Weekend & Day Trips from San Jose, CA

Northern California

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Q: What destinations can visitors explore on a day trip from San Jose?
A: Day trips from San Jose take visitors through the valley and beyond into San Francisco’s Bay Area and Marin County to the north, or south along the Pacific Coast.
Q: What wine regions can visitors explore near San Jose?
A: Visitors can enjoy the wine-growing regions of Napa and Livermore, known for their breathtaking vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
Q: What types of landscapes can visitors experience on day trips from San Jose?
A: Travelers can experience breathtaking beach and mountain landscapes, offering a perfect mix of nature and adventure.
Q: What urban experiences can visitors enjoy near San Jose?
A: Visitors can explore the contemporary bustle of San Francisco or visit smaller rural towns such as Gilroy, known as the Garlic Capital of the World.

Best Time for Day Trips from San Jose, California:

March to May – Spring brings wildflower-covered hills, coastal breezes, and great weather for hiking and garden strolls.
June to August – Summer is perfect for beach towns, redwood trails, winery tours, and outdoor festivals.
September to October – Warm days and golden light make fall ideal for scenic drives, apple picking, and harvest season fun.
November – Cooler but calm—great for museums, cozy cafés, and quiet coastal walks.
December to February – Winter brings misty forests, festive towns, and peaceful nature escapes in the Bay Area and beyond.

Half Moon Bay

Walk along coastal cliffs and admire ocean views on a romantic weekend.

Half Moon Bay

What is Half Moon Bay?
- Half Moon Bay is a popular nature and outdoor destination located in San Mateo County, California.
What kind of natural scenery does Half Moon Bay offer?
- The town features miles of coastal frontage, sandy beaches, countryside, and redwood forests.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Half Moon Bay?
- Visitors can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing along the beach or on trails through open spaces, ranch lands, and wetlands.
Where can visitors go swimming or sunbathing in Half Moon Bay?
- Miramar Beach is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Where can visitors find great surfing spots?
- Surfer’s Beach is a well-known location for surfing, located just north of Half Moon Bay.
Where can visitors shop in Half Moon Bay?
- Shoppers can explore historic Main Street or visit Pillar Point Harbor.
Where can visitors enjoy seafood in Half Moon Bay?
- Visitors can enjoy chowder with an ocean view at Sam’s Chowder House or find fresh seafood at various local eateries.

Alameda

Bike on scenic trails and explore vintage shops during a quick trip.

Alameda

What is Alameda?
- Alameda is a city located on Alameda Island, just south of Oakland in the San Francisco Bay.
What attractions does Alameda offer?
- The town features restaurants, shopping, and an extensive parks system with numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.
What museums can visitors explore in Alameda?
- Alameda is home to the USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum, which is located on a retired aircraft carrier. The Pacific Pinball Museum inspires interest in science and American culture through games.
What is Spirit’s Alley?
- Spirit’s Alley was once a Naval Air Station and is now home to several tasting rooms and artisan distilleries.
Where can visitors go for kiteboarding and windsurfing in Alameda?
- Crown Memorial Beach is one of the best spots in the United States for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Visitors can take a lesson or enjoy watching the activities.

Ano Nuevo State Park

See elephant seals and hike coastal trails on a spring nature outing.

Ano Nuevo State Park

What is Ano Nuevo State Park?
- Ano Nuevo State Park is a wildlife sanctuary in California where over 10,000 elephant seals return each year to breed and raise their young from December through March.
What animals can be seen at Ano Nuevo State Park?
- In addition to elephant seals, the park is home to California sea lions, otters, terns, cormorants, and coyotes.
How can visitors see the elephant seals?
- Visitors must be prepared to hike up to four miles across varied terrain, as driving to the breeding site is not possible.
What can visitors learn at the Marine Education Center?
- The on-site Marine Education Center is located inside a historic dairy ranch from the 1800s and offers information on the park’s history, migratory, and permanent wildlife residents.
Are there any historic sites at Ano Nuevo State Park?
- Yes, visitors can explore the remains of a 19th-century lighthouse and the former keeper’s headquarters.
What is the address and contact information for Ano Nuevo State Park?
- 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, Phone: 650-879-2025

Berkeley

Explore eclectic neighborhoods and walk along campus paths on a cheap day trip.

Berkeley

What makes Berkeley a popular destination?
- Berkeley attracts visitors from around the world with its restaurants, shopping, culture, and its small-town charm near San Francisco Bay.
What is UC Berkeley known for?
- UC Berkeley is the world’s top public university and a major landmark of the city.
Who designed the UC Berkeley campus landscape?
- The campus, often referred to as Berkeley’s "central park", was designed in part by renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmsted.
How large is the UC Berkeley campus?
- The campus spans 178 acres, includes Redwood Forests, and connects downtown Berkeley to several other districts while featuring historic architecture.
What is special about the University’s Botanical Garden?
- The University’s Botanical Garden is a 34-acre oasis with a diverse collection of plant species.
What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Berkeley?
- Berkeley is home to over 100 arts organizations, including the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive and the Aurora Theatre Company.
Where can visitors find great food and wine in Berkeley?
- The best food and wine experiences can be found along Fourth Street.

Bodega Bay

Go kayaking and admire windswept beaches on a peaceful summer escape.

Bodega Bay

What is Bodega Bay?
- Bodega Bay is a small coastal town in Sonoma County, California, known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community.
What can visitors find in Bodega Bay?
- The town features locally owned boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and a lively artist’s community, alongside commercial fisheries.
What outdoor activities are available in Bodega Bay?
- Visitors can take a barefoot walk along one of the area’s many picturesque beaches.
Can visitors take a cruise in Bodega Bay?
- Yes, guests can participate in a bay cruise to get up close to the resident harbor seals.
Where can visitors eat in Bodega Bay?
- Guests can enjoy local chowder at a casual seaside luncheonette or opt for a Michelin-rated meal at a fine dining restaurant.
What types of shopping experiences are available?
- Local shops and galleries offer handmade goods and locally sourced souvenirs.
What water activities are popular in Bodega Bay?
- The bay is a popular port for fishing, sailing, and kayak tours.

Bodega Dunes

Hike sandy trails and admire ocean views during a relaxing weekend trip.

Bodega Dunes

Where is Bodega Dunes Beach located?
- Bodega Dunes Beach is located within the Sonoma Coast State Park in Bodega Bay, California.
What makes Bodega Dunes Beach a great destination?
- The quiet, vast beach is buffered by coastal dunes, making it an ideal location for beachcombing.
What are some hiking options near Bodega Dunes Beach?
- Visitors can take a long walk to the remote Mussels Point or head north to South Salmon Creek Beach.
Are there trails for horseback riding?
- Yes, several trails throughout the dunes are open to horseback riding.
What facilities are available at Bodega Dunes Beach?
- The beach offers a day-use parking lot, an overnight campground, restrooms, BBQs, and picnic tables.
Is Bodega Dunes Beach accessible?
- Yes, an accessible boardwalk leads from the parking lot to a viewing platform over the ocean.
What wildlife can be found at Bodega Dunes Beach?
- The dunes serve as a refuge for the Western Snowy Plover, a federally threatened species due to habitat loss.
What is the address and contact information for Bodega Dunes Beach?
- 3095 California 1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923

Capitola

Walk colorful streets and explore beachfront cafés with the kids.

Capitola

What is Capitola Village?
- Capitola Village is a quaint seaside town in Santa Cruz that originated as a 19th-century tent camp on the shores of Monterey Bay.
What is the history of Camp Capitola?
- Camp Capitola was founded in the 1870s as California’s first beach resort.
What happened to Hotel Capitola?
- The original Hotel Capitola was a wood-framed structure that burned down in 1929, but the town’s seaside charm remains.
Where can visitors learn more about Capitola’s history?
- Guests can explore the Capitola Historical Museum and other attractions to learn about the area’s rich history.
Where can visitors dine in Capitola Village?
- A popular oceanfront dining spot is Paradise Beach Grill, which overlooks Soquel Creek.
What shopping experiences does Capitola Village offer?
- Visitors can enjoy shopping in the colorful seaside village and along the beachfront boardwalk.
What outdoor activities are available in Capitola?
- For outdoor recreation, visitors can explore Capitola State Beach, enjoy the water, or watch the action from the sea wall decorated with handmade tiles painted by local residents.

Carmel by the Sea

Stroll through art galleries and admire seaside charm on a romantic couples retreat.

Carmel by the Sea

What is Carmel by the Sea?
- Carmel by the Sea is one of the top destinations in California, known for its charming, walkable, European-style village overlooking white sand beaches.
Where is Carmel by the Sea located?
- The town is located less than two hours south of San Jose along the picturesque coast.
What is the history of Carmel by the Sea?
- Founded in the 1700s around the historic Carmel Mission, the town has since grown into a vibrant artist’s community.
What activities can visitors enjoy in Carmel by the Sea?
- Visitors can explore visual and performing arts, go shopping, dining, hiking, or relax along the shores of California’s Monterey Peninsula.
Where can visitors find information on local wine tasting and dining?
- Maps of local wine tasting rooms and restaurants are available at the Visitor’s Center.
What are some scenic walking paths in Carmel by the Sea?
- Visitors can walk or run the Scenic Bluff Path, which overlooks Carmel Beach.
What historical sites can be visited near Carmel by the Sea?
- Guests can explore the Whalers Cabin at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Gilroy

Visit garlic shops and walk downtown streets on a fun family outing.

Gilroy

Why is Gilroy known as the "Garlic Capital of the World"?
- Gilroy is affectionately referred to as the Garlic Capital of the World due to its rich history in garlic production and its annual garlic festival.
Where is Gilroy located?
- The town is located just 30 miles south of San Jose in California’s agricultural region.
What can visitors find in historic downtown Gilroy?
- In Gilroy’s historic downtown, visitors can explore a mix of old and new shops, including antique stores, unique boutiques with handmade goods, and restaurants serving garlic-flavored favorites.
Are there any live music events in Gilroy?
- Yes, free concerts take place on Thursday nights in downtown Gilroy.
How can visitors learn about Gilroy’s history?
- Self-guided walking tours explore Gilroy’s past, with murals depicting its history along the Historic Paseo between Fifth and Sixth Streets.
What is "The Road to Garlic Map"?
- The Road to Garlic Map highlights everything garlic, guiding visitors to the best garlic-themed attractions in Gilroy.
When is the Gilroy Garlic Festival?
- The Gilroy Garlic Festival takes place annually on the last weekend of July, celebrating all things garlic.

Jack London State Historic Park

Explore historic ruins and hike wooded trails on a quiet fall visit.

Jack London State Historic Park

Who was Jack London?
- Jack London was a writer, public speaker, and rugged individualist who became an icon of the California dream in the early 1900s.
What is the Jack London State Historic Park?
- The Jack London State Historic Park allows visitors to explore his legacy through historic tours, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, wildlife watching, and relaxing immersion in nature.
What historic structures are within the park?
- The park includes the ruins of London’s Wolf House, which burned down in 1913, as well as London’s cottage, his ranch, a small lake he created with a stone dam, and his gravesite.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
- Visitors can explore historic and backcountry hiking trails, go horseback riding, cycle through scenic areas, and enjoy wildlife and bird watching.
Are guided tours available at Jack London State Historic Park?
- Yes, docent-led tours take place on weekends.
What is the address and contact information for Jack London State Historic Park?
- 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, Phone: 707-938-5216

Map:

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Half Moon Bay
2. Alameda
3. Ano Nuevo State Park
4. Berkeley
5. Bodega Bay
6. Bodega Dunes
7. Capitola
8. Carmel by the Sea
9. Gilroy
10. Jack London State Historic Park