Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of San Jose, CA for a day? Explore the beauty and charm of nearby destinations with exciting day trips from San Jose CA. From scenic coastal drives to quaint wine country excursions, there are plenty of options to satisfy your wanderlust just a short drive away. Join us as we uncover the best day trip destinations that will make your getaway from San Jose a memorable experience.
Santa Cruz
Travel tips
- Distance from San Jose CA: Approximately 30 miles
- Time to get there: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car
- How to get there: You can take the Highway 17 Express bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Santa Cruz Metro Center. Alternatively, you can take the Caltrain from San Jose to San Jose Diridon Station and then transfer to the Highway 17 Express bus.
- Click for Google maps directions: Santa Cruz
Exploring Santa Cruz: Things to do
Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches, iconic boardwalk, and laid-back atmosphere. One of the must-see places in Santa Cruz is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic amusement park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides, arcade games, and delicious treats like cotton candy and corn dogs.
For nature lovers, a visit to Natural Bridges State Beach is a must. This picturesque beach is famous for its natural rock arch and tide pools, perfect for exploring marine life. You can also catch a glimpse of migrating monarch butterflies during the winter months.
If you’re interested in marine life, head to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center to learn about the diverse ecosystems of the Monterey Bay. The center features interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and guided tours that showcase the wonders of the ocean.
For a taste of local culture, stroll down Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, where you’ll find an array of shops, restaurants, and street performers. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants or browse the unique boutiques for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly fun, or simply a relaxing day by the beach, Santa Cruz offers something for everyone. Plan your day trip to Santa Cruz and experience the charm of this coastal gem on the California coast.
Monterey
Travel tips
- Distance from San Jose CA: Approximately 85 miles
- Time to get there: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car
- How to get there: You can take the Monterey Airbus shuttle service from San Jose Airport or the Caltrain from San Jose Diridon Station to Salinas, then transfer to the MST bus to Monterey.
- Click for Google maps directions: Monterey
Exploring Monterey: Things to do
Monterey, a charming coastal town on California’s central coast, is a must-see destination for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. One of the top attractions in Monterey is the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium, known for its stunning exhibits showcasing marine life from the region and beyond. Visitors can spend hours exploring the various galleries and getting up close with sea otters, jellyfish, and sharks.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Monterey offers a range of activities such as kayaking in the bay, hiking along scenic coastal trails, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches. Cannery Row, a historic waterfront street lined with shops and restaurants, is another popular spot to visit, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich fishing history.
Foodies will delight in Monterey’s culinary scene, with fresh seafood being a highlight. From clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls to gourmet seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean, there’s no shortage of delicious dining options to satisfy your taste buds.
History buffs can explore sites like the historic adobe buildings of Old Monterey or take a stroll through the Pacific House Museum to learn about the town’s past. And for those seeking a bit of adventure, a visit to the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for hiking and wildlife spotting is a must.
Whether you’re interested in marine life, outdoor activities, history, or simply relaxing by the ocean, Monterey offers a diverse range of experiences that make it a perfect day trip destination from San Jose.
Napa Valley
Travel tips
- Distance of Napa Valley from San Jose CA: Approximately 60 miles
- Time to get there: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car
- How to get there from San Jose CA: You can drive to Napa Valley or take the Capitol Corridor train from San Jose Diridon Station to Suisun-Fairfield Station, then transfer to the Vine Transit bus to Napa.
- Click for Google maps directions: Napa Valley
Exploring Napa Valley: Things to do
Napa Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, world-class wineries, and culinary delights, making it a must-see destination for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The region’s Mediterranean climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for producing high-quality grapes, resulting in some of the finest wines in the world.
Visitors to Napa Valley can indulge in wine tasting tours at iconic wineries such as Robert Mondavi, Domaine Chandon, and Beringer Vineyards. Explore the scenic vineyard landscapes, learn about the winemaking process, and savor a variety of exquisite wines, from robust reds to crisp whites.
In addition to wine tasting, Napa Valley offers a range of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Take a hot air balloon ride over the valley for a bird’s eye view of the vineyards and rolling hills. Hike or bike along the picturesque trails of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park or enjoy a leisurely picnic by the Napa River.
For food enthusiasts, Napa Valley boasts a vibrant culinary scene with farm-to-table restaurants, gourmet food shops, and farmers’ markets. Indulge in delectable dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, paired with fine wines for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, Napa Valley offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and flavors of California wine country.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Travel tips
- Distance from San Jose CA: Approximately 65 miles
- Time to get there: Around 1.5 to 2 hours drive
- How to get there: You can drive to Big Basin Redwoods State Park by taking CA-17 S from San Jose and then following signs to the park entrance. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Santa Cruz Metro Center, then transfer to the Highway 17 Express bus to Scotts Valley Transit Center. From there, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to the park entrance.
- Click for Google maps directions: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Exploring Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Things to do
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is renowned for its ancient coastal redwoods, some of which are over 1,000 years old and towering over 300 feet tall. Walking through the majestic redwood groves provides a sense of awe and tranquility, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, such as hiking along the scenic trails that wind through the forest, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and admire the diverse plant life. The park also features waterfalls, including the popular Berry Creek Falls, which cascades down a lush canyon surrounded by towering trees.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the park offers opportunities for camping, backpacking, and even mountain biking on designated trails. Birdwatching is another popular activity, with the chance to see a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Overall, Big Basin Redwoods State Park provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of California’s ancient redwood forests. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active outdoor adventure, this park offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Half Moon Bay
Travel tips
- Distance from San Jose CA: Approximately 35 miles
- Time to get there: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car
- How to get there: You can drive to Half Moon Bay from San Jose by taking CA-92 W. If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Caltrain from San Jose Diridon Station to Millbrae Station, then transfer to SamTrans bus 294 which will take you to Half Moon Bay.
- Click for Google maps directions: Half Moon Bay
Exploring Half Moon Bay: Things to do
Half Moon Bay is a charming coastal town that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the main attractions of Half Moon Bay is its stunning beaches, such as Half Moon Bay State Beach and Mavericks Beach, which are popular among surfers and beachcombers alike.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a must. Here, you can explore tide pools teeming with marine life and enjoy scenic coastal walks. The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is another great way to soak in the natural beauty of the area, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants or visit the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for a taste of craft beer. The town also hosts the annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, a lively event that celebrates the local art scene and the region’s agricultural heritage.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore nature, or savor delicious cuisine, Half Moon Bay has something for everyone. Plan a day trip to this coastal gem and experience the laid-back charm and natural beauty that make it a must-see destination in Northern California.
San Francisco
Travel tips
- Distance of San Francisco from San Jose CA: Approximately 50 miles
- Time to get there: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic
- How to get there from San Jose CA: You can take the Caltrain from San Jose Diridon Station to San Francisco’s 4th and King Station. From there, you can use the Muni buses or BART to explore the city.
- Click for Google maps directions: San Francisco
Exploring San Francisco: Things to do
San Francisco, a vibrant city on the West Coast, is a must-see destination for travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and stunning views. One of the top attractions in San Francisco is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the bay and the city skyline. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge, capturing memorable photos along the way.
Another must-visit spot is Alcatraz Island, known for its infamous former prison. Take a ferry ride to the island and explore the historic prison buildings while learning about the island’s intriguing past. The views of the city from Alcatraz are truly unique and provide a different perspective of San Francisco.
For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is highly recommended. The museum showcases a diverse collection of contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo.
Don’t miss out on exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco, such as the eclectic Mission District or the trendy Hayes Valley. Stroll along the bustling streets, sample delicious cuisine from local eateries, and browse unique shops and boutiques.
Lastly, a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-do when in San Francisco. Enjoy fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants, watch the sea lions basking in the sun, and take a scenic boat tour of the bay.
San Francisco offers a mix of attractions that cater to all interests, making it a city worth exploring for a day trip from San Jose.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Travel tips
- Distance from San Jose CA: Approximately 80 miles
- Time to get there: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car
- How to get there: You can drive from San Jose to Carmel-by-the-Sea via CA-17 S and CA-1 S. If you prefer public transportation, take the Caltrain from San Jose Diridon Station to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Station, then transfer to the Amtrak Thruway bus to Salinas Station. From Salinas, you can take the Monterey-Salinas Transit bus to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Click for Google maps directions: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea: Things to do
Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming coastal town in California, is a must-see destination for its picturesque beauty and artistic vibe. The town is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, such as Carmel Beach and Monastery Beach, where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the calming sound of the waves.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous art galleries scattered throughout the town, showcasing works by local and international artists. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic Carmel Mission, a beautiful Spanish mission with a rich history and stunning architecture.
For nature lovers, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a must-visit spot offering breathtaking coastal views, hiking trails, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. The scenic 17-Mile Drive is another highlight, taking you through stunning coastal landscapes and iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress.
Foodies will delight in the culinary scene of Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its array of gourmet restaurants, cozy cafes, and quaint bakeries serving up delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Be sure to try the famous clam chowder at one of the waterfront eateries for a taste of the region’s seafood specialties.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, art, nature, or gastronomic delights, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a diverse range of experiences that make it a perfect day trip destination from San Jose.
