuisine in Monterey, offering seasonal and fresh vegetarian meals.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Cannery Row and Coastal Walk

Stroll the historic Cannery Row with shops and waterfront parks, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to San Jose and Light Dinner at Veggie Mama

Finish the day with comforting vegetarian Chinese dishes in a casual setting.
USD15, 1h
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Day 8: Los Gatos Nature

Los Gatos, CA, USA on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sweet Pea Organic Café

Enjoy organic vegetarian breakfast options before heading to Los Gatos (approx. 30 mins drive).
USD13, 1h

9:30am

Hiking in Los Gatos Creek Trail

Explore scenic nature trails and parks offering peaceful walks covered with greenery.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Meeting House

Experience farm-to-table vegetarian meals in a cozy historic building in Los Gatos downtown.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Los Gatos Museums and Shopping

Visit local boutiques, art galleries, and the Forbes Mill Museum to soak in culture and heritage.
Free to USD5 donation, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fresh Kitchen San Jose

Enjoy customizable vegetarian bowls made from fresh ingredients back in San Jose downtown.
USD15, 1h
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Day 9: Cultural Shopping

San Jose, CA, USA on May 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen

Start with vegetarian-friendly bagels and spreads at this beloved local deli open from 8:00am.
USD13, 1h

10:00am

San Pedro Square Market

Browse local artisan shops and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere; excellent for homemade crafts and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Urban Plates

Enjoy fresh and organic vegetarian plates featuring seasonal vegetables and grains.
USD18, 1h

2:00pm

Visit History Park

Explore historic buildings and authentic exhibits preserving San Jose’s past; open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD10, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vegan Picnic

End your day with a laid-back meal featuring inventive vegan comfort food made fresh locally.
USD15, 1h
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Day 10: Final Day Relaxation

San Jose, CA, USA on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Crepevine

Enjoy vegetarian crepes and fresh fruit in a friendly environment, perfect for a relaxed last day meal.
USD14, 1h

10:00am

Return to San Jose State University for Final Campus Visit

Revisit your favorite spots on campus or attend an event if available, enjoying the university atmosphere one last time.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Veggie Grill

Enjoy a farewell vegetarian lunch with your favorite plant-based dishes before departure.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Plaza de César Chávez

Spend your afternoon relaxing in this downtown park with gardens and benches, ideal for people watching.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Dinner at Falafel’s Drive-In

Conclude your trip with a casual and satisfying vegetarian dinner at one of San Jose’s favorites.
USD10, 1h
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